The Game We Play

Chapter Eleven

Charlie and Ash headed downstairs, Charlie continuing to apologize for the interruption. "But it's okay! You'll love Trina." he assured. As the two got down to the kitchen, Ash noticed a girl in ripped jeans and a Green Day t-shirt. Her hair was messily thrown into a braid on her right side, died completely neon pink.

"It's about time you got down here. I'm going out with friends today and I don't want her to pick up anything bad from-" the girl paused. "Who's this? Did you turn straight suddenly?"

"All the girls wish." Charlie smirked. "But no, this is my lovely pal Ash and I brought her over to talk."

"You never bring people over." she stated.

"Well Audrey, I figured I could use a change in pace." he said

"Nice to meet you!" Ash said, smiling.

"Oh yeah, Ash, this is my sister Audrey. Once Mom passed away from cancer, she took on three jobs to support us. She doesn't have to work as hard now, but she's still the main caretaker for Trina, my baby sister." he smiled as he said her name.

"She's in the bathroom right now, but I trust you'll be able to watch her." Audrey said semi-threateningly.

Maybe she didn't mean it, but with her toned muscles and choice of attire, Audrey was very intimidating.

"We got her." Charlie promised.

"Then I'll be heading out. I'll be back by ten Char-Char." she told him as she walked away.

"Don't call me that!" he yelled, his face flushing.

She grabbed her keys from the counter before walking out the door.

"Wow! She's so in shape! Does she work out a lot?" Ash gushed.

"Every day." he replied. "I don't want to get into it, though."

Ash thought that was a weird response but she brushed it off. Suddenly a small girl with copper hair and freckles came out.

"Charlie? Did Audrey leave...?" she asked softly.

"Yes, but you get to hang out with Ash and I today!" he said excitedly, motioning to Ash.

"Ash?" she asked, looking wide-eyes at her.

"That's me!" she said smiling. "It's nice to meet you Ms. Trina."

The girl smiled, seemingly more comfortable now, before jumping onto Ash in a hug. Surprised, Ash did her best to hold onto the girl.

"She warms up fast." Charlie informed, giggling. "You wanna come get groceries?"

"Yes!" Trina yelled excitedly, wiggling out of Ash's grip onto the floor. "But Audrey didn't make me any food yet..."

"I got you kiddo." Ash exclaimed.

Charlie looked at her surprised- was she about to make food for his sister?

"Ash, you know you don't have to-"

"Nah! I got it." she said while taking out some eggs. "Do you like omelettes Trina?"

"I love omelettes!" she mused.

She spoke so grown up, but she had a very childish voice. It reminded Ash of Nigil from when he was younger. She hummed quietly as she mixed up the eggs. Trina and Charlie took seats at the table, talking about something Trina did in school.

"Eggs are ready!" she announced as she sat down three plates of steaming omelettes.

"Yummy!" Trina yelled as she dug in.

"Thanks Ash. You really didn't have to." Charlie said with a lopsided smile.

"Well, you've always helped me out so I figured I'd do the same." she replied.

Charlie looked up at her. She seemed to be peacefully lost in thought. Trina, on the other hand, was munching loudly. Of course! She was thinking about Nigil. He knew it was nowhere near what she was feeling, but he missed that boy too. Three years younger than him, Nigil had been so excited to enter high school. He'd immediately joined with their friend group and was the storm to Ash's calm.

"What we were talking about earlier... just keep it in mind. I meant what I said though, I'll be there for you no matter what Ash."

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Little bit longer of a chapter this time! Stay safe everyone <3