In the Stars

Kiara

"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
-William Shakespeare

I watched the squirrels chase each other across the front lawn of the high school I attended. The sun was shining brightly upon the green grass. My pencil tapped out a rhythm on my math textbook. 

A scoff pulled my attention to the front. Our substitute sat, slumped in the uncomfortable office chair and scrolling through her phone, at the front of class. The boys who sat near the front were laughing over some magazine one brought in from home. I turned my attention away.

The intercom system screeched loudly through the room. 

"Would Kiara Miura come down to the office. Kiara Miura come to the office immediately," a woman's voice came over in a sharp crackle. 

"Well... Kiara?" the sub, Mrs. Rielly, said, eyes scanning the room. I rolled my eyes and stood, forcing myself not to whimper as my ribs and hips ached as I grabbed my things. I limped forward with my bag causing my back to ripple in pain.  

A sudden foot caused me to trip and bang my bad knee into the nearby desk. I whimpered quietly before quickly rushing away from the boys who found my pain funny, effectively running from the laughter chasing me.

The walk to the office took far longer than I liked, but I endured.

The secretary smiled at me warmly. "Hello sugar."

"Hi, Mrs. Abernathy. I was called?" I asked quietly. Her smile grew sad. I froze.

Was Dad coming to get me again? The last time that happened... we moved and I didn't go to school for two months from all my injuries. 

"Go on, sweetie," she said. I limped past her and knocked on the office door. When I was told to go in, I obeyed and stood awkwardly in the corner near the door.

"Ah, Miss Mora," Principal Poates said, her voice flat. In front of her stood a man dressed in a expensive-looking suit and a woman in a clearly thrifted dress suit. Her smile didn't meet her eyes. 

"Its Miura," I whispered.

"Take a seat, Miss Mora," Poates said, gesturing to the free chair. I hobbled over. The strange woman shot me a concerned look.

"I tripped on the way here," I whispered. 

It's not technically a lie.

Poates steepled her hands over her mouth before pulling them down. Her lipstick was a shade too bright for her pale skin. The same shade of red adorned her fingers. The woman's profile on the school website said that she was only in her early forties, but she looked like she was in her late fifties at the youngest. The other students joke that she was a failed Sanderson sister. 

I just call her Potato in my head.

"Miss Mora, I'm so sorry to tell you that there was a fire. Your parents were found dead today due to smoke inhalation in your apartment," Potato--I mean Poates--said, moving her head to force me to make eye contact. I looked down at my feet. 

 Don't look anyone in the eye. Only real humans get to do that. Not trash.

"H-how were they found?" I asked, fidgeting with the strings of my hoodie. The woman in front of me scoffed. The one next to me spoke up and I glanced to see her blue eyes on me.

"One of your stepfather's employees asked for a wellness check when he didn't show up for work today. I am so sorry for your loss. This must be a great shock to you."

I nodded. My mother's bruised face came to mind before I shook my head and looked up at the woman. "Wait. What do you mean stepfather?"

She looked shocked. "You didn't know?"

I shook my head. Reaching forward, she touched my knee with gentle fingers. I pulled my leg away.

"I'm Eliza Kirkpatrick and I'm your social worker while you're still in the states."

"Still in the states?" I asked. I pulled my hands back into my sleeves. 

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry. I'm getting ahead of myself," Ms Kirkpatrick said, smiling wide. "We found your father and brothers in Japan. They're more than happy to take you in, honey. Do you have a passport?"

I shook my head.

"We'll get you taken care of," Ms. Kirkpatrick confirmed before standing. She picked a purse up from the chair. The man cleared his throat. "Oh yes, I forgot about you sweetheart. Kiara, can I call you Kiara, this is Shiro Watanabe."

The man scoffed and muttered, "Sore wa aWtanabe Shiro kimiyo no ouhei na mesu inu da."

[It's Watanabe Shiro, you insolent bitch.]

I barely suppressed a laugh. The man shot me a look before side eying Ms. Kirkpatrick.

"Nihongo ga hanase masu ka?" he asked. 

[You speak Japanese?]

I nodded. "Sukoshi."

[A little.]

"Ichichi sonnani teinei jaya naku te ii yoi."

[No need to be so formal.]

"Gomenasai."

[I'm sorry.]

"Well, this is enlightening, but we should get headed out," Ms. Kirkpatrick cut in. "Mr. Watanabe, it would be nice if you spoke English until you two have returned to the Miura clan in Tokyo."

I rolled my eyes, but obeyed her when she told me to stand and follow her. Mr. Watanabe followed us. When I asked about him, she just told me that he was sent by my father. I asked about the house and Ms. Kirkpatrick told me that we could stop by for sentimental items, but I wouldn't be able to save much. I agreed.

The house looked similar to the one I saw when we were living in Roanoke, Virginia. Near the college, Hollins University, was a old, white and possibly haunted house that had been partially burnt in a fire. I made my way to the cellar through the outdoor entrance, making my way into the only part of the house completely intact. 

I guess having my dungeon in the basement saved my stuff.

I grabbed my old stuffie of Kohaku River from Spirit Away and my sketching supplies. Mr. Watanabe was standing behind me when I turned around.

"Koko ni sun de ta no?" he asked. 

[You live here?]

I nodded. "We lost everything in the move and I insisted on buying my stuff myself. We've only been in town for a month and I haven't found a job, yet."

Only part of that is true.

He seemed to believe me and took my backpack from me. We headed out to the car. I fell asleep on the way to Child Protective Services.