I'd Rather Burn Bridges

A Little Drama

Aj stood in the library with Louis. He had learned his name and the name of others for the short while he had been with them.

Louis, the tall guy with dreads

Ruby, the red head that made sure he was alright and bite free.

The one blonde guy he seemed to forget for the time being but he was sure the name would come back to him.

He stood by the front door, back turned as he watched and listened to Louis play the piano. It intrigued him, he had never seen anything or heard anything like that before in his little life.

"Why don't you come sit next to me?" Louis once again tried to lure the boy closer. He was stiff, clearly uncomfortable, he at least wanted him to know he was safe,

"I said I'm fine." Aj's tone was snappy, sharp. "I just wanna know where Clem and Duck are."

Louis sighed. " I can't tell you that kid. They're safe though, I promise."

Aj balled his fists to his side. "I think you're a liar." He cheeks grew red the more frustrated he became. He was worried. What if he was left alone again? He needed them.

"Why would I lie?"

Aj crossed his arms. "That's just what people do! They lie, then they hurt you but I won't let you hurt them!"

Louis rolled his eyes at the kids antics. "Got some trust issues eh?"

"I don't even know what that means-" Just after he finished his sentence a hand touched his shoulder. The hairs stood straight on the back of his neck. He jumped, almost shrieking a bit before grabbing at the hand and chomping down in it as hard as he could.

"Ow! What the hell?!"

It was the red head. Ruby.

Aj stood now turned to face her, his face frowned and fists balled. Ruby's face was bright red, anger evident on her features.

But then she turned away storming out of the room. "You little motherfucker!" He heard her say while gripping her hand.

For a second Aj felt bad, but he couldn't help it. He had a problem with people walking up behind him. Clem knew, Duck knew, they'd learn.

"Hey what was that about-"

He could over hear Ruby screaming at someone in the hall, him and Louis both. The small boy turned to face the door waiting to see who he was about to meet now.

Then he saw them. Finally.

After what felt like forever.

He saw Duck first, his face frowned and then Clem was right behind him.  The second they saw him, their frowns disappeared.

"Aj!" Duck lunged for the boy, Clem too. Aj ran for them both allowing them to wrap their arms around him in a tight hug. He missed them so much.

"Poppa, Momma! You can't leave like that again!" The boy said, frowning at the two.

"I know buddy, we're sorry. We had to get seen about and you were all healthy so they separated us."

Aj shook his head. "I didn't like it."

Clem smiled, "I know, it won't happen again."

Then Duck stood straight, his voice more firm; serious. "But Aj we have to talk about something."

Clem joined him. "That girl says you bit her."

Aj crossed his arms again suddenly becoming very interested in his feet. "It's-"