Revenge of the Rhodonite

Chapter 6

A/N: Fun Fact: I might transfer this story into a manga/comic book after I complete it. (Although it depends on whether or not I gain enough confidence to do so XD)

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Kaden's house in the woods was nothing of what Erin thought it'd be.

The so-called home was more of a small hut that was fashioned by canvas and three large trees. Mud and leaves were smeared onto the white fabric to camouflage it from any unwelcome guests. A lit kerosine lamp sat on a nearby tree stump, right next to the entrance to the shelter.

Erin and Jaxon had halted at the sight before them. The home didn't even look big enough to fit one person. How did Kaden expect all three of them -and his mystery sister- in that tiny tent?

"What're you waiting for? Come on," Kaden ventured into the tent, ducking under the slanted doorway.

The two outsiders exchanged looks before reluctantly following him in.

"Wow," Erin said in awe. "This is...pleasant." Her eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail. Or at least, as many details the shelter offered in such a small space. She fidgeted awkwardly under her cloak.

There was a small stack of books at the far corner, which was next to two sleeping bags and worn out blankets. A mini table set -the kind children receive as birthday gifts- stood to the right of the entrance with a few plastic plates and tin cans.

"Mekhi?" Kaden ignored her and observed the room. "Come on out, I'm back from town. It's too dark to play hide-and-seek."

"Is Mekhi your sister?" Jaxon questioned. He had to squat down in order to fit inside the shelter; he was too tall.

"Yeah." Kaden sighed in annoyance. "And she can be a pain in the ass, too," He raised his voice as if the insult would get his sister's attention.

There was a small rustle of leaves outside the tent before the curtain that acted as a door was lifted. They all faced the entrance to find a young girl peeking her head in. Her stringy red hair was tangled and matted, her cheeks flushed and littered with minute freckles like the night sky is blanketed with stars. Her wild green eyes shone brightly in the dim light of the lamp. She didn't resemble her brother at all.

"Who're they?" She murmured. Her eyes never left Kaden and she barely acknowledged Jaxon and Erin. "Who are they, Kaden?" Her pipsqueak voice and small size suggested she was no older than ten.

"They're friends, Mekhi. It's okay," he stalked over to the young girl and guided her into the tent. He had her sit down on one of the sleeping bags. "Here, I brought you your favorite."

Mekhi's eyes brightened as her brother handed her a bag of her favorite fruit. She didn't hesitate to stuff her face with the ripe berries. Her stomach grumbled in response.

She was the one that needed food, Erin concluded.

Her entire life, Erin never had to worry about missing a meal. She ate a hearty meal three times a day, every day. She never had to worry about going hungry. But with Kaden and Mekhi, they didn't have a clue when their last taste of food would be.

Kaden had to take care of his sister, no matter the cost. Why? Most people would choose themselves to live over another person even if it was family. Why would he continue to care for his little sister?