Lilly In The Storm

Chapter Ten

       Mom skims through my closet until she finds a top that pleases her. It's a light purple and light green plaid sweater. She shows it to me and I nod in approval. She tosses the it onto my bed where I'm sitting and continues searching until she finds a long, black skirt to go with it.

       After Mom and I are finished picking an outfit, she leaves the room so I can change. Once I finish, I walk to the bathroom so that Mom can do my hair. She and Dad got ready before I woke up so their full attention was on preparing me.

       When they're done getting me ready they realize we still have about twenty minutes before we have to get on the road. I use this time to go out to the swing. I step carefully over every stray twig and duck below each branch that could mess up my hair. It's fair to say that it took me a little longer than usual to get to the swing. As I start to sit down I look over toward the shed to see if Zero is awake yet. Right when I look he opens the door.

       His face lights up at the sight of me. "Lilly! What are you doing here so early?" He looks at my outfit. "And you're all dressed up, what's the occasion?"

       "Well it's Thanksgiving so I'm going to my Grandma's house for the day." I explain to him.

       His smile fades away. "Oh, okay." He turns back toward the shed. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

       This random mood change isn't normal, he usually has a reason for switching so fast. "What's wrong Zero?"

       He refuses to make eye contact as he scratches the back of his neck. He opens his mouth to speak, the first time he hesitates but then he begins. "I used to love Thanksgiving."

       I look at him with confusion then gesture him to continue. "Yeah? What about it?"

       He lifts his head up to face me. "It was the only time of year I could see my other family members, the ones who treated me with kindness."

       I nod, I went through the same after all. At my old house Mom never invited family over in fear they would be disappointed in her for where she wound up in life. However, she couldn't avoid Thanksgiving. She didn't want the family to get suspicious of her, so she'd grab my thickest sweater and drag me there. It was the only time I didn't fight because I knew I was going to see people who cared for me. I was loved there. It was also the only time I'd have a loving mother by my side, even if her kindness was all an act put on for the family. It was still more than I ever got back then.

       The sound of my parents calling my name fills the air. I say goodbye to Zero then start walking back to the driveway. When I take one last look at Zero, I see a frown on his face.

       Although he's expressed no desire to be anywhere near other people, this is a better time than any. "Come with me." I say extending my hand.

       His jaw drops. "Really?"

       I shrug. "Sure, I'm bringing Hops too so it shouldn't be a problem if you come."

       He beams as he takes my hand in his. "Thank you so much, Lilly!"

       I smile back to him and begin walking back to the car. Before we can leave the protection of the forest, I look at Zero then back at my parents. He nods, indicating to me that he is okay to show himself to them. We walk out of the brush then over to the car, my parents smile. Zero gets in behind my dad in the driver's seat. I get in on the opposite side behind my mom. When I get in the car she turns around to look at me, she smiles then takes a leaf out of my hair.