Searching For A Rainbow

TEN-Carson

"Why don't you stay for dinner, Carson?"

"No, it's fine, really," I felt like I was intruding as I had been at the Bennett's house all day.

"I insist," Mrs. Bennett beamed at me. "Pleeeeease?" she asked me with the twinkling eyes of a child.

"Alright," I said quietly. She clapped her hands together, a bright smile still on her face.

"Great," she chirped and began whisking around the kitchen, "I'll get started then."

***

We were watching TV in their living room when Mrs. Bennett called us for dinner. I followed close to Will's heels, very uncomfortable with the situation. We were joined at the table by a boy who looked to be not much older than Will.

"Carson, this is Will's big brother, Adam," Will's mom introduced me as she bustled around the table, setting down dishes.

"Hi," he smiled and nodded at me, immediately reaching for food. Shockingly, he seemed quieter than his brother and mom.

My discomfort was soon eased as light-hearted conversation began and Mrs. Bennett practically forced me to eat a ton of food.

It was the first time I had ever eaten at a dinner table with a family.

***

"Are you sure you want to walk home? Will can drive you."

After dinner I hung around for about half an hour before I felt it was time for me to leave. Mrs. Bennett brought me my clothes, which she had washed and dried, restoring them back to their previous state. I was shocked, to say the least. I had no idea that people could be so thoughtful and generous (or so talented at removing mud stains).

"I'm sure," I said confidently, "Thank you for everything, Mrs. Bennett."

"Oh, please call me Caroline, honey," she waved her hands in the air, smiling at me. "You better come back soon; it's nice having a girl around."

She retreated to the kitchen, leaving just Will and me.

"Um, thanks for today," I said awkwardly, "I had a lot of fun."

"No problem," he shrugged.

"So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

"Of course," he smiled and pulled me in for a quick hug which caused me to stiffen slightly. I hoped he didn't notice, but the look of concern on his face as he pulled away told me otherwise.

"Bye," I said, quickly stepping out the door and beginning my walk through the neighborhoods and the town, to the other side where my house was. The rain had let up not too long ago, leaving behind that misty warmth that drifts up from the hot Arizona sidewalks.

As I walked, I thought about all of the things I had experienced that day and realized that I had never had that much fun with someone else.

But I guess all good things and days must come to an end.

I knew something was wrong the second I rounded the corner onto my street. There was an ambulance in my driveway and two police cars parked on the street.