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When the sun had finally set, it was time for the kids to go home. The boy stood up and reached his hand to help her up. She took it and was suppressed at its warmth and how it flowed through her whole body. She didn’t want to let go but he already had and put his hands in his pockets. She was sad but he offered to walk her home so she felt a little better.
Once they got to Rena’s door, he smiled and told her that his grandparents lived in the house across the street. She felt herself start to smile but it wasn’t very big. The boy said goodnight and waved as he crossed the street. She turned to head inside, not ready to be alone again, but then she heard him say something that gave her hope.
“Hey! Let’s play tomorrow, OK Rena?!”
She quickly turned around to see him with a smile on his face. One that she couldn’t help but return.
“Y-yes! Let’s play tomorrow!” she stuttered out and quickly ran inside and shut the door. She suddenly felt really warm and a strange feeling was forming in her tummy. Maybe I’m just hungry. I did skip dinner.
The next day Rena was sitting in the windowsill that faced the boys house. She was reading her book so she didn’t notice when he walked over. He saw her sitting in the window and couldn’t help but smile. He quickly knocked on the door, eager to see her again. There was something about her that made him feel warm.
She jumped when she heard him knock but quickly ran to the door to open it. However, once it was opened she didn’t know what to do. How do you play with friends?
He saw her hesitation so he smiled and grabbed her hand.
“Come on!” he said as he pulled her along.
He took her back down to the lake, to the spot she was sitting when they met.
“You like it here right?” he asked as they sat down.
She just nodded her head.
“Back to not talking? You’re funny.” He laughed, but quickly stopped when he saw her confused face. Then her face from yesterday flashed in his mind. He grew curious.
“Why… Why were you crying yesterday?”
She looked down as he asked that. She didn’t want to talk about it but then again she didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. If he wanted to be her friend then she wouldn’t be alone anymore, right? So maybe it was OK.
“Ah, sorry if you–” he started to apologize but she finally spoke up.
“It.. Its the day my mom died. 2 years ago.” She said quietly, tears threatening to spill. She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, then rested her head on top.
“Oh. I’m.. sorry. Are.. You ok?”
Are you ok? Had anyone actually asked her that? She couldn’t remember, but even if they had the words coming from this boy felt different.
She looked up at him, into his emerald green eyes. “N-no. B-but I want t-to b-be.” She stuttered as the tears fell.
The next thing she knew was this boy had wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug.
When was the last time she had been hugged? When was the last time she felt someone else’s warmth? When was the last time someone cared?
She cried for a while and he just continued to hold her. When she finally stopped, he released her and they both sat back.
“T-Thank you. I feel better.” she said, smiling at him.
“Good. I’m glad.” He smiled back. “So, Do you want to be friends?” he asked.
She smiled even bigger, reaching her eyes this time “Yes. Please! I-I want to be friends.”
“Awesome! Then we are friends! Want to pretend we’re pirates? Let’s go on a treasure hunt along the shore!” He said standing up and reaching his hand out to help her up.
“OK!” she gleamed and she took his hand. Her world was no longer gray and she was no longer alone.
They played until the sun started to set once more. As they walked back home, Rena had the biggest smile on her face. Clark noticed it out of the corner of his eye. Her smile was radiant, the glow from the setting sun made her appear as an angel. He felt something in his stomach. Butterflies. One look at that smile and he knew he wanted to see it forever.
“Your smile is so pretty, “ he whispered out loud, not meaning to.
Rena heard and her cheeks turned bright red. Since he was already looking at her he realized he had said his thoughts out loud and his cheeks turned red as he quickly looked away.
“Um, anyway. I have to go back home tomorrow but I’ll be back next weekend. Do you want to play again?”
Rena turned to look at him, still a little red from earlier “Yes, please. I like playing with you. I don’t feel so lonely.”
“You feel lonely?” he questioned.
“Y-yes. Grandma is away most of the time.” she said sadly, turning back.
“Is she not at home now?” he asked but remembered there wasn’t a car at her place. It wasn’t there yesterday either.
“No. She left Friday and won’t be back for two weeks.” she sad as they reached her doorstep.
“2 weeks!? And it’s just you? Alone?!” he raised his voice.
She just silently nodded.
Clark stood there shocked for a moment until his instincts kicked in and he grabbed her hand.
“Come on. Let’s go to my house.” he said as he pulled her across the street.
She wasn’t sure what he was doing. All she could think about was how warm his hand felt and how she didn’t want to let go.
They got to his door and he opened it, leading her inside.
“Dad!?” Clark yelled through the house making Rena suddenly very nervous.
“In the dining room!” a voice boomed back.
“I-I should go home.” She said as she pulled back. He just tightened his grip.
“Don’t go. Stay for dinner. Maybe we could play in my room for a little while afterwards.” he spoke softly.
“O-ok. “ she said looking down.
Clark led her through the house and into the dining room.
There sat the elderly couple Rena recognized but next to them a tall well built man with dark hair and a scruffy 5 o’clock shadow. He had bags under his eyes and a scowl on his face. He was scary looking. He seemed as if the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders.
As Clark and Rena came in, the man glanced over at her, then down to their hands, and back up to the still slightly red faces of the two children. A warm smile graced his face, making him less scary.
“And who is this?” his dad asked with a booming voice, making Rena flinch.
Clark gave her hand a squeeze “This is Rena. Can she stay for dinner?”
“Of course she can! Your Mrs. Reyes’ little granddaughter aren’t you? Where is she? I haven’t seen her for a few days.” Clark’s grandmother spoke in a cheery voice.
“S-she’s on a trip.” Rena replied shyly.
“On a trip? Who are you staying with then sweetheart?” She asked in that sweet voice.
“N-no one. I’m staying in the house.”
“By yourself!? How old are you?! You shouldn’t–” The grandmother was starting to raise he voice startled before Rena interrupted her.
“It’s ok. Please don’t tell her I told you. She’d be very upset. I’m quiet alright and she checks on my often.” Rena lied. The truth was she had to learn how to take care of herself. Her grandmother made it quite clear that should anyone find out she’d be in trouble. She also did not call to check on her but Rena was just trying to make it seem like everything was fine.
“Oh. I understand.” Clark’s grandmother gave her a soft smile, “Well sweetie, our door is always open if you ever need anything or feel lonely. I’m sure Clark here would like to be your friend.”
“We’re already friends, grandma. We became friends today. Can she stay after dinner?” Clark asked, blushing a little.
His grandma gave a warm smile, “Of course sweetie.”
“Now hold on!” Clark’s father boomed in but was quickly shut down by the older woman.
“It’s alright, Bubby, they are only children. Nothing is going to happen. Except for the blossoming's
of young love.” she whispered the last part under her breath.
“Mother, stop calling me Bubby. I’m a grown ass man.” Clark’s father grumbled as Clark and Rena took their place at the table.
Clark fixed Rena a plate of food and she stared at it like she’d never seen food so glamorous before. He nudged her and she gave a little blush before digging in, melting at how good it was. She ended up having two plates, causing the other adults to worry about her well being.
After dinner, Clark took Rena to his room. He showed her all his favorite toys and books. Rena was in awe at the stuff he had and he said this was just what was here. He had more back at his father’s house. Rena picked up a book and started to read it. Curious, Clark scooted over next to her to read it as well. The evening drifted on and soon the two fell asleep leaning on each other’s shoulders.
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