Page 8 of Quarantined
"What are you playing?" I ask, sitting down next to Raven.
"Mario Kart. Wanna play?"
I grab the second controller from her, and we set up our characters. Pretty soon, she is kicking my ass. I am literally losing to a little girl. And she is smack-talking, with that smart ass mouth of hers. I would be annoyed if I wasn't laughing so hard. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.
After a couple of hours, I forfeit. "Are you guys hungry?"
All three of them grunt, too busy with a movie they just put on. I call our favorite delivery place and look for Uncle John. I haven't heard a peep from him. I search the house, but he is nowhere to be found.
Did he leave? He didn't even say a word to us, or to his daughter. Is this a normal occurrence between them?
I find Raven in the next room, setting the table.
"Hi." She gives me a big smile when I enter the room.
"Did you see your dad leave?" She hesitates and then shrugs.
I try to remember Uncle John's words. I shouldn't judge him, and this is none of my business. But curiosity gets the better of me.
"Do you know where he went?"
"No. He sometimes needs to get away to clear his head."
"And he doesn't tell you where he goes?"
Another shake of her head.
I am quiet. Then press again, "Does he stay out all night?"
"Sometimes. He is going through a lot," Raven says casually.
I am stumped. How can she be so casual about this?
Raven is also going through a lot. She is just a little kid. And her mother left her. She is telling me that her father also regularly leaves her throughout the night. They just moved in today. How can her father leave her, in this empty house, in this new city, without even telling her? I can't understand why she is being so cavalierabout this.
Sure, I deal with my own parent drama, but at least I have the good sense to be angry at them. Raven doesn't give away anything with her expression. I don't know if this makes her angry, sad, hurt. She is blank.
I don't voice any more concerns. This is none of my business, and I have enough on my own plate.
Once the delivery arrives, Raven and I set up the food. Reid and Mia pile into the dining room and barely use their utensils as they devour everything in front of them. Raven laughs with me at their savagery and has the sense to eat like a normal human being.
After dinner, we stick around for a bit longer. I am waiting and hoping that Uncle John will come back. As the night progresses, it becomes clear that he is not coming back. I tell Raven to pack a bag and come stay with us.
"Oh no, that's okay!" Raven looks irritated at my suggestion. I don't understand this girl.
Mia chimes in, "Please Rave, please come home with us. Let's have a slumber party. Pretty please."
"Really guys, I can't. I have a tour scheduled at the school tomorrow. Plus, I have to unpack the remaining boxes."
"Jesus Rave, just come back with us. There is no one here." Reid echoes my sentiments.
Raven doesn't make eye contact with any of us. "You guys are making a big deal for nothing. Dad probably got called into work for an emergency. I am sure he will be back any second. I am fine."
Then it hits me. Pride. We caught her at a vulnerable moment, one that's embarrassing for her. She is alone, but will not let us save her. We have to word it differently, so it doesn't sound like she is a stray cat we are taking home.
I sigh. I hope Mia is not this complicated to handle when she is older.
“Okay, Raven, no worries," I say nonchalantly. "I know you have a lot to do. If you can't stay the night, then at least come by for a piece of cake. We have a whole chocolate fudge cake. I was going to bribe these two with a slice, in exchange for cleaning their rooms." I hope she takes the bait.
