Finding Home | ✔️

Chapter Four

I currently sat drawing in my notebook about what had recently happened. The adults whispering behind me and my brother's back, mostly talking about me. I gripped my pencil in anger to the point the pencil broke.

The door to my room creaked open and I didn't bother to turn around. "We're watching Disney movies downstairs... if you want to come and join us," Sandy said, even though I could clearly hear the singing of 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' from up here.

"I'm fine, Sandy. I just would like to be alone... if that's okay?" I asked rather than stated.

"Of course," she said and slowly closed the door. I took a deep breath and closed my sketchbook. It was currently 8:00 pm and I was surprised that the boys weren't in bed already.

Shrugging on my sweatshirt and putting my shoes on I slipped out the window. The ground wasn't far down so I slide down the roof and unto the ground. I was pretty sure that they'd be mad if they found me gone. Can't get caught if they've got nothing to prove.

~^~

I walked around the neighborhood for a bit, enjoying the quiet except it wasn't. My thoughts were louder and clearer than before.

You can never escape authority, North. Life is always about listening to someone higher than you. I've given you everything you ungrateful child. The least you could do is respect me!

My chest started to clench and I found it harder to breathe. I'm trapped... I'm trapped even in my own body! Panic struck me and I glanced around but the house seemed to grow bigger and I started to shrink. I leaned against the light pole for support but it didn't help.

"Hey... Are you okay out there?" Someone yelled from a window. I went to look but instead, everything faded. "Shît!"

~^~

"Is she alright?"

"I don't know. Here put this on her."

A warm feeling was placed on my forehead and I groaned trying to move it away. Blood poured from my head as my mother stood in front of me. Her diamond ring dripped with blood and I cowered away in fear. The metallic smell filled my nose as the blood slide down my face. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry." I slid back and come face to face with three people. A washcloth fell from my face and unto my lap.

An adult came forward and picked up the washcloth. "It's okay. You gave my daughter quite a scare."

I averted my eyes from them and stood up. "Sorry, I better get going. Thanks for... uh helping me," I stepped up and winced but I tried not to show it. The two parents looked at each other and helped me out the door. The fall wind hit my cheeks and I shivered in my light jacket.

"Hey," a voice said behind me as she closed the door.

I grimaced but faked smiled as I turned to face her. "Hey."

"I thought you might want someone to walk with you back to your house. Wouldn't want you to pass out again," she told me as I walked away. She jogged to stand next to me. Her fuzzy coat matched her black hair. She looked up at me and said, "I'm Valeria."

I glanced at her then turned my attention back onto the street. I waited for her to get the point but she continued to walk beside me. I looked at her before replying, "North." She seemed to understand my reserved nature and quietly walked beside me.

I saw my house just a few houses down and turned to look at her. "Here's my stop... I guess. Thanks for uh... helping me?" I said as I slowly turned away.

"You're new here aren't you?" she interjected and I paused. She stared at me and laughed. "A simple nodded would work."

I nodded slowly. "And?"

"And I'll be looking forward to seeing you at Greenwood High," she smiled before walking off. She gave a small wave but I didn't return the favor.

Greenwood High? High School? I've barely even gone to Elementary much less than the other ones.