Thirty-one: painted in red and blue

Temperance

She put on a movie that I've never seen before. Incredibles 2, I think. I haven't even seen the first one.

I haven't really seen any movies if I'm honest. And I can blame my father for that.

She stands up to get something from the kitchen while I cover up with a blanket, still watching the movie.

I don't know when the guys will be back, it seems like I never know.

I don't know if Ella will let me go to bed alone or if she'd sit on the edge of my bed and watch me. Alec did order her to protect me, but sitting on the edge of my bed while I try to sleep seems excessive.

My ears perk as a firm knock comes from the front door. I turn around, glancing at the door.

My mind runs through all the people it could be.

I stand to my feet and walk towards the door. Something isn't right, I can feel it.

I open the door, and to my horror, I see two tall, male police officers standing in front of me.

The red and blue lights flashed behind them, blinding me. I bring my hand up to my face to shield my face from the lights. The blinding colors peel into my skin.

"Are you Temperance Andrews?" One of them asks in a deep voice, pulling out his badge to show me he means business.

I don't respond. I take a small shaky step back. I'm scared.

"E-Ella?" My voice shakes as I call the only other person in the house.

She comes running out, and her eyes are wide when she sees the police.

"What are you here for, officers?" She asks calmly, composing herself as she stands beside me in the doorway. I have a feeling she knows what they are here for.

Me.

"We've been looking for a missing person, Temperance Andrews." He pulls a picture from a notebook and shows it to me.

It is a picture of me with a bruise on my lip. I am smiling without showing my teeth. This was taken by Nicole a few months ago. Fake happiness.

I and the officer make eye contact as I contemplate dashing away.

"Harboring away a runaway could bring you criminal charges." He warns Ella, who stands with her shoulders back, glaring at the cop as she places her hand on my shoulder.

My mouth drops open, "N-no. I'll come with you. Just take me and leave her alone."

I turn towards Ella, giving her a weak smile as I gently remove her hand from my shoulder.

His head snaps back to me, and they both move out of the way, letting me pass by them.

"W-where are y-you gonna take me..?" At this moment, I feel like I am going to break down to cry.

I was finally somewhere safe after so long, and now I'm being forced out to live with people I haven't seen in years.

I am scared. Terrified.

I don't know how they will treat me. Would they be nice, or will they be exactly like my father? I don't know anything.

Everything seems blurred. Everything seems to go in slow motion, with all the voices sounding far away. A police officer places his hand on my shoulder, gently guiding me to the police car. Behind me, Ella and the mansion are getting farther away from me. 

I look back to get a glance at Ella. A tear runs down my cheek as she watches me, a sorrowful expression on her face as she stands in the doorway.

The officer opens the door, and I sit in the back of the car. He closes the door.

*******************************

Soon I am in front of a house I don't remember with the two police officers by my side. They knock on the door. Shuffling comes from behind the door before we come face to face with a young girl.

She's maybe fifteen or so. Her hair isn't brushed, and she looks frightened. She holds onto the doorknob as she looks at me and the police.

"Where's your parents?" The man beside me asks, causing her to shrink back.

"Out." A boy appears behind her, answering the officer's question. He puts his hand on her shoulder and gives her a little squeeze.

I've always wanted a big brother. A brother that will protect me from anything and anyone. One that will love me no matter what. I've always dreamed of having what.

I was always jealous of others having an older brother because I wanted one so bad.

"They have already been informed and approved to house you. Tell them to go to the police station when they get home." The police turn around, trying to leave.

"Y...You just c-cant leave me. Y-you can't leave me!" I yell at them, tears falling onto my lips, landing in my mouth.

"You have to stay here now. It's the law." With that, the police left, and I am left with the two people in front of me.

I don't remember them. I know nothing about them as they know nothing about me.

I can't even remember their names. And I am not even sure I know the girl.

We awkwardly stand in place before the boy invites me in, closing the door behind me.

"I'm Chris, and this is Kenli." The guy is almost Alec's height. He has a muscled frame, probably from working out. Bruises peek out from under their clothes, causing me to stiffen.

Have I just been placed into another abusive home? Has my escape from the other done me no good? I always expected my aunt and uncle to have some flaws. I thought maybe they were neglecting, not abusive. 

No way did the thought of them being loving cross my mind.

I feel so defeated I almost can't even hold myself up.

I am so tired. So tired of everything. So warn out.

I have to hold back my tears and regain control of myself.

"Who are you?" The girl asks in a small voice.

"Temperance. Your cousin." I sigh. 

They both look shocked. They were probably confused about why the police showed up with a random girl on their doorstep.

The officer said my aunt and uncle know about me. The officers said they were approved to house me, so why do my own cousins have no idea?

"Our parents told us something about you. We didn't think they would find you, though. You just disappeared without warning." Chris explains, rubbing the back of his neck.

I wish they didn't find me.

I didn't know if Alec knew I was gone. But I hope he does.

"Where do I sleep?" I ask them.

They look at me and then lead me through a hall and into a room.

The room has cement floors and three mattresses in each corner. Two of them have pillows and some blankets.

"This is where we sleep." Kenli plasters a shaky smile onto her face. I can tell she's attempting to be welcoming.

"I'm tired. Can I have a few blankets and a pillow?" I am not exactly tired. I think that if I go to sleep, then maybe this will be over quickly.

Sleeping is better than now.

Kenli nods and leaves to get the pillows and blankets.

"I know this is hard for you. But I'll be here for you." Chris reassures me. I nod and sit down on the mattress.

Kenli steps back in and hands me a big purple blanket and a pillow.

Chris and Kenli leave the room, turning out the lights and closing the door.

I lay on my back, looking at the ceiling. Is this my life now?

Now I know I can't run away to Alecs. They know I was there, so they'd probably end up finding me again.

I lay in complete numbness as my eyes close; total darkness surrounded me.