Resse

Chapter 4

*A few days later *

I woke up at 6 am because of the alarm that I had set yesterday night, so I would get things done. I groan and turn it off. I sit up and rub the sleep from my eyes and sigh, looking around the room. I slowly push off the bed covers and sit on the edge of my bed. I look at my phone and see that I got a text. I unlock my phone by using my fingerprint and open the messages app. The text is from Jordan. It says that I don't need to go into work today; the store is closed for some small renovations. It has a smiley face at the end which puts me in a good mood.

I stand up and gradually make my way down stairs to the kitchen. Rob isn't up yet, so I take the opportunity to thoroughly look through the fridge to see if I can make myself something decent for breakfast. I decided on having some apple, blueberries and banana with some yogurt. Once I finish eating I put my bowl in the sink, I'll wash it later I swear. With a groan, I start making my way back upstairs to my room so I can get ready for the day. I decide to have a shower and then make a list of what to do.

After I had a shower, I got dressed in some comfortable clothes to go out in. I stood in the middle of my room and spun around to see the mess I call a room and came to the choice of going on a long walk before tidying it. I put on a jacket and get my phone and airpods ready. I make my way downstairs into the kitchen, so I can get myself a water bottle and see Rob eating at the table. He doesn't notice me, so I just go to the sink and fill up my water bottle as I'm twisting the lid back on. It makes a squeaky noise and Robs' head looks up in fright. He relaxes once he sees me and I cough in an attempt to cover my laugh. He gives me an amused look and shakes his head, looking back down at his meal. I take out my phone and I get one of my favourite playlists ready for when I leave. I let my airpods connect and put one into my ear. As I get to the door I hear Rob clearing his throat. I look at him as he slowly makes his way toward me and raises an eyebrow at me. I blankly look at him and say "What?"

He gives me an exasperated look as he sarcastically says, "What?" He mimics me.

"Where are you going?"

I give him a sheepish grin as I say, "A walk."

"And you weren't going to ask for permission? Don't you have to go to work today?"

"Why do you even care?" I ask, gripping the door handle.

He looks at me like I'm crazy, "Why do I care? Why wouldn't I? I'm your guardian. I'm supposed to care about you?!"

I stay quiet as I step out and shut the door, "Sorry, I'm just gonna go."

I hear Rob shout out, "Hey, I didn't mean anything by it! Andy! Just call me if something happens!"

I run down the driveway and make a last minute decision to check on the renovations that are happening at the bookstore. After I cross the road I slow down and put my other airpod in and press play on the music. As I am walking on the footpath I'm trying to recall which direction the car went, so I don't get lost.

I've been walking for 20 minutes and I don't know where I am. I don't want to call Rob because I don't want to see him right now. I decide to stop at what looks like a park. I look around and see that only a few children in the playground are here with their parents. I sit down at one of the seat benches and unlock my phone. I turn off the music and look through my notifications. I have a few missed calls from Rob and a text that says, 'Please come home.' Home is a funny word, because I've been taught that home is where you feel safe, secure and protected. I've never had that.

I decide to stay at the playground for a little bit and watch the children have a life that I never got. I smile as they laugh with their new found friends. I watch them run around and not get in trouble for it. It's peaceful. I listen to the birds, it's as though they are telling stories that us humans will never understand.