Foreign affairs (Open)

Amity Strekker

I sit on a wooden chair by the table, staring at my family as they talk. Well, just my sisters, Meredith and Fornax. Dad is leaning against the door, banging his head like he was a madman. My brother Callum is sleeping in the chair next to me. Finally I stand up and walk out the door, not saying a word to anyone. That was how it had been since my mother died. My dad banged his head, my sisters whispered quietly, my brother slept, and I remained silent. I did what I wanted, which only consisted of finding food. I hadn't been lucky lately and my stomach tortured me, causing sleep to avoid my tired body. Why can't I turn back time and steal something to feed my mother with? She wouldn't have died if she's had food. What if I could turn back time and go home before I began to die on a street, and my leg was ruined? That is why I must limp for all I'm worth. It's rather tiring, and I think I have peacekeeperphobia now. I am slightly reminded of Othal, but then dash him off. I haven't seen him in months.

I start walking on a long dirt path, staring at the footprints that where scattered everywhere. My life was in a snake pit. I was always having the worst luck, the least food, and the most pain I thought I could take. No one could comfort me, not even my mother if she came back from the skies. I hear a quiet smack, and lookng up see a blonde boy leaning against a tree, eyes shut tight. Approaching closer, curiously, I see more of his face. Suddenly my eyes go from slits to wide open. Othal!

I hadn't seen him in months! I get next to him and lean against the tree, trying to get myself into his view. Partially to rest my leg, though. I could just tap him. He doesn't open his eyes, so I do actually end up tapping him in the end. Hello Othal. I think, Where have you been?

I am satisfied only when Othal starts eating his slices, and continue onto my second and third. There was so much I wanted to tell him, though I couldn’t muster up any words. I watch Othal, more like stare, actually. I barely notice a fly bussing by my face, though I watch intently when he picks up his bag. For a few seconds I think he’s holding his hand out for something, but before I think about it he is already moving again. I’m in one of those dazes crazy people get, like my eyes are stuck or something. I know I’m doing it, and I don’t want to stop. Othal is just so cute. I break my gaze at the thought, wishing I hadn't let myself wander. Boys are gross, right? They've got cooties, and germs, and slimy hands, and crazy ideas.

It's hard to make myself believe all the things my dad told me. It used to be so simple to take his word for it, but now I had other things in mind. I shake thoughts of liking Othal in that particular way out of my head, and hand him the knife when he extends his hand. I felt uncomfortable just holding it in midair anyways. Now I wanted this silence to end. It was killing me to simply stand there and act like I knew his every thoughts. So what do I do? There was no garantee Othal would say anything unless I started. I need to pretend I'm Merdith and just say something. But what do I say? Working up my courage, I say the first words I've said n a while.

"I've needed you so much," I say quietly, though not in a whisper. My own words surprised me. I could've said I'd missed him, or been looking for him, but instead I said needed him. My face must be red as a tomato.

"I'm here now," Othal says, reaching out. I stare at him, wide-eyed for a second, soaking up his words. What was that supposed to mean? Alright, what would Fornax say? Cheesy, of course. What would Meredith say? Adorable, of course. What would my mother say? Run away, no doubt. Lastly, what would I say? I like it, I guess. Wait - I like it? I look unsteadily into Othal's eyes. His face turns red, and I nearly fall forward into a hug. With my little strength, I hug him as tight as I can.

"Hey you! What are you doing to my big brother?!" the squeeky voice of a little girl yells, as someone runs up. I back away from Othal, noticing a small one, who could only be six or seven. I stare at her blankly, noticing the significant resemblance between her and Othal. They had to be siblings. "I'm Eileen, so back off - he's mine!" she says, stomping her foot on the ground. I can't help but grin and look at Othal.

"You have a sister?" I ask, then look at Eileen again.