Hart Of Steel (Camp Camp)

Chapter 2: first day of summer

(852 words)
Hoshi was packing his stuff, no not to go to a summer camp, no his parents are not getting rid of him. Hoshi is actually going to Lucy's house tomorrow.

It's been a year since the Thanksgiving disaster, last year. The Thanksgiving where Hoshi learned that his perception of family, was wrong.

Hoshi still doesn't forgive Hana, and Cody got worse after that. Unfortunately Cody, and Hana are still together, Hoshi does not know how, or why for that matter.

"get your shit, we need to get to church!!!"

Cody demanded,  Hoshi sprung to his feet and sprinted downstairs.

"get in the car bastard."

Cody growled,  Hoshi hurried to the car with no complaints.

Hoshi lost the child like innocence to his eyes, that he had only one short year ago. Dark circles rim his eyes, his hair is always messy now, and his eyes, when they do show emotion, only show fear nowadays.

Hana sat in the passenger seat, and met eyes with her son in the rearview mirror for just a moment, before looking away in shame.

'Why was I even born in the first place?'

Hoshi thought bitterly, resting his head and his hand, as he looked out the window.

When  Hoshi's mom, and Cody arrived at church, pastor Bob greeted them as normal as ever.

"Howdy Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne!"

Bob greeted, before shaking  Hana, and Cody's hand.

"Howdy Bob, how do ya do this fine mornin."

Cody replied, faking being the perfect man he's not.

Cody, Hana, and Bod started talking. The three were talking about random things, like what they planned to do that summer, or what they hoped to do for a holiday when it finally comes around again.

Hoshi glanced at his mom, and Cody.

'They won't notice if I slip out.'

Hoshi thought confidently, before strolling out of the church.

Obviously he wouldn't go far, he's eight years old after all. He just wanted to get away from all of the adult drama.

He sat down on the grass, and he closed his eyes.

Suddenly Hoshi felt a tab on his shoulder, he flinched and opened his eyes. He looked over to see a girl.

This girl is probably four years older than him, and has jet black hair, along with hazel eyes that were guarded... Much like his.

This mystery girl, pointed to an open page on her notebook,

'hi, my name is Cassie.
What's your name?'

The page read,  "oh, the name is Hoshi."

Hoshi replied, Cassie smiled, and motion at him, as if to ask, 'tell me a bit about yourself?'

"what... Oh, well I like sewing, I also like playing the ukulele, and writing... But... Cody says all those hobbies are useless."

Hoshi trailed off, Cassie rolled her eyes exasperatedly, as if to say, 'fuck that.'

Hoshi chuckled, for the first time in a year.

"So why ain't ya talking?"

Hoshi inquired, Cassie turned to a fresh page on her notebook. She started riding quickly, before holding up the book.

'oh I have mutism, and not normal mute as in, I was born not being able to talk. I mean that I am unable to talk, because it's a trauma response, so I know sign language, and well I can write really well.
PS this Cody guy sounds like a real douche bag ~Cassie .'

The page read, Hoshi snickered, and shook his head.

"let's hope he doesn't get a hold of the page."

Hoshi joked, Cassie snickered and nodded.

Cassie waived a hand, as if to say, 'you better get back to your family.'

"I guess you're right... Talk to you next Sunday?"

Hoshi replied, Cassie grinned and nodded with a thumbs up.

Hoshi walked back into the church, and stood next to Hana.

His mom, and Cody didn't even notice he was gone.

'Surprisin you haven't left me at Walmart yet.'

Hoshi thought bitterly, taking a seat in one of those uncomfortable chairs.

Church went by slowly, but also as a blur at the same time.

Hoshi did not know whether to be believed the church was over, or not. Because on one hand, church was over. On the other hand, Cody will probably find something new to yell at him about.

"ya were to fidgety!"

Cody exclaimed, hitting the dashboard of the car. Hoshi flinched, and cringed.

Luckily Hana is The One currently driving.  Hoshi doesn't have to worry about getting into a car accident, as well.

Cody kept yelling, until the three got back to the house.

Hoshi finished his chores, then went back upstairs to finish packing.

Hoshi discarded, another button up shirt to the side.

"how does some folk wear that shit every day."

Hoshi grumbled, while finding yet another button up shirt.

The reason why Hoshi has so many button up shirts, is because of Cody, and the church.

Finally Hoshi finished packing, and he flopped onto his bed.

'12:00 AM.'

The clock reads,  'I don't think I ate lunch, or dinner today.'

Hoshi thought, before he rolled onto his side.

"doesn't matter."

He finished out loud, before drifting off to sleep.