Ch-2

My case worker left after accompanying me inside the house that was situated in Greenwich. It was a modest two story house in a quiet neighborhood. My room was on the second floor with a bed, a desk and a closet.

Nice enough for my current requirements.

"You like it, kid?" A male voice came from the door.

I turned and saw my new guardian Steve leaning against the door. Now that I take in his appearance properly, he was a man on the chubbier side with a resting bitch face. Yeah, the dude must be working in a haunted house part-time. 

"If you'd like, we can add decorations according to your requirements. Wait, do you want a PC? That's what kids want these days, right?" He scratched his chin in contemplation.

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living?" I asked politely.

Steve raised an eyebrow at my question, "Quite articulate, aren't you?" I merely shrugged my shoulders.

"To answer you, both me and my wife are writers. She is a staff writer on a British TV drama and I am working on some ideas myself."

"You're an American." That was a statement. His accent was evident to anyone.

"Are you sure you're 8?" Steve teased with a smile.

I shifted on my heels uncomfortably. "That's why mum didn't love me. Because I am a freak of nature."

By now I knew for sure that this is my second time around, but would someone actually believe me if I told them? I knew a lot of things about the future. There are many gaps in my memory where some incidents are just erased outright. But whenever I read a book or see a movie or even a news article about an incident, I get very vivid memories associated with that incident. Provided that I had witnessed it in my past life.

Like last year, I was watching [Home Alone] for the first time in this life, but as soon as I saw the opening credits, I knew the whole story and every scene. Watching that movie was the biggest déjà vu ever. But when I watched this other film called [Free Willy], I knew jack shit about it. Only because I hadn't watched that film in my past life.

I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and I looked up to see Steve trying and failing to give me a reassuring smile. "Hey, it's alright kid. You'll be fine now. And get this fact straight, you're no freak. If your mother couldn't realize your intelligence for the gift it is, then it's her fault."

I looked at him carefully to see if there was any deceit in his words, "You're not gonna sexually abuse me, are you?"

Immediately, Steve removed his hands from me and took two steps back hurriedly with a horrified expression on his face.

"Why… I never… What are you…" He sputtered incoherently for a few seconds.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud at that, "Hahaha, oh my god, your reaction was epic."

I wiped away the tears that had come to my eyes after laughing for a good minute or two. I looked up at him to see that he was not very amused. In hindsight, yes it was a dick move, but I am a kid, remember?

"I'm sorry, shouldn't have said that," I mumbled very insincerely, barely controlling my giggles.

I took a deep breath in and said, "I think we should talk about our lives and what we expect from each other. Mrs. Kloves should also be here for that discussion."

"Call us Steve and Kathy. These honorifics will get real old real soon."

When I inclined my head in acceptance he continued, "We can talk after lunch. Kathy is preparing food for us. Come down when you're ready. After that I can help you unpack your stuff. We can even go out and get you some new things."

I hesitated, "Maybe in a few days?" What's the point of buying tons of stuff only to find that I don't like the pair or they don't like me and I have to move to some other foster home. It's always better to assume the worst.

"As you wish," He agreed immediately.

(Break)

Lunch was mostly a quiet affair with Kathy making small talk with me now and again and I reciprocated. That was a kind lady through and through with a very infectious smile.

After lunch, we convened in the living room where I told them my life story. Well my current life at least. Okay, a modified version where I learn very fast and I have read quite some books but I don't really like reading. So it's like you're good at something but you don't enjoy it.

Do I really like reading? To some extent, yes, but not enough to be labeled a genius. I know there will come a time when I won't be able to grasp any new knowledge when my current knowledge gets exhausted. Then what? I'll become mediocre. So it's better to let them think that I am a lazy genius who doesn't want to work too much.

I told them about my dad, my mum, everything that they might not have known from my case worker.

"Troy."

I looked up at the blurred image of a worried woman who immediately took me in her arms. I sobbed gently on her chest. Hey fuckers, get your head out of gutter. That's a woman who's like five times my age and I'm just 8 for Christ's sake.

"Hush darling. Everything will be okay now. It's not your fault, none of it is." She slowly drew circles on my back with her fingers and I couldn't help but relax in her embrace.

"You're not American." I stated another obvious fact.

She laughed in a melodious voice as we separated, "Of course I'm not. I met Steve at a wedding in Birmingham and we immediately had a connection. It has been, what? Seven years?"

"Eight," Steve corrected.

"My bad." Kathy continued, "Eight years and still feels like it was just yesterday."

"Do you have any kids?"

Kathy's good mood instantly vanished, "No, we don't. Hey but you'll be our first kid, foster or otherwise and we'll have loads of fun together."

Deflection is a classic strategy for conversation avoidance. Let's help her out a little.

"I think you must've noticed by now, but I don't talk like normal children my age."

Steve scoffed at that. Kathy gave him a raised eyebrow in question but Steve didn't reply.

"What I'm trying to say is, I understand things children my age don't."

"Like?" Kathy asked after digesting my words for a few moments.

"Like, I understand sexual innuendo hidden between words. So if that's your thing, please do it when I'm not around."

Kathy's face was the most memorable thing of that night for me. Steve didn't hold his laughter back any longer as he guffawed wholeheartedly at his wife's gobsmacked expression. Soon he was joined by Kathy and I.

"Oh God," Kathy wheezed out somehow. "It felt so wrong coming out from the mouth of an 8 year old. Thanks for that kid. I got some new inspiration for my upcoming script."

I perked up at that, "You writing for a TV show?"

"Yeah. I am currently working on a show as a staff writer, but also writing a pilot on the side. If it gets picked up, then yes I would be making a full series." Came the immediate reply from Kathy.

"Wow! That's great. If you are selected then perhaps you can give me a role to play! We could be working together." I gushed excitedly.

Kathy smiled at my enthusiasm, "Are you sure you wanna work in showbiz? With that brain of yours you can go do anything you want."

Her sentence made me pause. I thought about it hard. I couldn't have learned all the books in my past life, could I? My advantages would start diminishing as soon as I begin any sort of college. But that wouldn't be the case if I pursue some sort of art. Then I'll be free from the shackles of society to do well in school and I wouldn't have to worry about what they would think.

Also, who wants to work a 9 to 5 job for some big corporation when you can work at different intervals according to your preference. (For a different type of big corporation.)

"Yes. I might be good at studies but I don't like it. And there's no harm in trying, right?" I answered with confidence.

Kathy hummed in acceptance, "Well then you should talk to Steve, he could give you a role in his next movie."

"Kathy…" Steve whispered in irritation, "We talked about this. I'm working on my novel."

Kathy shook her head, "And I told you it's only a matter of time before you go back. You love movies too much not to."

"Hey folks," I interrupted, "Am I missing something?"

Kathy looked at me curiously, "He hasn't told you? He is a film director and has made two movies."

I paused for a moment as I took in that information. Is it just the biggest coincidence of my life that as soon as I thought about being an actor, my guardian turned out to be a film director?

I looked up at Steve as I asked him, "Anything I might have seen?"

Kathy answered for him, "'The Fabulous Baker Boys' and 'Flesh and Bone'. You wouldn't have watched them because they both were for older audiences."

I racked up my memories to see if I could remember anything from either of my lives but I drew a blank, "So were they successful?"

Steve answered in a tight voice, "No, they weren't. Now, I have put all my focus on writing my novel."

I nodded and decided to drop the topic as he clearly wasn't in a good enough mood to talk about the movies.

"Troy," Kathy called out, "tomorrow, we have to go to your new school for an interview. On the way back, we can get you some things for your room."

"Alright." I didn't protest this time. For some reason, I had a feeling that I would like being here.

(Break)

Living with the Kloves' was the best thing that happened to me in years.

I came here in January and joined Woodstock Primary School. While most children may find it hard to fit in while changing schools in the middle of a school session, I didn't mind. The primary reason being, I didn't get anxious over strangers' opinions. So the transition was relatively smooth.

The school was the largest primary school in Greenwich and had all sorts of activities and clubs. Kathy encouraged me to participate in the Drama club and boy was I loving it.

Before I knew it, months had passed by and I had smoothly integrated in Steve and Kathy's lives. They had also become an integral part of my daily life. It wasn't anything major, but I couldn't imagine waking up and not having Kathy kiss my head, or Steve ruffling my hair whenever he had to go out of the house, or after leaving me at the school.

I guess that is what being part of a family is all about. Little things that separates us from strangers.

One fine afternoon found me sitting on the couch in the living room and reading my favorite book series of all time in probably both my lives. The series I grew up with in my past life and from what I can see, here as well.

Harry Potter.

I still remember that particular day in June. When most children are preparing for the final exams of the term, I entered a local bookshop on my way from the bus stop to my home. Believe me when I say that I had the biggest of deja vu as soon as I saw this book hidden in a corner, away from any of the popular spots in the store.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Joanne Rowling

The title alone brought back years worth of memories in my mind. From reading all seven main books and all eight movies with the spin off Fantastic Beasts series. And of course fanfiction. Thousands of fanfictions circling around the Harry Potter World were suddenly in my head. Boy, was I a fanatic.

At this point, I think I know more about the franchise than Ms. Rowling herself.

While Steve and Kathy didn't spoil me too much, they still left me with good enough spending money. So I immediately bought two First edition hardcover versions of the very first Harry Potter book. If my math is right, the book that hardly cost me my weekly pocket change will definitely be worth a small fortune in future.

I looked in pity at the other kids in the store who were readily ignoring the marvelous book. Poor souls don't realize the value of treasure they are missing.

I rushed back home and placed one book with my things and took the other one to the living room to read. I read the complete book in one sitting. Kathy gave me some snacks right there, but I didn't put the book down.

When I was done hours later, I looked up to see Steve sitting down in front of me with a writing pad and jotting something down. Probably working on his novel.

"Hey Steve. When did you come back?" I asked, surprised. 

Steve smiled, "Nearly an hour ago. You were engrossed in your little book so I didn't disturb you."

I smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, I just… this book is so good. I had to finish it."

"Oh believe me, I know the feeling. So what book is it?" Steve asked curiously.

I couldn't help but gush, "Oh this book is awesome. It's the story of a small boy named Harry Potter who was abused by his Uncle and Aunt because his parents were murdered. Later he finds out that he is a wizard and his relatives hate magic, thus the abuse. Then he goes to this magic school Hogwarts and the rest is about his adventures there. He fights a troll, a three headed dog, flies on a broomstick while playing football in the air…"

Steve looked thoughtful as I gave him a synopsis of the first book. When I was done, he began, "Troy, are you perhaps…" But he didn't finish his sentence.

I gave him a questioning look.

He sighed then finished, "Empathizing with the protagonist?"

I was taken aback by his sentence. Was I really? I mean, yes some of our circumstances might be similar. Hell, even our looks are similar, with both of us having black hair and green eyes. But I know that my love for the series is much deeper than empathy.

"I don't think so," I answered after a few moments of contemplation, "The book is really good. You can give it a read if you'd like."

I put the book down on the coffee table and slid it towards him. He picked it up and checked out the first page, when my eyes fell on the floor which was littered with crumpled pages. I looked up again towards the pad he had put on the table. I picked it up and saw the first page.

It was blank.