𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀 | elektra perkins

003: goodnight

CHAPTER THREE: goodnight

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Nova's contemplation was interrupted by Gina calling for dinner. Nova got of her bed, checked her appearance in the mirror and plodded down the stairs, Carmen following beside her. Carmen spent the whole walk to the kitchen complimenting Nova's style, which the girl found only slightly annoying. It was nice to be complimented instead of insulted, Nova had to admit. Carmen had Tee save Nova a seat in between them at the dinner table, in hope of befriending the girl, so Nova sat on the edge of her seat between both Carmen and Tee, and opposite Johnny. Tracy was at the head of the table, Elektra at the other head, and Mike and Gina had taken their places too amongst the children.

"Do you like curry? I hope it's not too spicy for you. Gus told us you're a vegetarian. So is Elektra and Tee, so it's no hassle." Tracy rambled as she served Nova her dinner. Nova took a forkful of rice and reassured Tracy the curry was really good and took another mouthful to prove it. The rest of the residents at the Dumping Ground ate their dinner amongst idle chatter which Nova didn't feel comfortable enough to participate in just yet. She had always liked to keep herself to herself, it was easier that way, she found. It didn't escape her notice, though that many eyes were staring at her as Nova ate her dinner. Johnny was not so subtly staring at the girl opposite him. At least Liam made his glances subtle, as did Sapphire and Elektra. Nova slowly continued eating as much as she could despite how uncomfortable the stares made her feel; she hated being the centre of attention, especially when she was eating. It put her off her food, so Nova idly spread the curry around her plate to make it look like she had eaten more that she had.

"So, Nova, how are you finding it here?" Tracy began, noticing the girl had been too quiet. Nova just nodded and replied simply, "Good - better than Burnywood."  Nova managed a small smile. She suddenly felt incredibly tired and needed to lie down in some quiet.
"That's good. Everyone here is really nice. I think you're going to fit right in here." Tracy replied as Nova nodded.
Nova took a few more bites of her food before she realised that Tee had finished, and she still had half a plate to go. Suddenly flustered, Nova couldn't eat any more without feeling sick. Tracy took Nova's plate away with a concerned look on her face but didn't say anything because she didn't want to make a scene on Nova's first day.
"Who's ready for dessert?" Mike asked.
"If Tracy made it then I'll pass." Lily giggled.
"Hey! My crumble was lovely! You guys just don't appreciate finely cooked cuisine." Tracy defended.
"It was burned black!" Carmen replied.
Nova skipped dessert along with Sapphire and left the younger kids to argue with Tracy over how bad her cooking was. Nova made her way over to the bookshelf in the games room to see if there were any decent books that took Nova's fancy. After scanning the contents, she found an enemies to lovers fantasy book, took it off the shelf and began to read the first pages on the sofa. As Nova had made her way through the first chapter, Tracy came in to check on the girl.
Tracy took a seat next to Nova and voiced her concerns: "You didn't eat much at dinner, are you feeling okay?"
Nova, feeling cornered, nodded and managed to slip out an unconvincing "yes." She flipped her book over, making a mental note of the page number, and explained why she didn't eat much. (She had a big lunch).

To Nova's dismay, Tracy pried further. "What'd you have?"
"A barbecue. Burgers and salad and stuff." If there was one thing Nova was grateful for, it was her ability to think on the spot. Lie on the spot, more like. Tracy nodded, but Nova knew she wasn't convinced.
"Can I show you something? I think you'll appreciate it." the care worker asked. Nova knew she couldn't say no, so she agreed and was led into the garden by Tracy. She led Nova to the bushes at the back of the garden, where there was a clearing that opened up into a neat little hideaway.  In the middle of the clearing were three seats, the kind you'd find in a van, except they were obviously not in a van, instead covered in a light dusting of leaves. Tracy explained this was where people came when they wanted to be alone, or to have a private conversation with someone.
"There's bugs everywhere." Nova commented, not really knowing what else to say, which caused Tracy to laugh.
"True, but it's peaceful." Tracy defended before sitting on the left seat after brushing it down. She motioned for Nova to join her, and then sat on her hands as a nervous habit. Nova sat on the opposite end of the seats and played with the ring on her forefinger, Nova's own nervous habit. The air around the two shifted, and Nova could sense the conversation was about to get serious.  "You said you'd come from Burnywood." Tracy began hesitantly.
Nova's reply was a blunt "Yeah."
"Why'd you leave?"
"Hasn't Mike told you already? I would assume that was important." Nova shrugged, not wanting to talk about Burnywood.
"He said there was an incident." Her voice was soft, motherly. It angered Nova.
"Why'd you ask if you already knew? " Nova turned to face her prying care worker, no longer nervous as it was replaced with anger.
"I didn't mean to anger you, Nova. I just wanted to make sure you knew you could talk to me, about anything."
Nova let out a bitter laugh and rolled her eyes. She really wanted to be alone now, more than ever.  "Whatever. you're meant to 'care' not be nosy." She said and walked away.

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Tracy tried to talk to Nova just before lights out. The care worker was ready to go home for the night but didn't want to leave before shed made things right with Nova. The girl told Tracy to go away but, stubborn as ever, Tracy didn't. Nova was tucked up in her new bed, the covers pulled over her shoulders and she had several fleece blankets on top her duvet. Nova had her eyes closed hard and tried to block out the unfamiliar smell by clutching onto her mother's old jumper that smelled faintly like her still. It was the only thing Nova had left of her. The exhausted girl lay facing the walk trying to feel something. She felt lost and longed for home. 
"You should really talk to Tracy. She won't give up." Tee said from outside.
"She's only trying to help."
"I don't need help." Nova replied. It was eight o'clock and Nova already felt sleep taking over her body.
"Goodnight." Tracy said. Nova didn't reply.

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