The Mysterious Pendant

Ariyah-

Growing up I always felt out of place, like I didn’t belong. I’ve never had that spark or connection with anyone. Which in return has made it very hard to make friends. Don’t get me wrong family is all I have ever needed and my foster parents have been nothing shy of amazing. But I want more, there has to be more than this, right?

Opening my eyes, after hearing the radio blaring, as the sound of my alarm, I start rubbing them in hopes it would help me fully wake up. I needed to get out of this bed, I can only day dream for so long, I supposed. If I know my mother, she already has breakfast made and is giving me the stink eye, secretly through the walls. Just like any other morning though, she’s just going to have to wait just a tad longer. Stretching and letting out, what seemed to be a never ending yawn, I kicked the blankets off. Looking like a child in mid tantrum, I kept kicking until my other foot was released from the blanket’s grip. When they were finally off, I dropped both arms like dead weight and sighed, loudly. After a few moments, I swung my legs to the right and was met with the cold, wooden floor. Slipping my maccosins on, I headed for the bathroom.

I let the towel fall before stepping into the shower, the water was already scorching and steaming up the glass frame, almost like a sauna. It was soothing, but still had a little sting, as each bead of water ran down the middle of my back. As I finished letting the last clump of shampoo suds run down the length of my brunette hair, I couldn’t help but to sing a little tune that has been stuck in my head, since my alarm went off, by Travis Tritt.

“And it’s a great day to be alive. I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes. There’s some hard times in the neighborhood, but why can’t every day be just this good?” Everything about this song was surreal about my life. Even through the hardships and my lone wolfness, I try to live each day to the fullest extent.

The reality of how hot I had the shower was brought to light when I noticed how damn cold the floor tiles were. Forgetting where I took my slippers off, I skimmed the room. Of course...I left them on the other side by the door. Quickly, I tip toed over to slip them on. Now that I’ve showered, I’m one step closer to actually maneuvering through this day. Gaining a little more motivation, I started smelling that amazing southern cooking all the way down stairs. She did it again. She made my all time favorite, biscuits and gravy. Hopefully, she didn’t forget the coffee this time. If my stomach could talk it would be screaming, begging, for me to let the food party in my belly at this very moment. Realizing how foolish I sounded, I just chuckled and opened the door.

Now, back in my room, I take in the dull color scheme plastered throughout the room. I can only assume it’s a perfect representation of how I see myself. The grays are just a constant reminder of my loneliness. Walking over to the floor to ceiling window, I cant help but to get lost in the scenic view. Just looking at the sun already peeking through the trees. I just love it. The view could turn any sour mood into a happy one. The trees just set off a gravitational pull, it’s like my mind is constantly telling me to run, be free from this crazy world. It’s hard to explain without sounding like a complete nut job, but it’s my happy place. Slamming my palm to my forehead, my shoulders slumped. I realized as much as I love this distraction, I need to get moving. Just have to grab my pendant before I head downstairs.

Margaret-

Standing in my rustic decorated kitchen, I just can’t help but to proud of the woman my little girl has become. I don’t know the truths of her or her birth family’s past. I do know that as a mother, whatever it was, had to be the hardest thing in their lives to give up such a kind loving soul. I just wish I could say the same about her time management. Clinging to my coffee cup, I feel the frustration beginning to reach a boiling point waiting for her to step through that dark pine, paneled door. Suddenly it’s all released in one gasp, “ARIYAH!!!! If you don’t hurry your butt up you’re going to be late!!”

Ariyah-

No sooner than I walk across the threshold into the kitchen, I couldn’t help but to stand there and glare at my mother as she bellows my name. This is an every day thing for us, even if I’m just a mere second late. I tried my hardest to keep my composure, when in reality, I just want to giver her a taste of her own medicine. Just to see her reaction, I wanted to scream like a wild banshee. Inside, I’m rolling with laughter just thinking about her response. Instead, I sarcastically respond with a mile long eye-roll. “I’m standing right here Mom.”

She whips around as if I have just startled her. When she gathered her composure, she slowly walked up to me, straight faced dressed in her head to toe, business casual look. Wearing her classic suede heels, her erubescent slacks and the freshly ironed midnight black blazer. I folded my arms across my chest and again the sarcasm escapes my lips. “No need to scream.”

Margaret-

Sometimes, I wonder where I went wrong. She has to get the sass from her father. I choose to ignore her and give no satisfaction to the sarcastic tone she insists on having every morning. It’s almost like I’m coaching myself to respond as if she’s still a toddler because the more I react the more she sasses. Continuing to have a semi adult conversation I slipped out a quick, “Breakfast is ready!” She didn’t respond right away which was a relief sadly. “Go ahead dig in. You’re father won’t be joining us this morning, he already ate then darted out the door. He got called in early so it’s a possibility that it’s going to be another long day for him.” She doesn’t respond she just hung her head as the words rolled off my tongue. As much as I’d like to knock her into next Tuesday sometimes, she’s always been a daddy’s girl and I know she misses him on these long days. So I distract her with one thing she loves so much, food.

Ariyah-

Yes, you guessed it my father is a work-o-holic. He works long, crazy hours to provide for our family, so my mother could stay home with me. He’s a court appointed lawyer, so he gets random off the wall cases. Meaning some cases are resolved quick but others could take weeks. My mother, well... she’s nothing shy of amazing. Anything I wanted as a child, all I had to do was ask and she’d move mountains if I asked her too. I couldn’t ask for parents more devoted then they are! Just the thought of another family meal missed is a little disappointing if I’m honest. But like usual I cover up my emotions as much as I can with my long awaited response. “Again? I’m assuming the case that he’s been working on is becoming a very intense case.” She nodded at me letting me know I guess correctly and added, “which means his clients are pushing him hard to get this case closed. But go ahead and eat up so you’re not late for work.”

We both turn around simultaneously and head for the counter. As I head straight for my freshly prepared plate, I watch her pour yet another cup of coffee. Coffee as black as night, I don’t know how she does it. I don’t even take the time to head to the dining room. The plate was just calling my name, no time to waste. I grabbed my utensils and dug in. I savored every bite. A quick glimpse at my watch and it’s crunch time. Time to hit the road and head to the cafe. I start for the hall way in a fast pace but stop turn to and face her one more time. “Thanks for breakfast mom! It was superb like usual. I have to get going so, I’ll see you this evening. Goodbye! Love you!” She smiles and replies softly, “Goodbye hunny! Love you too.”

After a brief walk downtown, I finally reached my destination. Standing there, I can’t help but sigh in disappointment. I wish I was still all snuggled up in my bed, day dreaming about what my life would have been. “Well it’s now or never. Lights are on, Dale must have beaten me here.” Realizing that I was speaking out loud, I looked around to make sure nobody heard me. Thankfully, they were all too busy in their own worlds to see my craziness. With that, I head in to get out of view.

DALE-

The fresh smell of the coffee shop, just makes me feel so lively. Ariyah did a fantastic last night shutting down. With only a few minor things to get going, I should have everything up and running before she walks through the door. I’ve known Wendell since grade school and of course Margaret too. Taking in Ariyah was one of their biggest accomplishments after getting the news that Margaret would never be able to bare children herself. They both fully believed that it was a god send when Ariyah showed up on their door step. Hearing some keys cling, brought me out of my past reminiscence. Without another second passing, in walked that brown haired beauty that I’ve always considered a daughter of my own.

Ariyah-

The clumsy person that I am, I about fumble over my own feet after I walked in the door. Fresh coffee grounds and delicious smelling pastries fill my nose, as I walk through the door. It’s kind of a zen thing for me, as I instantly relax and regain my composure. Looking towards the counter, I notice that Dale already has the shop up and ready to run. It’s like he doesn’t even needs another employee. As precise as he is this could be a one man shop, but I know that as long as he’s the captain of this ship he’ll always welcome me with open arms. Slowly and more aware of my foot placement, I make my way around the counter to greet him. “Good Morning Dale! I see you beat me here this morning.”

Ariyah-

Looking up into is pale brown eyes, I notice he’s just chuckling away. Just like everyone else, he gets the famous Ariyah response, a nice subtle eye roll. “Good Morning, Ariyah!,” he replies. “Yes, I was up and at it early this morning.” Looking around for the one thing I definitely needed, I spotted the cup already with my name on it. Another soft giggle is released as he takes in my response. “I’m sure you were. I know how much you adore mornings. Is everything up and completely ready for the day?”

I eyeball the counter for a snack and he notices, “Yes, of course. Coffee is brewing and I just brought out some fresh pastries.” The sound of his words just made my morning. Just like a crazy little school girl, I bounce up and down clapping my hands and cheering.

I picked up my cup and gave him a wink. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’ll take the first cup of the day. Because the way I’m feeling today, it’s going to be one of those days when my coffee will need it’s own coffee.” I, quickly, snatch up the coffee pot and fill the cup to the brim, add my extras then just started downing it like I hadn’t had fluids in days.

Realization hit me once again, I just put my heart on my sleeve, as it did Dale. “Has it been that rough already today?” He looked concerned.

Taking one last sip, I place the cup down behind me to respond. “Yes, now that school is over I need to start getting out on my own. I don’t plan on living on campus. But I don’t want mom and dad paying my way either.” Sheepishly, I start getting uncomfortable with the conversation. But I need to get this off my chest. I’m tired of holding it all in all the time with no out. It’s starting to way heavy on my heart. “It’s time I start providing for myself and I’m dreading that conversation with them.” Clutching my chest, as this topic breaks my heart, “they’ve done so much for me. What if I disappoint them?”

Dale-

Looking at the glistening drops fill her eyes as she talked about disappointing her parents, just broke my heart. She doesn’t see herself as more than a burden or disappointment to them. When in reality she’s all they’ve ever wanted. I can’t help but to walk up to her fragile self and wrap my arms around her for reassurance. She just buries her faces into my shoulder and let’s the tears fall. I can tell she’s been letting this eat at her for far to long. “Ari, your parents are my best friends. I know them well enough to know that you could never disappoint them.”

Taking a step back, I place my hand on her shoulder and use my other to lift her chin, making sure she hears everything I’m about to say. “I know you don’t have close friends but try giving....” Of course when I try to get all technical, I can’t remember the poor girl’s name. She reads my mind immediately, “Dale, are you talking about Emma?” Laughing cause this poor child is all but breaking down and here I am having a brain fart. “Yes! That’s her name, Emma. Give Emma a call. She turned 18 and moved out a few months ago.”

Trying my hardest to come up with pin points of why an antisocial girl should reach out to another child that grew up in the same situation is difficult. If I say the wrong thing it could make her too uncomfortable to follow through. Fingers are crossed as I wait for her response. It was like a light bulb flipped on, as she went up on her tippy toes with excitement. “Oh, yes! I completely forgot that she had moved out already!”

Oh thank heavens, it worked. Sometimes, I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth so I was a little worried. The look on her face seems genuine, so hopefully she’ll take my advice. Time to put the icing on that cake to sell the idea. Chuckling on the inside, as I can’t show her any signs that I think it’s a joke. Because that is far from the case. “Since she was fostered by the Delco’s she will understand exactly how you are feeling.”

Just watching her demeanor change, melted my heart. I see this fragile girl as the daughter I never had. She truly has no idea how many hearts she’s made complete just by being her loving, goofy self. She will do wonders for this world. I can feel it she’s destined to be magnificent. “Thanks Dale!” Her next few worlds made my heart flutter, “You know you’ve always been like a second dad to me. You’ll never understand what that means to me!”

I was mere moments of breaking out in tears myself. “I’ve known you since you were in diapers running around with those puppy eyes. Watching her get all shy and squirm as I bring up her childhood is so adorable. I could go on for days telling all the crazy stories. She always had us on our toes. Constantly asking everyone who crossed your path if they wanted to build a snowman. To ease the moment I made sure to mention my all time favorite memory. One I knew would make her laugh, even if only on the inside. “There was that one time, you were about three years old, you thought it was funny to fart and scream “I gots lots of gas in me!” Her face lit up as red as a cherry and she spun around to head for the front door while shouting, “On that note let’s open the doors!”