Suddenly A Kitten

Chapter 5. Surprise farewells.

  I finished painting my face with Reylands team colors and looked up at Archer and Aspen. "How do I look?"

Archer, still pouting, looked away and crossed his arms. "Like an over excited fan-girl." He muttered.

Aspen gave me a smile and thumbs up. "You look cute."

I blushed and looked in the mirror. Cute? Me?

I was wearing leggings and one of Reyland's old jerseys. He had insisted I wear something other than my anime shirts.

"Hai!" I said then slapped a hand over my mouth. I had watched enough anime thanks to Reagan and Sora, that I said Japanese words at random.

Reyland glanced over at me and huffed. "Okay, she is cute, but she's dressing up for blue eyes!"

I tilted my head to the side. "I'm just getting dressed, the paint is for the whole team." I pointed at the colored flower on my face. "To cheer them on."

Reyland huffed again but I could see he was getting over himself.

I opened the door to my room and looked back at the ghosts. "I'm going to see who all is going."

Both ghosts instantly raised their hands. "I'm going!" They chorused together.

I nodded and skipped out into the kitchen. I paused and bit down hard on my lip. "Sora."

Sora paused and set a bag down on the ground. I frowned and pointed at the bag. "What's that?" Uneasiness made my stomach jump in anticipation of her answer.

Where are they going? I don't remember then saying they were going anywhere.

I started breathing hard and placed a hand on my heart to calm myself. "Oh, Aria! Reagan, Rowan, and I are going to a meeting. It's a meeting for Reagan, but I wanted to tag along. And Rowan happens to be near by for one of his conferences!"

I did a head count. "So... Roman and Carrots are staying?" I asked softly. Sora nodded and turned again.

I stepped forward. "But Reagan just left!"

Sora turned and sighed. "Yes, he did. Aria, it's necessary for the company to grow." She paused and pointed at me, just now seeing my attire.

"I thought Reyland didn't want you going to his games anymore."

I shrugged and turned away.

"You're being childish." Archer tutted behind me, causing me to jump in surprise.

I turned and opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water. Sora crossed her arms watching me.

"Are you going to act like this the whole time we're gone?" Sora questioned. I turned and frowned.

She continued. "I know you're we're leaving, but we will be back. It's just a few days-"

"No it's not!" I burst out. Sora paused seeming perplexed by my outburst.

"You guys leave all the time! It's not for a few days! Last time you want on a trip it was for weeks! Carrots didn't even know how to do laundry!"

Sora's lips curved up. "There is a reason for that."

I wiped my face angry they were leaving, and angry I had let myself get worked up enough to cry again.

"It'll be fine Aria, we've got your back!" Aspen cheered trying to make me feel better. I cracked a smile but it quickly faded as Rowan entered the room also carrying bags.

"Okay, that's all we need, we can hit the road when Reagan-" Rowan stilled as he saw me. "Hey Aria."

I glared at them. "You weren't even going to say goodbye, were you?!" I clenched my hands into fists at my sides.

Rowan winced and walked over. I pushed away the hand he tried to touch me with and stumbled back.

"I think this is the most you've talked all year." Sora announced wincing.

My chest heaved. "You said you cared about me, but you guys don't even care enough to say goodbye!" I turned and ran to my room.

Sora cursed. "Fuck, Aria, come back, it's not, well it is, but we didn't want-" I slammed the door to my room in her face. I locked the door then slid next to my bed.

Sora knocked. "Come on Aria, if I had known-" I put my hands on my ears eyes wide.

They were just going to leave, just like that.

Just like everyone else in my life. My first Caretaker, left. Second, car crash. Third, arrested for abuse.

The fourth...

And now... they always leave!

I doubled over keeping my hands firmly over my ears as someone else knocked. "Leave! Just leave!" I screamed looking at the door with wide tear filled eyes.

After a good twenty minutes it was silent. Archer peeked his head through my door. "Can ghosts enter?"

I looked up and slowly took my hands off my head. I wiped my face and stared at the paint on my hands.

I lifted up my palm and glanced at Aspen as he entered. "My flower got ruined."

He nodded. "Yeah, it did. I'm sorry."

Archer crossed his arms. "Jerks. Jeez, I've only known her two days and I would -"

A knock cut him off. Reyland opened the door to my room and raised his eyebrows. "What the heck are you doing?"

"Sitting on the ground." I responded.

Reyland slowly nodded and held up car keys. "We're going now. Are you ready?"

No.

I stood and walked up to the door. I stopped walking as Reyland just stood there. "You are not moving." I informed him.

Reyland laughed for a moment before growing serious. "You didn't answer. I know that means for the most part that you don't want to lie. Your face is a little red, you've been crying."

I grabbed the bottom of my borrowed shirt and twisted it in my hands. "They left."

Reyland frowned. "I see. Well then we'll just have to party tonight. There's this after party planned. We're going." Reyland announced.

"The fuck you are!" Archer snapped.

"Not a good idea." Aspen said with a shake of his head.

I blinked. "Like a birthday party?"

Reyland grinned and placed an arm around me. "You're going to love it."