Saving Her Lost Soul

Chapter 35

We spent the day in my bed. I cooked breakfast and he cooked dinner. I was too stuffed to eat three meals. Two were bad enough. We watched all three Johnny English films and I loved hearing Flynn's laugh. We ended up falling asleep watching another film or at least I did.
I wake to the front door being pounded in. I groan and get out of bed to answer the door. I open the door and Tyler looks me up and down. Why am I not surprised it's him? I look at what I'm wearing, Flynn's top and my panties. He pushes past me, "Where is he?" Tyler grows.
I frown shutting the door, "Who? Why are you lairy this morning? You woke me up," I rub my eyes.
"Flynn, I know he's here. He didn't come home and I texted him."
I laugh wondering why he's so concerned, "Bro, he's asleep. Do you miss him? Has it been too long since you've seen your boyfriend?"
He glares at me and walks to my bedroom. I follow casually behind him, Tyler picks up my pillow and lobs it at him. "The fuck?" Flynn groans.
"Get the fuck up, man. You promised me," Tyler yells. Flynn sits up and covers his eyes with the ball off his hands trying to wake up a bit.
"Christ, Bro. We just slept, I fell asleep. Calm down, it's too early for this shit." Flynn removes his hands and looks at Tyler's angry face.
"Oh yeah, so she's in your top and you're in your boxers for innocent reasons. How am I to believe that?"
"Trust me she'd be naked if I had." Flynn jokes playfully and Tyler launches at him and I jump inbetween them and Tyler backs off.
"Stop it, you can both leave now. I don't like you both fighting in front of me." I sit crossed legged between them. Tyler sighs and stands back up.
"Come we are leaving for Duke in twenty minutes." Flynn gets up and locates his jeans and pulls them up. "You are coming right?" he says to me.
"Haven't decided." I shrug, I need to call the children's home see when I can get an appointment to see her. I will tell him of course but I want to see that she's okay first.
"Okay we'll, be outside in twenty minutes if you're coming. If you aren't there we will leave, I hope you do come though." I nod and they leave my bedroom. I look around for my phone and plug it in on charge. I read the email Dad sent me. Not a lot of information. She likes horses, there's a picture of her on the file. The home is an hour away from here. She's been in a few foster homes but never anything more permenant.
She's receiving professional help for her PTSD and abandonment issues. She has violent episodes which is why she's not been adopted. A tear escapes my eye. I ring the number of the home. "Hello Black Hill children's home?" A soft woman's voice answers.
"Hi, I'd like to arrange a visit to see one of your children in your care. Miley Archer, I've recently become aware of her location. We've been trying to find her for a long time. I'm not technically family yet. My fiance is her brother." It's a good lie as any. He is family to me.
"Oh, I see. We normally only agree to immediate family, will her brother be coming too? I know she's been longing to see her brother again."
"No, it would just be me. This time at least, he's not ready to see her. Too many memories you know? I just don't want her to be alone. I'm sure he will come around, he wants me to see her."
"Okay, can you come at midday today? I'll warn her you're coming, I will ring you if she doesn't want to see you. She's very emotional, I wouldn't want to upset her."
"Of course, I wouldn't want that either. Could you ring me by 10.30 though? It will take me over an hour to get there."
"Sure, what's your name so I can book you in? You'll need to show ID at the door for security reasons."
"I understand, Riley Blake." I confirm. I give her my number.
"Sure, I'll ring you at 10.30 if there is any issues. I don't want to get your hopes up."
"Bye," I hang up. Well I can go to college for a bit. I'd be closer to the bus station from there. I apply my make up quickly and slide on a black tightly fitted high neck dress. I pull on black tights and some boots. I route around my wardrobe to find a black coat that reaches just above my knees. Longer than the mid thigh length dress. I need warmth but I also need to look semi smart.
I brush my hair and spray perfume on. I grab my small bag by the door that I took bowling. I won't need all my books for one class. I take my phone off charge, leave the bedroom and grab my keys. I leave my room and lock the door. I spin to see them both leaning casually against the wall. I quickly snap a picture with my phone of them both before they frown. "What are you doing sis?"
"Nothing," I shrug. I put my phone and keys away in my bag. He rolls his eyes and puts his arm around my shoulder and escorts me to the elevator.
"Sure, sure. I'm glad you're coming, I didn't think you would. We were about to leave." He presses the call button.
"It takes a long time to look this good." I grin and he laughs out loud. We step into the elevator when it opens.
"I guess you're right, you're truly horrifying without sleep and makeup." My mouth drops open and I glare at him. I slap him hard on his arm and flinches. "I'm joking, jeez."
"Coffee is on you, after that!" I scowl not letting up.
"You do know that our money comes out the same bank account so it means nothing." I shrug.
"Of course I know that! It's still the thought that counts." I take a look at Flynn who's being exceptionally quiet and he's looking straight ahead with a blank look on his face. The elevator opens and he steps out first.
We walk in silence to Tyler's car and I put my hand on the handle of the back door, "You know what? I think I'm going to walk." I cower.
"Just get in, Ri." Flynn rolls his eyes before he gets in the front seat. Why is he in such a bad mood this morning? I open the door and slide in. I bring my knees to my chest once I've belted in. We sit in silence as we ride to Duke. It's not getting easier in a car. Will it ever?
Tyler pulls up a drive thru, "Two Americano's and a decaff please. I'll have a breakfast bagel, Flynn?"
"Cinnamon Roll," he mutters and Tyler repeats to the man in the box.
"Lee?"
"Nothing. I can't even have a proper coffee," I sulk.
"You have to have something. She will have a croissant, can you add some strawberry jam with that. She's fussy, plus orange juice."
"Is that everything sir?" I snort, sir? He's anything but a sir. That's funny.
"Shut up, Lee. Yes thanks," Tyler hands over his card and he directs us to the next window. We wait a few minutes before the drinks are handed over. Tyler hands the drinks to Flynn. Flynn places theirs in the cup holders in the front and he turns to lean over to pass my mine. I sigh as I take it from him. Our fingers skim each others and it tingles.
I remove my feet from the seat and place the coffee between my legs. Ow, that burns a tad. The cups aren't very thick and I'm only wearing tights there. Flynn's facing forward now. Tyler passes over the food bag to Flynn. Tyler sets off again as Flynn sorts the food out. He unwraps the bagel for Tyler, they must be so practiced at this. Flynn passes me the bag with my bits in after he's got his roll out.
Tyler takes a bite of his bagel and starts to chew. I hold my hand out to him and flap my hand out to him. He groans and passes me his bagel so I can taste it. I take a huge bite and pass it back to him. I chew it, not bad.
Flynn takes a bite out of his and I hold my hand out to him. He holds his hand further away from me. "Flynn," I whine.
"You have your own food, I'm starving."
"Flynn, please," I whine. He shakes his head. I cross my arms sulking.
"I've learned not fight her on this." Tyler says casually. I look out the window angrily. I sigh loudly making it clear I'm annoyed. The burn between my legs is an aching throb now. I can feel his eyes burning me.
"Fine, Ri. Here," I can see him offering it to me in the corner of my eye but I don't look at him. I shake my head.
"Nope, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I don't want to try it anymore." I say blankly without looking at them.
"Here we go," Tyler groans.
"Is she for real?" Flynn asks.
"Yes, you should have just given it to her. She won't share her food but if you don't share yours. . ." Tyler sighs.
"Riley, just take it." Flynn urges.
"No, I told you. I don't want it," I snap.
"Fine," Flynn snaps back at me. I glance to see Flynn going to take a bite.
"Don't do it, bro. It's a trap. If you eat it all without her trying it she will hit the roof." Tyler warns.
"Are you kidding me? Fuck sake. Your sister is bloody hard work."
"Don't I know it. I grew up with this. I just learned to deal with her to make it easier."
"Riley, take the damn roll." Flynn turns to face me. I turn my head and scowl at him. I open my mouth to object but he cuts me off, "Don't tell me you don't want it. Just take your mouthful so I can finish it, I'm starving." I roll my eyes and take it from him and he relaxes a bit. I take a large bite and hand it back to him. I smile and he shakes his head muttering something incoherent.
I chew the roll whilst I get my croissant out. I pull it apart with my fingers and open the small jam pot and tip it out on the croissant. I close it and shove as much as I can into my mouth. I mutter my appreciation and Tyler laughs. I open the orange juice and wash it down. I finish the croissant just as we arrive on campus. I sip my disgusting coffee, I suppose it's better than nothing.
I slide out the car and walk towards my lecture, "Bye then!" Tyler calls and I look over my shoulder. I poke my tongue out at him and keep walking. I sit in computer science and I work out my route to the children's home. I hope she doesn't deny me access but I guess I would understand. If I was in her position I'd probably deny access.
Once class is over I text Jesse to ask where he's at. I sit on the wall to text him.
JESSE- Long time no see. I've got a free period.
ME- You want to do me a favour? I need a ride.
JESSE- Where shall I meet you?
ME- The C buildings.
I put my phone away. I'd have asked Nathan but I still haven't spoken to him yet. I wait for Jesse to arrive and I catch him walking with Nathan. Ah crap, how awkward. I stand up to greet them. Nathan bounds up to me and hugs me. "Hey Riley, I was worried about you."
"I'm fine, I'm sorry I bailed."
"Film night soon?" I nod as he puts me down. "Where are you going? Why didn't you ask me? You know I would have taken you."
"I didn't want to disturb you." I say feebly. "Besides people will start to talk if we spend too much time together."
"Okay," he says not convinced. "Text me later? We're all going to the frat house party. You should come." I nod and give him a half smile.
"Come on, Blake, my free period won't last all day," he says slightly irritated. I nod and follow him towards the car park. "So I haven't seen you around here for a while. Archer said he was your boyfriend but he's still dating the red head chick. I don't understand."
"He's not my boyfriend. He was messing with you, messing with me. He was just being a twat as usual."
"And Nath? What's he?" I sigh hating all these intrusive questions.
"He's a friend, I guess. He's helped me with some DIY at my apartment. That's it," I shrug. He grins at me and holds my hand. We reach the car park and he leads me towards his car. He gets my door and I slide in. He gently shuts the door and he hurries to his side.
"Where to?" he asks.
"To the bus station, please."
"You aren't going to your parents again are you?" he seems worried for some reason.
"No, personal errands. I'll be back later," I promise. He smiles and starts the car, I buckle up and grip the seat. He pulls out his space and heads towards the bus station.
"So what happened to my photos, you left me hanging you know," I laugh so hard but he remains quiet. "It's not funny, you left with such a cliffhanger, a taster so to speak. Then radio silence."
"I'm sorry, things went down in my hometown. I. . . It's hard to explain without sounding like a maniac."
"I would never think that," he presses. "I just want to understand that's all."
"You won't like it," I insist but he just shrugs like he wants me to continue. "Have you ever noticed how whenever we had sex I was intoxicated?"
He looks at me and cocks his head before turning back to the road, "You didn't seem that intoxicated. I mean it's not my style, you make it sound like I took advantage."
"That's not what I'm trying to say, this is all on me not you. You did nothing wrong." I reassure him and he nods for me to continue, "Okay so, I was intoxicated when I went to my parents like I always was. You know you weren't the only one. It was fun, to be wanted you know? I liked you all chasing me.
"But things changed in my hometown. The root of my problems. My family made me get sober, not that I'd call myself an alcoholic, it's not the booze that hooks me. Anyway long story short, I had to deal with my problems rather than drink to avoid them. I'm like two different people, the drunk that you know and then the sober me sat in your car. I'm not that wild girl that you all love anymore. I can't be intimate with you lot sober." I shut my eyes waiting for his disaproval.
"I'd much rather get to know you, Blake. The real you, I mean it was fun but I'm not a total jackass you know?"
"You aren't upset?" I say prizing my eyes open. He shakes his head at me and then looks back at the road.
"Why would I be upset? It's not like I didn't wonder why you were like that. Detached, emotionless, a real wild one. We only really hung out at parties when you had been drinking. I'd always wanted to get to know you outside of the parties." Can I really believe that? Little does he know I was always drunk not just at parties. "So, friends?"
I cringe at the thought, "Sure, friends." If I can try being friends with Nathan then why not Jesse? Another ten minutes or so he pulls up at the bus station. "Thanks," I smile at him.
"No problem, let me know if you want picking up." I nod and get out the car. I wave at him as he drives away. I find the bus stop I need and sit down and wait. I look at my phone, 10.28 am. Well she hasn't phoned, that must be a good sign right? I should have brought my head phones you stupid idiot. Maybe I can stop somewhere when I get there and get some.
I zone out for a while, I have twenty minutes until my bus anyway. My phone buzzes and my heart sinks, she's bailing. "Hello?" I say disappointed.
"Miss Blake? It's Roxanne from Black Hill again." I sigh, she really doesn't want me to come. A tear escapes my eye. Why am I so upset? I would do the same and I had been prewarned.
"Yeah, she doesn't want to see me?" I guess.
"No, on the contrary actually. I'm just ringing to check that you are still coming. She's really looking forward to it, I was surprised." A smile spreads across my face.
"Yes," I squeak a little too excited. "I'm waiting for the bus right now. I will be there."
"Okay, good. It's been awhile since she's been this excited. Just please don't let her down, she's been through enough."
"I promise, I'll be there." We hang up and I smile. She's excited to see me? She doesn't even know me. I start feeling nervous that I'll disappoint her in someway. I feel sick with nerves but in a good way. My bus arrives shortly after the call and I get on and ask for my ticket. I scan my card and take a seat at the back of the bus. I don't really know where I am to get off but I've memorised the road and the route in my head.
I have my phone if I get lost anyway, I just have to get off the bus at the right stop. I bring my knees to my chest to try block out the journey. It's no better on a bus, in fact it's worse because I don't trust the driver.
An hour later I start watching where we are going so I can keep track of when I need to get off. I start jigging my legs that are now touching the floor. I could literally puke from my nerves right now. Once I can see the correct street I press the stop button and get up to walk towards the front. I thank the driver as I get off. I get my phone out and type the postcode into the maps and walk to my location.
I see a supermarket up ahead and walk in quickly to find some headphones for the journey home. I'll be in and out, it won't take me long. I head to the electronic section and grab a pair of head phones. I head to the tills and something catches my eye. She likes horses as I pass the toy section. I look at the stuffed horse in front of me. Will she appreciate this?
I mean she can always decline it or throw it away. I pick it up and head to the till. I won't be upset if she didn't want it, I just saw it and thought of her. I pay quickly and put it in a paper bag. I start my walk towards the home again. It takes me ten more minutes to walk to the home. I look at the time, shit I'm late. Bloody public transport, I should have left earlier. I pick up a run as I head to the building.
I haven't run in a few days so it feels good. I burst through the door a bit breathless. The receptionist looks me up and down and frowns. I walk breathlessly to the desk. "Can I help you?"
"I'm really sorry, I'm a bit late. I'm here to see Miley Archer." She sighs with relief, "I really am sorry public transport is actually a nightmare."
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming. Let me make a call to let her know you're here. There's some paperwork to fill out before you can see her." I nod getting my breathing under control. I step back from the desk as she makes her call. "She's here, let her know. I just need her to fill out paperwork and then I'll send her in." There's a long pause, "I see. Okay," she says glumly. She hangs up the phone.
"Please, don't say she won't see me. I came all this way, I'm sorry I'm late okay. I should have left earlier." I place my hands on the glass pleading with her.
"She's not refusing to see you as such. She just believes we lied to her. She doesn't think you're real. She's acting up a bit," I shut my eyes and rest my forehead on the glass. I'm so stupid, why didn't I leave earlier? "Let's sort paperwork and I'll take you down. Hopefully seeing you will cheer her up." I open my eyes and beam at her.
"I can still see her?" I ask hopeful.
"I think it will be good for her, like I said she hasn't refused to see you yet." I hate that she said yet. Is there still a possibility that she could refuse?
"Okay, what do I need to do?"
"We need your details, a background check will be part of the process if you choose to come back. That way you can take her out on day release if she chooses." Day release? Do I want that sort of responsibilty? Will I come back? Hell, what have I done? I nod and she passes me a clipboard.
I sit down in the waiting area and start filling out my details. Do I actually have a criminal record or did Dad clear that up? I ring him just to be sure. "Riley are you okay?"
"Yeah, I need your help."
"I'm in a meeting Riley, it will need to be quick Princess."
"Sure, I just need to know if I actually have a criminal record from that time." He stays silent for awhile.
"No, I took care of it, why do you ask?"
"I umm, I'm at the children's home they need my details and I didn't want anything to flash up."
"You are? Is Flynn with you?"
"No, I haven't told him, yet. I'll tell him later when I'm home. I just have to see her first, he could deny me access."
"Okay, do you need me for anything else?"
"No, I don't think so. Thanks Daddy." I sense him grinning on the other end of the phone.
"Text me later to tell me how you got on." I agree and hang up. I fill out all the paperwork and hand it back to her.
"I need to see your ID Hon to check you are who you say you are." I nod and get my provisional out my phone case. "Do you mind if I scan it quickly," I nod giving her permission and she walks to the printer and scans it. She returns with my ID and a printed piece of paper.
She staples the paper to my paperwork and hands me the ID back to me. I put it back in my phone case and put my phone back in my bag. I wipe my sweaty hands on my coat. "You ready Hon?" I nod and my stomach does back flips. Don't be sick for christ sake. I follow her down the hall. She leaves the building through the courtyard where kids are playing. It's cold out here without coats. Do they not own coats?
She swipes her card to open the doors and walks down another hallway. Its old and outdated here, almost. . . dirty. I take in my surroundings as we keep walking. We stop outside a door and she looks at me for approval and I nod. She opens the door and I hover in the doorway. "Hon, your visitor is here." I peer around the door. It's a smallish waiting area kind of room. Kids paintings hang on the walls but that's the only homely feel.
White walls plastic chairs and table. A colouring book is open on a table with crayons. There are no windows in this room and I instantly feel claustrophobic. I see the black haired girl sat facing the wall. Is she in a time out? She doesn't respond to the woman. "Come in Riley, Miley is just acting like a child." I walk into the room and sit on one of the kids plastic chairs. Now I feel like a kid. "If you need anything I'll be outside." I nod feeling really nervous.