A Stone Turned Soft

Chapter 6

Layla had never stayed in a place for more than 3 months. Something had always happened in the first or second month that would either make her want to escape or the family she was staying with would give her away. She hoped this time would be different, but she couldn't help but feel in the pit of her stomach that her sad cycle of life would once again continue.

She was approaching the 2 month mark when she got out of the shower one Saturday morning. Today they were going out for a day trip to Chloe's old hometown of Oakland and going to a Golden State Warriors game. Chloe was extra excited because this would be the first time she would see her old friends since she moved. They would all meet up at the halfway point of Vacaville and go to Fenton's Ice Creamery for lunch. Layla was excited for Chloe. She needed some girl time. Since she moved, she had been through so much and she had done so much for her. This was well deserved.

This being a girls trip, Anthony decided not to come. He couldn't miss a day at the gym, he reasoned.

After packing snacks for the road and getting coffee for the road, the set out for their first stop. Chloe wouldn't stop "letting them know" about her excitement and asked how much further what seemed like every minute. Finally, as soon as Zoe parked the car, Chloe bolted out the car and let out an ear piercing scream as she ran to meet her friends. She nearly ran them over! They screamed some more, jumped, laughed, and cried some as well. By the time they finished, Layla was standing there awkwardly. Chloe introduced her to Abbi, Katie, and Gabby. They had a handshake and even a rhyme they made with all their names. After the introductions were over, they finally entered the building, the scrumptious smell of ice cream wafting through the air. As soon as she ordered her food, she got up to use the restroom. Something caught her eye. No. It's not possible. She shook it off and continued. As soon as she stepped out, she stopped dead in her tracks. Her worst fears were just realized.

"Cockroach." He was standing face to face with her, waiting for the bathroom. "I thought you'd be dead by now."

"I could say the same thing for you, Watson."

"What are you doing here?"

"I work here."

"Ha!" Layla scoffed, "Yeah, and I'm adopted." Her face felt hot. Her eyes darted to the Harrisons then were glued to the floor.

"No! Oh this is rich! You think they..." He couldn't finish his sentence he was laughing so hard, "How long's it been?"

"It doesn't matter."

"You like them don't you?"he realized with a patronizing smile

"So? Who cares?" she retorted, unable to look him in the eyes

"Well I'm surprised their house hasn't burned down or something."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about," he said in a dark tone. "Remember what your 'dear friend' Elias said, 'trouble folー'"

"Shut up!" she backed up into the wall, "Just shut up!"

"I've got ya there haven't I?"

"No. No, you're wrong," she said, trying to reassure herself, "He was just saying what you wanted to hear. He didn't mean it."

"Maybe. But he was right. No matter where you are or who you're with, bad things happen. It may be right away, it may be later, but bad things always happen when you're around."

"Shut up!" she repeated, "You're wrong!"

"Oh yeah? Then why are you backed up against the wall and not looking me in the eye, huh? Tell me," he demanded. No answer. "Yeah. That's what I thought," he said with a sneer, revealing his bad breath and yellowing teeth. "Just do everyone a favor and leave before anything does happen," he said as he walked into the bathroom.