~ Breathe ~

{Chapter 7}

There was a faint knock at the door, one that Christella only barely could hear.

"Christella, go get it, now!" Primrose called from downstairs.

She did as she was told and ran down to the wooden door, opening it slowly. A lady who looked no older than 20, maybe 21, stood there a smile etched upon her face. What was even more puzzling, was why Gianna was standing beside her.

"I'm Nora Adams, a friend of your parents. I've been sent from Elbrus Academy to help you and your brother get school supplies. I believe you know Gianna?" The woman had bright blue hair that matched her even bluer eyes. She seemed like she would be fun.

"Nora, you know not to call me Gianna —"

"Yeah yeah, alright." Nora laughed and messed up Gia's hair, causing her to groan.

"Who are you talking to?" Vincent came out of the kitchen and approached the group.

Christella felt her breath hitch in her throat, she hadn't seen her uncle since the incident the other day. Gia must have noticed her discomfort as she sent a concerned glance over at the girl.

"I'm here to take Heath and Christella to get their school supplies. Now, if you don't mind, we'll be leaving."

Christella hadn't realised that Heath was also behind her. Vincent nodded curtly and left without a goodbye. Nora ushered the children out of the house and led them to the car.

"Heath, you can come accompany me, let the girls gossip in the back." Nora chuckled.

Heath smiled and hopped in the front seat beside Nora. She begun to explain who exactly she was.

"So you know I'm Nora Adams, and that I'm a friend of your parents, but let me just elaborate. Your parents best friend was my cousin, and I visited a lot. I remember when you two were babies, Christella, you were only just born, tiny feet, tiny hands, and a little red poof on your head. I was probably only eight."

"How did you know where we live?" Heath asked.

"Anyone who was in close relation to Jay and Linnea Pryce were told where their children would be living."

The rest of the drive was quite comfortable, especially since Christella was wearing Heath's jumper, which was way too big on her but still incredibly comfortable.

"Do you have a phone? We could message each other!" Gia asked, turning to Christella.

"I've always wanted one, but no, I don't have one. My aunt and uncle won't let me."

"Aww, that's too bad. What about Heath? Does he?"

Christella shook her head.

"Here, you can pretend mine is yours for the day then. See — this is how you unlock it — that's the password — trust me, I need one. If I don't have one, my brothers send messages to everyone, it's so annoying."

Christella smiled at Gia's generosity.

"Why were you at the shopping centre that day? And what happened? You seemed upset."

"It's a long story, but if you want to sit and listen, I'll tell you."

"I like stories, and I have a feeling this is going to be a good one."

"So pretty much, I have Anderson's disease, which is a genetic lysosomal storage disease. I have cramp like pains in my hands and feet, and I think these spots are apart of it too,' Christella showed Gia her hands. "Heath and I went down to get medication for me because my aunt and uncle refused, and when we went there, they said I wasn't allowed to purchase any. I was upset because I had the plan all sorted out, and it sounds really stupid now that's I say it —"

"No, no, I understand."

"Thank you, I think you're one of the only people who do."