Good Omens| Ineffable Parents

Thank you

"Mr. Aziraphale?"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if you could help me read this. " I held out a book with lots of pages. Its pretty cover was the only factor that made me choose it.

"Of course." 

I sit beside him, and he slowly helps me sound out the first word. But the letters are jumbled together and it hurts my head constantly trying to untangle them. Even if I got the letters together, I don't know what some of these words mean. All I can do is repeat a word after it's sounded out. I can remember some of the words, but I still get them confused: it, if, one, once, place, plate, too, two.

"Ugh, this is so frustrating! I'm never gonna get it!" I push the book away. "Why is it so hard for me?!"

"You mustn't rush yourself, you'll learn in time. Do you mind telling me, have you ever learned how to read?"

My head hurts as I remember when people tried to teach me.

"I- uh, have a sister... she tried to teach me at one point. She's super smart and stuff but I just never got it."

"I assume your parents didn't take you to school either."

"I mean, technically I was in school. My mom preferred for my existence to be hushed down." I roll my eyes. "So she put me in some sort of religious homeschool all I learned was whatever she wanted me to. It was mostly prayers and chores, she didn't spend much time doing it though, usually once maybe twice a week. She couldn't even be bothered to teach me to write." I look down, remembering her anger at me.

She'd get frustrated when I did something wrong she'd pull my hair roughly. Sometimes I still can feel her fingers digging into my scalp. If I cried she'd get angrier and held and shook me harder. 
He also did that when he was angry, but it wasn't as bad as her. 

It's not their fault, I frustrated everybody, even my sister had enough of me. 

I shake my head, "Even when someone did try to teach me all I could do is copy words. I just might be useless at learning anything. Maybe she just didn't want to waste her time." I shrug.

"Well, I believe you're a very bright child. All you need is a helping hand- or two." He gives me such a kind smile.

"So, you don't intend to send me back to my mother?" 

Azirphale looked confused.

I look down immediately, "I'm sorry, I... overheard you and Crowley talking before."

They seemed so scared and repentant. 

Aziraphale put his hand on their shoulder, "I don't intend to make you go with anyone, I want you to stay here with us."

They break into tears as they hug Aziraphale, who once again quickly reciprocates the affection. 

"Thank you... Thank you." They said as more tears left their eyes.