Shine Again

Shine Again - Chapter 11

Chapter ELEVEN

Things were different at school, the next day. There was just something between Janelle and I now that felt good. I was comfortable, which was likely the main thing. But I also made eye contact with other students. I raised my hand to answer questions in class. I felt different. Better.

   Miller was still not in class, but I overheard Wyatt tell Mr. Casen that he'd be back the following day.

   That afternoon, Janelle promised to text me later, before she Wyatt walked off towards his car. I drove home, and was surprised to see aunt Caroline's car in the driveway. She was rarely home during the week before 6P.M.

   "I had a client meeting at noon, so I came home to eat before I head back to the gallery," she explained, jabbing at the salad in a bowl in front of her.

   Her red hair was pulled back but her eyes looked tired. I couldn't remember the last time she had a day off.

   "How was school? It's absurd that you're almost done your summer school," she went on, keeping her eyes on me.

   I nodded, leaning against the counter. I hadn't eaten since the banana I ate on the way to the school that morning, so my stomach growled.

   "It's going good," I told her, knowing it was what she wanted to hear. Though, it was going good. "I just have tests Thursday and Friday."

   "I'm really proud of you," she smiled, now looking back at her salad. I watched her eat a few bites before she spoke again. "You're adjusting, finally. You seem like an actual teenager."

   I smiled, because I knew what she meant. There had been many things holding me back, in Oak Harbour. A new place. No friends. My family was gone. Those were three very dark months. But I could see some light, now. I didn't have it back, but I could see it. Summer school, a new environment, Janelle, Wyatt and even Miller had all helped me on my way.

   "Because I'm going to school and hanging out with people?" I asked, crossing the room to open the fridge.

   "Yes. And because you're letting yourself live, again." Her words were the same as they had been, the other day, before the barbecue. She had been right, I'd been punishing myself for a long time, because I was the one who got to live. It wasn't fair that my family died, but I didn't have to act like I was dead, too.

   I reached in and grabbed the bread, planning to make a grilled cheese sandwich before I went to finish studying. I was sure I'd do well on my tests, but there was no harm in re-reading the chapters, or the answers on my practise test.

   "So, Brayden is home this weekend," aunt Caroline went on, now standing to put her bowl into the sink.

   I didn't feel like I knew him - her husband - well. In all the years that my family saw Caroline and Brayden over holidays or summer trips, he was quiet, standoff-ish. Now I lived in his house, though he wasn't home much.

   "Oh, nice. I bet you're looking forward to that," I said anyway.

   "Yeah. We are planning a beach day with some friends, and a dinner out... I just wanted to make sure you'll be okay."

   Our eyes met, but I looked away quickly. "Of course. I'm good."

   "You'll get to therapy okay?" she went on.

   "Yes, of course," I repeated.

   "Okay." She sounded relieved. "Well, I should get back to the gallery."