PLEASE READ:

Okayyy so I decided not to do the whole fast forward in time so if u already read the last chapter before this chapter was here please reread it! You may have missed out on the ending which is completely different from the last chapter (:
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Of course.

I've disrupted another family.

"Yes," Liz speaks into the phone while driving, "we decided to take Evelyn home with us as apart of the family bonding program,"

I look down at my hands whilst Liz continues to talk with the police over the phone. A full fledged investigation has stemmed from the mysterious man in the car. I wasn't going to tell anyone about what he had said to me, but had to when the police found the bullet that went through the back window.

I tried to convince everyone that he was just trying to break out of the car...

However, it's a bit hard to be convincing when all you have is a black marker and whiteboard.

"You would like to question her?" Liz asks, my stomach flipping upside down.

The night of my families death, loads of questions were spilled out to me, all of which caused me to panic.

I grip my whiteboard to my chest, crisscrossing my legs in the car seat. If they come to interrogate me tonight, I will for sure have flashbacks. Nothing is worse than those.

"Evelyn, would you mind some people coming over tonight to ask you questions?" Liz calls back to me, flicking on her blinker.

My hands pull my whiteboard away from my chest as I think of what to write. I obviously can't say 'no' to an investigation crew... They need all the help they can get. Plus, they probably wouldn't take no for an answer to begin with.

"Luke, honey? Can you tell me what Evelyn says? I just don't want to take my eyes off the road," Liz says rather politely. It surprises me how much she accepts the fact that I don't talk.

Most people pressure me into speaking when they look to adopt.

I uncap the black expo and shakily write 'sure' onto the white surface, staring at the letters before showing Luke. His hand bats his fringe from his eyes as he stares at me, not even the whiteboard. I awkwardly send him a small smile, feeling a bit uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Mom," Luke starts, "I think it's best if the police give us some time to settle in first,"

"Is that what Evelyn wants?" His mom replies, steering onto Oakwood Ave.

"No, Well, I just think it's best for all of us," Luke mumbles, returning to the shy, awkward boy I saw him as. Liz nods her head in agreement before returning to the policeman on the phone.

Thank you, Luke.

Suddenly, I feel my whiteboard and marker being taken from my hands as Luke writes something down. He slowly holds it up to me, my eyes scanning over the words "it will be okay,".

A smile makes its way to my face, a warm feeling wrapping around my heart. Luke probably doesn't know, but the fact that he took the time to write that means a lot to me. Even though it wasn't a huge gesture, it was one in the least.

I look him straight in the eyes, seeing them sparkle a bit as I mouth 'thank you'. A smile appears on his lively face, he oddly resembling my brother.

Usually when something reminds me of my family I cower away from it, keeping as much distance as I can between me and whatever it is. However, something about Luke is different.

Luke seems to be making a habit out of making me happy.

Which I cannot allow.

I'm afraid that if I get too happy, something bad will happen again.

Which I cannot afford.

I quickly turn away from him, looking out the window to remind myself of my rules. No connections, no happiness, no talking. Of course this is depressing, but I am deserving of it.

Like I said before, not talking means I cant make connections, no connections means no happiness, and no happiness means no more heartbreak. It's messed up and twisted, but it has worked for two years so why change it.

Killing myself would be taking the easy way out... And I don't deserve the easy way out.

"Alright, we're hear," Liz cheers, turning back to face me, "make sure you let me know if you need anything, okay?"

I nod slowly, unbuckling my seatbelt before opening the car door to exit. Luke silently hands me back my whiteboard as Jack helps with my luggage.

"Don't forget that," Jack mutters, pointing to the guitar I gave to Luke.

"Oh yeah," Luke replies, pulling it from the back of the car.

"I'll show you to your room," Jack smirks, wheeling my suitcase into the house.

I follow close behind him, my gaze stuck to the back of his black t-shirt. I'm not entirely sure about his personality, but he just seems like someone people don't like to get involved with. If I had to guess, I bet he's a fück boy.

Once we get up the stairs, Jack leads me to a white door and opens it. A room with white walls appears behind it, along with a bed, closet, and desk inside. It seems to be very plain, but I don't care too much about it.

"Now sadly your room is right next to Luke who basically play guitar all night," Jack huffs, "but... My room is just at the end of the hall of you ever want to escape him,"

Gross.

'I'll be fine,' I write quickly, stepping in the room and closing the door in his face.

Sorry to be rude but I'm not trying to make friends here... Especially with a pervy teenage boy.

I slowly make my way over to the window at the front of the room, sitting down on the wide ledge to look out over the small street. Many houses line the sidewalk, all looking almost exactly the same. The only way you could possibly tell them apart is by looking at the mailboxes or cars.

A small sigh escapes my lips, the fear of getting used to yet another living style hovering over me. I'll be the first to admit that the orphanage was not the best place to live, but I at least knew my place there. Here, I have no idea where I stand.

And it's even harder to distance myself from such a kind family... Apart from Jack.

Knock knock.

I jump at the sudden noise, letting out a shaky breath before shuffling back over to the door.

"You left this in the car, sweetie," Liz grins, handing me my phone with the white headphones dangling not from it. I smile back at her as my thank you, gently taking the device from her hands.

"Oh and feel free to spice up your room, I knew it's a bit plain but we weren't exactly expecting to be able to take someone home today!" Liz chuckles, her face then turning serious, "also, if you don't mind, I would like to talk about what happened today..."

She trails off, but I know exactly what she is talking about. I look up at her and nod my head, welcoming her into the room and sitting on the bed.

"Did you know who the man was?" She asks in a soft voice. I shake my head back and forth, continuously reminding myself in my head that she is not the police.

"Do you know why he said what he did?" She asks, I shake my head again.

"Okay, well, I just want to let you know that you are safe here. Luke is right next door to your room, Jack is down the hall, and I'm downstairs if you need any of us. Don't hesitate to ask," she smiles warming, patting my shoulder before leaving.

I wait a few seconds before getting up to close the door, noticing Luke standing with his back against the wall.

"Oh, uh, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop or anything!" He stutters, his eyes darting around the house, "but you left your suitcase out here,"

Well, Jack left it out here.

I nod and take the suitcase in, attempting to close the door but Luke stops me. Our blue eyes meet, my long brown hair covering some of my face.

"Do you want help?" He asks. I raise my eyebrow at him causing him to add, "with unpacking,"

I take a quick glance at the somewhat empty room, shrugging my shoulders and looking back to Luke. He smiles at me, taking a step into the room before I stop him with my hand. I look up at him, wondering how a 15 year old can be so tall.

"Wha-what?" He stutters awkwardly, looking at my arm outstretched, keeping him from coming in. I shake my head back and forth, trying to imply that I don't need any help.

"Oh, uh, okay," he whispers, quietly backing out of the room.

See, Evelyn.

That's all you have to do.

Push them away.