Hidden Heroes

Thirty 8

Jason and I used to play this game where we would twirl on the swings, the chains tangling against each other until it was too tight to move. Then, we would start swinging and see how long we would last until the swing started to untangle. I could never last longer than Jason since he was taller at the time. I mean, he still is taller, but not by much.

I met him when Maximus and I first moved into the small home we live in now, after our father was arrested. He lived right next door, with his aunt. We never saw his aunt much, she was always working. I never saw Jason much in the beginning either, he had a job too.

I first saw him at the park, 8 at night, when I remembered dropping the necklace my mother gave me. Maximus was still out and wouldn't be back for a couple of hours so after my homework, I went out to search.

I first walked the distance to my school. I had it on before classes were over so I looked in the bushes and the garden surrounding the building. I recognized a few people from my class coming back from sports club. They saw me but didn't seem to want to acknowledge me so I went back to searching. I could already hear their whispers on how the aberrant-less girl was digging through the dirt. My hands were littered in welts by the time I was done.

After a good amount of time, I retreated and wanted to go to the park instead. I made my way back the way I came and to the small entrance of the park. I spotted a certain red head swinging so I decided I wouldn't go there for now. I checked the bushes, jungle gym, slides. I even pondered upon climbing up a tree to search but I decided against it.

I finally walked up to the mysterious boy swinging by his lonesome. I couldnt really make out his face as the sun had already set and the street lamps didn't do any good and shedding light.

I went to search the grass besides the swing sets when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I jolted up and scurried back against the fence bordering the park.

The boy raised his hands to show he didn't have ill-intentions. I spotted a familiar golden chain wrapped around his palm and I immediately started to crawl back towards him.

"I was looking for that," I spoke.

I finally looked him in the eye and saw he had amber eyes that almost shimmered in the dull lighting. He had really nice eyes.

"Oh, thanks..." he said. Oh, did I say that out loud?

"Can I have it back, please?"

I placed my hand in front of him, waiting for him to give me my necklace.

I was a stupid kid. I still am that. A stupid kid.

He gaze flitted at my damaged palm, then he smiled. Without a word, he grabbed my hand and I couldn't remember anything after that.

:.~^*^~.:

Once I regained my consciousness, I was sleeping on my couch with Maximus hovering over me.

"Fable, oh my gosh. Are you an idiot?"

I placed a hand to my head when realized it was wrapped neatly in bandages. I patted myself down bu j couldn't feel anything similar to a chain.

"I was just looking for mom's necklace."

"Well, lose it again, you aren't getting it back," he threatened. "Jason was nice enough to bring you back and helped wrap your hand. Who knows what could have happened if it wasn't someone as nice?"

"Jason?"

"Our neighbor," he spoke, nodding his head in the direction of the right wall. "He's a good kid, smart and well-behaved, unlike someone..."

"I don't appreciate your tone, good sir."

"And I don't appreciate yours, young lady. You're grounded."

I really couldn't agree with him, it was my fault for being an idiot.

The next day, Maximus made me go thank him for his help. I had to get my necklace back so I didn't fight it. We both woke up at five thirty in the morning, I woke up the same time he did so that I wouldn't have to worry about making breakfast for myself.

He told me that he always bumps into Jason before he went to work. I didn't bother getting dressed for school as I went to go greet him. I walked out of the house in my tank top and pajamas, though I made sure my cardigan covered the burn marks on my arms. They were faint but I didn't want people asking me how I got them. I didn't need that reminder of mom.

Jason walked out of his door a few moments later and smiled when he saw Maximus.

They greeted each other and Maximus pulled me forward and made me face Jason. I lowered my gaze but I quickly lifted it when he grabbed my hands.

"You were really hurt yesterday, I don't know if you noticed," he joked. "But, are you feeling better?"

I blinked before realizing I had to respond. "I...I'm fine. Thank you."

Wasn't I supposed to ask him for something? The fact that he asked me if u was okay threw me off. It wasn't out of pity or anything of that sort. Not how people asked if I was doing okay after mom died. Like he was actually concerned.

My heart fluttered a little quicker and I almost mourned the loss of his touch as his bid a farewell so he could make his way to work.

He never talked about what he did at work but I didn't care at the time. He was fun to be around.

At the time, he was the only friend I had. I confided in him and now, looking back, maybe I shouldn't have.

Now he knows everything about me. Maybe if I found out where he worked in the beginning, I wouldn't have been as careless. Just because he wrapped my hand in bandages, he carved a path straight to my heart.

:.~^*^~.:

"Fable?"

Silence.

"Fable."

I stirred and attempted to lift my hand to calm the banging in my skull, only to realize they were bandaged.

Maximus looked at me with glittering eyes, as if he were about to cry. But he doesn't cry.

"What...happened?" I whispered. The pain in my head only got more intense as I spoke. I felt tears brimming my eyes. "Maximus, where-"

"You're home now, don't worry. But we have a lot to discuss. Rest for now, ill come talk to you later."

He reached for mg hand and gave a comforting squeeze before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

I lifted my hands to my head again and tried to squish my skull to bits. Obviously, that didn't work.

I pushed myself up into a sitting position and felt the tears dripping down my face.

"Why does this always happen to me?"

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Lots of luck and other stuff 🍀