Page 5 of Playing With Fire
I thoughtThat’s it. You can go now.
I did not say thank you. I did not say a word. I had not said one in a week.
But she didn’t leave. She sat down beside me.
“I heard what happened. With your family and the fire. They said you have aphasia from shock. I didn’t know what that meant and was told you won’t talk. I understand, everyone here has some form of trauma,” she said gesturing at the room that I had blocked out.
There were other kids in this temporary home with me. They all looked happy, or at least content. But how could anyone be happy, if they went through the same thing as me?
Then I looked at the girl and I thought that she was really smart but also nosy. I just wanted to be left alone.
“Don’t be sad anymore. I’m sorry you had to leave your home. You can be happy here, I promise,” she said with all the assurance and innocence only a child could have.
I looked into her eyes again. The warm yellow eyes.
She touched me again on my arm and that’s when I realized three things.
I wasn’t cold anymore.
I didn’t flinch away.
And for the first time in a week, I wasn’t hearing their screams.
“What’s your name,” she asked quietly.
“Ritchie,” I told her, my voice hoarse from being unused.
She smiled warmly and I found myself wanting to smile back.
“Hi, Ritchie, I’m Alexandra but you can call me, Alex. I think we’re going to be great friends,” she told me.
If only she knew how wrong she was.
I spent 2 years at the foster home. 2 years where I was nothing but a sad, quiet kid. I didn’t make any friends and I pushed anyone and everyone away, including Alex. She was bright and cheery, a ray of sunshine I didn’t want in my life. I was mean and cold to her because I didn’t want anyone’s pity and I didn’t want to care about anyone. I didn’t want to feel that pain ever again.
When I was adopted and leaving with my new family, Alexandra clapped for me. She clapped because she was happy to see me go. At least that’s what I thought.
Chapter 4
(Alexandra)
______
“Hey,” I say, answering the knock at the door. I’d been given a room at the Reagent’s mansion and was just settling in for a nap. On the other side is Selena and she brought wine. I knew I liked her for a reason.
“Hey. Can I come in?”
“Sure,” I tell her, opening the door wider to let her pass.
She sits on the bed and I stay standing, watching her. Selena Myers is a gorgeous woman and strong too. She’s brave and bold and she never takes shit from anyone. She’s also a really good friend and one of the few people in my life that I’ve trusted with my secret.
“What are you doing standing there?” Selena asks, gesturing at me with her wine glass.
“I have a feeling I’m not going to like what we’re about to talk about,” I say raising an eyebrow.
Selena smiles, “Just come and sit down.”
I do. She hands me my glass and I immediately down the contents, asking her to pour me another one.
