We both stand there in silence as I try and figure out what to do.
Chapter Four - Isaac
I stand there watching the girl as her lips tremble. All this must have come as a horrible shock to her. She is doing an outstanding job at keeping her emotions under control. Still, I don’t think she can do it for long. They still show momentarily on her face.
I just feel so bad for her and must help out. “Um, why don't I offer a solution?” I suggest.
Mia looks at me curiously and skeptically. I don't even know why I brought that up, but now I have to keep talking.
“Why don't you come and stay with me? I’m renting a place just down the street, so you won't be far away?” I suggest.
Mia takes her time thinking it over. She rubs her cheeks and moves her head from side to side, making her long dark hair swing. “Okay, I guess. But only for a few days while I'm looking the house over,” she agrees.
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Something inside me really wants to take care of this girl—maybe because she is my friend’s daughter.
“Great! That makes sense. Why don't I drive us since it's late?” I offer as I stupidly point towards the door. Mia nods her head in agreement, and I notice how her hair seems to flow with her movements. It’s so thick and shiny…probably soft too.
I follow her outside, trying to figure out what is going on with me. I don't know why I made this suggestion? Maybe it's because I feel this strong urge to help her? She just looks so lost and alone right now. This whole situation must be difficult for her as well. The poor thing.
It's a breezy night as Mia and I walk out to my car, which is still parked in the driveway. I unlock the doors for us, and we both get inside. As soon as we do, Mia starts talking about her parents and their relationship. I listen with a sympathetic ear.
“It was easy to see that they were no longer lovey-dovey like other couples. They made it kind of obvious that they were only staying together for my benefit. Still, I didn't know that they downright hated each other. I didn't think things could get as bad as that,” she confides as she stares out the window. Moonlight catches in her eyes and glances over her young, shiny skin.
“Well, relationships can be difficult. No one is truly perfect. That is why I stay single,” I comment.
I can feel Mia look at me. Her stare feels intense. “You know one is the loneliest number,” she comments. Then, we lapse into silence and go back to staring out our separate windows as I drive.
What should I do in this situation? Now that I know who she is, I should probably let my friend know what his daughter is up to. I look at Mia again. Her strong emotions are evident on her face. I can't do that. It would devastate Ken to know how much all of this is affecting his daughter. It would break him, and I can't put him through that.
I can just look after Mia myself, besides it’s only for a few days.
I need to make conversation before things get too awkward, so I clear my throat. Mia looks at me. “I should warn you before we arrive that this home is kind of sparse. I go days without going there, especially if I have a job out of town,” I inform her.
She smiles slightly and nods. “Then we'll just have to go to the store to get the things we need,” Mia answers. I smile at her quick wit.
“Okay, but I'll pay. I insist. You are my guest,” I reply firmly.
“Deal.”
I change directions and drive us to the nearest 24-hour store. Mia is quiet as we walk down the aisles together. She still seems kind of lost. I can only imagine what she must be going through right now. Nevertheless, I am glad that I can help her and Ken.
We grab necessities to get us through the next few days. She throws in food and ingredients for dinner. After we pay for everything, we exit the store then drive in silence to my rental. It's late at night, but that doesn't matter.
When we arrive, I help Mia carry everything in. We set the bags on the kitchen counter. “This is the kitchen. Pots and pans are here,” I explain, opening a cabinet by the stove. I show her where everything is, though most of the other cupboards are empty. Mia giggles at my empty refrigerator. I carry some supplies to the bathroom and put them away. When I return, Mia is standing in the doorway of the kitchen.