I followed Mr . Duncan's lead and also got out of the car, grabbing my backpack . He confidently led the way to the door and knocked on it . I stood a couple feet back, making sure to keep my distance .
The door opened to reveal a woman . She was taller than Mr . Duncan, light blonde hair to her shoulders, and had really bright eyes . She smiled at Mr . Duncan . "Doug, hello, it's nice to finally meet you in person . " I twitched; he doesn't even know these people personally? She turned to me next . "And you must be Jake! It's great to have you here . My name is Mary Atkins, but you can just call me Mary . Come in guys, come in!" She held the front door open and waved us in .
I looked at Mr . Duncan, unsure about this . She was just too happy, too welcoming, and too different than what I'm use to . She was well-put together in a three-piece business suit and heels, looking more like a lawyer in my opinion .
AdvertisementMr . Duncan smiled at me and then at her . "Yes, yes, thank you for your hospitality . " He walked in and gestured for me to follow . "Jake, this is your new home so no need to be shy . "
I tried to keep my poker face as I walked in .
Mary closed the door behind me and then led us through the first floor, pointing out the living room, office, kitchen, and then sat us in the dining room, where a plate of cookies were placed on the table . She sat at the head of the table, Mr . Duncan sat on her left, and I sat on the other side of him .
They made small talk about the drive, the weather, and other mundane things . The conversation was light until Mr . Duncan brought out a file from his briefcase . "So as we discussed before, Jake is a special case . " He gave me a light smile before turning back to her . "He can communicate, no problem, but he doesn't like to talk . "
She gave me a sympathetic smile . "Yes, I saw that in his psych evaluation . I've already talked to the whole family so we'll try to make you as comfortable as possible . "
I nodded . Sure . I, at least, believe that she wouldn't kill me . I'd make sure of that .
"Mom, you can't even tell that you guys are making him uncomfortable right this moment . " A voice said behind me .
I jumped a little, caught off guard . I glanced at the boy that stood behind me . He definitely belongs to Mary with his light hair and bright eyes . He looked to be almost the same height as Mr . Duncan, but skinny .
"See how tense he is?" The boy rolled his eyes . "He jumped a mile high just at the sound of my voice . "
I frowned at him . It definitely wasn't that high . What an exaggeration .
He laughed at the sight of my face . "Okay he didn't jump that much . " He turned to his mom . "Let me go show him to his room and get him settled in . You guys can continue the adult stuff . "
I looked at Mary to see what she would say . She looked at me, then back at the boy . "Alright, make sure to help him unpack . Take the cookies with you . He hasn't even tried them yet . "
"Yea, yea . " The boy grabbed the plate of cookies . "Let's go, Jake . I'll show you the room . We're bunking together so I hope you don't have too much stuff . "
I stood up and grabbed my backpack . Mr . Duncan coughed a little nervously . "Jake only has a backpack worth of personal items and clothes . I'm actually leaving a check with your mom to help him buy some more . "
The boy glanced at my bag, then looked me in the eyes . "New clothes plus new stuff equals new start . Simple math . " He nodded at me . "Let's go on up . "
I gave a look to Mr . Duncan and raise my hand to give a small wave . He nodded . "I'll be back Sunday night when the rest of the Atkins get back so I'll see you then . "
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|