TTEOTB -- Ch. 12

Chapter 121

That was obviously not the question they were expecting. Not even close. They looked at each other and then back at us several times before Mr. Costa finally asked, “Before making a decision could we please know why?” 2

“It’s a really long story.” I tell him, hoping he wouldn’t make me explain my sad recent past and embarrassing excuse for a father. 3

“We’ve got plenty of time.” He said, heading for the dining room table for us all to sit down. 4

Mr. and Mrs. Costa sat next to each other on one side of the table and Arianna and I sat across from them.5

“First off, I’d like to say that you’re a lovely girl, Anika and Mrs. Costa and I wouldn’t mind if you stay at all.” He smiled, “You practically live here anyways.” 6

I smiled a crooked smile, “Thanks.”7

“But,” He held his index finger. “We’d like to know why.”8

“Well,” I started, tripping over my tongue; I didn’t know how to start. Arianna elbowed me lightly, I looked at her and she gave me a ‘Go on, tell them’ look. 9

“A year ago,” I swallowed hard. “My mom and brother died…” I closed my eyes so that I could see them. I opened my eyes and continued, looking down at the table, “After that happened, my father and I moved here. He started drinking a lot and ignoring me. I’ve been trying to deal with it but I can’t do it anymore…” I felt tears burn in my eyes. 10

I looked up after wiping away the tears. Mr. Costa’s face was blank, I couldn’t read it. Mrs. Costa’s was sympathetic, I wasn’t looking for sympathy but oh well. 11

Mrs. Costa spoke up and I knew she would, she’s just too curious to keep quiet, “Anika, you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to but how did it happen… your mom and brother?” 12

I winced at the memory of my dream, “They were out late one night picking up ice cream at the grocery store and when they came out some guys attacked them…” I looked down at the table again, “The police say they were raped and murdered.” A single tear slid down my cheek. 13

“Oh, dear, I’m so sorry…” Mrs. Costa looked like she didn’t really know what to say. I wasn’t really expecting her to say anything anyways. 14

“It’s okay, really.” I told her with as much confidence as I could muster. I mean, it really was okay, there was nothing anyone could do about it now. What’s done is done. The past is the past. Exedra, exedra…15

“Well, Anika, I’m really sorry to hear of your bad news. I’ve experienced similar traumas. They’re harsh, you seem pretty strong though. You’ve still got your dad though, right?” Mr. Costa asked. 16

“Ha, sure, I’ve got him.” I scoffed, “I’ve got him drunk, passed out on the couch.” 17

“I see.” Mr. Costa stood up from the table and Mrs. Costa followed suit. “We’ll talk this over quickly and be back shortly.”18

“Thank you.” I said. 19

“I hope they say yes.” Arianna whispered as Mr. and Mrs. Costa left for the living room. 20

“Yeah, me too.” I whispered back.21

“You could stay in our guest bedroom, no one uses it ever.” 22

“That’d be cool. I brought my pillows and my blanket.” I smiled, my mom had made the blanket herself, I’ve had since I was a baby. 23

“Oh, we have some in there.” 24

We whispered back and forth for what seemed like ages. It was really only about fifteen minutes though. Mr. and Mrs. Costa finally came back. Mr. Costa had a slight smile on his face and Mrs. Costa was beaming. I knew the answer, and that settled my nerves. 25

“Anika, we would love for you to stay in our home.” Mr. Costa told me. 26

“You can use the guest bedroom! I’ll wash the sheets!” Mrs. Costa was off on her way in no time, as smiley as the yellow face you see in Wal-Mart. 27

“EEE! I’m so excited!” Arianna squealed, running over to hug her dad. 28

“Me too!” I was so happy. It’d be like having a sibling again but no one could EVER replace Adam. “Thank you so much Mr. Costa. This really means a lot.” I hugged him as well. I’d never been so grateful. 29

“You’re welcome.” He smiled down at me. Not that creepy kind of smile I got from my dad, but a warm smile that made me feel welcome. 30

Arianna and I walked up the stairs and turned right to the guest room which I guess now is my room. 31

“Oh, Anika, I’m so happy that you’re going to be staying with us.” Mrs. Costa smiled. I walked over to help her make my bed. 32

“Oh, thank you.” Mrs. Costa said, putting a pillow in its case. 33

“Of course, I mean, it is my bed. I should take care of it.” I told her, already used to doing everything myself. Being taken care of wasn’t something I was used to even when mom was around. She wanted Adam and me to grow up to be responsible people. 34

“You won’t really have to worry about it.” Arianna came up behind me, “Mom will take care of everything.” 35

“Err; I don’t want to seem useless, hah.” I laughed. 36

“You wont, dear.” Mrs. Costa said, “Just keep up the grades and maybe help with dinner and we’re good to go.” She smiled. 37

“Sounds like a deal to me.” I smiled. 38

“Great!” Mrs. Costa hugged Arianna and I before leaving for downstairs to make dinner. We followed close behind to help her. 39

I was last to enter the kitchen. 40

“What’s for dinner?” Arianna asked, bustling through cabinets. 41

Wanting to help, and since I knew the kitchen pretty well by now, I skimmed the cabinets as well. It still shocked me, how full they were. 42

“What are you doing?” Arianna looked down at me. I was searching the lower cabinets. 43

“Looking for food?” I guessed. 44

“In the pots and pans cabinet? Stainless steel doesn’t quite tickle my taste buds.” She giggled at her own joke. 45

Mrs. Costa laughed, “Not really my thing either.” 46

I rolled my eyes, closed the cabinet and got up. 47

“I think we’re gonna have… macaroni and cheese!” Arianna exclaimed, pulling out a box. 48

“Mmm…” I rubbed my empty tummy. Mac ‘n’ Cheese was amazing in my book and my tummy’s. 49

“Macaroni it is!” Mrs. Costa sang happily, pulling a pot out of the cabinet to boil water. “Is just macaroni good Anika?”50

“Oh, that’s great. Better than a box of Ritz for dinner.” I laughed. Mrs. Costa frowned.51

“A box of Ritz? Are you serious? No wonder you’re so thin!” 52

Thin? Me? Ha! As if. “I’m not thin.” I told her. 53

She rolled her eyes at me and laughed. I heard her say ‘Teenagers…’ under her breath. 54

“Well girls, that’ll be all the help I need for now.” She smiled. 55

“Really?” I asked. I was thinking I’d cook too. 56

“Mhm, really.” She said. 57

Arianna pulled me out lightly by the arm into the living room. “What were you gonna do? Cheer on the boiling water?” 58

“No!” I laughed. 59

We sat down to watch a bit of T.V. before dinner was ready. 60