Mystics of the Light

Teasing Galore

During the rest of fall break, I usually sat by the tree and drew or read. Ethan did come a few times, but he never mentioned anything about me meeting his dad. I'm kinda glad that his dad didn't tell him. Who knows what would happen.

But, all that aside, Val got out of the hospital a couple days before Saturday, and she was able to visit me! I was reading MILA 2.0. when I saw her over looking my shoulder. I turned my head, and I was shocked to see her. My jaw dropped, and I hugged her tighter than I did in the hospital.

"You got out early?!" I shouted.

"Yup," she replied, laughing and pulling back, "I wasn't sure if I was in the right neighborhood, until I saw you reading." She looked up into the tree's thick and brambly leaves. "You probably have the best adventures in that tree."

I look at the tree. I haven't climbed a tree since Dad whipped me a few days after Mom died. I shake that thought out of my head and feel the ridges of the tree's dark oak trunk. I smile when I feel it. A home to many animals and insects. A home I wonder if I can ever have again.

"Look at you two!" I heard a familiar voice call.

We both turn our heads and saw Ethan. Val smirks, as her glances rapidly change from me to him.

"So, you got out of the hospital?" he asked Valery.

"Yup" she says with enthusiasm, "I was so excited to get out to see you two together!"

Ethan looks at Val confused then his face turns red. Why does Val have to do this to me?

"W-what do you mean together?" Ethan stuttered.

"Don't you hide that from me, Ethan," she teases, "You and Reese totally like each other! I mean, you blushed when I motioned it."

"That could just be for any boy you say that too," I said, "Besides, what if he's telling the truth?"

Val looks at me with a "You are blind" look which made me glare at her. I know what she's gonna say next.

"If he's telling the truth, then maybe YOU'RE the one that likes HIM!"

I felt my face heat up with annoyance and anger. Valery seemed to realize that it wasn't embarrassment and quickly scooted away from me.

"Sheesh, okay I'll stop!" she said, "But that won't stop me from teasing Ethan."

I rolled my eyes, just before my dad came out shouting curses.

"Get your ass in this house right now, before I whip you again!" he scolded, "That and you're gonna be on kitchen duty for the rest of the week."

My smile on my face instantly turned into a frown. I felt Valery's and Ethan's stares boring into me. Of course, Dad had to be the rudest he could possibly be, when people are over.

I nodded slowly and grabbed my book from the ground. Before I slowly walk back to my house, I look behind me and saw the expressions on Val's and Ethan's faces. They were in utter shock by what they just witnessed. I give them a small sad smile and walk home. Even though my book probably only weighed a little bit, it felt like I was carrying bricks to my cage I call home.

I wish Mom were here to make the rivers on my face dry away.