Page 29 of Panther's Magpie
“When she snuck over and stayed at my house and you met us at school the next day.” Maggie looks over at me.
“Yeah, that wasn’t funny. I thought she had run away or something bad had happened to her. I stayed out all night looking for her. Eagle too. I only waited at school hoping she would show, but I didn’t think she would,” I tell them.
Maggie’s eyes soften. “I didn’t know you stayed out all night. All she told me was that you yelled at her but that you cared, and that’s all that mattered to her.”
“I did care. She was a little girl who needed protecting. I guess that was the day I took her in as my little sister,” I tell her.
“It meant the world to her. She probably never told you that, though. I’m learning that Aspen never told people about herself truly,” Maggie says low, glancing back at Rain.
“I should get going. I only wanted to stop in and see our little refugee. I’m glad you are cool. The last girl that stuck around this place was a real see you next Tuesday.”
I roll my eyes. “You can call Ava a cunt. I won’t stop you, Rain.”
Rain gasps. “I am just a child. Don’t use those words around me.”
“I’ve heard your father use the word to describe your mother on more than one occasion with you in the room. Somehow I think your delicate ears will be okay.”
She laughs. “You got me. I’ll check in later in the week. Call me if you need anything. Here’s my number.”
Rain takes out a piece of gum, popping it in her mouth before writing her number on the back of the wrapper.
“Thanks. It was nice meeting you,” Maggie says.
“You too.” She stops next to me, whispering, “Be gentle with her. I like her.”
I roll my eyes as I mess up her hair, making her pull away and run toward the door.
“Menace,” I call out.
She flips me off before heading out the door.
“I should go too,” Maggie says.
“Or we could have breakfast together?” I ask.
She smiles. “Okay. I could cook us something.”
I shake my head. “Come watch the master.”
She follows me into the kitchen as I set out to make French toast.
“Where did you learn to cook?” she asks.
“Growing up in foster care. A lot of the families were too busy to make real meals, so I taught myself how to cook. Stole a lot of the ingredients at first, but I think God will forgive me for a little thievery.” I look over and wink at her.
“Aspen never told me much about you. Sometimes she would mention you when bragging about having you around, but she tried to keep you away from me. I always wondered why.”
I don’t want to admit it, but I do. “I didn’t even know you really existed. I mean, I remember the day she got into the fight with that bully and you were there, but I forgot that she stayed at your house that night. You were part of her life more than I realized,” I admit to her.
“We spent every day together, pretty much. From the moment she moved in with the Rices. She became the one person I could count on,” Maggie admits softly.
“I’m sure she loves you. She wouldn’t have spent all that time with you if not.”
She shrugs. “I think she’s lonelier than she lets on. She doesn’t even truly let anyone in. I mean, we have been friends for over twelve years, and I’m starting to realize there are parts of her I never knew.”
I sigh. “Yeah, well, if it makes you feel any better, I think you know her better than anyone on this planet.”
“Yeah. Maybe.”
