10/17

Episode 3, Chapter 11

Despite his mother's claims to the contrary, there really wasn't much to clean up. The Carlisle household seldom got very messy. In no time at all, most of the house was spic and span. Parker had just tossed the last throw blanket on the back of the couch when the strangest sensation rolled over him. It was if a bell had chimed in the vaults of his mind, letting him know that something important was about to happen. He looked up in the direction of the door as though movement had drawn his eyes, though there was nothing there. A heartbeat later, he knew, without knowing how, that someone or something he needed to be aware of, was on the other side of that door. His feet were carrying him that direction of their own accord. The knock that rattled the door, startled him and set the dogs to barking. Parker glanced through window as his hand landed on the nob. 

Standing on his front step was a familiar girl that Parker was not sure he would have been able to pick out in a crowd before today. He took a deep breath and opened the door. As their eyes met, a zing of knowing raced through his blood telling him with absolute surety that this girl was like him. From the look on her face, the feeling had been mutual. The two of them just stared at each other, too shocked for words, until Parker heard behind him, "Park, the dogs are put up, let her in, for heavens sake."

"Um, Hi," he finally said, smiling. 

"Hi," she replied, shy and unsure how to carry herself in such an odd situation. She was wearing a large baggy sweatshirt and sweat pants. 

"Uh. Come on in," he said, stepping back to let her through. Peyton had put the dogs in the back for the time being, but they were still barking up a storm. 

"Ignore the dogs, they're good, they're just big and loud and overwhelming to most people at first, so we put them out back." Laney smiled. 

"Well don't leave them out there on my account. I love dogs," she said with a smile as they walked into the living room. Mrs. Carlisle and Penny, stood up as soon as the came in, Peyton stayed where he was but smiled. 

"This is my mother, Trisha Carlisle, and Penny and Peyton," Parker said, gesturing at each person as he said their name. 

"Family, this is Laney Dempson. She goes to school with me," he added, as if everyone here didn't already know that. 

"Hi Laney, welcome to our home," Mrs. Carlisle said, taking the girl's hand and patting it. 

"Here, have a seat," she said with a gesture at the sectional. "Can I get you anything? I was just about to order pizza," she asked, to the surprise and delight of her children. Mrs. Carlisle saw the moment Laney's smile became hesitant. "Don't worry, hon, not to just jump right into it, but Parker has been putting away more food than a grizzly bear since this all began. So if you are hungry, it's perfectly understandable." She was rewarded by Laney's relieved release of breath. 

"Yes, I could eat. I can't seem to stop eating. I don't want to seem like I'm begging though, or put you guys out. I can pay for my pizza and everything I just," she paused with an unsure gesture. "This has just been so weird and I," she stopped, throwing her hand over her mouth, but not before the tiniest sob squeaked out. Mrs. Parker, put her hand on the girl's arm. 

"Woah, hey, it's okay. We understand," she said. As rivulets of tears began to stream down the Laney's face, Mrs. Parker moved to sit beside her. That little bit of comfort broke down the last of her resolve and Laney dissolved into sobs, leaning into Mrs. Carlisle as though she had known her for years instead of minutes. Parker's mom held her, patting her back and cooing comforting nonsense as the teenager cried herself out. 

After chasing his siblings out of the living room, Parker quickly made his way to the kitchen to give Laney some privacy. He felt so bad for her. He could not imagine what it must feel like to try and deal with everything that had happened on his own. He slowly filled a glass with ice water and found a box of tissues, then he crept back into the living room, prepared to bale again quick if he needed to.