Save Me...

~Four~

Colin's POV:
The kids came down about five minutes after we called for them. I hope they get along all right. Michael grabbed two plates, I gave him a questioning look. He's usually hungry but this is new. He piled both plates, and sat at his normal seat after he pulled the chair out for Mal beside him. Why did he get Mal's plate? We raised him to be a gentleman, but this is weird. I'll ask him later.

My thoughts were interrupted when there was a ringing at the door. I got up to get it to see Ryan and Amber, Jen's parents.

Colin: Come on in. We have a surprise.

We walked into the dining room. I saw Jen and Lana talking with the kids. Everyone was smiling and laughing. In that moment, I realized this is the family I've always wanted.

Michael: Gramps, Grandma!

They responded with different forms of "hello's". Michael got up and hugged his grandparents. Then Jen spoke up.

Jen: Mom, Daddy. This is Mal.

Amber: Are you a friend of Michael's?

Colin: We actually bumped into each other in the streets. She had no where to go, so she will be staying with us.

Mal's POV:
Amber: Come here Mal.

Oh no, is she going to beat me? I looked at Michael. He looked at me with sympathetic eyes. He grabbed my hand, and whispered in my ear.

Michael: It's okay. I'll go with you.

We both got up and walked over to his grandparents, with my guard up.

Amber: Welcome to the family!

She pulled me into a hug. I was tense, but for some reason I felt at home in her arms. I hugged her back. She pulled me an arms length away, and looked me over.

Amber: You're a very beautiful girl.

I felt a blush rise to my face.

Mal: Thank you, you're quite beautiful yourself.

Amber: Thank you dear...You're far to skinny.

I instantly felt self-conscious. I put my head down. Luckily, without me asking, Michael cut in.

Michael: Why don't we eat, yeah?

--- During Supper ---
Michael: Hey Mal, I'm going to go shoot some hoops with my cousins next door. Do you want to come?

Mal: Uh sure.

I think he could tell I was nervous, so he whispered...

Michael: Don't worry, I'll be there the whole time.

Mal: Okay, sure.

--- After Supper ---
Michael: We're leaving mum!

Jen: Okay have fun!

We walked across the driveway, to see a boy, maybe a year older than us. With a girl our age playing basketball.

Michael: Sup Ashton.

Ashton: Hey Michael!

They did their weird bro-hug thing. While I stayed silent.

Michael: Hey Aspen.

Aspen: Hi Michael.

Ashton: Who's your friend?

Michael: Oh sorry! Ashton, Aspen, this is Mal. She's staying with my family.

Mal: Hi.

I gave a little awkward wave. They both had a huge smile on their faces. I could tell they were related.

Ashton: Welcome to the Willows-tree!

Aspen: It's nice to have another girl our age on this street.

Ashton: Do you wanna shoot some hoops with us?

Mal: Uh sure, but I don't know how.

Ashton: You've never played?

Mal: No, I'm sorry.

I hung my head. I wasn't allowed to do much before.

Ashton: Oh no, I didn't mean anything by it. I'm sorry.

He came and hugged me. It was comforting.

Ashton: I hope we can be friends.

Mal: Yeah, I'd like that.

Ashton: Me too.

--- Before The Game ---
Ashton: Let make this interesting.

Aspen: How so?

Ashton: Every time one of us makes a basket, you have to tell us something about you.

Mal: Okay. I probably won't play then.

Aspen: That's okay, I'll sit out with you.

--- The Game ---
Ashton: Alright, my first basket.

Mal: What do you want to know?

Ashton: Favorite Color?

Michael: That's the first question?

Ashton: *shrug* I wanted to start off with easier questions.

Mal: *laughs* Blue.

--- 10 Baskets/Stupid Questions later ---
Ashton: My last basket. Huh, let's see.

Mal: Ask me anything that comes to mind.

Ashton: What was your old home life like?
———————
Stay Awesome Penguins 🐧. ~K