Orphans of the night

Chapter 17

Square one

I'd had the best few days of my life. It felt like a fairy tale. Demi made me so happy and I loved being with her, I just wish it could be like this all the time.

"What movie are we watching tonight?" I smiled walking into the living room after taking a shower. Demi had insisted we watched a movie every night until I was caught up on all the new Disney and Pixar movies "I was thinking Encanto" she responded taking her spot on the couch. She sat on one end and I sat on the other, I was more comfortable that way.

Demi had laid out snacks for the movie like she always did. She didn't eat much though, it was mainly me that ate everything.

We sat in comfortable silence, laughing and making comments every so often while we enjoyed the movie. When the movie finished and the credits rolled I started to feel really sad. I've stayed with Demi for a few days like I promised but now it was time for me to go.

"Thanks for everything Demi. I'll miss you, but I'm sure I'll still see you around" I said with a shy smile. Demi looked at me with her eyes wide then quickly switched off the tv and turned to me "what do you mean?" She asked with a nervous smile. I looked down and pulled at my sock "it's been a few days now. I'll leave in the morning" I said not being able to look at her as my eyes started to sting. I heard Demi take a deep breath.

"You don't have to leave" she said softly. I looked up at Demi to see her eyes red and watery. Of course I didn't want to leave. I loved that Demi took care of me, I loved the feeling of being taken care of. Like, I got to be a kid while their parent looked after them and I didn't have a worry in the world. Which is what I've always longed for. But I couldn't stay here with Demi, it's not where I belonged.

I shook my head "I'm sorry Demi" I whispered looking back down. Demi nodded her head as her lip quivered "okay" I gave her a sad smile in return.

"What book are you gonna read tonight?" She asked hiding her tears trying to change the subject "um. I think I'll just head straight to bed" I said standing up "oh okay. Well.. goodnight" she smiled awkwardly at me.

I laid in bed and let myself really enjoy the warmth and safety. My belly was full, my hair and teeth were brushed, I was clean and content. I got a small taste of the good life and I hated the thought of going back to the streets tomorrow but what could I do? Demi was to good for me and I didn't want to burden her anymore. I fell asleep quickly and before I knew it, it was morning.

I'd woken up pretty early the next day. The sun was still rising but I felt to wrestless to stay in bed.

Demi wasn't up yet so I quietly tiptoed to her room. She slept with her door open so I was able to peak in without waking her. She was definitely still sleeping. I sighed disappointed. Id wanted to say thank you and say goodbye before I'd left.

I headed into the kitchen and wrote a note for Demi, leaving it on the bench where she could find it when she woke up. I grabbed a bottle of water, a piece of fruit and a couple protein bars then grabbed my coat off the coat stand. I sighed as I looked at Demi's apartment before heading out the door.

***

I felt so empty and lonely. I missed my friends and I already missed Demi. I found somewhere to sit and eat my fruit while I got lost in thought, this time I was determined to try and keep up my appearance.

I spent the day begging which honestly felt really weird to be doing again even though it had only been a few days. I took advantage of knowing that people are more generous when you aren't dirty and smelly and was able to end the day with over $60. I was pretty pleased with myself and headed to target.

I brought a new backpack, a hair brush, toothbrush and a few other hygiene stuff, leaving myself with $20 for food. It was nice shopping alone but more fun shopping with Demi.

I headed to the park next and took everything out of its packaging organising it neatly into my new bag. It was just a little black back pack with one big section, a little pocket on the sides and a smaller pouch at the front.

I grabbed my hair brush and closed my eyes while I brushed my hair, imagining I was sitting in front of the fire place while Demi gently brushed my hair. She'd taught me to start at the bottom to brush the knots out.

"Hey do you want to come play with us?" A boy with red hair and freckles asked me as he tossed me a frisbee. I caught it and held it while I debated wheather I should or not. They were only being nice to me because I looked like them and not some street rat. Well, I was a street rat. I tossed the frisbee back "no thanks!" I called out and picked up my backpack to leave.