The Strange Tale Of Ayla Jae

Chapter Seven - Never Mistake Kindness For Weakness

They're a little stale, but I'm not complaining.

I remember the last time I devoured a small box of the choco bites, and if I remember correctly, I smashed it down. So did Chloe. In fact, the contest between us was ambismal. I crushed her.

She thought otherwise.

With a small sack of random food buys in my reusable bag, I begin the trek back to the house in the morning breeze. It's about a mile from Dave's (who was out by the way. He had his part-time guy covering the whole shift), so I pace myself. I'm keeping the two small packs of choco bites in my other hand, for safe keeping.

I haven't heard anything from Chloe, but that's fine. She deserves some distance from me, some calm. Although, a smart part of realizes that her parents were probably not pleased that she came home so late, so who knows if she's imprisoned again.

I feel the gentle wind pass through the million tiny cracks in my worn hoodie, but it's actually nice. Despite the horror show yesterday, my body does feel better, and that's not normal. I almost never feel okay with my body, so even the bad it endured to then heal back is surprisingly giving me encouragement. I've always been a fast healer, and it's come in handy many times, sadly.

"Mom! Mom, look! Pretty hair. Ooo, choco bites!"

"Yes, you're right. Now, come along, Sadie."

The little girl sporting brunette pigtails with green plastic hair bands still points in my direction as I start to pass by them along the sidewalk. Her mom  attempts to coax her along again. "Come along, sweetie."

"Can I have one?"

I suddenly realize that the little girl has stopped and is talking to me. At first, my brain is frozen. I wasn't expecting any more interaction, but now this girl Sadie is looking up in my general direction. Her smile is beaming, hoping to convince me to share with her a choco bite.

"Umm...well." I look up at her mom. At first she is sort of off put. It's something I'm use to, even if can't pinpoint her reason. I want to say no, but I don't want to be mean. I always hated being disappointed as a kid.

"Pleaseee? I only want a one." She puts up her pointer finger awkwardly. "Sharrrringg! Like friends do."

"Sweetie, don't bother this nice...person. It's theirs."

I should say something. But what?

"Well, umm. You, you know you shouldn't take anything from strangers? Even if you ask them...Sadie, was it?" I look up to her mom who nods in agreement but quickly looks back down to Sadie. "But tell your mom Dave's store has them--. "

"Dav--? Dav--and choco milk?"

A bit phased, I nod, "Yeah! Choco milk, and bites!"

Sadie is still looking off in the distance, but she gasps and puts her little hands to her face.

"And plenty of them! I'm sure if you're good, your Mom might get some."

"But you have some? See? Right there!" She's a persistent little kid, but I admire that. She quickly glances and points to the box, but she looks back to her spot in space, swaying in I assume anticipation. I can't help but wonder why she doesn't actually look directly at me. Oh well, I've always had my own trouble with that anyways.

"I do, I do, " I continue, "but these are little old. I buy them so Dave, my friend, can make money like your Mom does. And not waste them."

"They're bad?"

"No, not bad. But you guys can get fresh ones! I bet they're much better. How's that?"

I look back at Sadie's mom, desperate for her to kindly end this. I've done my best, and despite how it may seem, I'm eager to get moving again.