Family Friend

Chapter 1

"Everything okay?" A voice asked, knocking me from the trance I was in.

It's been a few hours since we picked Mark and everyone else up from the airport. Too say it was an awkward ride, would be an understatement. Reason being, no one knew how to communicate with me, and didn't help that I'm the awkward, shy, introvert who's from the other side of the country.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I smiled. "BamBam right? Sorry I haven't really spoken to you or anyone else today."

"It's fine," he grinned, waving it off and sat beside me on the couch. "How old are you? I'm curious."

"I'm 17," I grinned. "I'll be 18 next month. How about you?"

"19," he smiled brightly, and ran a hand through his black hair. "You're younger than Yugyeom, cute."

In response I laughed, and rolled my eyes. Suddenly we were all called into the kitchen, and walked in side by side. The other came in shortly after, and we all stood in front of Mrs. Tuan.

"Besides the room Marcey is occupying, there is another guest room," she started. "This normally isn't a problem but, who's staying where?"

"Marks room!" Was chorused throughout the kitchen, as I ducked from all the raising arms and stood beside Marks mom. She sighed and looked at me before shrugging.

"Mark," she pointed at the oldest of the males, her son. "You decide how this works. You already know I don't mind. However, as of now, I am stealing this one and taking her shopping." Her arm was now across my shoulders and my eyes widened.

"What? Why? I don't want you to-"

"You packed nothing but sweaters when you're coming to L.A.," she interrupted. "And you're not spending all your money on clothing. In order to pay it off, occupy these guys when everyone's busy." As I opened my mouth to protest, she yelled a 'goodbye' to everyone, and dragged me to the car.

-----

"Mrs. Tuan," I began shortly after we started towards the mall. "I-I... I don't exactly know how to put it, however you seem adamant about this so..."

"Tell me in one second, I need gas, and you'll have my full attention," she smiled warmly, making me feel less nervous.

Once we had stopped, payed for gas, and parked in a spot, she turned towards me. Nervousness formed, as I grew more nauseas and my heart beat accelerated. My eyes squeezed shut, I began rolling the sleeves of my sweater up my arms. A white bandage encasing both, bits of blood soaking spots in the once clean wrap.

"Marcey..." Mrs. Tuan sighed, quietly asking permission to remove my bandages before I gave a nod. As if I was prized porcelain, she carefully removed the bandages, which showed tons of scars. Most healed, seeing I stopped right before coming out here. However, a few were fresh and deep which is why they were still bleeding.

"I'm so sorry," I choked. Carefully, she pulled me into a hug, an uncomfortable hug due to the setting but a hug nonetheless.

"It's fine," she stated, petting my hair. "When'd you stop? I don't see any extremely fresh."

"Right before my flight," I sighed, removing myself from her comforting embrace. "I threw them away. I'm sorry to disappoint-"