I'm Blind Not Fragile

Chapter 7

"Raine. Hey Raine. C'mon Raine, wake up." A familiar voice pulls me out of my blissful sleep.

"Eric stop shaking me, I'm trying to sleep" I groan.

"You came home last night, I didn't hear you come in. Where were you?"

"Sabastian's house" I lie smoothly, no need for Eric to worry about Howard and I. "And don't worry, Hank drove me to and from." I add before he can lecture me.

"Good. I don't need you mugged and left for dead because you were walking home alone at night." I internally roll my eyes.

"I can take down any low ethic mugger." I thought. Of course I didn't say it out loud. My brother sees me as his blind baby sister. But he's my brother and I love him.

"I have to head out early little sis, I have a big math project I have to work on. And I'll probably come home late too. I love you, bye." He says while he kisses my forehead.

"Bye! I love you too!" I yell as he is already down the stairs.

I check my clock, it is 7:45. Too early to call the school. I'll call in 45 minutes. I go downstairs and put on some classical music. My mom used to play the piano and was really good at it. She taught me how even though I was blind. She used to ask "If you never try, how do you know you wont succeed?" I really loved piano. I couldn't read regular sheet music so we would just make stuff up most of the time. I stopped playing the piano when my mom died. We still have the baby grand in our attic though.

Apparently my trip down memory lane lasted longer than I suspected. My phone told me it was 8:37 AM. I called the school and in a confidant and athoritive voice said, "Hello, I'm calling to inform you that Raine-Gertrude Lewis is ill, and cannot attend school today."

"Oh okay Mrs. Lewis, I hope your daughter feels better." I hung up. I gasp on silent sobs. Even though my mother died almost 6 years ago, the pain still feels as vivid. Someone once said that time heals all wounds, but apparently whoever said that didn't lose their mother.

After my little breakdown I pull myself together to get myself a bowl of cereal. With my cereal I plopped down on the couch and sank into the notes of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3.

A while later I ask my phone the time. It answers with 9:00. Might as well start getting ready. I go up to my room and brush my teeth. I get dressed into a blue shirt, and black leggings. It said it was going to be in the 50's today so I decided to wear a black jacket and a cream scarf.

I grab my cane and glasses and walk downstairs. As I'm about to open my door I make a split decision to grab my wallet that has my credit card and a $20 bill in it. I learned to use a card when I was around 7. My mom thought it would be easier for me to use a card than have to separate and organize my money.

I leave my house at 9:40 ish, and start my treck to the café.

*Dingle* The door chimes as I walk inside. My head filled with questions about tonight and tomorrow. About 5 seconds later, an arm grabs my elbow. I squeak in surprise and am about to beat the crap out of whoever is touching me when I finally breath in a familiar smell. Pine, apples, and metal. I instantly relax.

"Chill Raine, it's me."

"Yeah Brandon I got that. You cant sneak up on me idiot!" I elbow him gently...ish "Did you forget I can't see!? If I can't hear you, you aren't there."

"Of course I didn't forget yo we blind! Why do you think I came over to guide you to the table? How didn't you hear me? I wasn't trying to be sneaky."

"I guess I just wasn't paying attention." I answer as he helps me sit down. "I was thinking about Howard and the meeting last night."

"And that's why we're here. Spill." And so I retell to him the entire conversation.

"Wow. Your dad is really an ass. Well I already knew he was an ass but really, he is a huge ass."

"Yeah basically Hank know exactly what Howard wants. Heaven know what Howard would do if the dress was not to his liking." I rant.

"Is there anything I can do? Or really, that you'll let me do?" He asks sincerely.

"I'm so glad you asked, because you're coming with me."

"To the dress shopping? Hell no!" He protests

"Please Brandon" I said taking of my dark glasses "I could really use the moral support. To keep me sane and make sure I'm alright."

"Fine" He agrees like he's agreeing to let me rip out his heart and sell it on eBay.

"Don't sound to supportive, I hear that's fatal for a gang leader's son." I tease.

"That statement is absolutely, 100%...True" Brandon throws back and we both start laughing.

"So when does this thing start" Brandon asks after we both calm down from out little laughing fit.

"4:00ish, Hank's driving us." I respond.

"I could drive us. I AM 17." He remarks.

"You could drive if I wanted us dead" I joke.

"Ha ha very funny. I've been driving since I was 12." He boasts.

"Yeah a quarter-mile in a strait line. Doesn't count as sufficient practice for me." I jibe.

"Okay, I understand about half of what you just said." He deadpans and I just laugh.

"So you're buying me hot chocolate right?"