Red

Chapter 8

I woke up feeling dazed and still extremely tired. Everything around me was hazy as if I was in a dream but I knew I wasn't. I was alone and it was my fault completely and tomorrow I would be surrounded by people mourning with the guilt clinging to my skin. I turned my head and looked at the dress. I didn't exactly like dresses but I knew I didn't really have the right to complain.

My aunt and uncle were forced to take me in and soon even bring me to their house. I had to make as less trouble as possible for them at least until I was old enough to move out and stop being a burden. I rolled out of bed, deciding to pack up my things so that my aunt wasn't forced to help me. I grabbed a box and set it on my bed. Opening my dresser drawers, I tossed clothes in one by one until I had filled the box. I looked around at all of my possessions and sighed. I didn't know what to keep and what to give away. Frankly I didn't want any of it.

I grabbed a couple of books and threw them in a box. I scanned the bookshelf and froze when I saw my old fairytale book. I remembered sitting down with my parents every night as they read to me. My favorite fairytale was "Little Red Riding Hood". I was so obsessed that my mom made me a Red Riding Hood costume. I wore it so much that my mom had to keep fixing the frayed ends. They both worked so hard for me and my brother. And I let them down. I was always fighting with my mother. I seemed to forget all the good things as I got older.

"Brielle? Are you okay?" I jumped, dropping the book as my uncle walked into my room. I immediately turned away from him as I felt cold tears fall down my face. I blinked a couple of times before wiping my face and picking up the book. As I was about to place it back on the shelf he gently grabbed my hand. "Brielle? What's wrong? Me and your aunt are very worried about you." I turned to look at him and mustered up my best smile. "I'll be okay, really uncle Mike. I'm just mourning still, but...but I think the change of scenery will help a lot. As well as at least having some family left, even if it's not a lot. And-yeah."

I stopped myself from saying anything else and further upsetting him. I braced myself and looked up at him. He looked so tired and worn down. But there was something else there, worry, care, and even a little bit of understanding. It took me completely by surprise when he suddenly leaned over and hugged me. "We'll always be here for you. Please remember that you're not alone. Your aunt and I will always care for you and love you as our own child. I promise." I nodded my head and then awkwardly patted his back lightly. He finally let go a few moments later and smiled at me.

"Well I came up to tell you dinner is almost done. Don't worry, your aunt didn't burn all the food." He winked and me and laughed. I managed to get a few quiet laughs out and maintained my smile. He looked down at my leg and his smile faltered. "Do you need any help going downstairs?" I shook my head and smiled at him. "Nah, I'm good. I'll be down in a minute." I kept the smile on my face until he left and closed my door. Once it was securely locked I sighed and slid down to the floor. Pretending was not easy but I needed to do it better. I was worrying them and that's the last thing that I wanted. I didn't want to do anything to upset them.

I already knew I was asking to much. I took a deep breath and pushed the memories away. I kept everything locked up tight, and that helped me smile or at least pretend like they were actually helping me. The only problem is that it left me feeling numb and empty inside. I tried to get off the floor and realized that I had made a terrible decision. I tried to get up several time but was able to because of my broken leg and arm. After several failed attempts at getting up I cursed and slammed my good hand into the ground. I let out a disgruntled sigh and then took a deep breath.

"A-aunt Marisol? Uncle M-Mike?" I cursed at myself again for stuttering and went to try again until I heard a knock on the door. "Brielle? Is everything okay? I heard you calling for us." I heard my aunt try to turn the handle. Not long after there was more gentle knocking. That's when it hit me that I had locked the door earlier. I decided to explain myself before she got worried. "Umm, well, I had sat on the ground to, um, pack and now I can't get up. But. I think, I may have, accidentally locked the door."

I held my breath and listened for my aunts response but none came. I heard her feet pad away and felt my heart sink. She really was just going to leave me here. I guess I deserved since I kept trying to push them away. I shut my eyes and tried to think of a solution when I heard footsteps approaching again. "Briefly, I found the skeleton key. I'll be inside to help you in just a second. I know you must be uncomfortable but bear with me one moment."

I sat there in stunned silence. She actually came back to help me. And cared enough to think of how I must be feeling. I put a head over my heart and struggled to push away these feelings. I knew I was being selfish to think that I deserved to be loved and cared about. I knew, I had to do better. I couldn't let my selfishness be the reason someone got hurt again. I closed my eyes as my aunt burst into the room silently regaining my composure.

"Oh, sweetie. Here, let me help you up and we'll go down and eat some grub and watch a movie." She gently grabbed me and helped me up. She gave me a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'll even let you pick the movie okay?" I plastered my best fake smile and let out a small laugh. "Okay. Thank you aunt Marisol, for everything." She paused and gave me a shaky hug. "Of course. That's what family is for."