Normal | Scott McCall

25

Being home alone might be the worse experience for Rita. She felt Jude's absence even more. She had no one to talk to, no one to laugh with, no one with her at all. So when Deputy Parrish appeared at her front door with food she was confused but grateful.

"Sheriff knew your parents were away so he sent me to bring you food and make sure you're not alone." Parrish said, handing her a bag.

"Thank you, Deputy Parrish." Rita said, quietly.

"Call me Jordan." Parrish smiled at her. If she were in a better mood, she would be absolutely thrilled to finally learn what the J in J. Parrish stood for, but right now, she didn't feel anything. She nodded and opened the bag of food.

"Do you have any plans today?" Parrish asked, trying to make small talk. Rita shook her head and pulled out two plates.

"Do you want?" Rita asked, holding up a plate.

"Sure. Thank you." Parrish said, smiling at her. She served him food and brought him a fork. The two began eating silently, Parrish thinking of things to talk about. He looked at the pictures on the refrigerator of the Singh family but it was mostly pictures of Jude and Rita.

"You play baseball?" He asked pointing if the picture of Rita in her softball uniform and Jude in his lacrosse uniform.

"Softball." Rita corrected. Parrish nodded and continued eating. They ate silently and Rita gave him water once they finished.

"What do you usually do when your parents are away?" Parrish asked.

"I would play video games or watch movies with Ju- with Jude." Rita replied, hesitantly saying Jude's name.

"Well, I'm pretty good at video games. What games do you have?" Parrish asked.

"We've got Mario Party." Rita said.

"Let's go then." Parrish smiled. Rita gave him a small smile and led him to the living room. She set up the wii and passed him the spare controller no one would use and took hers. The doorbell rang just before they started playing and Rita went to answer it. Scott greeted her with a bright smile and Rita gave him a small smile, stepping aside to let him in.

"I knew you were home alone so I wanted to hang out with you." Scott said, wrapping his arms around her. Rita wrapped her arms around him and snuggled into his chest.

"Oh, hi, Deputy Parrish." Scott said as they let go. Scott looked at Rita, questioningly.

"Sheriff sent me to bring Rita food and hand out with her for a while since she's alone." Parrish said. Scott nodded and sat next to Parrish.

"Do you want to play too?" Rita asked, pointing at the tv. Scott nodded and Rita passed him her controller and taking the one Jude would always use.

"How's your day been?" Scott asked as they began the game.

"It's been decent. You?" Rita replied.

"It's good now because I'm with you." Scott said. Rita face scrunched up and she nudged Scott.

"You're super cheesy, ugh." Rita groaned, laying her head on his shoulder as the game ended.

"You love it." Scott said, looking down at her. Parrish smiled at the sight of the two teens and stood up.

"I'll get going now." Parrish said. Rita got up to walk him out.

"Thanks for everything." Rita said.

"No problem." Parrish smiled. She waved as he went into the car and drove away. She went back in and sat back down. Scott cuddle up to her and she laid her head on top of his head. They stayed like that for a while in comfortable silence.