Sea's Secrets

Ordinary People

                          ▪Chapter Six▪

I gave him a doubtful look and followed my mom into the dining room. My stomach tightens once we were in the other room. my mom turns and faces me crossing her arms over her chest.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this boy when you gave me the necklace?” she says, in a low slightly aggravated voice.

“Well-I –Uh –Forgot, I was really tired… but mom he isn’t a bad kid.” I say, trying to sound sure of myself.  Who am I kidding, I have no idea what type of “guy” Trethan really is.

She lets out a confused sigh.  

“Nellieana, that boy can stay here until he’s back on his feet, but if you think we’re opening up a foster care, you are wrong.” Her tone was still harsh, but I could see her face soften lightly as she unfolds her hands from her chest.

“His name is Trethan.” I say, timidly as she glared at me.

“Very well. Now go back to serve your guest some breakfast.” My mom says, in a trying-to-be-a-snob voice.

I smile, I knew she couldn’t be that upset.

We walk back into the kitchen, and to slight disappointment Trethan was clothed. Wearing what he’d worn yesterday.

“Hi Trethan, it’s nice to meet you, I’m sorry we met so informally, I’m Ms. Lynn.” My mom says to Trethan, in a polite tone as she outstretches her hand towards him.

He shakes her hand in response and smiles.

“It’s a pleasure Ms. Lynn, and my greatest thanks for letting me stay here.” He says genuinely.

I quickly glance at my mom, who looked slightly impressed to see that Trethan was so amiable. Which, I mean in all seriousness most teenage guys want nothing to do with your crazy parent; meaning that Trethan had made a good save after my mom seeing him half naked. Why isn’t he embarrassed?  I thought to myself, but I was trying not to let my mind wander back to that image of him so pushed that question back into my brain.

“Oh, of course, but how long do you plan on staying?” my mom says, leaning back slightly.

Was she seriously trying to shoo him out already? Frustration formed in my gut as I glared at her.

“Well I wasn’t really sur-”

I quickly interrupt.

“So, do you want any breakfast?”

**  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **

Once breakfast was cleaned up and my mom had left for work Trethan and I were left alone. Of course after the long awkward speech my mom had given us about personal space. Luckily though Trethan had taken it pretty lightly.

I felt guilty but at the moment Ben was the least of my worries, in fact I was glad I got to spend this time with Trethan, and maybe get closer to meeting my dad.

“So, about my dad…” I say, trailing my voice off, giving him the opportunity to stop me from bring the subject up.

He didn’t.

His eyes were glued to mine, allowing me to continue.

I take a seat across from him. I sat on the piano bench as he was perched comfortably on the couch he’d slept on last night.

I let an uneasy breath and started talking again. “Why didn’t he come, if he’s in prison how does he expect him and me to live happily once I get to him?”