Inheritance

Chapter 2

When Mrs. Franks returned, she immediately cleaned and bandaged my cut, then left Austin and I alone to begin cooking dinner. I adamantly remained in the living room, my intentions set on learning more about the timid boy sitting just within arm's reach.

"So, Austin will you be staying here?" I asked, as we both laid sprawled out across opposite ends of the couch.

"That's wh-what Mrs. Franks said." He toyed with his hands nervously.

"I'm six, how old are you?" I said, as I held up six of my fingers.

"Eight." He mirrored my actions, but held up two additional digits.

"Where did you come from before here?"

"You a-ask alotta q-questions. My m-mommy said that's n-not nice." He replied gently, peering up at the ceiling.

"Sorry." I lowered my head in shame. I didn't want to annoy him like I seemed to do to everyone else. Even though we'd just met, I already felt so comfortable around him.

"It's o-okay. Can I tell you s-something?"

"Yes!" I raised my head, festered excitement plastered all over my face.

"You're my f-first friend." I warmed instantly at his revelation.

"You're mine too." I confided back.

That day, I laughed and smiled more than I ever had as I talked to Austin.

My first friend.

~~~

Four years later

Austin and I were inseparable. He had become my favorite person to pass time with. His looming presence was enough to prevent any of the other foster children from bullying me. It didn't take long for them to realize that he would determinedly go head-to-head with anyone who tried to torment me.

All I cared about was Austin. 

He was my one and only friend, as I was his. Mrs. Franks often joked that we would one day get married. I wouldn't mind the idea, but for now I was far too young to be thinking that deep into the future.

Today was a special day. It was Austin's birthday and the Franks had invited over the entire neighborhood for a backyard barbecue. Mr. Franks stood at the grill, with a black apron tied around his waist and a metal spatula held in his left hand. Every so often, he would use it to turn the pork ribs or to flip over the hamburger patties.

I sat under a tree with the birthday boy, showing him the same pastoral mountains I often gazed at when I was alone. Their vastness symbolized the hope and infinite possibilities I felt my own life carried.

"They're b-beautiful Raya. I've been t-thinking..." Austin trailed. 

I gazed at him curiously, awaiting his next words. He seemed quite anxious from the way he tapped his feet repeatedly against the ground.

"I-I really l-like you and w-want to be with you. Not now, but when w-we're older. W-what do you think?" He rushed out, releasing a huge breath as his starry eyes stared at me in anticipation.

My heartbeat began to race, just as I came to terms with the meaning behind his uncertain words. I was so happy he liked me, that I hadn't realized the tears that had involuntarily begun to escape my hazel eyes. 

Did this mean that Austin and I would be...together? If so, my answer was resolutely yes. 

"I really like you too, Austin. I think...I want to be with you as well!" 

"Pinky promise?" He asked, as he held his pinky out for me to hook mine around. The symbolic form of commitment had become a routine we'd formed over the years, dating back to the very first day we met.