a new hope chap 5

I almost forgot to tell you about myself!” Rachel giggled to me. “I am seven years old and love to do sports and go for the challenge to win money! The money is for the people that don’t have a home.” The family seemed to have a different vibe from most families. This family is filled with different personalities but get along so well. The family I grew up with was mostly stuck up about themselves and always thinking about the business they’ve started. I would love to help the business if they haven’t wanted only the men to join. “So how old are you and where were you from, Clarisse?” Nathan asked me politely. All eyes from around focused on me. “Well,” I began, speaking to the ears intensely listening with a nerve going down my spine. “I turned sixteen not too long ago and to be honest, I don’t know where I was born. Utah was where I was raised since I was three for most of my life.”

I was asked a lot of questions, most were very basic. Like what is my favorite color, that’s grey. What is my favorite food? That’s chili spaghetti. Or what city that I visited was my favorite...none. If I were to have a favorite, I would’ve stayed and tried to find a family to take me in then. Later on, during that evening, we all sat in the dining room, with me at the end of the table, almost as if I am the spotlight for everyone to see and hear. Ella, cooked up a scrumptious soup. The soup had onions, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and meat. And as extra toppings, salted crackers, and shredded mild cheddar cheese. “Ella you’ve outdone yourself once again!” Mark said, taking a second helping of the soup.

Ella smiled, taking in the compliment that was given to her. “¡Gracias señor Mark!” She thanked him. “I thought this would be the perfect meal for today!” She turns her head to face me. “Is the hamburger soup delicioso, Clarisse?” Everyone looked up from their food to face me as well. As I knew, they expected me to give an answer. “Oh, uh…” I hesitated. “The food is wonderful, Ms.Ella. I hadn’t had such amazing food as this for a long time.”

After commenting on the food, Ella was even more pleased to hear her cooking being “excelente” as usual and everyone continued to carry on their conversations and eating. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson didn’t continue eating though. They just looked at each other, worried. I think they’re worried about me and I don’t need them to worry after I broke into their home, feeding and giving me clothes, and taking me in. The entire family seemed so different from one another, yet they are so happy to be together and share their differences...the only problem is, I feel something is not right about them. And it’s still about Mr. Johnson for some reason. Why? This weird sense is nowhere near normal as if something no good is going to happen to me. They turn their heads to see me watching them, so they smile. But I was no fool to know that’s no smile but to cover up the worries that hid behind the scenes.

The brothers and sisters walked up the stairs and into a hallway together, talking away as I trailed behind them, alone. My stomach was no longer an empty cave but filled like a present on Christmas day. I was ready to fall underneath the covers when I entered for what was my bedroom, yet wanted to explore the bedroom and house. A sudden knock came from the bedroom door. Startled from the sudden knock, I opened the door to find within surprise, Braden as he held some stuff which I believe was for me. “You’re Braden, right?” Waiting for a response from him, not a single word peeped out. I do believe he tried to speak, but his jaw just hung from him. He then jerked his arms forward towards my hands. “Mother wanted me to give these to you.”

Finally speaking the words he was searching for with a smile. I took the items from his hands and thanked him. I never realized until just now how he has a smile like his mother. A smile that is gentle and warm welcoming, making you feel protected from the cold. And his eyes, almost as if they were real emerald as his hair is messy in the color of a light brown; I could stare into his eyes the entire time and just see love in it. “Good night.” He told me and walked away down the hallway. I closed the door and layed out the items given to me on the bed.

There was a nightgown, a white fuzzy robe and slippers. And toothbrush and toothpaste for my dental hygiene, plus a hairbrush. I was feeling drowsy and so started getting ready for bed. I slipped on the puffed-sleeved cream-colored long nightgown, as the yarn bow laid upon my chest after brushing hair and cleaning teeth. I then placed the robe and slippers at the foot of the bed and slipped underneath the covers. I was comfortable, feeling safe and secure, yet I couldn’t sleep though. The moonlight shone through the windows and onto the bed, as the stars twinkled throughout the clear night sky.

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