Splinters: Part One

Part One | 1

The mattress I slept on was one that resembled Heaven. It would probably be the only thing I missed when I return to St. Anne's.

I got out of the bed, my feet waiting to feel the cold wood floor of the orphanage, but instead they felt warm fluffy carpet through the hole in my sock. I enjoyed it. I bet sleeping on the carpet itself alone is more comfortable than St. Anne's.

I shook my head.

I went towards the door and opened it; fearful of Potey noticing me, but he approached. Carefully, I looked out of the room and towards the hallway. Down the stairs, I could hear the sound of metal pans and glass plates. The delightful smell of breakfast entered my nostrils. For a moment, I wished I could stay here.

I made my way down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen. The house still felt like a maze, but I managed to find the kitchen. I noticed Melissa standing at the stove, flipping an egg while Greg was sitting at the island reading a newspaper. Once again, it felt like a movie.

Greg looked up at me, noticing my appearance. "Good morning, Brayden."

I stepped in, the skin exposed by the hole in my sock feeling the cold tile of the kitchen.

Melissa turned, smiling. "Hi, Brayden. Pancakes and eggs?"

I stared at her. "Uh, sure."

"Well you're in for a treat!" Greg beamed. "Melissa makes the best pancakes."

"Oh, stop!" she said, waving the spatula lightly at her husband.

He smiled at her, taking a large bite out of his pancake that seemed to be drenched in syrup.

"Anyways, Brayden, would you like one?"

"S-sure."

She nodded and set my plate. I took a seat at the island, a chair between Greg and I. I wasn't comfortable sitting so close to him. I wondered if it'd be the same with Melissa. Probably.

After a minute, I was given my pancake and Melissa leaned over the counter. Greg set his newspaper down and the two smiled at me. I felt small as four eyes bore into my own.

"Brayden..." Melissa started. "Do you like this place?" she asked, almost hopeful.

I swallowed, averting my gaze. "I like it better than St. Anne's."

I could tell it wasn't the answer she wanted, but nonetheless, she kept her smile visible.

"Do you want to stay with us?" Greg then asked.

I turned to him, suddenly feeling extremely nervous. I rubbed the back of my neck, finding it a bit hard to breath.

"Brayden?"

"I- uh..." I felt exasperated. I wasn't expecting them to want me.

"Brayden, we'd... We'd like you to stay here."

I shook my head. "I can't."

"You don't have to go back, Brayden," Melissa promised.

"Well, we still have a long way to go" Greg said gently. "Adoption isn't as easy as it looks," he chuckled. "But we do think you're a great kid, and we'd love for you to be a part of the family."

I nodded awkwardly. 

"Okay." he said, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"No pressure!" Melissa told me, looking extremely anxious.

"Melissa," Greg scolded quietly.

I pushed my plate away from me. I had lost my appetite.

...