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2

It seemed that I had fallen asleep in the car, as when I opened my eyes again, I was in a nicely decorated bedroom, and at the end of the bed sat a blonde headed woman.

"Hi Aria," she spoke softly and kindly. "I'm Jenna." She smiled at me before offering me a glass of water. I took it gratefully and had a sip.

I liked Jenna. She seemed nice, and she didn't look like someone who would hurt me. Her eyes were blue, just like mine. Although mine were more grey.

"Do you want a change of clothes? I'm sure I can find you a sweatshirt and some sweatpants." Jenna asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "O-Okay."

I watched as Jenna walked into a small room, out of my view, before coming back a few moments later with a few items of clothing.

"I'll let you get changed. If you need me for anything, just call me, okay? I'll be right outside the door." Jenna left the room with a small smile in my direction and clicked the door shut behind her.

I was amazed at how nice the jumper was — it looked brand new. And it was so very warm. It didn't come too far down — roughly mid thigh length.

Once I was dressed, I opened up the door timidly, holding the clothes I was wearing before on my arm.

"Where do I put these?" I asked quietly.

"In the trash!" Tyler yelled out, not far from where we were. I flinched at the level of his voice, and backed away.

"Aria, sweetie," Jenna placed her hand on my shoulder. "What's the matter?"

I realised that Jenna was Tyler's wife just before I answered, so I stayed silent and looked at the ground.

"Alright, give me your old clothes, and you go do whatever you want. Do you want something to eat? Tyler and Josh have a whole lot of stuff lying around here — drives me mental considering Josh doesn't even live here — I take that back, he's here at least 5 of the seven days in a week. You can do anything."

I nodded and walked down the hallway, which lead to the kitchen and the dining room.

The kitchen was very organised, and it was clean. It looked like it was never even used. The dining room had a couch and a huge television, along with other things. On the couch was Josh, who turned around when he heard me.

"Aria, do you want to come talk to me?" He asked.

I nodded and walked over to him. He patted the spot next to him and turned to face me.

"How old are you?" He asked.

"Thirteen." I replied.

"You're so quiet," Josh chuckled. "None of us are quiet around here. You're allowed to talk."

"My dad doesn't allow me to talk."

"Aria," I could see Josh held pity in his eyes. "Don't worry about your dad. Pretend he doesn't exist. You won't have to see him again. I took care of it."

I nodded. He must have reported my dad to the police.

"Where's your mum?" Josh asked. I froze. I hadn't thought about her in ages.

"Uh. . ."

"I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that, I should have known."

"No it's okay," I said. "She's in prison."

"What for? — Oh, uh, sorry. I need to work on that."

I let out a small laugh which seemed to make Josh happy.

"She tried to — uh well — she did — she killed my brother."

"Oh Aria, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. I never really knew him." I don't think Josh knew, but I could see his face even though I was looking at the ground. His facial expression told me everything.

"Do you have any questions for me?" Josh asked, breaking the silence that had fallen upon us.

"Um — how old are you?" I asked.

"28." Josh replied.

"He's so old." A new voice entered the room. Tyler. He walked into the kitchen and put something away before coming to sit next to me. I froze in place, refusing to move even in the slightest. Tyler scared me.

"Aria, what's the matter?" Josh whispered to me. I shook my head.

Josh looked confused. "Hey Jenna," he called. A few seconds later the blonde headed woman appeared out of the hallway. "Why don't you and Aria have some — uh — girl time?" I looked to Jenna — her eyes were fixed on Josh, as if there was a silent conversation going on between them. Her eyes widened and she nodded. "Of course. Come on Aria."

I got up and walked quickly over to Jenna, who led me into a bedroom.

"I'm thinking we should get the boys some food. Do you want to come with me?" Jenna asked, organising something on a cabinet.

I nodded. "That sounds fun."

"What size shoe are you?" Jenna asked, looking over her shoulder to me.

"I'm not sure."

"Hmm," Jenna went into a walk in wardrobe and came back out moments later with a pair of shoes.

"Try these on."

The shoes were black and had laces, but they looked like the best shoes that I'd ever be allowed to touch. Jenna then threw me a pair of white socks to wear.

Slipping them onto my feet, I instantly felt the warmth of the socks. I then put on the shoes — they were a little big, but they'd do.

"Thank you Jenna." I smiled softly.

Jenna smiled back with a nod.

"Ready to go?"

"Ready."