Eye of the Storm

Chapter 17

I fold up my clothes and books, stuffing them into my bag. They ended up making me stay an extra night, but I’m fine to leave now. I still haven’t quite come to terms with everything. One moment I’m ready to give up, the next I’m surrounded in crisp white walls. Everything in me is unsure, uncertain. I’m scared any moment now I’ll open my eyes and being rescued was all just a dream.
“You ready?” Clare stands at the doorway. “Mum asked me to take you home, she’s working,” apparently me going missing did a big toll on Clare. I guess being deserted makes you see who really does care about you. I zip up my bag and string it over my shoulder carefully.
“Yeah, let’s go home…” it’s been so long since I’ve been in my own home, in my own bed. “Finally,” Clare walks me out of the hospital, supporting me when I need it.

I’m not sure how to feel as I approach my house. It’s a mix of relief, and fear.
“Come on, let’s get you settled back in. The sooner the better, aye?” Clare gives me a small smile, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the stairs towards the front door. I don’t even get a chance to sort out all my complicated feelings as I’m tossed straight into the patio. The door opens and I take a few small steps in. “Go rest in your room, Nate and I will make you some lunch,” I spin my head towards her. She shuts the door. “Nate moved in, to help,” she swallows hard. “We missed you a lot, Esme,” I nod. It’s still a shock being back home, let alone hearing that people missed my sorry excuse for a life.
“Clare, I-“
“Esme!” Nathaniel runs down the hallway, grabbing me in his arms blowing the wind out of my lungs.
“Babe! She’s fragile!” Clare shrieks. Nate laughs, placing me down leaving me feeling rather dazed.
“Sorry it’s just so good to see her again,” I can’t help but feel a smile creep up my face. For once, I’m glad to see Clare’s shitty boyfriend.

I can’t help but let my thoughts drift to Leo and his parents, I hope he’s ok. Mum’s home now and won’t let me have a moment of peace. Not that I can really complain. Apparently the parents have been talking and are planning some sort of a group therapy at the orphanage for all of us that need it, which I’m sure will be everyone.
“Um, can I have everyone’s attention please?” Nate asks as we eat dinner. “Now that a worry has been lifted off our shoulders,” he eyes me. “There’s something we wanted to say,” he shifts his gaze to Clare.
“Oh?” Mum stares at them expectantly. I miss this, having dinner. As a family. Sharing news, it’s something people take for granted.
“We’re engaged,” he holds up their intertwined hands, revealing a shining ring on Clare’s slim finger. Engaged? I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out. They look at mum and I with hopeful expressions. What the f*ck. I stand up from the table and walk straight out the front door.

I have way too much going on in my head, it’s my first night back home and they throw this bombshell on me?! I sigh, making my way towards the water. The water looks so calm with the moonlight carefully washing over it.
“Esme?” I turn.
“Nic, hey,” I sigh. He stands there in a big hoodie and skinny jeans. He looks so innocent and I’m starting to believe so, maybe we got off on the wrong foot.
“Sit,” he falls into the sand, patting next to him. “How are you?”
“Where do I even begin?” I laugh nervously. His big hand rests on my shoulder for a few seconds, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Turns out my sister is getting engaged,”
“Do you like the guy?” I shake my head.
“Yeah, that’s how I felt when dad found a new girl,” I turn to him. I guess I don’t know anything about his parents, or why he’s in the orphanage in the first place. Come to think of it, he shouldn’t be on this beach right now.
“How come you’re not in there?” I ask, motioning to the great building a couple hundred metres away.
“Once you turn eighteen they don’t give a sh*t about what you do,” he smiles, but not a happy smile. I’m not sure what that smile is saying, but part of me never wants to know. Perhaps this man has a deeper side to him.

“How’s Leo?” I ask.
“Oh, him,” Nic scoffs a little. “Yeah, he’s his normal mopey self,” he grabs my stare. “So, are you two dating or what?” I choose to ignore his disgusted face, I don’t have the energy for it.
“I don’t… really know,” to be honest we never truly sorted it out. It wasn’t the time. I guess that’s one of the main reasons why I need to see him. I need to figure out what we are. “I hope we are,” the cool air tickles my skin.
“He’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Es,”
“I know,”
“Be careful,” he winks at me, before standing up. “Wouldn’t want you getting hurt, now would we?” he turns and walks off.