Trauma Bond

Chapter 10

Life in Brookfield was going extremely well for Darcy. For once, she felt at ease, she had no worries. Sabrina and Darcy had become inescapably close, it was like they have knew each other their whole life. Sabrina was a long-time foster mother, and she took pride in helping children who come from difficult and unbearable backgrounds. She wasn't like the other foster mothers Darcy briefly had in the past. She truly cared for her and wanted to see her grow. She wanted Darcy to overcome her obstacles and prosper in life. She hoped Darcy would learn to love herself and trust others.

The school was so culturally distinct from what Darcy was used to. She was from an urban population, where most individuals who resided in the neighborhoods were Caribbean, African American, or Hispanic. Brookfield High School was the complete opposite, it was mainly filled with Caucasian students, there were probably three African American students in attendance, and there were Spanish kids, a few, but they were the kind that didn't even know that they were Spanish, they couldn't speak it, write it, and barely knew where their family was from. Unlike, Darcy who had the privilege to live in the Caribbean, learn another language, and embrace her Puerto Rican heritage to the fullest. 

Darcy was quiet for the first few days and stuck to her routine at school. She did speak to a few people here and there but, it was subtle. She didn't feel comfortable sharing herself with people who would never understand not even an ounce of her struggle. She was an unlucky girl living amongst the privileged. 

A random girl had run up to her one day. Darcy recognized her from her math class. She asked Darcy to join the school's field hockey team. She told Darcy that they were short a few players and proceeded to walk down the busy hallway convincing other girls to join the team as well. Darcy enjoyed how happy and excited the girl was and decided that she should join the team. She didn't have anything else to do anyways, she might as well be a part of something, where she can make friends. She didn't know the first thing about field hockey. However, that wasn't going to stop her. 

When she entered the field, she was embraced by a group of girls, since they were short on players Darcy didn't have to go through the embarrassment or nerve-racking experience of trying out for the team. She was grateful for that because if she did try out and wasn't selected, it would have discouraged her completely, and she would have been shattered. It was different for Darcy to be part of a team and even though she was anxious about exercising in front of people. The girls would encourage her, wait for her, and motivate her. It was one of the greatest feelings Darcy had ever had. She felt like she was now part of a great support system, something much bigger than herself. 

Darcy was tired after her first actual practice. Despite her wanting to give up on the workouts and the routines. She pushed her limit every single time. She was proud of herself for doing so. As the girls on her team waved bye, she walked to the metal bench and sat down to catch her breath. She took a great big look at the football field around her and grabbed her phone from the bookbag to check her messages.

Elliot and Darcy have been texting each other nonstop now. She honestly started seeing him as her best friend. They would talk about everything, all day, and all night. She would share her deepest secrets, her pain, her joy, and everything in between. He was now her human diary. There was nothing she felt like she could keep from him and even if she did, she doubted she would. He had that kind of power over her now. It was like she was in a well-crafted spell, one that she never wanted to break. He saw her, he understood her, it was like they were the same person, with the same heart, and the same soul. He was a mirror of everything she was.

How did practice go? (From Elliot)

It was different. I still feel like an outsider, but they have been so welcoming to me. (Sent from Darcy)

I'm sure they love you. You must take those negative thoughts out of your head. (From Elliot)

Easier said and done. How is everything going for you today? (Sent from Darcy)

He's still an asshole. He doesn't care about my well-being. (From Elliot)

I don't think that's true. I think you both are just two different people. (Sent from Darcy)

What would you know, Darcy? Anyone can treat you horribly and you'll think it is normal. (From Elliot)

It's just hard to see my uncle that way, he's like a second father to me, and plus he has always treated me well. (Sent from Darcy)

A drug addict treated you well?  (Sent from Elliot)

I never saw that side of him and if I did, I don't remember. (Sent from Darcy)

So, you shouldn't say anything about something you know nothing about. (Sent from Elliot)

Elliot, I don't like when you speak badly about my uncle. (Sent from Darcy)

Okay, why don't we just stop speaking altogether? (Sent from Elliot)

Don't say that. (Sent from Darcy)

Stop texting me! (Sent from Elliot)

Before Darcy could text Elliot back, a girl had sat next to her on the metal bench.

"I love your hair; your curls are beautiful"

"Thank you, I love your boots" Darcy replied immediately. 

Darcy really did love her boots; they were thigh-high converse boots. They looked very edgy. This girl's style was unique compared to how all the girls dressed here. Many of the population of females in Brookfield High School dressed like they were going to do Yoga every day. It was a very basic trend. One that Darcy didn't participate in. Darcy was too obsessed with her black leather jacket, denim, plaid shirts, and cargo pants to ever dumb down her wardrobe to the same pair of black tights and a T-shirt. Darcy could tell that the girl next to her was the same. She played to her own rhythm, her own drum. 

"What's your name?" Darcy asked.

"Felicity" She smiled "We have science together!"

"Sorry, I never pay attention in that class" Darcy giggled.

"Me either!" Felicity chucked.

There was an awkward moment of silence. Darcy didn't know what else to say. She wanted to keep the conversation going. She liked this girl but before she could come up with anything Felicity spoke for both. Darcy was grateful for that. 

"Wanna have lunch together tomorrow?"

"I would love that"

"Don't rush out of science class, we can walk to the cafeteria together"

"Okay, I'll see you then"

Felicity started to head out and shouted "Bye Darcy"

Darcy was caught off guard and happy that she already knew her name.

Darcy looked at her phone and she had two missed calls from Elliot. Her phone instantly started ringing again. Darcy answered.

"Hey Elliot"

"I'm sorry Darcy, I didn't mean that. You know how I get when we speak about him," he said sympathetically.

"Don't worry. It's my fault, I shouldn't think that I know anything about that situation. You are right."

"I wished you were here so we can finally see each other"

"I don't think I want to go back," Darcy expressed.

"Why?"

"Because the way you feel about my uncle is the way I feel about my mother!"

"I get it. So, we will never see each other?" Elliot questioned.

"Maybe"

"I don't like maybe," Elliot said.

"Well, maybe that is all I can give you right now."