Brothers, I'll Be Back

Chapter 4 - Goodbye

Mitsuru carried me alongside Momoko, blindfolded and handcuffed, onto the boat. On the way, I asked...

Jinx: "Momoko, Hajime said I'd be going to a foster home."

Momoko: "That's right."

Jinx: "Tell me about it."

Momoko: "Well, from what we were told. There's a woman and her husband. So far, they foster three children."

Jinx: "So, I'll be living with this foster mum and dad and these three other kids?"

Momoko: "That's right."

Jinx: "Can you tell me about the kids?"

Momoko: "Well, there's a girl who's about your age, and 6 year old twins, a boy and a girl."

Mitsuru: "You're gonna make some new friends. Exciting, huh?"

Jinx: "... I guess."

I didn't say anything more on the subject. When we arrived at the mainland, I still had my blindfold on. She took it off when we got in the car on the way to the foster home. In the car, was a driver and Momoko in the front and Mitsuru and I sat in the back. I was staring out the window while trying to hide the tears falling down my cheeks.

Mitsuru: "What's the matter, 33?"

I wiped my eyes and gave him a forced smile.

Jinx: "Oh, nothing... I guess I'm just... a little homesick. Nanba was more of a home to me than anything here on the mainland was."

Mitsuru: "Don't worry, kid. You'll be well cared for here. You're gonna make a new family, new friends. You're gonna have fun, I promise."

That made me feel slightly better. But what I didn't tell them is that I was also quite nervous for what I had planned. At the foster home, we got out of the car to see a man and a woman standing there with a smile. And behind them, were three children, a young boy, a young girl, and a girl who looked about my age.

Claire: "Hi there. My name's Claire and this is my husband, Ryan."

Ryan: "It's great to meet you and we're honoured to be giving you this second chance."

I didn't say anything. Mitsuru gently pushed me forward.

Jinx: "H-hello... My name is Jinx... Thank you for agreeing to care for me."

I heard the kids whisper.

Young Boy: "She's wearing handcuffs."

Young Girl: "And her cloths look like a criminal's."

Older Girl: "That's because she is a criminal."

I frowned and took a step back.

Jinx: "Momoko, I'm not so sure about this anymore. Please just... take me back to Nanba."

She took out her keys and took off my handcuffs.

Momoko: "You have to stay here. Be brave, alright."

I mumble so only she could hear.

Jinx: "I'm not the one who's scared..."

Momoko: "You'll all get used to each other."

Mitsuru smiled at me.

Mitsuru: "Hey, chin up, 33."

As tears filled my eyes, I wrapped my arms around them both.

Mitsuru: "You'll see us again one day. I'm sure of it."

I let go, wiped my eyes, and smiled.

Jinx: "You're right."

I giggled as he ruffled my hair.

Mitsuru: "You be a good girl, now, okay?"

Momoko: "Take care, number 33."

They got back in the car and I waved as they drove off.