Running With the Wave

Chapter 6

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Era:

Chores don't seem to take as long today while Moa and I swap stories. By the end of our work period we both have a better understanding of each other as if we hadn't met just this morning.

"Life treats everyone so unfairly," I mutter, spooning steaming oatmeal into bowls.

Moa takes the now full bowl and places it on a tray with nine other bowls and a eleven year old comes and picks it up, bringing it back to the cell.

"Life is like a wave," Moa turns to me, "It starts off small, growing easy on you. But you always have to keep running, because otherwise it will swallow you into it's dark depths. And no matter how hard you run, the wave always catches up."

I stay silent, thinking about what she just said. Moa places the last bowl onto the tray, and we walk back towards the cell.

"Keep on running, Moa," I say finally.

"You too, Era," Moa whispers, "Don't let that wave catch up too soon."

Moa had been rushed out of her cell and had forgotten her mat. We all knew better than to expect another one, never mind getting it back.

"You can have mine," I offer, "I usually sleep on the window ledge anyways."

She looks at me uncertainly, unsure whether she should take up on my offer.

"No, you should have it."

"I'm fine Moa. Seriously, I prefer the ledge. Besides, I'm six years older than you, you get first priority."

She opens her mouth to protest, but I rest my finger on her lips.

"I insist."

She smiles at me in thanks and positions her mat so that it's near Keara's mat and my ledge. Keara narrows her eyes at her, nostrils flared. I sigh. Keara hadn't been happy about me inviting Moa over to sleep with us, never mind that the eight year old is my friend. It doesn't take a genius to understand that she's jealous, thinks that I'm going to ignore her now that Moa is the one I do all my chores with.

"You must be tired, you should take a nap," I suggest to Moa.

"I think I'll do that," She yawns as if to prove my point then curls up into a ball on the mat and is asleep in a matter of minutes.

"Keara," I say softly, crawling up to her and wrapping my arms tight around her.

"Yeah?" She turns her back on me.

I lean back, stung. She has never pushed me away. Never. I climb onto my ledge.

"Fine. Be that way."

I rest my head against the cement and close my eyes. A rustle comes from the corner where Keara sleeps and soft feet bad on a steel floor. A hand takes mine.

"Era..." Keara whispers, "I'm sorry. It's just that Moa... It feels like she's trying to push me away from you, and..."

"Well, she's not," I shoot back, angry, "So get over it and grow up already."

I almost immediately regret what I said. She lets go of my hand. I chew my lip. Why do you have to be so stupid sometimes, Era? I scold my self.

"I'm sorry," I sigh, opening blue eyes and turning to face her, "I don't mean that. I've just been on edge lately. Just try to accept Moa, okay? I promise that no one can ever take your place in my heart. It's there specially for you."