Stranger, Help Me

AT LAST

A month has passed. A month of familiarising, struggle and welcome. A month of smiles and sunshine as well as tears and cries.

A month of home.

Gale watched Evangeline help his mother in the kitchen, expertly cutting vegetables better than before. She looked healthier, happier. Her voice never shook anymore, unless she was absolutely terrified when watching horror movies. She'd smile and laugh, music to his ears. Her thin shoulders didn't sag and her glowing brown eyes shone. Evangeline used to be a delicate girl, afraid of shattering, jumping at every slight touch, but now she has grown, gained confidence and strength. Gale found that so beautiful in her. Like a small fire that needed encouragement and hands blocking from wind to grow.

Instead of her bony shoulders and too-thin arms, Gale was happy to find that his mother had been feeding her well. She didn't look so scarily thin anymore and damn was Gale glad.

Her light brown hair was pulled into a loose bun, trails of stray hair here and there. He found her adorable as her face was concentrated. He had never found someone so eager to learn. Gale never told anyone, not even her, but he adored her soft voice, the voice that was quiet but firm. He didn't know why, but he loved it. He loved her.

Evangeline attended school, with heavy reluctance, but made several close friends. Gale saw her every day at school, and in his house. That was a major plus. Of course, she clung to his side every chance she got, having had it rough to communicate and socialise with others. Several attacked her, but Gale and his group of friends chased them away just as quickly. He was popular, he knew that, but he earned it with kindness and well, he didn't really know why they liked him. He liked to use his popularity to ward off haters, realising just how much of a difference it could make.

It's a shame Evangeline and him were in different classes, though Gale was confident she would catch up. She was doing great (besides maths but neither could Gale and 95% of the world population) and he could never be more proud. In that one month she has visited her sister and Cooper and came back refreshed but drained at the same time. She had also talked with her father and trailed back in tears. But all in all, she remained strong.

He brushed back his dark hair as it was getting a tad too long, and moved forward from his spot in the hall to the kitchen, seating himself on the stool at the white marbled counter. "What are you two making?"

"We are making why-don't-you-help-out-for-once casserole." Evangeline teased, pushing the spinach aside and grabbing another.

His mother laughed, retying her pink apron.

"I used to, but you took my spot."
Gale stuck his tongue out at her and she immediately retracted.

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I'm still a professional chef."

Knowing he was okay with it, Evangeline smiled. "Just you wait and see."

"Hah, no offence dear, but Gale can cook. Except when it comes to sweet things, he goes a little insane."

Gale stared at his mother in disbelief as Evangeline giggled. "Excuse me? How about you, mum? You don't know how to proportion salt to your chips."

"Don't talk back, honey, before you end up with no dinner!"

"Who can cook again? Oh, me!" Gale retorted playfully, a smirk hanging on his lips. His mother whipped him lightly with a brown cloth.