Stay

Chapter eight.

The meal goes on for about an hour and a half.

Having concluded that I'm not getting out of this, I bring in the food and smile the whole time mainly nodding at questions and laughing when jokes are made. I did not start conversation. 

Not with the Oliver's, not with my parents and not with Jessie. I simply listened in and only spoke when I had to. Most of these questions asked were about school and what I planned to do after education.

My answers were always the same.

"I have yet to decide." Short and simple. No one can argue with that. 

Now, after taking as much of this small talk as I can handle, I sit waiting for them to leave.Luckily the conversation has died down, but as soon as I get my hopes up my mum brings in fresh glasses of wine.

Great.

"I should probably go check on Lola." Mr Oliver cuts in before my mum can place the wine in front of him.

Jessie starts to get restless beside me, the light tapping of his food only just audible and as I look down I notice his fits clenched, knuckles turning white. My stomach tightens at his worry. Just as Mr Oliver goes to stand up, Jessie rushes to the door in a burst of energy, my family watching the boy in confusion.

"No need. I'll go." He smiles, the edges of his mouth twitch, suggesting its more fake then he's letting on. "Maddie will come too." My heart stops as blood rushes to my face.

"Oh! That would be wonderful! Remember your jacket Mads!" And before I even have time to object, she has practically shoved me out the house and thrown me into the deep end. No words come out as I slowly sink inside my own mind.

The crisp air starts to bite at my skin and even with my thick jacket on, I can't help but shiver underneath the starry night sky. I walk next to Jessie. The gap between us fills with awkward silence. 

"The weathers pretty miserable tonight." I utter, forcing myself to start a conversation hoping for a reply. "It's always cloudy this time of year."

"I disagree." His voice raspy but calm. Calmer then when we were at that table. "Miserable is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with the weather." I pause, thinking about what to say now. Did he have to shut down my only subject of conversation? Unintentionally rolling my eyes, he continues.

"I think tonight is a rather pleasant night. Yes, it's windy but the wind is creating a beautiful song between the trees. Listen." We both pause, listening to the nature. The rustling trees surrounding us makes me feel as if I've been transported to a whole other world.

"Okay, okay. You've made your point." I snap, crossing my arms. Jessie's face seeming rather smug.

We reach his front door and in a matter of seconds we are in the warm. The living room fireplace is nicely lit with family photos perched on top.

This house looks so homely and cosy. I would do anything for my parents to live like this. Instead my mum must make sure everything is pristine and in the right place.

Jessie jogs up the stairs and I quickly follow.

We enter a room with a bright yellow sticker on the door saying 'Lola'.

"Jessie?" A little voice utters as we enter. A little blond girl, with curly hair just like Jessies is lead in bed with a small lamp lighting up the room next to her. She looks only young.

"I'm here."  He perches on the end of her bed, taking her little hand and kissing her on the forehead. I stand in the doorway not wanting to scare the little girl.

Jessie leans in and the little girl wraps her arms around his neck in an embrace.

"This is Maddie. She's our new friend." Jessie exclaims excitedly.

"A friend?" She runs over and hugs my waist tight. "I love her already."

 Right there in that moment my heart begins to melt.