Pricked

4. Fitting In

Chapter 4: Fitting In

Hanging out with everyone was really fun. I can’t remember the last time I did anything like that. Rachel helped me learn how to ice skate- I laughed until I fell down; which only made me laughed harder... I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. Sunday I had the day to myself, except for training with Morgana first thing in the morning.

“So, how was your lesson?” Mary asked when she picked me up.

“Good.”

“It’s such an honor to be working with her, I can’t believe she is actually taking you in!”

“Why, what’s so special?”

“She’s just known for her fighting schools throughout this...area.” I looked at her questioningly, but thinking back on it I suppose Morgana is a pretty amazing fighter. I nodded to show that I understood. She pushed me really hard, but she wasn’t mean to me, and I really appreciated it. But of course the person I really had to thank was Paul; he was the one that made sure I got in with Morgana in the first place.

When we pulled up in front of the house she turned to me. “I’m going to be going on some errands right now, but I made you some lunch- it’s in the microwave.

Paul should be inside. You guys can call me if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” I got out of the car and went in. Sure enough, Paul was waiting for me at the kitchen table.

“Hey, how was your lesson?”

“Good.” He watched me as I pulled out the plate Mary had made for me and sat down across from him.

“Aleisha.” I looked up, it was an unspoken rule that he and Mary called me by my new name, I wanted to leave my past behind. “It seems like you’re settling in nicely...” I nodded, wondering where this was going. “And I know you have some new friends.” He looked at me and I nodded again. “But I want to make sure that you feel comfortable here.” Of course I do! “I realize that you are not coming from the best of situations, and I want to make sure that you feel safe here. I’m sure you know the reason I have you taking lessons from Morgana?”

“Yes, I think so,” I replied to his inquiring statement.

“Well, I want to make  sure you know that the only reason we have you with her is so that you feel as if you can defend yourself- or someone else- if another situation like your past arises. You’re a strong girl Aleisha, and the last thing that I want is for something to break you. If something ever happens- good or bad- I want to make sure you know that I’ll be here for you, and do whatever I can to help you. And I know my wife and I don’t really talk about them a whole bunch, but we did have children. Of course, they’re grown up now with their own kids, but we do have some experience raising a teenager.

“You have no idea how happy my wife is to have another daughter in the house to take care of. I think her mothering days were the happiest of her life; they certainly were the times that she acted the most cheery. And now that you’re here it’s like she’s gotten another chance, another child, to take care of. So, for the sake of both you and my wife, I want to make sure that you are happy here, and for you to let me know if there is anything I can do to improve your stay.”

I didn’t really know what to say. Of course I was happy here, these people were kind to me and I had friends. Here I was allowed the time to do what I want and move freely in and out of the house; I was learning a new definition of joy. So I asked the only thing I knew how, “You have kids?”

“Well, like I said,” he pushed back his chair, “They’re adults now, with their own lives, but yes we do.” He turned on the sink and started rinsing his dishes.

“Where do they live?” The sink squeaked when he turned the knob back into place.

He turned around to face me, “Well, our boy lives on the outskirts of town. But our daughter lives elsewhere.”

“Do they not like me?” I asked.

He looked at me quizzically, “What do you mean?”

“Well, if I had parents like you, I think I would be jealous of some girl coming in and taking away all of the attention that you were giving me. I would be used to all of the love you gave me and probably resent any stranger you started giving your love to; especially if you started paying less attention to me and more attention to her... At least I think that’s how I would feel.”

“I see... Well, I’ll ask ask them how they feel about it, how does that sound?” I shrugged.

Paul stopped on his way out of the door, turning his head back towards me. “Don’t mention them to Mary,” I took him to be referring to his children, “it upsets her to think of her children being grown up and out of her care.”

I nodded to show him that I understood and he let the door swing shut behind him; leaving me to stare at my plate of food and think about everything that he had said.

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Hey all! I know, since when do I update so soon? Still, be happy :) I know this chapter is short but it's neat- in my oppinion- and you get a lot of insight. I hope this answers some of the question you've been having. Please, ask more questions and leave COMMENTS- I love them. See you!