Chapter 7
Two weeks later
When Jaina had arrived at Raven House, her belongings had been in a single trash bag. She currently found herself carefully folding her clothes and putting them in a suitcase. She still didn’t have a lot, so it all fit into a single suitcase.
She looked around at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Tommy Oliver stood in the doorway watching her. After a moment, Jaina turned back to her packing. “Uhh… thank you for the suitcase.” She snapped it closed and picked it up. Dr. O came forward and took it from her.
Jaina followed Tommy out to his car. She watched as he put the suitcase in the trunk. “Listen, I know you don’t trust me,” he said softly.
Jaina could not quite meet his eyes. “Everyone I have ever trusted--” she couldn't finish the sentence. She stammered for a moment then blurted. “I’m scared.”
“We’ll just have to give it time,” he said while shutting the trunk.
“Time, Doctor Oliver?”
“Tommy,” he interrupted. “Call me Tommy,”
Jaina frowned, “Even at school?”
“”Uh, no. Then I’m Dr. O.”
Jaina rolled her eyes. “Okay, Tommy. Time?”
“One day or even one hour at a time.” He looked at her almost sadly. “An hour at a time, an hour will eventually become a day, a day becomes a week...”
Jaina nodded. She thought she understood. Maybe one day, though, she wouldn’t have to count hours or days. Maybe... and was she a fool to hope that maybe this time it would be alright. She didn’t know for sure. All she knew is that her future was uncertain.
She suddenly found herself surrounded by the other residents of Raven House. They were all clamoring to say goodbye to her. Despite herself, Jaina began to smile then laugh. “Guys, I’ll be back on Monday.”
“Nah,” Lucas said grinning. “Dr. O, he’s going to keep you for good. You’ve found a forever home.”
“I’ll still be back. I mean, I still have power lessons, remember? And besides, most of you are going to see me at school.” She paused and frowned at Justice. She gave the younger girl a quick hug. Justice didn’t hug back and only stood solemnly staring at her.
Straightening, Jaina turned to Clark. With a sudden impulse, she kissed his cheek. Or rather she aimed for his cheek, but at the last moment Clark turned away and the kiss landed on his cheek. It wasn’t a long kiss, only a peck. Jaina went red as the other’s cheered.
“See you Monday?” Clark asked.
“Yeah.”
Jaina climbed into the car and waved goodbye. She waved until she could no longer see them. She was going into an unknown future, but knew she’d always have Raven House
The end.