My Shadow

Chapter 5:

I woke up to someone slamming the bedroom door open and yelling, "Rise and shine! Today we go shopping!"

I groan and sit up. I immediately forget my annoyance at the person when I see who it was that woke me up.

"Maya! I thought you were coming at 10?" I said, a little confused.

"Well sleepyhead, it's half past. I'm surprised at you. You usually wake up so early!" She smiled.

I looked at the clock and realized she was right. I didn't sleep much last night, but I would never wake up this late! I turned back to her.

"Wow, I didn't think I'd sleep in this late. Sorry, I'll get dressed now!" I said, hopping out of bed.

"Pft, in what? You didn't bring any clothes," she laughed.

"O-Oh, right haha," I said embarrassed, realizing she was right.

"Don't worry you can borrow some of my old clothes. Mom was gonna I've them to you a few weeks ago but didn't get a chance to. Come on I'll show you where they are," she said.

"Thanks," I replied gratefully.

After finding the clothes, I dressed and opened the door to see Maya waiting for me. We went downstairs and sat at the table. Aunt Clare brought over some eggs, bacon, and a few muffins and set them down, then sat down herself.

"So, how did you sleep? You slept in awfully late," She said worriedly.

"I didn't get much sleep last night," I admitted, "I guess it just caught up with me, and I slept later to make up for it."

"Okay then . . ."

She really didn't know how to answer. I don't blame her. What happened is kind of a touchy subject right now. After minutes of awkward silence, I think Maya had had enough of it.

"So, what's your style, Alanah? I can probably pick out some good stores to go to if I know what you like!" She said.

"Well, I love hoodies. For bottoms, I'd usually wear girl's athletic shorts, or pants, but not sweatpants. More like tight ones but not too tight. Does that make sense?" I asked. I felt kind of awkward describing that last part.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Do you wear any skirts or should we stick to shorts and pants?" She asked, making a list.

"I'm not really a girly type . . . " I said, kind of embarrassed.

"That's fine!" She reassured me, sensing my embarrassment.

We finished our breakfast and left to shop for my clothes. By the time we were done, two hours had gone by and it was now lunchtime. Aunt Clare suggested we eat out since it was a special occasion, but I was confused with what she meant by "special occasion."

"Well, this is your first day living with us. And Maya came home as well!" Aunt Clare said. I smiled at her bubbly personality.

"Geez Mom, I didn't know you were that lonely without me here," Maya joked.

"Well, lets go get some food! What are you girls feeling? Burgers? Pizza?" She said, ignoring Maya's comment.

"W-Well, how about pizza or sandwiches? Seasons has good pizza, and a good variety of sandwiches," I suggested.

"Great! Maya, are you okay with that?" Aunt Clare asked.

"I haven't had Seasons in a long time, I'd love to taste it again!" She agreed.

We went to the nearest Seasons Pizza and ordered. I ordered a bacon and pepperoni pizza, and Maya and Aunt Clare ordered regular pepperoni. We then went home to eat.

"Bacon and pepperoni? Never tasted it. Is it good?" Maya asked. I nodded and offered her a slice. She tasted it and I could almost see her eyes sparkle. 

"Wow this is so good! I'm so getting this next time I come," she said as she finished the slice. She gave me a slice of hers in return. I smiled. Being with them was fun. It wasn't boring like my life with my mother. I still missed one thing about that life though. My father. Speaking of my father, I should call him soon.

"I think I should call my dad after this. He might be worried," I said.

"I think you're right. Your mother should be at work by now. Do you want some privacy to speak to him alone?" Aunt Clare asked.

"No thanks. I think he'd want to talk to you," I said.

I washed my hands of the grease from the pizza, and unlocked my phone. I called Dad's number and waited.

"Alanah!" Dad said when he picked up. It was rather quick. I didn't have to wait at all. I guess he really did miss me.

"H-Hey Dad," I said. I put it on speaker for Maya and Aunt Clare to hear.

"Are you okay? Did you find a place to stay?!" He asked frantically.

"Yes. Is Mom with you?" I asked.

"No, she's at work. You don't have to worry honey," He answered.

"Thank god. Well, I just wanted you to know I'm safe. I'm staying at Aunt Clare's house. Do you want to talk to her? She's right here as well," I said.

"Yeah. Am I on speaker?" He asked.

"Yes. Maya came home as well. She's here too," I told him.

"Oh yeah? Hello Maya, Clare. Thank you so much for taking Alanah in. I was really worried," He said.

"Anytime. I can't believe Liz would do that. I know she's against it, but disowning her own daughter? It's going too far," Aunt Clare said.

"Agreed. I was still processing everything so I wasn't much help, I'm sorry. Now that Liz disowned her, she doesn't have any control over her. I will not let her anywhere near you three if I can help it. I won't tell her where Alanah is. I don't want her dealing with her mother's crap," Dad said.

"Thank you. Feel free to come over anytime to see her. Also, I'll be driving her to school from now on since her bus stop is too far away. I'm still shocked she walked all the way to my house," Aunt Clare said.

"Thanks, I miss her already. I know Alanah is a bit athletic, but I'm surprised as well. Once again, thank you for taking her in. I'll visit as soon as I can, alright?" 

"Great," she replied.

"Oh also, she left her clothes and school stuff here. Should I drop them off?" Dad asked.

"We've already bought her new clothes, so you don't have to worry. I don't want Liz to notice they're gone, either. Just drop off her school things, and a few of her favorite hoodies, okay?" 

"Alright. I'll be there soon. Bye Clare, bye Alanah and Maya," He said then hung up.

"Thanks, I completely forgot about the homework I'm supposed to turn in on Monday," I said.

"Wait, who gives homework on Fridays?! My professors don't even do that! The only thing they give us is advice to study," Maya said.

"I know, right?" Myself and Aunt Clare agreed.

We finished our food, waiting for my dad to arrive with my stuff.