XVII. Lost
I wasn't sure how to feel about the situation at this point, so I didn't think about it. Once I woke up, I had shrugged off the worried glances of my companions and went into the living room, popping in a random movie. I didn't really pay much attention until I realized there was a shirtless man on screen.
Slightly grinning to myself, I started paying attention to the screen. About halfway through the movie, Viola grabbed the remote and shut off the tv. I sent a glare in her direction, but she shot one back just as vicious. I looked away awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
"They'll be here soon. I need you to be dressed and prepared for our guests." She spoke quietly, her voice soft in comparison to her facial features. Unable to respond, I walked to my room and found an outfit laid out on the bed. Shrugging, I went for it and put it on. It was a simple black dress with nylons and a pair of soft velvet flats. I made my way to the bathroom and did up my hair and make up in a plain yet pretty style.
By the time I reentered the living room, I found a couple I didn't recognize sitting on the couch. I smiled at them politely and sat on the chair opposite them.
"Our daughter will join us in a moment. She had to use the restroom." The woman smiled at me again, gesturing towards the bathroom. I nodded in response and silently waited for the third guest, knowing fully that nobody would begin speaking until everyone was in the same room.
The room remained silent until the mother spoke up, "Oh, darling, come sit." She gestured for (what I assumed to be) her daughter walking into the room from behind me. I glanced over as she passed me and gave her a small smile that was returned.
"Alex, this is Adriette, Viola, and Daniel," the father pointed at each of us as he spoke our names and she mumbled a 'hi' to each of us.
"So, we're here because we need to find a place for Adriette to stay hidden from the public for a while. She needs to be trained before its safe for the rest of the Siren community to know about her." Viola spoke up, standing before our little group.
"You want us to watch her, you mean." The mother spoke up again, glancing in my direction when she said her.
"And train her, yes. Daniel and I can be around to help with the training process but Michael is better suited to train her and you're one of the best teen mentors in the country." Viola gave her a bright smile and pulled out a stool to sit on before continuing, "She's important. We, as a community, can't risk losing her."
"Can my husband and I speak for a moment, please?" She didn't wait for an answer as she pulled her husband - Michael - aside from the group.
"So, um, how old are you guys?" Alex gave us a small smile as she looked around at the three of us.
"I'm nineteen, she's sixteen and he's twenty." Viola's tone was sharp, but there was a hint of kindness floating within it. It was odd to hear such a combination from her, but I didn't question it. Viola was just odd.
The couple returned before Alex could respond and gave Viola a courteous smile.
"She can stay," Viola opened her mouth to respond, "On one condition." She closed her mouth and tilted her head curiously, "We'll discuss it at a later date. I'm sure its compromisable." She gave Viola one more smile before turning towards me.
"I apologize for not already introducing myself. My name is Juliet. My husband, Michael." She extended her hand towards me and I reached out to grasp it, giving her a small hand shake. She turned back towards Viola and Daniel.
"Check in twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays for personal training at your hand and meet with me this Saturday for further conversation about my condition. Shall we part ways now?" Her tone was formal, extremely professional and solid. I felt a bit uncomfortable in the situation, but ignored it, comforted by the fact that I would have a place to stay for a while with someone my own age that seemed kind enough.
"Um, sure. Is all your stuff still in your bag, Adriette?" Viola looked at me and I nodded, chewing on my lip. Daniel left, probably to go grab it for me.
"Can I call Mae? I know I can't tell her about what's going on. I just want to tell her I had to go stay with a cousin for a while and it would be best if her and I.." I gave her a look that said I'd rather not finish the sentence. She nodded and handed me her cell phone.
I left the room, dialing Mae's number. She answered on the second ring. As quickly as I could, I told her exactly what I said to Viola and bit back the tears forming in my eyes. I couldn't tell her she probably wouldn't see me for a few years at least. I simply told her long distance isn't the way to go and hopefully we'll work something out one day. She agreed and I hung up.
I silently left with my 'new family' giving Viola a small hug and a see ya later. I mentally said goodbye to Daniel and we left.
The car ride was unexpectedly short and quiet. Alex gazed out of the window, occasionally glancing at me, but not long enough to make eye contact. There was music playing quietly in the background, but it wasn't turned loud enough for me to make out the words and whether or not I knew the song.
When we arrived at their house, Juliet stopped us before we exited the car. "Alex, you'll be sharing a room. Can you show her around. Your father and I are going to go out shopping and pick up some stuff for dinner and little things for our guest." She turned towards me, "Is there anything you can think of that you need?" I shook my head. "Alright. If you think of anything, have Alex call me."
Alex and I climbed out of the car and Juliet waited for us to enter the house before driving off. Alex turned to me and smiled awkwardly.
"So, um, shall I show you around?" I nodded in response and we made our way through the house. It was two stories, the bottom one consisting of a kitchen, the living room and an office. The top floor had three bedrooms, but one had been converted into a game room so there were only two official bedrooms. The house had a total of two bathrooms and the backyard was large with a very nice pool. The last place we stopped at was Alex's - now mine too - bedroom. I dropped my bag on the floor and looked around. She had a bunk bed on one wall, a window seat overlooking the pool, and a walk in closet on the wall facing the bed. There was a full body mirror hanging on the closet door and a stand with a tv sitting next to it. Beneath the tv was an Xbox. I laughed, kind of surprised she was a gamer.
"What?" She sat down on the bottom bunk, giving me an amused smile, "Shocked I play games?" I turned towards her with a small smile.
"Just a bit." I looked around again before facing her. "I'm guessing I have top bunk?" I nodded towards the bed she was sitting on and she shrugged.
"You can have either, I don't mind." She gave me another small smile and I nodded, grabbing my bag and putting it on the top bed.
"Guess I'm top." I gave her a small wink, mentally slapping myself. I'm not sure how she feels about that stuff.
When she responded with an abrupt laugh and a smirk, I let out a quiet sigh, relieved she didn't react badly.
"And I'm bottom." She shot me a cheeky grin, causing me to let out a small laugh, rolling my eyes at her.
"I think we'll have a nice friendship."
