Firecracker (On Hold)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Justin's P.O.V.

So, I'm right about her being homeless, but not the circumstances surrounding it. She left before they could toss her out. She's probably been on the streets since she was a teenager. That would explain how comfortable she feels outdoors and why she's so tough. This girl is a puzzle, that's for sure. I wonder how she went into care? That part of her record is sealed, so I can't gain any information about it. Well, I could have some people dig around, but I don't think Ariya would appreciate that. She likes to keep her life private, so me digging into her past would not go down well.

I follow her back to the campsite and she dumps the water over by Louise before sitting on a log far away from everyone. She's annoyed with me, but I'm not going to let that stop me. I sit near her and say, “I apologize if you thought I was prying too much. I'm only trying to help.”

“No you're not. You're just trying to figure me out. You don't like not knowing everything, so you're doing your best to find out who I am.”

“You're partially correct. I do like knowing everything. I like to have all the information so I can make a well informed plan of action. What you're wrong about is me not wanting to help you. I actually do want to help. I don't want to send you back to the city knowing you're just going to reoffend. I want to give you the best possible chance of changing your life.”

She scoffs at that, so I say, “You might not believe it, but I am different.”

“Why did you leave the Marines?”

I nearly get whiplash from the change of topic. This is a turn of events. She's actually asking me something.

“I went on leave because my dad got sick. Then my CO approached me about trialing this program. They thought I was a good match because of my reputation leading my men and having a completely clean record. Having this place obviously helped the decision, I'm sure.”

She nods but doesn't say anything. I think she's trying to figure out if I'm telling the truth. I haven't lied to her and I won't. I think she'll be able to spot a lie a mile off. I did notice her tense when I mentioned my dad. Parents are a touchy subject for her, probably because she was in care. They could have abandoned her or died maybe. It's clear she doesn't want to talk about them. I'm just about to try to continue our conversation when Lou shouts that dinner is ready. Instead, I just say, “You need to eat, Ariya. Come on.”

After dinner, we're all sitting around the fire talking. Well, everyone except Ariya is talking. She's detached from the conversation like usual.

Mike asks, “Ariya? Do you get paid to fight? I mean, you're a good fighter so I'm guessing you're a professional or something.”

I watch her carefully for a response. She narrows her eyes slightly, like she's trying to find a hidden agenda behind the question. I have wondered this myself. She could earn a lot of money fighting the way she does. If that's the case, then why is she homeless? She doesn't look like she has a drug habit or anything, so what would be draining all her money?

Her answer is cold and emotionless, “That's none of your business.”

“Come on. I'm just asking. No hidden agenda or anything. You could earn a lot of money fighting that well. You can take on Justin, that's saying something.”

“Now you want to be my friend? Er, I don't think so. I don't need friends.”

Todd mutters, “Probably coz no one wants to be your friend. No one likes you.”