OBSCURE

Oblivious?

Chapter 4
Oblivious?

Raven laid on her bed hearing the faint tick of a clock echo through her room as the sun shown through her curtains. She watched the dust float in the light taking deep calming breaths. It was Saturday which meant no classes, that meant she did not have to leave her dorm, which meant that the chance of her seeing Gar today would be nonexistent. She liked that idea. She breathed out a sigh looking to the ceiling "Gar..." she breathed out. "Idiot..." She sat up frustrated thinking about her conversation with her father. If He knew a Logan was hanging around her the chances of her getting to stay in school with her job were gone. She would be locked in that prison of a house yet again.

Before she was able to go to school and get a job like a normal person, she felt like she was locked in a cage. It took a lot of convincing her father to agree to let her have this little freedom she had now. She did not want to let it go. Her entire life, she was never able to experience a normal life and now she had the chance. The thought of that being stripped away from her was a weightful feeling. Living with her father did have it's advantages like money and comfort but she felt extremely lonely. Even if her father denied her those comforts in order to live a like a normal girl for a short while, she felt much happier. Her father kept money from her to keep her from running or disappearing. Raven knew that even if she felt like she had more freedom now, this life and the one without freedom were the same in one way. She would always be kept a secret living in what felt like the shadows. She was transported out of thought by the sound of her phone.

(xxx)-xxx-xxx
KORI

-Raven do you want to go out to eat?

No, I want to stay in today and think-

-Do you want to order something then??

Fine-

-alright i'll bring it to your dorm :))))))))))))))


She tossed the phone to the other side of the bed and fell back down into thoughts of the past.

"Tony look" a small Raven jumped in excitement showing her perfect test score. "The words we practiced, I got them right on my test today like you said I would. let's celebrate pleeeease."

A young Tony smiled "That's great but your dad has people over so we have to stay upstairs in
your room." he raised a finger to his mouth.

Raven frowned "But my teacher just left" she pouted.

"I know" Tony brushed her nose with his finger "And I promise to celebrate with you once we can"

"I never get to go anywhere like Kori and other kids" she pouted placing her test down.

Tony smiled and kneeled down to her height "You are a very special girl Raven and one day you'll get to do many things like other girls and Kori. Your father can't risk people seeing such a little lady wander around the house."

Raven nodded "Why? I don't want to be special I want to be like Kori"! She stomped her foot.

Tony held Raven's hand "Your father is a very important respected man. People don't know he has a daughter.

"Can't he tell them?" Raven bit her lip.

Tony brushed her head with his hand and sighed a smile "I'm afraid not my little bird, They would ask who your mother is and if people found out, they wouldn't like it and his career would be ruined.

A tear escaped her eye "How that my fault" she looked him in the eyes as hers glassed over.

"It's not" He wiped the tear from her cheek and pulled her close hugging the small girl "I have to go but I promise to celebrate with you" he smiled as he stood back up. Raven hung her head and nodded. "You know what to do?"

"Yes, lock the door and be quiet for a while" she smiled as he closed the door.

Raven looked at the room around her. She had countless books, toys, and dolls, it was like a princess room. She had a huge canopy bed and a huge window that looked out above the backyard and city skyline. A table and desk which she did her school work each day and a closet filled with countless clothes. She walked over to her bed and picked up a book laying underneath "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" she read the title, this was her favorite book. She crawled up to sit on her bed as she laid the book in front of her and flipped the pages "Once, there was a rabbit made of ceramics. The rabbit loved a little girl.." she read as a tear hit the page.

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Richard, Victor, and Gar were all out at the local parks basketball court. It was a perfect weekend, the sun was out and it was not too hot. They liked this place better than using the school basketball court because the schools were indoors.

"Are you going to play" Victor waved to Gar who was sitting on the bench.

"No, You go on ahead I'll sit here" He waved back pulling out his phone. He dialed a number and placed it to his ear "Hey Mom" He smiled. His mom was the best, The truth was his real mother and Father had died when he was 8 in a car crash. The people he called mom and dad now were his aunt, Linda, and uncle Steve. They raised him like their own, took care of his parent's school and businesses all while they raised him. Since they could not have children of their own he was a blessing to them.

"Gar, what a surprise" the woman's voice came through the phone.

"Yes, I know a surprise to get a call from your handsome son" Gar smiled to the phone with a laugh.

"And it's always a pleasure when you do. Though you should come home once in a while, your father misses you" her voice sweet and calm.

Gar sat back on the bench "Well I was hoping I could have some of your good cooking since I don't have any school" he played

"No, I'd just starve you" she played in a sarcastic tone.

They finished their conversation and he hung up the phone looking at the time, 11:47. Richard and Victor sat on each side of him drinking their water. "Talking to your girlfriend" Victor smiled.

Gar slumped in anger "I don't have a girlfriend Vicky" he grinned "It was my mom"

"So Ravens not your girlfriend?." Victor teased making baby faces.

Gar stood up looking at his friends "For the last time" he clapped his hands together "She's not my type or my girlfriend."

Richard and Victor smiled to each other then looked at Gar "Okay" Richard let it go.

Gar Raised a brow "That's it? You are just gonna leave it at that?" it was a shock they stopped teasing. Usually, they tried to drag it out a good 20 minutes.

"I was just making sure you know before I ask, In case it made things awkward between friends"

Richard bent down to tie his shoe. Victor leaned back smirking.

"Ask what" Gar stepped forward curiously.

"Well, I'm going to ask her out" Richard looked at Gar with a serious face.

Gar froze "You can't ask her out!." Asking Raven out meant that he would have less time to bother her. If that happened where was he going to find something fun like her to spend time on.

"Well, I'll never know till I call her and ask, Isn't that right Vic?" Richard crossed his arm looking to Victor.

"That's right, after all, Kori is single" he smiled.

"HA ha hahahaha" Gar laughed sarcastically "WAIT... KORI?" Gar eyed his friend. "I knew you were talking about Kori"

Richard smiled "mhm, you seemed pretty jealous I should call Raven and tell her" he pulled out his phone holding it out to Gar for a second to tease him before taking it away. The truth was he really didn't have Raven's number and Richard and Victor were playing it along for the fun.

"How do you have her number?" Gar tried to take a look.

Richard looked at his phone not paying attention to Gar "She gave it to me for notes, we have a class together."

Victor smiled "Why do you care anyways she's not your girlfriend remember. You don't even like her.

"I don't care" he scoffed "It would just be easier to have my entertainment on speed dial for my pleasure anytime and how come she gave you her number when she don't even like anyone in her business but Kori?!"

"Someone sounds jealous" Victor laughed causing Richard to smile. Gar shook his head.

"Let's see...Raven" Richard pretended to read out the contact" Gar stepped closer. "Phone Number. 8...7...Not-gonna-happen." he placed it back in his pocket.

"You know what' Gar smirked to Richard "Very funny, I see what you are trying to do and it not working" he laughed pointing at the two, "You think I'll admit to liking her when I don't" he made clear again. "I don't need her number to waste time. I can just go see her in class and on campus whenever I want." Gar picked up his bag "Now if you excuse me I have a delicious
home-cooked meal to get to at home" He picked up his bag walking away.

Richard and Victor sat quietly for a moment. Victor looked to Richard, Richard looked to Victor as they both burst out laughing causing Gar to turn around annoyed in the distance.

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Gar pulled up to a big brick house in a wealthy neighborhood. He got out and walked in through the front door "I'm here" he yelled taking off his shoes. A middle-aged woman came in wearing an apron. She had blonde hair and round blue eyes. She pulled him in for a hug. "I can't breathe" he tapped her back trying to pull away.

"Let me look at your handsome face " she examined him as he gave a proud smile.

"I'm still the most handsome and your still the prettiest" he played.

The woman laughed "Oh don't flatter me" she dusted her apron off. "I have dinner cooking it will be ready soon. She smiled walking towards the kitchen.

"What are we having?" Gar followed hugging her from behind.

She pushed him away, "Well since you don't eat meat I'm making you spaghetti." she smiled walking to the stove.

Gar sat on a stool at the center bar in front of her "It smells good" he grinned trying to take a bite.

The woman stopped and looked at Gar "Go wash up" she smacked his hand with the wooden spoon.

"AH, it hurts" Gar held his hand pretend to cry. Linda held the spoon up to Gar glaring at him. "Ugh" Gar groaned standing up walking out of the kitchen.

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Trenton was sitting in his office looking through papers. "Send in Melissa" He buzzed.

"Yes, Sir" a woman's voice came through the speaker.

"I need to see you for a moment" The red-haired green-eyed woman came through the huge double doors to the front of his desk."Your daughter Kori how is she? Trenton asked continuing to look through his papers.

Melissa looked surprised "She's doing fine, may I ask why you are asking all of a sudden?"

Trenton leaned back in his chair "My daughter Raven as you know visited me last night and said everything was going fine at school." Trenton leaned forward "But, I can't take her word for everything"

Melissa stepped forward "Sir, My daughter has kept Raven a secret for years and would never say anything unnecessary and Raven is a smart girl I'm sure she would not lie to you"

"I'm aware of that, which is why I would like Kori to report to me if anything happens at school." Trenton stood up walking over to the seats in front of his desk. "Sit" he motioned to the seat across from him. "Kori has known Raven for a long time and I can't have my people watch her for the risk people might notice. I also can't leave her unattended doing as she pleases. She may think I gave her some freedom but I will always have control over her" Melissa sat taking in everything he was saying. Trenton leaned forward grasping his hands together. "I trust Kori because I can trust you. But Raven would tell me anything if it meant she could stay in school and not come back home."


Melissa kept quiet for a moment "Sir I'm grateful that you trust my daughter and me with Raven, I keep her a secret for you because Kori and Raven are such good friends. With all due respect sir, I don't think my daughter would willingly report to you about Raven."

Trenton sighed "I'm aware you don't like me" Trenton smirked "My actions with Raven's mother are in the past. I'm aware you keep Raven a secret for me because of your daughter and Raven's mother." Trenton stood, "but if people find out she's my daughter it won't just hurt me now will it?" Melissa watched him pace back and forth. "Kori won't tell me, but if she says anything suspicious to you, you will tell me." Trenton took a seat back at his desk.

Melissa stood turning to the man "I understand Raven is a threat to you but I hope you realize she is still your daughter above all." Melissa looked at Trenton with sad eyes.

Trenton chuckled to himself "Are you trying to lecture me?" He sat back amused looking at the woman in front of him "she is my daughter that is why I go to these lengths to ensure she knows that herself. threat?... If the press, the people were to ever find out I have a daughter I have ways of ensuring they never find her. It would become a useless rumor."

"What do you mean by that?" Melissa stepped forward

Trenton ignored going back to work "I'll be going to Raven's school Tomorrow to hand out awards to a few students for the summer assembly. I need you to attend as well, you may leave now Miss. Anders."

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"This is great" Gar stuffed his face full of spaghetti "Much better than the schools" he smiled up at Linda.

Linda and Steve smiled as they watched him eat. "Richard called us the other day" Linda tried to make conversation. Gar perked his head up. Richard barely called his parents. "He told me that you have been bothering a girl at school?" Linda wiped her mouth with a napkin as she chuckled. "I would like to meet this young lady."

"What?" Gar sat frozen, this was not a conversation he thought to be having with Linda or Steve. He sat there wide-eyed staring with his mouth slightly open "I don't know what you are thinking but it's not whatever it is." he laughed nervously. "She is not coming over."

Steve chuckled "I remember when I met your mother Linda, don't you dear" He looked over to Linda. 'I would pull her hair and tease her. You must take it from me." He smiled at Gar.

"Wha- WHAT?" Gar completely stopped eating "I don't know what Richard told you but I don't like the girl." He looked at Steve. "You see she's the type that likes to be alone all the time, she never wants to be around anyone but her only friend Kori. She never talks about herself so I don't know anything about her." Gar spoke as if he was talking to himself. "You see, I like to tease her because it entertaining to watch her get all angry and red in the face when I do" He stabbed his plate with his fork. "It's funny when she gets all angry and balls her fists" he smiled to himself. Steve just watched smiling at him ramble.

Linda sighed "Richard tells me she does not like your teasing?"

"Well no..." Gar admitted "But she says that but it's too tempting to leave her alone." he smiled "Would you want this handsome face to leave you alone?" he smiled to Linda cupping his hands under his face.

"Oh stop it" Linda laughed. "Don't go around teasing young girls you are much too old for it." she scolded.

"All she does is get angry at me it's not like I hurt her feelings" he shrugged.

Linda sighed "Still, that does not mean your actions won't end up hurting her"

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Raven and Kori sat eating take-out on the floor of Raven's dorm. "Are you staying in all day?" Kori looked up to Raven.

"Yes," she smiled "It's nice and peaceful" she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Just listen to the sound of no Garfield Mark Logan." she laughed.

Kori laughed "I wanted to ask, How did it go with your dad?"

Raven was quiet for a moment "he asked how school was going." she said lightly.

"What did you tell him?" Kori sat her food down.

"I said everything was fine" Raven sighed "But everything is not fine! If I told him the truth that a Logan was bothering me, not only that but the son of the school's owner, He would not let me come here anymore... so I lied." Raven sat back against her bed frustrated. Kori sat quietly for a moment watching her friend hold back tears. "I don't want to quit school but if Gar doesn't get off my back I might have too."

Kori moved next to her friend "Don't worry" Raven leaned her head on Kori's shoulder "I'm sure everything will work out. Your dad doesn't even come near the school."

Raven smiled taking a breath "Tony has a mustache now" Raven chuckled a little.

"I bet it suits him" Kori smiled

Raven felt relieved for the first time in a while, "It does"