~ Breathe ~

{Chapter 10}

Christella found that as the day went on and she continued to meet the rest of the Wilone family, that they were all incredibly understanding and lovely people.

"Mum! Can Crystal and Heath stay the night? Please?!" Gianna bound down the staircase loudly, thumping her feet roughly.

"Well it depends as to whether they want to stay or not." Maggie laughed at the excitement Gianna held in her eyes as she turned to Christella.

"I'd love to. And I'm sure Heath would too. He seems quite happy with Robert." Christella could feel her insides bubbling with happiness and joy. She had made a new friend, and now she had been introduced to a whole new family who welcomed her and her brother with open arms out wide.

"That's great dear. I'll call your aunt and uncle and let them know —"

"Don't bother. They don't care." Christella wasn't sure if she cared much either or not, but she was glad that she was not in a place where she mattered.

Who wants to play twenty questions?" Flynn asked later that night. Sitting in a large circle — or what was aimed to be a circle — consisting of Christella, Gianna, Gabe, Flynn, Robert and Heath. A murmur of agreement sounded throughout the group and they began.

Flynn fetched a double-sided spinner from an old board game, it was at least 20 years old, surely. The spinner was placed in the midst of the group. Gianna spun the spinner for it to land on Christella and Gabe. The latter beckoned for Christella to start.

"Gabe Wilone, I have a question for you kind sir." Christella began.

"What would that question be dear maiden?"

Flynn tsked. "Keep going like that and it'll take a year before we get through your set of questions alone!"

Christella chuckled. "How old are you?"

"14 turning 15 in April. And I believe that is also the age of my dear twin over here." Gabe answered.

"Hurry up!" Robert scowled.

"Alright, here's my question. What's the thing you hate the most?"

Christella paused to think. Hate — it was a strong word with a strong emotion to go hand in hand. Did she actually hate anything? Thoughts passed her mind, until Christella thought of something she most definitely hated. The Damien's. "I — I —" Christella hesitated. She wasn't going to say that, no, not now. "I hate when kids at school tease me."

It was partially true, but not entirely. She was only really bothered by Daniel at school, and even then — it wasn't teasing. It was full blown abuse.

After the teens had grown tired of playing twenty questions, they filed into the kitchen. Christella inhaled to savour the scent of whatever Maggie was cooking. "It smells delicious Maggie." Christella smiled sheepishly, her button nose crinkling.

"I do hope you'll like it. You're not allergic or intolerant to anything are you dear?" Maggie asked, looking up from the pot her head seemed to be buried in.

Christella only replied with a shake of her head.