Tears of Autumn

Chapter 3: A blooming friendship

Afterschool, I was dropped off at the same sign. I remembered that I had to stop by Ms. Harmony to see her mysterious visitor. All day, I wondered who it could be. I know she doesn't have any children or a husband. Her parents live in Denmark so I highly doubt that they're here.

Of course, that meant I daydreamed in class, so I was in a bit of a tough spot with my science teacher but other than that, my day went smooth. None of my classmates talk to me nor bully me and when they do, I often don't know how to reply. I'll wave or give a fake smile but I keep my mouth shut.

Since I don't speak that much, my ears are always open. I've been hearing rumors that there was going to be a new girl in class. That intrigues me but also scares me at the same time. Not all rumors are true so I eased myself.

I finally woke up from my thoughts and began running to Ms. Harmony's barn.

While running, I saw that the sky wasn't looking so friendly. Dark gloomy clouds started filling the horizon hinting that we were in for a good thunderstorm. I figured that the grass, crops, and trees could use some cries from the sky to sustain them. I hurried over to her house and got there just before it began to pour.

I knocked on her door, rang the doorbell, and heard her footsteps quickly march. I straightened my back, had my feet close together, and prayed on the willow trees that I wouldn't screw up.

She finally opened the door and revealed her calming face.

"Oh joy! You're here! I've been awaiting this for hours!" She cried.

I blushed. I've never seen her this excited.

"I'm happy to be here,"

"Well, come on in!"

I stepped into the barn and followed her into the living room. I saw that her cat, Tai, a male tabby breed was laying on the carpet floor licking himself and Talia, the female husky puppy rolling about. I sat down on the leather couch and Tai jumped on me and made himself comfortable. I'm fond of Tai and I wished I had a cat at home but my father thinks I'm too irresponsible for one.

"As you know, she began. I said that I have someone you must meet. She is a lot like you in some ways but also very different."

I nodded.

"Her father passed away a year ago so I took her in for adoption, she deserves a place where she can feel safe, secure, and home."

I understood completely how that felt. At that moment, I had a flash spiral in my head, the image of my mother's attack was vivid. She pleaded for help late at night, I woke up only to find her bloody body on the floor and my cruel biological father's hands dripping with crimson red blood. I began to breathe fast, pictures kept flashing in my mind, I heard screams and cries, and then lost my consciousness.

"Layla! Layla!" Ms. Harmony pleaded.

I fell on the ground and everything turned black.

An hour later, I woke up to feel Tai licking my cheek and slowly opened my eyes to find Ms. Harmony and an unfamiliar face looking upon me.

"What happened?" I whispered.

"I think when I was telling you a detail about Amber, you must have had an extremely vivid flashback. I'm sorry, I should have been more careful with my words." She told me.

"It's okay, I'm fine."

"I'll make us some tea. Peppermint, Camille, or Green tea?" She asked.

"Peppermint" Amber and I said in unison.

I looked at her and for the first time, I finally got a good glimpse of her.