My British Bear

Chapter 3

I stepped slowly off the bus, trying not to slip on the frozen gravel of the driveway. It's Friday, I moaned in my head. Please let me survive another weekend.

I know, usually everyone can't wait for Friday, but for me Friday means a full two days in the house with my uncle.

I plotted to spend as much time out as I could- coming up with excuses. Hang at Sweet Beans and Bakes, walk and admire the Christmas lights, anything to stay out of the house. I don't have any friends, so I can't go over to their houses.

Besides, if my uncle wanted to drink with his buddies at the bar and didn't even have to think of me, he'd have a just as 'enjoyable' a weekend.

I slipped in through the front door and slid off my coat. I peeked into the living room. "Uncle?" I called softly. He was watching something on the TV, sitting in his old recliner. The living room was dark, as always. The blueish-white light from the television flickered on the coffee table and edges of the recliner. "Are you going out tonight?" I kept my voice soft, just in case he was having a hangover or headache from drinking too much.

"Yeah. Don't use all our money. And try not to burn the house down." He checked his watch. "I'm leaving at six."

I nodded. "Okay, I'm going to go to Sweet Beans and Bakes and hang there... I'll use my own money," I added quickly.

He grumbled something and stood up, lumbering out of the room. "I'll be right back! Leave the TV on!" he called.

I skirted around him and dashed up the stairs and into my bright bedroom. I'll just hang out here until he leaves, then I'll go.

I plopped on my bed and looked at my walls. They were bare except for a poster or two. I hadn't had time to decorate since I'd moved in with my uncle. Decorating took a lot of effort and loud noises. I didn't have the luxury of being loud, nor did I have much effort.

I pulled a book out from under my pillow and caressed it. My favorite fantasy book. The Lord of the Rings. I opened it up, kicked off my socks, and began to read.

I scratched a bit more detail into the pupil, taking another sip of coffee. I was drawing the dragon from my book and taking my time on it. Having all night to do whatever I felt the needed to, I was determined to have a nice evening.

Quickly I forgot everything but my coffee as I brought my imagined dragon to life on the drawing paper. The scales were sharp, ringed with light. It raised against the trees in the background, its massive wings touching the sides of the paper. It was roaring, its teeth bared and shining magnificently.

I didn't even realize someone had approached me until a familiar voice muttered, "woah," in astonishment. I jumped, startled by the sudden voice. I looked up at Brooks, who was staring at my drawing.

"It's wonderful!" He grinned.

"Don't scare me like that!" I chided, feeling pretty proud of the drawing myself.

He bit his lip. "Sorry, Miss. I couldn't help but look. It's amazing! Jess would be so jealous..."

Jess? Is she his girlfriend? Why do I care? I shook off the thought and smiled. "Thanks. I try."

He smiled back. He tugged on one of his longer curls bashfully. "M-Miss?"

"Yes?" I raised a brow.

"Uh, w-would you like to be friends, Miss?"

I stared at him in surprise. Um, yes. Of course I wanted to be friends! I needed friends! I smirked. "Sure, but only on one condition." Oh, don't screw this up for yourself trying to be silly.

"And that is?" His eyes brightened with happiness and curiosity.

"Call me Maria, not Miss."

"Yes, Mi-- I mean, Maria!" he beamed, his white teeth sparkling.

We both started to laugh. His laugh was warm and merry and I drank it up. I felt my heart stirring with something I hadn't felt in too long.

Happiness.