Page 45 of Orion Ruined

“I love M&M’s, the peanut butter ones especially.” I rub my tummy. Although if I’m honest, I can’t stand to think about food right now.

She shakes her head, becoming serious again.

“What, are you allergic to peanut butter?”

Her eyes widen and she nods again.

“That’s okay.” I scrunch up my nose. “You’re not missing much. It’s just peanuts wrapped in some artificially colored candy. Meh.” I try to play down how amazing M&M’s actually are, but she must see through me because she laughs again.

“Mya! Mya! Where are you?” a voice is calling. Mya looks at the door.

“Who’s that? Who’s calling you?” I ask.

Mya just looks away and crosses her arms over her chest. Her face goes back to being vacant. Poor child. She reminds me of Rosey.

Someone knocks softly on the door, and I know it’s the woman who’s been calling Mya.

“Come in!”

Lisa, the woman who I saw earlier, is standing in the doorway, and on sight of Mya she runs to her. “I’m so sorry, she’s shouldn’t have come here. She’s never like this.”

“It’s not a problem. We had a chat, she’s lovely.”

Shock fills Lisa’s face. “What?”

“Um, I’m sorry,” I say defensively. “I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to talk to her.”

“You talked to her?”

“Sort of. She told me her name’s Mya, she’s five years old, and she’s allergic to peanuts. I think that’s not so bad.” I wink at Mya.

“But, how? She hasn’t spoken a word for nine months, since Christmas.” The woman reaches for my hand and shakes it. “I’m Orion’s sister. I’m sorry about earlier. Orion’s very particular about who I talk to and can or cannot see. Please forgive me, and him. He’s only trying to do what’s best for me. And you, I’m sure.”

His sister, Lisa Carte. I remember. “Yeah, he’s a little OTT,” I scoff.

“Mya, say something, sweetheart.” Lisa strokes Mya’s face. “You talked to Maisy here a moment ago. Why won’t you talk to your mom?”

“Um, she didn’t actually say anything out loud,” I admit. “We played games and she participated.” I look at Mya and smile. Her eyes smile back at me.

Lisa evidently notices. “She’s never been like this with anyone. I guess you’re special to have Mya talk to you.”

“Nah, she only played my games. It was fun, right, Mya?” I playfully pinch her arm and she gives me a shy smile.

Lisa’s eyes well up. “I haven’t seen my child smile for such a long time. You don’t understand what this means to me. Thank you! Thank you so much!” She lunges for me and gives me a big, crushing hug. I’m not sure what to do so I just sit there in her embrace, looking at Mya and rolling my eyes jokingly. Mya continues to grin at me.

The last person who hugged me like this was my mother, ten years ago. I don’t know how to react. I’m detached, and impassive. Because if I give in, I’ll be crying for hours.

“My hair’s wet, you’ll get soaked,” is the only thing I can think of to say as she holds my towel-encased body and the water from my thick curls drips onto her clothes.

“I’m sorry, I’m always emotional.” She pulls back and glances at her wet top, then at my hair. “You have beautiful hair. Trust me, I’m a hairdresser.”

I get excited. “Then you must have a hairdryer lying around somewhere? Actually, would you mind cutting my hair, maybe? Nothing fancy, just up to my shoulders. It’s too long and I’m trying to change my look, if you know what I mean.”

“What do you think, Mya? Should I cut her hair?” she asks her daughter. Mya’s face remains blank, but she nods. Lisa starts crying and embraces her. “Then I will, sweetheart. I’ll give Maisy the best haircut there is.” She peels herself away from Mya and sniffles. “But first, you’re going back to your room. And promise me you won’t go out again.”

Mya silently gets off the bed and starts walking to the door.

“See you soon, Mya,” I say softly.

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