Runaway

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

“Up and at ‘em!” I cracked my eye open to see Mindy leaning over me.

“AHH!” I shouted, falling off my bed. She straightened, looking at me oddly.

“Whoops. My bad. Didn’t know you were jumpy. I didn’t get the memo I guess. I’ve GOT to check those memos more often.” I sat on the floor, looking at her like she’d grown another head, arm, AND leg. What was this lady ON? “Anyway. Up, kid. Breakfast’s on, and I’m sure that Robbie will be here to get you soon. Oh, and p.s. I took your shirt for washing…so if you’re uncomfortable I guess you can just sit up here until Verl, the moose, brings it back.” And she was gone. I looked down at myself, and my shirt was really gone. My white bandage looked extremely white against my tan skin. 

I looked up in bewilderment. How had the woman gotten it off?? I shook my head and headed down stairs.

“Woot woot. Did someone forget their shirt?” Briar teased. I looked up at Mindy, muttering to herself at the stove.

“No, someone’s psychotic godmother took my shirt in the middle of the night to be WASHED.” I retorted, sitting down next to Lezlai. She looked at the bandage sadly, touching it softly.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“Don’t be.” I answered, taking her hand and smiling.

“Sorry, Zander. Mindy likes a good muscle show.” Briar shrugged.

“All right. Here’s some eggs, bacon, pancakes, and…where are the hash browns? HARRY! WHERE ARE THE HASH BROWNS?!” a bird called and flew in with a pan of hash browns. “Yes, thank you. All right, everyone eat up!” We all grabbed our food, everyone staying as far away from the hash browns as physically possible. I felt something breathe on my neck and I spun to see a moose behind me.

“YACK!!!” I shouted, my chair tipping over and I landed on the ground with a thud. It looked at me with a bored expression, chewing on something. My shirt hung from one of its antlers. I groaned. This must be Verl. 

Lezlai pulled my shirt off its antler, giving it a strange look. He looked at her and waddled away. Briar helped me up,

“Sorry man. I should’ve warned you he was behind you.” He laughed a little.

“Yeah, that would’ve helped the cause of justice.” I retorted, setting my chair up and sitting down.

“Are you all right?” Lezlai gave me a concerned look and handed me my shirt. I pulled it on and started doing up the buttons.

“Yeah. Just a little freaked out is all.” I blushed, feeling dumb for freaking out like that. A knock sounded on the door and Mindy went to get it, mumbling all the way.

“I see why you only come here so often.” Lezlai smiled at Briar.

“Yeah.” He laughed a little. “She’s kind of off her rocker, but I love her all the same.”

“Oh Robbie, you simply must have Briar come visit me more. I miss him so much, and he’s such good company. And you simply must have him keep bringing friends, I simply love meeting them!” Mindy brought Robbie into the kitchen, jabbering all the way.

“I will, Mindy, thank you.” He smiled and turned to us. He found a chair and sat down. “I have bad news.” Mindy kept talking in the background.

“What bad news?” I asked, curious.

“You can’t leave today.” Robbie answered.

“WHAT??” Lezlai demanded. I was thinking the same thing. ANOTHER DAY WITH MINDY?!