A/N:NOT THOROUGHLY EDITED!
Chapter 6 - New Spaces, New Faces (Faith POV)
With Walsh leaving prior, Patricia remained up until I was released three days later, it was a bit of a foregone conclusion that I would be moving in with the Conrads.
It really wasn't as though I had someone or somewhere else to go.
"It's spacious, it's in the attic, three windows, two above you, one right when you enter the room to the right, and then another bedroom that's in the bathroom. You have a desk against the wall, I bought you new clothes to replace the ones you lost, a television, a new record player, some of the books I could remember, I got those for you as well," Patricia continued describing my new space. I realized she was kind, but each time she had to leave me, she would begin to ramble, she was awful at goodbyes.
Or maybe I was just too good at them, either way, I let her continue, and she described everything she could, had taken pictures, and finally moved onto the Conrads I hadn't met, "There is Samantha, she's adopted and just turned eleven years old, and Simon and Amy are twins, both turning six soon, cute kids," I nodded.
"They're pretty excited to meet you, especially when Amy and Samantha saw me putting away your new craft supplies, looks like you may have your own little entourage," the sudden fright on my face couldn't be mistaken, I had never interacted with children, or well anyone really but still.
"You'll do fine, I think this is going to be good for you," Patricia said just before Dr. Conrad came to release me from the hospital, Kalenah right behind him. "I've shown you and Kalenah as well how to treat your burns, you'll come back in a week if it gets infected or there's more pain than normal you must come back. Do you understand?" I nodded. Handing me five new slips, prescriptions, I pass them off to Patricia who helps me get into a wheelchair, even though I can walk. I hurt my hand, not my legs. Still I stay silent as Patricia pushes me from the room and Kalenah stops at the room next to mine and pushed out Talia.
We hadn't been able to talk since I pulled her from the dorms, "Hey how are you?" she asked cheerily, I just pointed to my throat, "You don't have your writing board?" I blinked surprised that she knew that I had been using one. Then again, she was right next to me, the glass dividers between us. "Mom said you cannot talk but you can write," I nodded and Patricia stopped pushing to dig around in my tote bag, handing me my white board and marker.
How's your leg? I wrote when we were in the elevator. Turning it towards her, and waiting.
Talia grimaced, her face turning red, her eyes watered, realizing I probably shouldn't have asked I quickly erased my question. Sorry, never mind.
She shook her head, "No, it's not too bad, my right foot has second-degree burns, and they had to remove some of the burnt parts, um, if you hadn't thought to wet me it probably would - would've been w - worse," I nodded.
"Now you're trusting and even rescuing them Faith?" a small Dmitri like voice whispered.
I should've put some more on you, I'm so sorry. She shook her head and behind us, Kalenah cleared her throat, "No... don't, you did more than enough, you thought to wet the both of you, had you not done what you did Faith, we wouldn't be pushing your wheelchairs out of the hospital a mere fifteen days later, we - we might be standing at a funeral," she looked up, the veins in her thick neck bulging.
Jumping in, Talia starts, "Yeah, mom's right... if anything I'm the one to blame," my eyes widened, she was sleeping how could this be her fault. "It is, I mean - I went home took what I thought were muscle relaxers, light ones. Instead, they were tranquilizers and I mean... there were so many variables in everything. If the nurse that let you said you had to head to class I would've died. If - if you had walked slower or gone anywhere else but back to the dorms I wouldn't be here, and if you hadn't run inside-" her voice shook and I watched as her hand's fists on her thighs.
"Hey - enough of that, what matters is that you're both coming home," Kalenah said looking down at us both, but when I noticed Talia lean her head back, I looked straight forward, letting them have their moment. Two sighs sounded and then I felt Patricia place her hand right on my shoulder, but still I kept my eyes forward.
My arm bandaged, Talia's foot as well we entered a large black car, and since we seemed to be at the edge of Bend and going to the opposite side, the medication they gave us just before we left made the trip seem to drag on, after nearly forty minutes we seemed to leave the city behind us and were on a black paved road, and then we turned off onto another road, and the trees became sparse, spread out, yellowish green, dark pines, the clouds thicker and blocking out the sun overhead. Drowsy I lifted my head off the window when the land seemed to get brighter, greener, the trees filled out and it felt like we were now driving up the hill almost. The road covered with large trees making the drive seem darker for a bit, reminding me of when we left the safe house.
After staying on the road for nearly five minutes without turn offs we passed one, "this is one of our guest houses, we both come from such a large family," Kalenah said into the quiet car, driving around a large pond we pulled up to a large house, nearly twice the size of the home I had back on Dmitri's land.
"Well this is home," Kalenah whispered, and my eyes watered at home much my surroundings reflected my mountain home, from here I could see the trees climbing in the back, different than back home but so much more similar than what I had to look at when I gazed out of the windows in the dorms.
As the car stops three new faces, followed by all the familiar ones from the family are on the steps, bright smiles, "Talia! Talia!" a little girl, with wild brown curls, her mother's button nose, and her father's blue eyes ran out, stopping just before she crashed into Talia who was hopping on one leg.
Wincing probably thinking the little girl wouldn't stop Talia rest back against the car, trying to get her footing as Ansel comes forward and just lifts her effortlessly up into his arms, and when Ansel carries her away, and Kalenah comes up to me, the little brown haired girls comes up to me, "Hi, I'm Amy and you're Faith!" she waves big and reaches for the tote in my hand. Unsure of what I'm supposed to do, Kalenah gives me what I believe to be an encouraging smile, so I leave my tote in the hands of Amy.
"Your room is all the way up! Up! Up!" she gushes, as Kalenah takes my good hand the rest of the family follows in behind Ansel. Nervous, I turn around to look for Patricia, who gives me a full nod and smile, so stiffly I turn back and I'm led to a home.
It's different, not just on the outside but the differences from what I'm accustomed too, there are pictures of the family everywhere, at different stages in their lives, captured pouts, laughter and on the stairs heading to the second floor is a large picture of a crying Talia. Around her are her brothers, all with the largest smiles on their faces, even Samson, but then I note that there are two of him in the pictures. Not wanting to ask, I let Kalenah lead me around the home, showing me the library, the game room, the pool and then finally after I really had no energy left we walked up from the kitchen to the second floor, then to the third which held a small area and two doors.
"This is your room," she said opening the door and letting me enter. It was a long hall type of room, the bed at the very end, and right when I entered as Patricia said there was a window overlooking the backyard, the mountains, and trees as the climbed higher, beautiful.
Moving further into the room there was a small two seat sofa against the wall next to the door, a new guitar since mine had burned stood to wait, what was left of my records and a new player were to the left of the bed. A nice large desk pushed against the wall, with a new computer was waiting. My craft supplies were neatly placed away under the television to either side.
"We have a large carpet that we ordered coming soon because it does get chilly and we thought you'd maybe want something to cover the area," Kalenah said reminding me that I wasn't alone.
Giving my signature nod, I noticed that on the sofa, the tote that Amy had taken from me was already on the sofa in front of what I believed led to a bathroom. Going to it, I searched for my dry erase board and marker, thank you, it's lovely.
I scribbled quickly turning it to Kalenah who seemed to relax after reading, although I'm not sure why she would be worried, it was a lovely space.
"Well you can change anything you want, if you want to paint or maybe change the colors, you have extra beddings in the closet," she came forward opening the door and revealing the two-sided closet with my new clothes, shoes and the beddings she spoke of.
"You have a change of towels there, and we bought you a few other items but anything you need just writes a list and we can go into town," she clasps her hands in front of her, her smile wide. Nearly dead on my feet, I step back and glance longingly at the bed, "You can go rest, that'll be fine, I can wake you for dinner," Kalenah offered and strangely led me to the bed, helping me get under the covers, turning off my lights she smiled down at me, and went on her way. Curling up, I placed my head at an angle to watch her leave, closing the door behind her, and was instantly up behind her, locking the door, I sighed in relief trudging back to the bed, the softness melting my bones. The silence reminding me of home, I closed my eyes, and after a few lingering thoughts, I was gone, fast asleep.
I stretched out, my limbs protesting, my legs meeting cool sheets but my arm bites, my stomach is in tumbles and as I turn to glance at the clock, I note that it's nearly twelve a.m., had I really slept through someone knocking like Kalenah said she would? Or had she forgotten that I was up here - the thought is placed on halt immediately when I think of Patricia, she wouldn't have let me just sleep endlessly but with my door lock? They probably tried to wake me but were unsuccessful.
Careful of my arm, the numbness of the medication going away and the tightness and heat on my arm increased until I couldn't fight it, and I was rocking in pain, stumbling I noticed my phone on the desk, alerting me of messages.
Before I had just two numbers on my phone, but after it was decided I would move in, new numbers were added, Kalenah's and the flower shop, Talia's, Harleigh, Paige, Caterina, Brennan, and Thaddeus.
Even Ansel's number was on the list although I wouldn't use it, but nonetheless, it was there.
But still as I walked to the phone, the blinking every few seconds, I groaned my hand was shaking, the prickles not at all pleasant.
Tried to wake you but you locked your door, if you wake up and it's time for medicine yours is down in the kitchen, I left you a plate of food you can heat it. Or if you just want some tea, I did show you where we bought all the ones Patricia said you liked.
A few minutes from when that first one was sent, there was another message from Kalenah.
Realized that you can't have solid foods yet so I made you broccoli cheddar soup instead of the other plate, the clear bowl, your name is on it. There is yogurt or maybe you want a bit of ice cream to cool your throat, help yourself Faith.
THIS IS YOUR HOME.
Kalenah underlined the capital letters and it strikes me that she did not use the word 'now' as though this was only going to be for a short time.
Tears filled my eyes and in that moment, I told myself that it wasn't the care screaming in those two simple texts, but the pain that had me shaking, as I slowly unlocked my door quietly making my way down the stairs, making sure not to make too much noise, keeping my whimper down until I made it to the kitchen and I gasped out in pain, rushing to the counter by the board on the wall. Two prescription bags right underneath them, a big post-it attached with my name on it. My left hand shaking so badly as it felt like heat had taken over it, like little fire ants, were all over it, I couldn't get the cap off from the small bottle and my vision blurred.
"Let me help," a voice startles me and the small bottle in my hand is flung against the kitchen glass as behind me Samson stands with his hands out palms out, a white shirt and sleep pants on. "Relax, I'm sorry, I thought you heard me approach," I blink and two streams start. His eyes dart around my face before he goes to the window, picking up my medication Samson comes back, the cap off and he jingles it around until he's pushing the cap out towards me his eyes going from mine to good hand.
Until stupidly I lift them, still shaking I just barely get them in my mouth, "You have nothing to drink," he says more so to himself than to me, but with him helping me, a direct contrast to the glare and cutting words from the first time we met I'm unsure.
Walking quickly, he goes to the cabinet that holds glasses, and then goes to the fridge, "Do you want water? Or Apple juice, you probably don't want lemonade right?" when he turns back I lift up one finger as the way of answer and he turns back before rushing towards me with a full glass. When I try to take it, hands still shaking, mind dazed, he pulls away, and returns with some a swirly straw that Dmitri had once brought me when I was just six years old. Holding onto the straw and glass he brings it close enough to my lips.
I blink confused is he expecting to hold it while I drink? "You could barely hold the pills you want to try and hold the glass?" that bit of rudeness back in his tone makes me flinch back, sighing he puts the glass on the counter island. "If you sit, you'll be tall enough," he gripes and takes a few steps back instantly putting me at ease as I go to it, the pills nearly bitter in my mouth I slurp the water greedily even as it burns my raw throat.
Knowing it will take at least ten minutes to kick in, I start rocking the tears coming, "If you're in pain why did you wait so long to take the medication?" he asks but it's not like I can answer him. Still I screw my face up, "Were you hiding waiting us out?"
I lifted a brow at him, that didn't make sense, why would I wait in pain until they all went to bed to take my medication, I mean, it was mine. "Did you oversleep?" he continues asking questions, but when he finally gets to the right one, I nod just as my stomach announces its needs.
"I'll heat you up some food," he mumbles his back to me as he opens the fridge and takes out a whitish bowl, bringing out more supplies, and then begins to look at some of the pots. Scrunching my brows, I knock on the counter to get his attention, one side of his lip turns up; I ignore it and point to the microwave.
Didn't Kalenah say her children could not cook? Was she lying then? I reach for a legal paper pad, scribbling my objection.
Maybe you should leave the stove alone before you -
Samson just shakes his head, before I can finish writing this, "It tastes better this way, trust me," he writes me off and gets to work, pouring the cold soup into the shiny pot, measuring a bit of milk, he pours it in as well, and fills the kettle with water before turning to the large eight-burner stove and watching him closely and the questions he asks, I don't forget the pain in my arm, but I'm slightly distracted. Before he has time to turn the stove dial, I eye the exits, just in case.
Resting back I sigh, but when he turns the clicker on the stove, the rapid three clicks to light it, alarms me, and then blue fire takes my breath away.
The whole room changes, morphs into the dorm rooms, and though I know where I am, I jump from my spot on the stool, my good hand hits the glass that shatters at my feet. I can't be bothered with any of that, not even when my footsteps and pain shoots from my feet, the bluish orange flame is all I can concentrate on before I'm stepping back again, then again, and turning, running to be free.
Crazed I head for the kitchen door, running into the cool night in just my shorts and t-shirt, the wind nipping at my legs and face until I'm surrounded by trees, by darkness the moon bright in the sky above me. I stop breathless. Gasping. Lost. Free.
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Questions:
What's the cast? If you mean by who I have as characters... I tend to just have the pictures of who fits what person described the best.
I reread the chapters but still have no clue why Dimitri kept her isolated. I am not sure if he tried to protect her from something. I would say that if he had protected her, he would not have lied to her so much (why Loyalists, why Switzerland, why speaking French?). Unless the evil he had protected her from was and is far more serious than the mental damage caused by isolating her. But, to me, it looks more like he needed her to be easily manipulated by him and also to look as a kind of lunatic if accidentally found. But why? No idea. You are darn good. :-) First, thank you. Second you have good guesses... the french part is important I will say that.
Pretty much, Faith is going to have to ask these same things... I mean... I'm walking a very fine line. He hurt her by isolating her, but without giving it away, she really won't see the big picture until she starts to ask herself all those things.
Is Faith related to Dmitri in some way? One reader commented: She can't be related to Dmitri. Her DNA didn't match with anyone. I'm sure Walsh would have compared it to Dmitri's. I'll have to say I agree with this comment, she matches no one missing, reported missing... gone... disappeared, kidnapped. Nothing.
your story was on my mind today at work and I also thought there's something supernatural going on. Also, it's weird that how she says Dmitri found her and took care of her. Also Walsh and Patricia.. hmm I don't believe they're fully human lol also Conrad's family... something smells fishy :D I'm really waiting to find out about the truth :) thanks, Roxanne ^^ It's awesome that even at work you were thinking of this... I love that person are noting that something is a bit off with the Conrads, I mean I'm not being TOO subtle but I'm glad that you are picking up on that already.
I should say, think about location. Not only did Dmitri call Walsh, Walsh said Dmitri said that the school that Faith would do well at is the one they got her into. Walsh and Patricia work and so they don't actually stay in Bend. BUT The whole IDEA about her school... that was all Dmitri.
Is Dmitri really dead? YES. I will say this right off the bat, he is dead and gone, but with Faith, all she has are memories with him, when she's hearing him, it's not because he's a ghost haunting her. It's like when a parent or someone tells you something, and they aren't around but their words pop into your mind, that is what is happening to her.
Does she have a family out there? So this is one sided. SO far all you know is that she wasn't reported missing or kidnapped. No one was looking for her. But you also don't know the truth of how Dmitri got Faith. She said he told her that her parents were dying, and he saved her. But she's holding onto that... except again, when she gets to a place where she's more confident in herself, questions will be asked.
Faith is skittish.
Where is this story taking place? Bend, Oregon.
What time period is this story taking place? September 2014.
this next one is super long but I wanted to add it because I really loved that someone on here would even bother to write this: I think well , if she is going to be living with the Conrad's they should just be family to her nothing more , like the last chapter I saw a lot of people commenting on how her and Sampson should get together but faith is very vulnerable right now and really just needs that family connection and to focus on herself for a while , then maybe after she has had time to heal and learn she can get together with some other guy but not any of the Conrad brothers because they should all be just that to her brothers. I'm just thankful that you write the book ur way though because the truth is in all the books that you have written on wattpad I have not once been right about the direction you are taking it in which is good because you are not predictable. when I read the title of this book I assumed it was going to be about a romance but it now seems to be going in the direction of faith just getting the love and care she deserves the best kind of family because she will get to have a bunch of siblings if she chooses to accept them and parents who will love her no matter what but I also think if she moves in with the Conrad's they all need to know about what happened to her so that she can heal because the more support she has the better but I think it needs to be her decision if they are told , like she needs to have her own conditions as well (if she moves in and chooses to accept their love) I also hope if she does move in none of the siblings are rude to her because especially right now she doesn't need that , she needs love. so whatever grudges any of the siblings are holding they need to get over it. But who knows in the future when she's grown and developed as a person and has the self-confidence to do anything she wants, maybe she can move on enough to have a lover . oh maybe you could make a series out of this like the first book could be about her growing and finally getting the family she deserves and the second book could be about her next move after that. anyways that's just a couple of thoughts I had you don't have to listen to them lol I just thought I'd voice them for once although you're an amazing writer so you're probably taking the story in an amazing direction and I guess we'll just have to wait and see ;) ;) :) -Rosebud- THANK YOU FOR EVEN WRITING ALL THIS LOL!! I mean really... I will say that while I won't spoil it and tell everyone what will happen, or won't happen I will say that Faith really needs what you're saying... family. Like she has no social skills... watching movies from 1995 and it really was only four or five movies at that, won't make it so she knows how to behave correctly. I have lots planned for Faith, but I won't ruin this story for anyone.
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