Shattered

CHAPTER ONE

(Narrator's Pov)

Curiosity flickered within him as his hazel eyes remained intently focused on the small, timid figure, holding hands with the nice care lady. His eyes swept across her brown hair, pulled into two pigtails; red, silk ribbons holding them in place. She wore pair of blue overalls, fading in colour, and a white t-shirt underneath. On her feet were a pair of worn out sneakers, the laces untied and a possible fault for a future accident.

Lucas absently furrowed his brows at the sight. The coloring book laid out before him on the wooden coffee table, was suddenly abandoned as his attention shifted towards her. He watched as the little girl did a quick uncomfortable glance around the room, before her eyes landed back on the ground.

She seemed shy, he thought to himself. She didn't look like she belonged here.

"This is your new home, Nina." The nice lady, Mrs Maroon, bent down to softly whisper in the little brunette girl's ear. The little girl glanced up at her, Lucas catching the bright colour of her blue eyes. However, he noticed there was a contrasting dullness to them. It made a frown slip onto his lips.

"Everyone here is your friend, alright?" She comfortingly reached out and wrapped her arm around the small figure. "You don't have to be scared or nervous. We're all welcoming here."

As if Mrs Maroon sensed Lucas' curious gaze set on them, her attention slowly shifted over to him. A warm smile was playing on her lips as she took in the furrowed brows, knowing Lucas was most definitely wondering who the little girl was. She was aware of his curious tendencies. He was always frequently asking her questions, it starting from the tender age of four.

"Lucas," Mrs Maroon abruptly called. Snapping out of his little daze, as if on instinct, he stood up and put down the red crayon he held tightly in his hand.

"Yes, Mrs Maroon?" He politely questioned in response, though his gaze remained fixed on the little girl.

"Come over here. Why don't you introduce yourself to Nina, who will be joining us here?" She smiled at him, waving him over with her free hand that wasn't locked with Nina's small one. 

Slowly, Lucas took a few cautious steps closer towards them. He watched as Nina quietly looked up at him, the nerves and shyness on her face explicit from the red colour that grew on her cheeks. She was quite short, much shorter than Lucas. But then again, Lucas was pretty tall for a ten year old. Most of the other boys his age were shorter, even some a few years older than him.

"This is Lucas, Nina. He's a kind boy that also lives here." Mrs Maroon went on to explain. "I'm sure you'll both be the best of friends."

Lucas peered down at Nina, who stood a few steps away from him. He noticed the mirrored expression of curiosity splashing in her blue orbs, which truthfully reminded him the colour of the ocean.

"Look, I have to go get started on dinner... But Lucas here will kindly show you around." She squeezed Nina's hand gently before letting go of it. "I'll take everything up to your room and have everything sorted out, is that okay with you, sweetheart?"

"Okay," Nina quietly whispered out, nodding her head. Lucas' curiosity grew from hearing her speak, his head absently tilted slightly.

With one last smile, Mrs Maroon was on her way, headed to the kitchen to fulfil her duty, leaving the two children alone with each other. For a long, lingering moment, neither of spoke to each other. Heavy silence floated in the air as Lucas continued to gaze down at the silent brunette, his hands shifting into his jean pockets.

"You're tall," The unfamiliar, quiet voice abruptly stated. 

"You're short." Lucas offered in response, noticing the little squint in her eyes as she peered up at him.