"Adani, this is your new home." Uncle Justin said as he pushed the key into the lock and unlocked the house. We motioned for me to walk in and I did. The house was basic. It was not extravagant but it was cozy. It looked comfortable but I was not complaining. "Follow me." I silently did. He walked me up the stairs and to a hallway. He took a right turn and stopped infront of a door. "This is your room. I am at the end of the hallway." He said looking to a door at the end at the hallway. "Do not disturb me and I won't disturb you." He said as we both looked straight at my new bedroom's door. Many things run through my mind but the bottomline was that I have a new home.He walked away into the room he motioned to before at the end of the hallway. I stared at his back as I watched him walk away. When I heard his door close and saw his body disappear, I looked back at the door infront of me. I took the door's handle in my hand and turned it. I pushed the door open and stood there awaiting the full view of what lay behind it. When it finally opened up, I stepped inside and closed the door.
It was a simple non-decorated room with a bed big enough for one person, a wooden closet and another door inside it. I walked towards the door and opened it to see a shower, a toilet and a sink. I walked out back into the bedroom.
I sat on the bed which dipped under my weight. It also made a little noise which I ignored. I gently moved my hands over the mattress to feel its texture. It was not very soft but it was better than concrete. At that thought, a tear escaped my eye and I let it run free. I let it run free knowing that I now have a bed to lay my head on. Knowing that I no longer have to sleep on the cold shoe-stained concrete of the side walk. Knowing that I no longer have to beg strangers for food that I never got because of the fear and disgust they felt when they saw the improperly treated scars on my face. I moved my whole body so I completely lay on the bed and let the tears free fall. Those tears of happiness...
Just like that time, I gently move my hand on the surface of the mattress of one of Jaime's and Trevor's guest rooms. I sighed a loud sigh of relief knowing that I have a bed to lay my head on today. I got up from the bed and began to change into a t-shirt and sweatpants I had in my car for emergencies with my mask still on my face. As I pulled the shirt down my stomach, I heard a soft knock on the door to which I responded 'come in'.
"Hey uh, I brought you some sheets, a pillow and a blanket." Trevor said looking a little nervous. Maybe this is his first time having someone stay over. I do not think bringing sheets to someone should make you nervous. He handed me the sheets and pocketed his hands.
"Thank you for everything. The sheets and letting me stay here today. You have no idea how much this means to me." I set the sheets on the bed.
"It's no problem. Be comfortable." He gave a small smile which I returned. I thought he would leave after that but he still stood there looking nervous. He turned to face the door but turned back to me. "Hey um, I wanted to know if you were ok?" He scratched his head. "I mean, Jaime told me about the um...panick attack you had earlier." He asked. I do not know whether or not Jaime was in the wrong for telling him about the panic attack but if it helped to plead my case for staying here, then feel free.
"O yh I'm ok. Thanks for asking." I answered honestly. I will admit that I was shaken up a bit but those things happen to me a lot. The panic attacks that happen to me with the street being a trigger are rare, but they happen.
"Ok then." He nodded. He seemed satisfied with the answer. "If you need anything, please let us know. Sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he turned around and left.
When his body disappeared from my view, I mouthed, "I'll see you tomorrow."
*****
My eyes jolted open and my heart hammered as I woke up from a mild panic attack. I rubbed my face with my palms and slowly lifted my upper body from the bed and tried to calm my racing heart before I realized something. I did not scream. I thank God that I did not wake Jaime nor Trevor up with my screaming. I would to be kicked out for the same reason twice. I reach for my phone beside the pillow and checked the time. '5:13am' illuminated from my phone. Sleep being far away from my mind, I lifted my body from the bed, put on my mask and walked downstairs to the kitchen with my phone in hand.
YOU ARE READING
The Wooden Mask
General FictionTwo individuals facing trauma have to allow themselves to love and be loved. One, a dancer whose identity has never been seen. The other, a business man with a rough past. Where will this journey of love lead them? Just know that, everyone wears a...