Orphan

Choice

Ran’s POV:

It had been two days since the attack happened. Things seemed to have calmed down. Nothing had happened since then. Those guys were in jail. I wonder if dad has no one else to send? I doubt it, but… maybe he doesn’t? I know he’ll still be after me. Until he’s caught, I’ll always be living in fear. I hate that. I don’t want to live in fear. I want to be able to have a normal life for once. Why can’t I?

Hell, I’d honestly be fine with living at an orphanage again if it meant I could live a pretty average life. I just want to be a kid for once. I don’t want to live my life fearing the unknown. I just want to have fun and live life how I want to. Is that too much to ask?

We had just finished school for the day. I was walking beside Tomoe as we made our way out of the building. Everyone else was already at our meeting spot. We gathered there every day after school and talked for a while. Then, we’d normally go to someone’s house for an hour or so.

I’m still nervous about being outside, but I was told I shouldn’t worry about it too much. I want to believe them, but I have my doubts. It wouldn’t take much for dad to get me. I know that. Even if I’ve been getting lessons on self-defense, I don’t think I could beat him.

We decided that we’d go to Tsugumi’s house today. We made our way there while talking about what happened at school today. It wasn’t that long of a walk, so we were there before we knew it. We all filed inside the house. We hung out in the living room.

Oh yeah. Moca’s back living with her dad now. He had been away for work, but now he came back. They’re living with her grandparents, I believe. I’ve been staying with Himari. I worry that’ll cause them problems once dad decides to come after me again. But, I haven’t said anything to them about it. I know they’ll just tell me it’ll be okay. I can’t believe them. Not after what happened last time.

We spent two hours hanging out at Tsugumi’s house. We had to go home for dinner, so we all went our separate ways. Himari was talking to me about some random book she had been reading. I wasn’t really paying that much attention to her. I was checking my surroundings constantly. I hate that I’m always so paranoid to be outside.

We made it to her house. Dinner was ready for us by the time we got there. We sat down and ate and talked about our day. Afterwards, we hung out in the living room and watched some random TV shows that Himari liked. I liked some of them, but a few were not to my liking. I didn’t say anything, though. I just let her enjoy them while I pretended to care about it.

It had been about an hour when we stopped. Himari had something going on tonight. So, she had to get ready. I wasn’t going to it. Not that I cared. I was fine staying at home. I feel safer here than anywhere outside.

I was left by myself. I hung out in the guest room that had now become my room. I had nothing to really do. I did some of my homework and then lazed about on my bed.

I was interrupted when the phone rang from downstairs. I went and answered it. I was expecting it to be Himari’s parents. It wasn’t.

“Hello, Ran. I suggest you come home. If not…” A scream sounded from close by the person, “Your friend is going to get hurt worse.”

The line went dead after that. I didn’t know what to do. I don’t recognize the voice, but I know they’re someone who works for dad. Dad got someone… and he’s going to hurt them to get me to come back. What do I do?

Should I call someone? Who would help me? I don’t have a lot to give them. Would they even believe me? It’s not a voicemail, so it isn’t saved. I can’t give them the call as evidence. Who would believe me without it?