Shivers

Chapter 11

"I want to know if her reflex still good. Well,  she still good at it even though she foolishly caught it with bare hand." Lucy stated casually.  Xander looked upset. I looked at both of them back and forth. Something was wrong.

"You don't have to throw a dagger at her to know that." Xander said sternly. 

"Lyn! You're up there?!" My mom shouted from downstairs followed by her steps climbing the stairs.  "Are you okay?  I hear noises."

"You two leave." I commanded on impulse then ran toward the stairs. I met her halfway down the stairs. "I'm fine mom.  Do you mind,  patching me?"

"What happened to you?" She gasped as she saw my bleeding hand.  I just smiled reassuringly at her. 

"Same old thing.  It's okay,  the ghost already left when you called me.  Thanks for that." I lied. She rubbed her chest probably to calm her panic heart.

"Yes, i don't mind patching you up." She took my good hand and led me toward the kitchen. I was just glad she didn't ask much. 

'I still have a good relfex.  Who the hell i was?' I asked myself. Mom was busy cleaning my wound to notice that i seemed lost in my own thoughts. This was getting overwhelming. Too many questions needed answer.

"Mom,  have you ever regret adopting me?" I queried to break the silent. She looked up and stared right into my eyes.  It made me happy when i knew the love she had for me through her eyes.

"Not at all." She said gently.  I couldn't help the broad smile crept into my lips.

"Why do you decided to adopt me?" I continued. Mom was going to bandage my hand but stopped to look at me.

"Do you know,  Adrian and Irene always quarrel when they were little?" I shook my head as this was a new information for me.  I never saw them quarrelling. "My brother suggested to add someone in the family but i couldn't bore child anymore.  So,  we decided to adopt a child.  We met you that day and i just liked you.  Since you're here,  Irene and Adrian had stop their unhealthy banter.  They finally had something in common which is a younger sister.  I'd say,  you're the reason they stopped fighting each other. You're like their little sunshine."

"Are you trying to flatter me?" I joked.  Mom playfully hit my arm while chuckling.

"It's true.  We're just happy we took you in." She reassured.  She continued bandaging my hand neatly.  My smile slowly faded. I just realized i couldn't stay here any longer.

"Well,  I'm glad knowing this. Thank you for everything." I stared into her eyes as i said them. Her eyebrows furrowed in suspicion as she probably picked up the hint. "Well, I'm going to Xander's.  He promised to help me with homework."

I stood up then exited the kitchen.  I didn't bother to get anything from my room.  I knew what i should do from the beginning.  Well,  it was time to quit running and faced the truth.  I exhaled then opened the front door and exited.  It would probably the last time i set foot in this house.  I proceeded toward Xander's house with clenched fists and ignored the pain shot up from my wounded palm.

I rang the bell for few times before the door flung opened and revealed Xander.  He looked surprised seeing me.  I flashed him a small smile then looked down on the floor.

"Do you mind driving me to a place?" I asked without meeting his eyes. 

"Where do you want to go?" He asked while grabbing his car keys that hung by the door. 

"I'll tell you the direction." I said.  He nodded then led me to the garage. 

We both got in and he started the engine.  Soon,  we were out of the driveway heading toward the road.  I told him to go straight and he obeyed without questions. The ride was silent and i felt like the sound of my heart madly pounding filled the silent between us.