Sang knew going against her step-mother was useless. It would only bring more punishments- more bruises to hide and more questions from those who seen them. But still, she can't see the old Sang Sorenson that looks back at her through the mirror any...
Short chapter, I know, but this is all I've gotten done since leaving for California. I didn't get to do almost any writing while I was there, but thankfully, I did get this one done. Hope you guys like it.
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Chapter Four
Homecoming
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Despite Kota's every attempt to engage Nathan in conversation, he refused to say much more than obligatory 'sure' and hums that told Kota he wasn't really listening. I met Kota's eyes through the rearview mirror. He seemed to apologize without saying a word, and I smiled back to reassure him that I wasn't put off by Nathan's silence.
By the time Kota ceased his questions and attempts to lure both of us into conversation, Kota had pulled off the highway. I sunk in my seat a bit when I spotted the bus parked just down the street from our two story. I was thankful that we had been delayed enough to arrive after the bus got to Sunnyvale, but if Marie or my mother noticed I hadn't got off the bus, I'd still be in trouble.
The punishment for befriending kids- boys at that- would be much more... extensive than anything I had ever received before. I'd been forced to be a boy because of my mother's psychosis, and though I knew she wasn't in control of herself most of the time, it was still likely I would be forced into something drastic.
Hopefully, it wasn't a full sex-change.
Kota pulled into his drive just as the bus turned to drop more kids off further out of the city. I turned, hiding my face behind the headrest as I watched Marie split from Danielle, slowly making her way up towards the house.
"Were you even wearing your seatbelt?" Kota's voice shocked me, and I flinched back into sitting the right way around.
"Urm," I had to think hard about my answer. I hadn't even heard his question really, but after a moment I went with something universal. "No?"
Kota's cheeks bunched as he tried to push down his smile. He gave me a disapproving look, shaking his head as he turned around to get out. With Marie inside, I felt safe enough to get out too.
"I should probably check in before..." I trailed off, not sure if Nathan would still want me over with him in such a bad mood. But when I glanced over at him, he was looking at me with a normal, not so unnerving, look in his eyes.
He pointed to a one story ranch house a few houses down from mine. "Just come over any time. The guys will be here any minute."
"Alright," I replied quietly. I started to back down Kota's drive as the bus turned the bend to get back to the main road. "See you later?"
Kota and Nathan both raised a hand to wave goodbye, and I couldn't help the smile that tipped my lips, even if I was feeling out of place. I'd never had friends to 'see later'. It was a good feeling to have someone looking forward to my presents.
