Unbreakable Mind

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

   Amelia's grandparents were almost like every other grandparent in America. They both had the snowy white hair and calming eyes. They both had the look of frailness. They went to church and had bingo night and brunch with buddies. The only difference that puts them out from the Grandparents of America is that they were hardcore hikers. They hiked nearly every week at a local forest with it's one huge mountain. Every once in a while, when they felt it has been 'too long', they would actually take Amelia with them. But it's been three weeks since the last hike Amelia participated in, so she was a little grumpy when they drove off with the Anwells and left her the children.

   The Anwells. There they sat across from Amelia's grandparents on the other tan couch. Mrs. Anwell was sitting rigidly with Cathy bouncing on her lap, staring into her daughter's blue eyes and absentmindedly patting her hair. Mrs. Anwell looked like a grown up version of Cathy, which was sort of ironic because of the fact that she seemed to try to distance herself from Cathy. Actually, Amelia couldn't help but notice that both the Anwell's tried to put both physical and emotional barriers around them from Cathy. It made Amelia want to grab Cathy and protect the little devil from the hidden evils she felt from her parents.

  As if Cathy read her mind, she suddenly stopped bouncing on her mother's lap and stared at Amelia. After a moment, she slid off her mother and ran behind Amelia's standing legs, giggling and hugging her from behind. Amelia smiled down at Cathy before quickly showing her attention was on the adults while Cathy sat down behind her.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Anwell, Mr. Anwell. How was your hike?" Amelia smiled politely over at them.

  They always were extremely complimenting of Amelia, from her attitude to her clothing. Every time she talked to them, they would smile brightly and compliment her before actually answering. Even though Amelia just whispered "Thank you" with a grateful smile, she always felt awkward and uncomfortable inside.

"Amelia! It's so nice to see your beautiful face again, sweetheart! Our hiking trip went great, so kind of you to ask. We all wished you were there!" Mr. Anwell spread his arms wide as he spoke, as if she would run into his arms, and finished with a wide smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Anwell." Amelia replied in a rehearsed tone with a small smile.

   Her eyes shifted over to her grandparents, who were patiently waiting for their greeting. It was one rule they taught her: Also give whoever you're talking to your undivided attention. Before greeting them, Amelia glanced in front of her, where Frita, Jayleen, and Garth were awkwardly shifting in their seats. Amelia shot them a smile and, surprisingly, it was Jayleen who got the courage to smile back. Amelia quickly looked back to her grandparents.

"Hello as well, Mrs. Bethany and Mr. Anthony. I hope your trip back was without a problem." Amelia felt more awkward than she usually did with the other three across from her listening to her polite display.

  Her grandparents smiled at her, probably proud she used their first names but added the 'Mister' and 'Misses'. "It was great coming back, Amelia. There was barely any traffic. But enough of that," Amelia's grandmother clapped her hands, just like Frita, and continued, "It is disrespectful to have the guest wait there for a chance to talk. We were both hoping you could explain what you told us about that wonderful Academy of yours to Amelia." Mrs. Bethany looked over at Garth, him being the only male in their group and therefore the 'group leader'. For a second, Amelia forgot her manners and nearly scowled.

  Frita spoke up, bless her bold nature, "Well, we actually got here earlier and spoke all about the school to Amelia. She knows everything she needs to know. Now it's just whether she wants to come and study with us or not." Frita shrugged and looked over at Amelia.