The Bird That Couldn't Sing (GBFF)

Chapter 12 - Sang

I thought the car ride after they'd seen my tattered torso would be awkward and they'd never want to talk to me again, but I was wrong. Kota said he wouldn't leave... they wouldnt leave. And even though my life is hell, I couldn't be more happy right now.

But slowly, my happiness begins to subside at the thought of having to return home. I can't stay away forever; that's just the sad truth of my sad life, but it is what it is. At least now I don't have to be alone anymore.

Pulling up to Kota's driveway, I can't help the cold feeling that resides inside my chest, knowing I have to leave my new friends to return to my painful, mundane life.

Victor parks the car and unbuckles his seatbelt, sure to rush out of the car to open my door for me like the kind gentleman he is. I hastily rest a hand on his shoulder to stop his pursuits. He turns his head to look back at me, puzzled.

I sigh heavily and let my hand fall as I sink back a little in my seat. The boys all look at me curiously and slightly nervous. I bite my lip, pointing over to my house across the street, shaking my head. They look over in the direction I'm pointing and all realese heavy sighs themselves, understanding my mute plea.

They can't see me exiting a car with three boys. If my stepmother were to see me, I don't know what she'd do, but I know it would be terribly painful.

"Sang," Silas drawls, deep voice laced with nerves. My eyes snap over to him. "We can't let you go back there."

I shake my head profusely. I have to go back. Sure, my stepmother may be awful, but she's just sick. And I know one day she'll get better. Well, I hope she does. Either way, though, if I don't take care of her, I know no one will.

I have to go back.

Besides, what could they do about it, anyway? They're just kids--the same age as me. They don't have the power to do anything about it. And neither do I, so I stay. It's better than being thrown into foster care. At least I know what I'm coming home to here, but I don't know what would happen to me in foster care. For all I know, it could be so much worse.

"Have to go back," I sign, looking at Kota and doing it slowly, so as to not confuse him. He sighs, but shakes his head in defeat. He knows I'm right. There's nothing they can do to save me except be there for me when the pain gets to be too much.

"Alright, but if anything happens, and I mean anything, don't hesitate to come over. I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind, and I need to make sure you're safe. Vic will have to get you a phone, but until then--if you can't get out of the house and it calls for it--just signal to me with your bedroom lights or the flashlight," Kota instructs, but I shake my head in disagreement.

"No phone."

He sighs again. "We have to, sweetie. How else will I be able to make sure you're safe."

"Yeah, princess. It's no problem, really. I have enough money to last me a lifetime, and I want to get this for you. Please, we can't let you get hurt." Victor's pleading has me give in, unable to argue with the look of appeal and worry in his fire eyes. They're lit up with a sad flame, one that sparks lowly, almost void of the life and mirth I'd seen them crackle with before. I nod gradually, and their faces all relax from the sudden lack of stress.

They all look so handsome when they aren't frowning.

"Good, aggele. Because I plan on texting you every night."

I giggle at that, and his relaxed face soon morphs into one of happiness once again. Looking away from him and back over to the house I call Hell, my finger lazily lifts to my bottom lip, pushing it in between my teeth.