~ Breathe ~

{Chapter 13}

The moment Christella began to take her medication it was as if she had so much energy, she could move around and feel somewhat normal. She wasn't aware that she had always had a tingling sensation in her body until the medication cancelled it out either, she had become so used to it. She felt brand new.

"Who wants to play a game of basketball?" Flynn called, his voice ringing through the house.

"I can't catch a ball to save my life, but sure, I wanna play!" Christella was overjoyed to be able to join in, to be able to feel like a child.

"Chrissy! Catch!" Heath called, throwing the ball. Christella fumbled but passed the ball along to Gia, who shot a goal.

After playing for a while, Flynn and Gabe cheating for most of the game, of course, the group decided to take a break to cool off and re-hydrate. Everyone had rosy cheeks and was panting heavily.

"I'm sweating up a storm here!" announced Rob.

"Christella, the contrast of your cheeks to the rest of your face is crazy,' Heath chuckled. "How's the medication going?"

"Well this is a clear indication isn't it? I joined in for once."

"True." Heath laughed.

"I feel so much better with it. I have energy. I'm sure I'll feel a little drowsy soon but its all good at the moment."

"I'm glad."

"Who's up for another game?" Rob called, picking up the ball and bouncing it, walking back to the makeshift court.

Everyone agreed but Christella. "I think I'll sit this one out. I can't cool myself down like you guys. Sweating is essentially non existent for me!"

"At least you won't stink like Flynn!"

"Hey!"

"Oh my dear, you look like you're in a fluster." Maggie lifted her head from chopping some vegetables when Christella entered.

"Not really, just hot." Christella replied.

"I'm glad to see that you're having fun Christella. Listen, Nora's coming round today for lunch, she's asked if you and Heath want to go back home."

"This place is already much more of a home than there."

Maggie smiled halfheartedly. "So did you want to stay here and we can take you to the bus stop to get to school on Thursday?"

"I don't want to be a bother —"

"Nonsense, you and your brother are welcome here whenever. How's Heath settling in anyway?"

"Him and Rob seemed to have bonded quite well. Heath has a better time with making friends than I do, but I like this family. And this house. And this mug. Especially this mug."

"Why this mug in particular may I ask?"

"It's so shiny that I can see my reflection. My beautiful reflection!" 

"You truly are one of a kind."

"I like this couch too," Christella went over and hugged said couch. "It's red. Like my hair."

Maggie chucked. "Oh, I just remembered, could you call Nora when you go upstairs and tell her she can come any time now please?"

"Sure."

"Thank you."

Nora was surprised to see Christella up and about when she arrived at the Wilone's that day.

To see her smiling and laughing as she could join in bought a smile to her own face as she greeted Maggie.

"She's happy," Nora chuckled. "I think you did well."

"She woke up one night mid-episode, then passed out. I had to get something done for her, I wasn't going to leave her like that." Maggie replied.

"Only a sick monster could — she's a child after all." Nora sighed. "Is everything okay here? You got Christella to call me asking to come over."

"Yes everything's fine. I just think we need to discuss matters concerning Christella. Such as informing her who you really are to her."