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The week seemed to drag on. Rena would sit in the window watching the house across the street, remembering how warm it felt when she had gone over for dinner. Clark’s grandma had seen Rena after school a few days and invited her over but Rena couldn’t bring herself to go when Clark wasn’t there.
It was finally Friday and Rena rushed home from the bus stop. She wasn’t sure what time he would be over but he said he would be here, right? Once she got home she rushed to the windowsill to sit and wait, reading her assigned books of course. A few hours went by before a car finally pulled up in front of the house. Rena looked up and her body was flooding with excitement.
Clark stepped out of the car and looked over to see Rena anxiously waiting on the window. He gave her a smile and a wave before he turned to ask his dad if he could play for a while. After getting permission, Clark ran over, a big smile gracing his face. Rena answered the door with a smile just as big.
“Hey Ree!” Clark greeted as she answered.
“Ree?” She was a little surprised at the nickname. The lady person to call her a nickname was her mother. ReRe.
Her smile dropped slightly remembering her mother so Clark quickly apologized.
“Oh sorry. Um. Is it ok if I call you that? I thought we could have nicknames for each other. Friends usually do that. If you don’t like it–”
“I like it!” she yelped, her cheeks flushed. He blushed a little at her response but couldn’t help thinking it was cute.
“OK! Well Ree what do you want to do today?” He asked.
“Um. I don’t know.” she shyly replied.
“Hmm. How about Heroes and Villains!" he cheered.
“How do you play that?” Rena asked.
”Well we can pretend that we are heroes saving the town from villains! If you were a hero what kind of power would you have?”
”I don’t know. Grandma doesn’t allow me to watch that kind of stuff.”
“I’d have super strength, x-ray vision, laser eyes, and the ability to fly!” Clark exclaimed with a bright smile. “You don’t have to have powers like that but it can be anything, just use your imagination!”
Rena tried to think of something. She didn’t want to do the play time wrong but she really had no clue. She suddenly remembered something her mother used to say, “Music is magic. It can heal those who are hurting in the heart.”
“Music. Can music be a superpower? I want to heal people with music.” she asked, looking up at Clark with her bright blue eyes.
“Hmm, it’s not a typical super power but if that’s what you want to do then it’s ok! Come on! I think I hear the villains attacking the city! Let’s go and the day!” he cheered as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
They played until it was dark. Rena couldn’t help but smile the entire time. She didn’t feel alone anymore. He came back like he said he would. They played like he said they would. He was her friend. He didn’t call her names like the kids at school. He didn’t avoid her like they did. She was happy, she didn’t want the day to end.
“CLARK!” A booming voice echoed through the neighborhood.
“Uh oh, dad is calling. It must be time for dinner. Want to come Ree?” Clark asked.
“Is it OK?” She asked shyly.
“Duh! Gram even said so last time. Come on!” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her along.
They made it to the house just in time for Clark’s dad to have a scowl on his face. When he saw Rena his face morphed into a smile.
“Hello Miss Rena, joining us for dinner?” He asked as the two reached the porch.
“If that’s alright?” she softly said.
“Of course, I’m sure ma made plenty enough.”
They headed inside to the dining room. Clark’s grandmother let out a happy yelp when she laid eyes on Rena.
“Ah Little Ren! Welcome! I made extra just for you!”
Rena’s face turned red from all the attention. What is with the nicknames? She made extra just for me?
She felt a tug on her hand. “Come on Ree, it’s not like this is the First time.”
She smiled as she went to the table and joined his family for dinner.
I wish I had a family like this.
“So what did you two do this evening?” Clark’s grandma asked.
“We played Heroes and villains!” Clark said with excitement.
“Oh? And what were your superpowers?” she continued.
“Super strength, x-ray vision, laser eyes, and I could fly!” Clark gleamed.
“So you were basically superman?” Clark’s dad chuckled.
“Bubby, be nice! What about you little Ren?” She turned to Rena.
“Oh um. I um..” she stuttered.
“Her power was music! She could heal people with her music! It’s actually a really cool power.” he said, causing Rena to blush.
“Oh do you like music?” His grandma asked.
Rena’s face turned sad and she looked down to her lap. Tears threatened to spill but then Clark grabbed her hand. She looked up at him and into his green eyes. It’s ok. I’m OK. I’m not alone anymore. I’m not sad anymore.
“Yes. I like music a lot. My mom played the piano and it was always so magical.” She said with a sad smile.
“Your mother? Where is–” Clark’s father started to ask but was cut off by a glare from Clark.
“She passed away two years ago. I came to live with my grandmother.” Rena said sadly.
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry,” Clark’s grandmother said softly.
“It’s ok,” Rena said quietly. Clark gave her hand another squeeze.
“Wait.. Your mother… Was your Miss Reyes? Elizabeth Reyes, the pianist?” Clark’s father suddenly spoke a little louder than normal.
Rena jolted but looked at him “Y-yes. My mother was Elizabeth Reyes.”
“She was our guest performer at the policeman’s gala two years ago. She was amazing. I was surprised she passed away at such a young age too.” His father mumbled.
“That was the first time I saw her on stage.. And the last. She died a few months after that.” Rena felt tears welling up.
“Hey, want to come to my room for a little bit Ree?” Clark asked.
She just nodded and they excused themselves from the table. When they were in Clark’s room he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. She felt the tears finally fall.
“Sorry Ree, I didn’t think they’d bring up your mom.” Clark apologized.
She tried to stop her tears from falling but it was no use. “I-it’s o-ok. T-they did-didn’t k-k-know.”
“Do you want to listen to some of my music? I have some CDs.”
She nodded her head so he let go. Walking over to his player he put in a CD and pressed play. He turned and sat down in front of his bed. Patting the spot next to him for her to sit down so she did. They listen to music until she fell asleep, resting her head on his shoulder.
ns 15.158.61.51da2
