At 8pm Rielle collapses on her bed. She would have gotten back sooner had that boy not held her up. Still it could have been worse. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, letting her know she received a new message. Her pulse quickened thinking it might be Tyler. She quickly unlocked her phone. The name "Uncle John" flashed on the screen. She let out a breath.
Uncle John: Hey kid. 👋 Heard you come in. That was you right?
Rielle: Yeah. Who else would it be? Does anyone else live here?
The fact that John might not live alone didn't cross her mine before, but surely he would have mentioned it.
Uncle John: Nah it's just you and me. I was thinking more along the lines of a burglar. 🥲
Rielle: ...Shouldn't you have a security system in place for that, being rich and all?🤨
Uncle John: Ha you sound like my Dad. Although maybe now with you living here that's not such a bad idea. I'll have my secretary get on that.
Rielle: Its big house. Never thought about getting a wife and starting a family. You are 35.
Uncle John: Okay woah! For starters I'm 34 yrs young. Don't go adding years. And now you sound like my mom.💀
Uncle John: Getting married? Hard pass. Kids? I'm afraid you're the only kid I want in my life.
Rielle: Just me for company? Sounds lonely.
Uncle John: Was that humor Elly? My little hermit is coming out of her shell.🥹
Uncle John: Btw how did work go?
Rielle: Not bad. You changing the subject?
Uncle John: It's my job to look out for u kid. Not the other way around. But if you must know. Being a drug addict and an alcoholic didn't exactly make me husband and dad material.😬
Rielle: But you're 6 yrs sober now. Do the people in this town give you shit for your past?😕
Uncle John: About that...The in this town or I should say the public don't know about that part of my past. My Dad swept everything under the rug. The only people that knew were your dad, my dad, the people I used to hang around, and now you.
Poor John. That's a hell of a secret to keep. Now it was hers to keep too. She imagined a secret like that could really hurt his image. He was now the face of his family's company. People put their faith and trust in him.
Rielle: Are people here really judgmental?
She wasn't sure if she was asking for his sake or hers.
Uncle John: Honestly? 🥲Yeah they are. It's part of the reason that drove me to drugs and alcohol. The exceptions from my parents and this town was just too much. They all elected me to act a certain way. No one ever saw me for me. Except for your dad. He understood me. Took the load off. Then he met your Mom. Jenny made him so happy. I was happy for him. When she got pregnant with you they decide they wanted to build a life somewhere else. I was happy for them I swear I was. But after they moved all my problems just got too heavy. That's when I realized just how much I depended on your Dad. You're so much like him Elly. Kind, caring, and strong.
Rielle: I'm not strong. I'm scared all the time. I can't even speak to people. I'm weak.😞
Uncle John: You're not weak Elly. I've been weak before. I made poor decisions and depended on your Dad when I should have just gotten a therapist. Which brings me to something else I wanted to bring up. A friend of mine is Therapist. And I think you should talk to him.
Rielle: I've had tons of therapists. They couldn't fix me.
Uncle John: Just give it a chance please? This one will be different. I promise.
Rielle: Okay.
Uncle John: Awesome! You won't regret it. Now get some sleep kid. You have a big day tomorrow.
Rielle: Ugh. Don't remind me.
Uncle John: You sure you don't want to go shopping for new outfits? Mall doesn't close till 10.
Rielle: None of my clothes have holes in them. Why do I need new ones?
Uncle John: ...Oh kid🥲. You know what? Forget I asked. If you change your mind let me know. Goodnight Elly.
Rielle frowned.
Rielle: Goodnight Uncle John.
She turned off her phone and put it on the charger. She took a long shower and changed into her favorite Star Wars pajamas. Now in bed, she thought about what he said. Was there something wrong with the way she dressed? Sure she didn't dress girly, but she wasn't a girly girl. At least she didn't think she was. Frills and flowers didn't really suit her. A dress would look weird on her. She was a big enough target as is. Yeah. Her old clothes were fine. Before she fell asleep she sent up a prayer for strength to take on tomorrow.
*The next morning*
When Rielle woke the next morning John had already left for work. He left a note on the kitchen island telling her to have a great day and that there's breakfast food in the fridge and cabinets. No family breakfast? That was alright. She had a feeling John was a terrible cook. Knowing it was just her here made the house feel that much more empty. She didn't know how John could stand it. Being alone with his thoughts in a house this huge. The orphanage and foster homes sucked but she never felt physically alone. Except for the times she was locked in a closet. Back then she was alone and afraid. The memory slithered across her skin, making her shiver. Not now. She couldn't think about that now. It was too early to have an episode. Memories like that were off limits.
There was a basket of muffins on the counter. She grabbed one and took a bottle of apple juice from the fridge. She'd eat on her way to school. Maybe it was a good idea to limit how much time she spent at the house without John there.
Linken High was a 10 Minute drive. She managed to polish off the muffin and juice before she arrived. The school emailed her the schedule yesterday at John's request so she didn't have to suffer a trip to the main office on her first day. She wouldn't need a late pass to her first class. Getting out the car she made her way into the building. 1. Don't make eye contact unless necessary . 2. Chin up. 3. Walk fast, but not too fast. 4. No silent mumbling. 5. Remember to blink. 5. Avoid Tyler Reeves at all costs. These were a few of the rules she chanted in her head. They would get her through the day. At least that's what she told herself.
The halls were loud and crowded, but she managed to maneuver without bumping into anyone. No one pushed her into a locker yet. So, that was good. 6 hours. She just needed to survive 6 hours until the final bell rung. First there was homeroom. That only lasted 30 minutes. When she got there, she scanned the room. Bingo. There was a seat in the far back with her name on it. She rushed to sit there before someone took it. For 30 minutes she could have her nose in book. Her favorite manga series just released a new volume and she couldn't wait to read it.
Tucked away in the back corner, she let herself relax as she let the story take her away. Shutting out the sounds of pointless chatter around her. When the main character said something outrageously funny, she put a fist to her mouth to suppress her laughter.
"So, you like manga?"
The voice pierced through her peaceful haze. The hairs on her arms rose beneath her hoodie. She knew who the voice belonged to before she even looked up. When she did Tyler was sitting in the desk next to hers. She was so enthralled in her book that she didn't notice his entry or presence. It was just her luck that he went to the same school as hers. When John insisted that she attend a high end school she should have declined. "Public schools are great, but this school has better textbooks, and programs." He'd said. Well John, public school doesn't have Tyler Reeves. That alone made it the far better option. She took one look at the sweet smile he offered her and knew he was going to give her hell.
She gave him a brief nod in response to his question. Her eyes returning to the book.
"I didn't take you for manga fan. I bet you watch anime too."
He wasn't going to let this go. Next he would make fun of her and call her anime nerd. Some much time, effort, and skill went into manga. Did bullies care about this fact? No. Ignorant fools. All of them. If the floor opened up and swallowed her whole she'd gladly trade this hell for that one.
"Wait a sec. That's version's in Japanese. Impressive."
Huh? Did I mishear him? Did he just call me impressive and that he reads manga? Maybe he planned to bully me into teaching him Japanese. She stared silently waiting for the sense to make itself. I must look as shocked as I feel, because he chuckles softly.
"I guess I don't look like a manga fan myself."
I shake my head.
Nope. You definitely don't. He looks like he's fan of making girls like me cry. The manga thing was a curveball, but I wasn't buying the decent human being act. A bully with good taste was still a bully.
He keeps talking and I have no choice, but to listen. I nod along pretending like there isn't a million places, a million seats, I'd rather be in than this one. He asks a question I can't respond to with just a nod or a head shake. I get that feeling I always get when someone pressures me to me speak. When I don't respond he surprises me.
We can talk like this if you want. I know sign language, remember? He signs.
I look up from his hands to his calm gaze. He looks so sincere, but I know better. His eyes told me to trust him. Frankly I was irritated by the sight. I don't care if he saves a litter of kittens from a burning building. I'm not trusting this guy. I'm not playing this game.
Not gonna make fun of me for being a mute?
His smile disappears. Good. Show me the real you.
I would never. That's what makes you interesting.
Yeah I bet. A very interesting victim.
Then you'll make fun of my looks. If you're going to bully me, just do it.
His gaze hardens. The glint I saw the night before fails to make an appearance. I want to force it out of him.
I have no intention of making fun of either. That's not my thing.
He looks as if I've insulted him. For a second I consider that I might have misjudged him.
What is your thing then?
Sorry. I only tell my friends things like that.
Is he implying we be friends? The mere thought was ridiculous. Not to mention the imagery. Guys like him don't hang out with girls like me.
I don't need friends.
He looks at me. Really looks at me from head to toe considerably. I've never felt so naked. It was like he was stripping me bare.
No one needs friends. It's a matter of want.
I don't want to be bullied.
He smirks at me.
I'm not like any of the bullies you've come across.
I worry my bottom lip as I search his eyes for truth. I'd gotten pretty good over the years at detecting lies. I hated the fact I couldn't tell if he was or not.
You promise?
He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a manga with the casing still on it. He reaches over and places it on my desk. Notes of lavender and sandalwood drift up from his sweater clad arm and invade my nostrils. I exhale through my nose in attempt rid it of his scent. When he pulls away the scent remains in my space. Ugh. I'm about tell him to keep his distance when I get a good look at there cover of the manga he gave me. Not only is it the unreleased next volume of the manga series I'm reading, but it autographed by the Author himself. On the outside I probably look unaffected, but on the inside excitement rises in my chest. Just to hold a signed copy by my favorite Author sends a happy thrill through me. I resist the urge to clutch it to my chest. It's not mine. It's his. I turn to him.
Why are you giving this to me?
Truly I don't want to ask. I want to accept the gift even if it's not a gift. I want to shove it in my bag and run, praying he doesn't catch me. He's motionless for a moment, taking in my reaction.
I still want it back when you're done reading it. Consider it a temporary peace offering.
This time I do clutch the book to my chest.
What do you want in return?
Instead of answering he pulls out his phone. He types a quick message, then looks at me expectantly. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I take it out and look at the screen. It's a text from a 856 number.
856-xxx-xxx: Let's see...🤔how about saving my number.😁
I look over at him. Is he for real? He must have paid a pretty penny to get this and he's lending it to me in exchange for that? This boy made no sense.
Deal? He signs.
I save his name and send him a text.
Rielle: Is that really all you want?
The things I'd be willing to do just to keep this copy are honestly a bit shameful.
Tyler: Is there something else you want to offer?
I look up and he's staring at me. His smile is a teasing one and his eyes dance with mischief. I quickly look away.
Rielle: Um...how about a free pizza?
She could hear Tyler laugh under his breath.
Tyler: Thanks but no thanks. I can pay for my own pizza.
He had a point. A rich guy like him didn't need free pizza. What could she offer a guy that could buy whatever he wanted? Sexual favors were out. She wasn't that desperate. He probably wouldn't want something like that from her anyway. She searched her memory for things she owned and had access to that might be of value him.
Rielle: I don't know you well enough to know what you'd like.
Tyler: Fair enough. How about we change that?
Rielle: How?
The bell for first period rings.
Tell you later at lunch. He signs and gets up first to leave.
I stare at the back of his blonde head until he disappears out the classroom. What just happened? I tuck both my copy and his copy into my bag. I walk to my next class both excited and confused. First period takes too long. I keep sneaking glances at my phone hoping Tyler decides to tell me sooner. Did he really want to be friends with someone like her? In the halls between classes she saw him and his friends in the hallways. They were rowdy, good looking, and popular. Everything Rielle wasn't.
Whenever he caught her looking he would smile and wink at her. She'd blush, offer a quick wave and hustle to her next class. It didn't make sense for them to be friends. But part of Rielle wanted to. Probably the dangerously naive part of her, but a part of her no less.
By the time the lunch bell rang she made up her mind. She would take a chance on Tyler Reeves. Lord help her if she was making a grave mistake.