Iron, Coal, And Diamonds

Chapter 3

Morning comes quickly and sunshine pours through the windows. The boy is sleeping peacefully next to me. I slowly get out of bed and the boy's eyes flutter open.

"You're awake." I smile happily at the boy and he scoots towards the top of the bed."Do you know your name?"

"N-No" his voice is sweet and kind. I decide that I will name him. I walk over to him and now that I see him in the light he looks to be about 5 years old.

"My name is Maryanne. Your name is Alexander."

"That's my name?" he asks. I nod my head.

"Are you hungry?" He nods his head and I walk into the kitchen. I start to make eggs on the stove and I hear Alexander shuffle into the dinning room.

"Is it almost ready?" his shy voice is barely loud enough to hear. I smile and pull out two plates.

"You came in here just in time." I pull the eggs off the stove and serve them. We eat in silence.

"I-it was good." he smiles happily.

"Do you feel comfortable here?" I ask. He nods his head a little. "Good, well I have to go get food for dinner and a present for you."

I head to the coat rack and throw on my robe. Alexander runs up behind me and grabs the end of my robe.

"Don't go." his eyes tear up and overflow.

"I have to get some stuff and you can't come with me or I'll get in big trouble. Here." I hand him a picture book from my bookshelf and sit him on my bed.

"Why do I have to stay in here?"

"Because if anyone sees you I will be in big trouble." He nods his head and smiles.

"If you have to go."

"I promise I will be back." I say as I exit the room.

"Bye bye." He waves goodbye to me as I leave. "Come back safe." I lock the door as I leave and hope that no one sees him.

I make my way towards town and suddenly someone comes up behind me. I feel hands touch my shoulders and I scream.

"Woah sorry I didn't mean to scare you." I spin around to see Jake.

"You nearly caused me to have a heart attack." I nervously laugh and sigh in relief.

"What are you doing out in town on a Saturday?" I begin panicking.

"I have shopping to do."

"I see. But didn't you go shopping last weekend?" I quickly walk to the store to get away and I lose him in a crowd. I get enough food for two people for three weeks.

"That seems like a lot of food for one Maryanne. Did you finally get a man?" the grocer lady Mrs.Stine asks. I blush and she giggles.

"N-no it's just lately I have been feeling very hungry." I think I should lie to her so I am less suspicious.

"Are you pregnant?" Mrs.Stine inquires. I blush and lie.

"Yes but don't tell." I say and she nods her head.

"Can I ask who the father is?" I hang my head in shame from lying and shake my head.

"I am heading home Mrs.Stine have a wonderful day." I wave goodbye and head to the toy store with my cart of groceries Mrs.Stine lent me.

"What brings you here Miss Maryanne?" Mr.Willow is sitting at the cash register.

"Well I am getting a present for a kid." I nervously reply.

"My you have a lot of groceries." Mr.Willow smiles.

"I have been really hungry lately." Then I see it, the perfect teddy bear for Alexander. I grab it off the shelf quickly.

"Fine choice that'll be $25." My mouth basically drops to the ground. I look into my wallet and see the last of my money until next month, exactly $25. I hand him the $25.00 and trudge back home.

"I spent all my money for this month." I sigh loudly as I unlock the door to my home. I walk inside to see Alexander lying on the ground, unconscious.