When I get home, the first thing I do is to release my feet from the pain they have suffered today. I take my shoes off right at the staircase and breathe a sigh of joy. This is the best thing that has happened to me today.
Second to my newly found friendship with Jeremy.
I drop my shoes off in my closet once I have changed into something more comfortable, before running downstairs for a meal.
I can never fast. I've tried to before. All it got me was a 3 day stay at the hospital in a matter of hours. I eat to survive. And I must survive.
"What should we eat today?" my uncle calls from the hall.
I shrug my shoulders before opening the fridge and making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
He takes one look at me and his features shift into complete and utter disgust.
"What?" I question with my mouth full. He looks from me to the sandwich to the ingredients on the island, then shakes his head.
"Oh, I wanted to tell you," I start and my uncle looks back at me. "I'm going out later today."
He looks at me in confusion. "Why?"
"I made a friend," I say, finishing my sandwich and dusting my hands.
I leave my uncle in the kitchen and run up to my room. I pack a bag and run back down in a flash.
"I'll be back in time for dinner," I inform him.
"And where are you going?" I hear from behind me.
I turn around to my mother staring at me. Her arms are crossed and she doesn't look too happy.
"Next door, mother."
"You know we have priorities," she says.
"Yes, but I was thinking I could get to know some more people today."
"That's great honey," her features soften. "But, not today."
"Why not?"
"We have company today. Dinner plans."
I look over to my uncle, but he avoids my eyes.
"Who's coming over?"
My mother looks over to my uncle and then back at me.
"The Jacksons."
-----
"But, mother--"
"--I've had enough of your excuses, Stella-Rose," she says. "You are not going anywhere."
I sigh. "It's going to Jeremy's house."
"What?"
"Next door." I have her attention. "I told uncle I'd be back before dinner."
"And what will you do there?"
"I don't know."
"Then why would you go?"
"I'm going, mother, because I finally have a friend around here. Do you know how long it has taken for someone to want to be friends with me around here? Not many."
"Stella-Rose," she sighs.
"I am going," I say.
"Honey," she sighs softly. "I know things are difficult for you, but tonight will be a turning point for you."
I look at her confused. "How?"
"You'll see."
I give her a look. "I'm going. I'll be home by 6:30."
I begin to walk away. I take my bag and leave the house.
The sky is blue and the wind is calm. As I walk down the path towards Jeremy's house, I go focussed and intact.
Once I get to his door, my features shift and I knock.
"Why hello Stella-Rose. What brings you here?"
"Good afternoon Mrs. Carol," I greet. "I'm here to see Jeremy."
She calls her grandson, who comes running from the other room.
"Yes, grandma? What's wrong?" Then he spots me. "Oh, you're here?"
I smile at him then look over to Carol. "May I come in?"
"Of course dear…" she hesitates, then looks to her grandson. He gives her a nod and she opens the door wide enough for me to fit through.
I begin to follow Jeremy to his room.
"So what brings you here," he asks. I spare a glance in his grandmother's direction, before answering.
"Don't you remember? We're friends now."
We make it to his room and make sure to leave the door open.
"So, what's really up?" He looks at me with his green eyes and I face him.
"Let's go on a little treasure hunt."
"What?"
"I told you about my father didn't I?" He nods. "Well, I have to find out what happened to him."
"You can't just come up with that out of the blue," he starts.
"Look, I've been waiting for a year to finally be able to find out what really happened to him."
"Can't you just leave that to the cops or something?"
"Are the cops going to help a lonely black girl?"
He looks down. "I didn't mean it that way," he says.
I look away for a second then back at him.
"Just help me out," I say. "You have nothing better to do anyway."
"What?" He seems surprised.
"Am I wrong?"
"I have a life, Stella-Rose." His voice grows louder. "You can't just walk into my house and expect me to follow you."
"I'm expecting you to be my friend," I say, my voice matching his.
"We haven't even been friends for an hour!"
I get up. "I don't need your help anyway. I'll figure it out myself."
I begin to walk out of the room. His mouth opens, but shuts just as quick. He has an angry expression on.
I smile, turn, and walk towards him. "Don't be mad. I'll see you later."
He doesn't meet my eyes. I walk out of the room and towards the front door.
"Where are you off to, Stella-Rose?" Carol asks me once I reach for the doorknob.
"Back to my house. It's getting late and I need to be there in time for dinner."
And it seems I'm not welcome here.
She nods. "Well, get home safe dear."
I smile and nod, finally opening the door and walking outside. "Good evening."
Once I leave, my features shift and I start on my way back home.
Now I have to deal with the General and his hypocrite of a son.
Once I get home, I find that a car has already been parked outside.
"You're home early," my uncle greets me.
"Yeah," I say in response. "Who's car is outside?"
"Hey, Stella-Rose."
I turn around and roll my eyes.