3.1 | Flawless | ✔

14 - Time To Put My Acting Hat On

"- and my mom would say that I suck at it because I try and buy everything at once. But I tell her that its the only way to get all the good places." I hear Hannah say. Confused, I just go along with her and smile. What's it the penguins do in the film Madagascar? 

Smile and wave. 

Just smile and wave. 

"What about you Whitney?" Hannah questions. "What do you and your family do?" 

My entire body freezes at her question, my blood running cold. I forgot what my family would do now that they know I'm here. Sure, I knew they would find out but I never fully thought about what they would do. What would my parents do? A part of me hopes they will come to school or my new house and beg for my forgiveness after their neglect. 

Its foolish of me to want that - they don't deserve it. 

I hate to admit that I miss them. Terribly. 

My parents are always going to have a special place in my heart. No matter how much they hurt me. 

I swallow and drop my fork. I smile, trying to stay strong and to not start bawling my eyes out. "We used to play Monopoly. But now..." I pause and dart my eyes to Brock. "I haven't seen them in a long time. I don't know what they do anymore." 

Hannah gives me a sad smile, sympathy shining in her eyes. She reaches over the table and grabs my hand; squeezes it. "I'm sure you will see them soon. I have this feeling in my gut. I feel like I know that everything will work out for you, you just have to let things flow." 

My mouth opens in shock at her promise. Does she know something I don't? 

"You think I'm naive. A - And sometimes I am. Sometimes I am oblivious. I may not know exactly what happened to you Whit but I know you were hurt badly. Emotionally. I'm guessing your family and friends hurt you - maybe even betrayed you - and you left them. But now you're this amazing superstar... and I bet they're proud." 

My eyes well up at her words. She couldn't have hit the nail more perfectly. I honestly thought she was clueless but really, this girl is incredibly smart and kind. She has a heart of pure gold. 

I hope my brother knows how special she is. 

"Thanks, Hannah Banana," I whisper, squeezing her hand back. She beams and starts talking about something else, which I'm grateful for. 

"Anytime superstar." She replies. I cock my head to the side at her nickname. "What? You think you can give me a nickname and I won't give you one back? Ha! No." 

I chuckle and pick my fork back up to finish this delicious salad. 

***

"Alan, can I ask you a question?" I mutter, walking with him to my last lesson of the day: drama. 

"Sure thing kiddo." He replies, his face passive. He's wearing his black suit but minus the shades, which if it's even possible, makes him appear scarier. But to me, he will always be like a brother. 

Translation: not scary in the slightest. 

I take a deep breath, twiddling my fingers together that are hanging by my side. I dropped my books off at my locker, figuring I won't need them for drama. 

"Do you think I should contact my parents?" 

Silence. My answer from Alan is silence. Several minutes pass as Alan remains non-responsive. I begin to think he didn't hear my question. 

"Yes." He blurts out. 

My head whips round to face him so quickly I think I got whiplash. "What?"