Abandoned

chapter twenty-one.

I spent the whole next week being on the look out for the social worker and avoiding having any ridiculous over-emotional breakdowns in front of Justin, which seems to have become a habit for some reason.

Once Friday rolled around I was obligated to attend Rose's school Christmas play, which she had also convinced Justin into going to. I left her in the room around half an hour before we needed to leave, letting her get her costume ready on her own like she wanted to.

I wandered into the living room, taking a seat on the couch, only for Justin to enter a few minutes later. Dressed in dark jeans and a black t-shirt, he sauntered in and sat near me.

"Hey." He said.

"Hi."

"We never got a chance to talk."

"Talk about what?" I asked, slouching against the back of the couch and turning my head towards him.

"Well... you've kind of been avoiding me all week, for starters."

"I have not." I defended. "We ride to school together every single morning, plus I was your weights partner in gym today. I even sat here one night and watched that ridiculous show about-"

"Game of Thrones is a great show and you know it."

"Okay," I huffed in sarcasm.

"I mean that you've been acting different... too normal."

"Gee, thanks." I said, once again in sarcasm.

"You know what I mean." He said, not returning the humor. "I know the social services thing has you freaked out."

"Yeah, well... there's nothing I can do about it." I shrugged.

"I know but-"

"I'm ready!" Rose's voice interrupted from the staircase.

"Let's see it." Justin shouted back. Seconds later Rose, decked out in a brown reindeer suit, antlers, bells, and a painted on reindeer nose, came prancing into the living room. We both 'awed' at her as she spun around and did a reindeer impression.

The entire ride to her elementary school Rose talked about how nervous she was and how the kid playing Cupid always messes up the dance and she's afraid she'll forget her line. I smiled when Justin turned around from the passenger seat and assured her that she'll do great and that we can go get hot chocolate afterwards.

Once we got inside we walked Rose backstage where little kids were running around frantically getting costumes fixed and talking to their parents. Rose's teacher, a younger woman, approached us. I'd met her at the beginning of the year at the parent teacher meeting. Mom had still been alive then, but I'd ended up having to go. I've taken care of things like that for a while now.

"Hello, Rose." The teacher, Mrs. Grimes, I think, smiled down at Rose. "Ray." She nodded at me, smiling, then turned to Justin. "And..."

"That's Justin!" Rose said, like it was the most natural thing in the world that Justin was here.

"Yes, this is Justin, um..." I hesitated, unsure of his title. Should I lie? Cousin? Step-brother? Even if I wanted to tell the truth, I don't know what that would be.

"Family-friend." He finally spoke up, smiling and offering his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You too." She said, shaking his hand. "Glad you could all be here, it should be a great show." She addressed all of us then turned to talk to another parent.

We wished Rose one last good luck and went back out to the medium sized auditorium, finding two seats near the middle. We sat down, immediately falling into a void of awkward silence and staring off into random directions.