Out of the Woods

Chapter 4: Copper's Story - Age 10

Okay, we're back in Ralph's point of view. Another year, more drama. Yay! . . . Not really lol. You'll also get to see Ralph interact more with his immediate family. And yes, that's a picture of young Ralph. I don't think I can provide one for Phoenix because he was a ginger when he was little but, his hair fades to brown over the years.

Also, I am introducing two new characters in this chapter who will star in an upcoming book series, the first book being titled, Diamonds: In the Rough. I won't point them out because the chapter will make them obvious.

Enjoy!

Chapter 4: Copper's Story - Age 10

"Don't look at me like that, Mom. You're making me feel guilty."

She lowered her watery blue eyes to stare at the ground. "Sorry. It's just that—you're my baby, Ralph." The corners of my mouth lifted into a sad smile as I rested my hands on her small shoulders. "My baby's going off to China all by himself."

We were currently in the airport. My mother was biding me farewell before I embarked on my journey to Beijing. My private tutor, Mr. Shen, inspired me to go study abroad there with all of the enchanting history and folklore he told me as he taught me Mandarin when I was a child.

My mother always tended to coddle me since I was the younger of her two sons. She was taking my departure extremely hard. Here I was, already twenty years-old, feeling like I was ten years younger.

I pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry, I'll be alright. It's only for one semester."

"Oh, you say it like it's no big deal," she chided with a mumble as she hugged me back.

I chuckled and told her, "If you keep stressing over me leaving, you'll gray prematurely."

She let out a light laugh, "At my age? It's long overdue." She took a step back and smiled up at me with teary eyes and the most beautiful smile I've ever seen her wear. "I'm so proud of you, Ralph. You've grown into such a fine young man. You've been through so much and yet, you're the most wonderful person I've ever known. I feel so privileged to be your mother."

Her words rendered me speechless. I could feel tears start to well up in my eyes. "Mom . . ." I couldn't help but say.

"You truly are a blessing; to me, to Don, to your father."

I shook my head, surprised at her words. "I'm really not, Mom."

Her blue eyes crinkled, "You didn't let this family ruin you. You made us realize our faults and foolishness. So thank you, Ralph."

~ 10 ~

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes.

~ 10 ~

"Hey."

I looked up to see my older brother, Don, leaning against the doorframe. I stopped doing my homework and greeted him back. "Hi."

He entered my room and closed the door behind him. "You alright?"

I nodded, "Yeah. I mean, I'm not that good at multiplying and dividing fractions, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now."