Maybe They'll Leave You Alone But Not Me

“Stay with me, Gerard. At least until I fall asleep.” I was shocked, but she was very upset. God, it hurt to see her so upset. So, I sat in the chair beside her bed. She laid down among her pillows and the room became quiet.

“Will you sing for me?” she asked in a small, weak voice.

“Of course.” I sang the lullaby Helena used to sing to me and Mikey when we were kids. It hurt to sing it, but it felt so right to comfort Irina. I continued to sing until her breathing became even. I tucked the covers tight around her and went to leave her room. I paused in the doorway. I marveled at how she was so strong and beautiful after all she’d been through. Anger coursed through me when I thought of that man hurting her, abusing her. I closed her door quietly and went back to my room. Climbing in bed, once again my thoughts were of her. She was a rare kind of beauty; one that should be treasured. I decided to surprise her in the morning with breakfast and a day of fun. She’d like that. With that thought, I dreamt of her.

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Morning came fast. My head was foggy as I got up. I took a quick shower and prepared to go cook breakfast. I snuck down to Irina’s room just to make sure she was still asleep. She still laid among the covers, just as I’d left her last night. God, she was beautiful. I made my way to the kitchen and pulled out the ingredients to make waffles. As I cooked, classical music played softly in the background. Soon, I was swaying to the music as the plate of waffles grew higher and higher, Mikey will be coming soon, so I made him some as well. As
I was making my fifth waffle, laughter sounded behind me. I jumped around to find a disheveled Irina laughing at me. I smiled at her and turned to get the waffle so it wouldn’t burn.

“You are a divine dancer!” She said between a fit of giggles.

“Yeah? Well you’re the only one that knows so it’s our secret.”

“Oh? Well, your secret is safe with me.”

“Sit down. I made waffles. What do you want to drink?”

“I can get it..”

“Irina, what do you want to drink?” I said more firmly. She looked at me questioningly before sitting down.

“Milk.” She said in a pouty voice.

I laughed and grabbed a cup and filled it with milk. She continued to pout playfully, which only made her more beautiful. “Your drink madam. On today’s menu we have waffles!”

She giggled and took her milk. I brought over the waffles and syrup. She was just beginning to fill here plate when there was a knock on the door. She automatically tensed.

“Relax, sweetheart, it’s only Mikey. COME ON; DOOR’S OPEN!” I yelled. I met Mikey halfway in the living room.

“Morning Gerard. Smells good waffles? “

“Yeah, but Mikey there’s something I need to tell you. Irina was raped at her last foster home. She just told me last night, but be gentle with her. She’s been through a lot and needs some friends.”

“Whoa, okay. Did she tell anyone?”

“No, she’s too afraid to. We’ll figure it out later. Ya’ll closer in age. She’s seventeen but will be eighteen in two months.”

“Okay.” We walked into the kitchen and found Irina eating her second waffle.

“Hey save some for me!” Mikey said.

“Better hurry! These are just too good!” she told him back, a small smile on her face. I smiled at the both of them and made my waffle. The morning was filled with teasing, laughter, and joy.

After breakfast, Irina went to take a shower and freshen up, leaving Mikey and I alone. We cleaned my kitchen together, a ritual we often did.

“Gerard, the funeral is Saturday. Are you coming?”

“She was the only person who cared for me after I was kicked out. She helped me buy this home and get my job. Of course I’m going.”

“They’ll be there.” I knew exactly who he meant. My parents. My heart tore open that old wound just a bit farther when he mentioned them. I kept washing dishes, letting the silence take over.

“I’ll be there, Mikey. You won’t see me, but I’ll be there.”

“Okay. I love you bro.”

“I love you too Mikey.” We finished cleaning and said our goodbyes. Mikey left and five minutes later, Irina appeared dressed in the same outfit I’d met her in.

“Are those outfits the only two you have?”

“There all I came with.” She said shyly.

“Well, we’ll have to fix that. Come on.” I smiled at her and went to change. Dressed and ready to go, we set off towards the mall. The ride was once again filled silence and anxiety. She looked around constantly. I sighed quietly and put on Nirvana. When we got to the mall, Irina took me to her favorite store, The Black Widow. The lights were dim and everything was close together. But Irina navigated quietly between the racks. I sat down in the waiting area in the fitting rooms. Outfit after outfit, she came out as if putting on a show for me. I couldn’t help but get hot and fidgety as she continued through her outfits. This was going to be a long day.

Notes

Irina is getting comfortable now. The next chapter is full of surprises! Don't Forget:

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