Adopt-a-Story

Unknown

Sighing, I close my book and set it next to my bed. Lunch time.

Where am I, you ask? You'll just have to find out. I'm too tired to explain everything now. Maybe around supper, yeah?

Standing up, I shake my head, muttering to myself how stupid I am for taking up so much of my time reading instead of sleeping.

As I make my way downstairs, I can't help but wonder how life would be if all of this hadn't happened. Maybe I would have a nice meal with my family, a nice bed with non-ripped blankets, and a smile on my face for once.

I'm known as the "trouble maker" here, and nobody even comes near me, especially not the new people. Wimps.

"Noelle, make sure to eat all of your food today."

"No promises." I roll my eyes before sending him a small, fake smile and walking to my usual table.

The person giving me my food looked a little terrified, which used to hurt me, but I've grown so accustomed to it, it doesn't bother me anymore. Honestly, only one person I've known here wasn't absolutely terrified of me, but he left me, as usual.

"Hey." I snap out of my trance to meet a pair of eyes staring back into mine. What gives you the nerve?

I say nothing and just stare at her, twirling my dried up pasta with my plastic fork.

Letting out a nervous sigh, she speaks again, "They said not to bother you, but it looks like you need a friend, so why not?"

I grunt. "They're right. Don't bother me unless you wanna end up with everyone being scared of you."

"I wouldn't mind, as long you have a friend-"

"Just leave!" I growl, standing up. I could tell by the fear in her eyes she was about to give up, but nonetheless she continues to talk.

"You can't be alone forever. Trust me, I would know." Giving up, I start to walk back to my room before being reminded that I had to do my chore for the day.

"(Name) will watch over you to make sure you don't do anything."

What's wrong with running away? It's not like anyone would care anyway. All I did was go to the park and read like a normal kid, is there something wrong with that?

"Hey." Oh, great. It's the girl from earlier. "So you're a trouble maker?" Again, I stay silent. "Good talk." She mutters to herself, an awkward smile on her face as we walk into the kitchen. Most kids should be done with their lunch by now, so the dishes need to be done. Fortunately, I was able to scare the leaders into letting me sleep through breakfast, so I wake up in time for lunch everyday.

"Stand here unless you want to get soaked." I advise her, pointing to the island behind me as I take my place in front of the sink. Proceeding, I'm about a quarter-way done with my chore when she pipes up again.

"Need help? I've got nothing to do and you-"

"Sure." I interrupt, tossing her a drying rag. She smiles before rushing over to me and taking the dish I'd held out for her to take.

"Thanks." We continued to do the dishes before she started to sing Photograph by Ed Sheeran. It just so happened to be my favourite song, but I don't want to hear or talk to (Name). I just want be alone in my room, reading.

"Can you please stop?" I glare at her, making her stop immediately.

"Sure, sorry." She frowns.

A few moments later, she starts to hum the song to herself. I sigh and roll my eyes, but allow her to continue anyway. It was actually kinda comforting, her voice. Never in a million years would I admit that to her, though.