Chapter 4: March 3rd, 1982

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March 3rd, 1982

The past two months had been a blur. Since arriving at the orphanage, I had fallen into a monotonous routine. The days passed slowly, each one blending into the next with little to distinguish them. The initial shock and grief had dulled to a persistent, numbing ache that followed me everywhere.

The orphanage wasn't as bad as I had feared, though. Emile, Jayden, and Zoey had taken it upon themselves to include me in their daily activities, dragging me along to whatever they were doing. At first, I resisted, preferring the solitude of my room to their constant chatter and laughter. But they were persistent, and gradually, I found myself spending more time with them.

Emile was the ringleader, always full of energy and ideas. He had a knack for finding ways to pass the time, whether it was playing basketball in the yard, exploring the old, creaky parts of the orphanage, or sneaking out to watch movies at the nearby theater.

Jayden was quieter but just as determined to include me, often pulling me into conversations about sports and music. All of which I did not care about. The thought was nice though. Zoey was the most empathetic, always sensing when I needed space but never letting me drift too far away.

We spent our afternoons together after they returned from school. They would come back with stories about their day, their friends, and the teachers they liked or disliked. I would listen, occasionally adding a comment or two, but mostly I stayed silent, letting their voices wash over me. It was easier that way, to be a part of something without really being a part of it.

The trio attended the same high school I was about to start at, and they often talked about it with a mix of excitement and dread. I listened, taking mental notes, but my mind was always elsewhere, scheming about something I couldn't quite put into words.

The anger and pain I felt over my family's murder were still raw, and the desire for revenge simmered just beneath the surface. I knew I needed to keep these thoughts hidden, to play along with the normalcy they all seemed to embrace.

The orphanage itself was large, almost like a mansion, with enough space for everyone to find their own corner. I had learned to navigate its winding hallways and hidden nooks, finding places where I could be alone when I needed to. But no matter where I went, Emile, Jayden, and Zoey always seemed to find me, pulling me back into their world.

The days leading up to my return to school were filled with a strange mix of anticipation and dread. Emile, Jayden, and Zoey tried to reassure me, telling me about the teachers who were cool and the ones to avoid, the best spots to hang out during lunch, and the various cliques I should steer clear of. Their efforts were comforting, but I couldn't shake the anxiety that gnawed at me.

On the morning of March 3rd, I woke up early, my stomach twisted in knots. The thought of facing a new school, filled with new faces, was daunting. My past experiences had been marred by tragedy, and I couldn't help but feel that everyone would know, that they would see the scars I carried.

I dressed in the school uniform, staring at myself in the mirror. The reflection that stared back at me was one I barely recognized. The boy who had left for Disneyland over a year ago was gone, replaced by someone harder, someone haunted.

"Ready for your first day?" Emile asked, popping his head into my room. He was already dressed, his tie slightly askew and his hair sticking up in places.

"Yeah," I replied, though my voice lacked conviction.

"Don't worry, man," Jayden said, appearing behind him. "We'll be with you the whole time."

Zoey joined them, offering a reassuring smile. "It's not as bad as it seems. You'll get the hang of it."

I nodded, forcing a smile. Their support meant more to me than I could express, but the unease remained. We headed downstairs together, joining the other kids for breakfast. The dining hall was filled with the usual morning chaos, but I barely noticed. My mind was focused on the day ahead.

The ride to school was filled with Emile and Jayden's playful banter and Zoey's occasional interjections. They tried to keep the mood light, and I appreciated their efforts, even if I couldn't fully engage. As we pulled up to the school, a sprawling building surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns, my heart pounded in my chest.

"Here we are," Zoey said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Welcome to your new adventure."

I took a deep breath, stepping out of the car. The noise and activity of the schoolyard were overwhelming, but I followed Emile, Jayden, and Zoey as they led me through the throngs of students. Their presence was a comforting anchor in the sea of unfamiliar faces.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispered conversations that seemed to follow us. News traveled fast, and I knew my story had likely preceded me. But I kept my head down, focusing on the ground ahead.

"Don't worry about them," Emile said quietly. "People are just curious. It'll die down soon."

I nodded, grateful for his words. We made our way to the main office, where I was to pick up my schedule and meet with the guidance counselor. The receptionist greeted us with a smile, handing me a packet of information.

"Welcome, Alex," she said warmly. "We're glad to have you here."

"Thank you," I replied, my voice as flat as can be, and my face in its ever still "resting bitch face".

We left the office, my schedule clutched tightly in my hand. The trio continued to guide me through the halls, pointing out various classrooms and important spots like the library and cafeteria. Their familiarity with the school was comforting, and I began to feel a small spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could find a semblance of normalcy here.

But beneath the surface, the anger and pain still simmered. I couldn't forget what had happened, couldn't let go of the desire for revenge. It was a dark undercurrent that tainted every moment, a constant reminder of the life I had lost.

As the first bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead. Emile, Jayden, and Zoey gave me encouraging smiles before heading off to their own classes, leaving me to navigate my first period alone.

I took a deep breath, stepping into the classroom and scanning the room for an empty seat. The other students glanced up as I entered, their eyes filled with curiosity and something else—pity, perhaps. I forced myself to ignore it, walking to the back of the room and taking a seat.

The teacher, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and glasses, introduced himself and began the lesson. I tried to focus, to absorb the information, but my mind kept drifting. The whispers around me, the subtle glances, all served to remind me that I was an outsider here.

The morning passed in a blur of introductions and awkward conversations. I moved from class to class, each one a new trial, each one a reminder of how far I had to go. By the time lunch arrived, I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

I made my way to the cafeteria, clutching my tray of food as I searched for a place to sit. Emile, Jayden, and Zoey waved me over, their smiles a beacon of familiarity in the sea of strangers.

"How's it going?" Emile asked as I sat down.

"Okay," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just trying to keep up."

"You'll get the hang of it," Jayden said, taking a bite of his sandwich. "First days are always the hardest."

"You guys want to head out to the park after school?" Emile suddenly said, scarfing down nearly three times the amount of food on my plate. 'How does he keep such consistent weight with this type of eating?' I thought.

Zoey nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's been a while since we went there. We could play some hide and seek or just hang out."

Jayden glanced at me, gauging my reaction. "What do you think, Alex? You up for it?"

I hesitated, my mind instinctively searching for excuses, but something in their eager expressions made me reconsider. "Sure, why not," I said, surprising even myself. "I could use some fresh air."

"Great!" Emile exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "We'll meet by the entrance after school."

The rest of the day passed in a blur. The classes were tedious, my mind wandering back to the planned outing. It had been so long since I felt any semblance of normalcy, and the idea of spending time at the park with them stirred a mixture of anxiety and excitement.

When the final bell rang, I made my way to the entrance, my backpack slung over one shoulder. Emile, Jayden, and Zoey were already there, chatting animatedly.

"Ready to go?" Zoey asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yeah," I replied, managing a genuine smile. "Let's do this."

We walked to the park, a familiar route for them but a new experience for me. The weather was mild, the sky a clear blue, and the air filled with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling. It was a welcome change from the oppressive atmosphere of the orphanage and school.

"So, Alex," Emile said, falling into step beside me, "you got any favorite spots in the park yet?"

I shook my head. "I've never really explored it before."

"Well, you're in for a treat," Jayden chimed in. "There's this cool forest area where we usually hang out. It's perfect for hide and seek."

"And reading," I added, patting my backpack. "I brought a couple of books."

Zoey rolled her eyes playfully. "Books? Come on, Alex, you need to live a little. We're here to have fun!"

I chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll try to keep up."

As we reached the park, the sprawling green lawns and clusters of trees stretched out before us. Families picnicked on the grass, children ran around playing tag, and couples strolled hand in hand. It was a picture of idyllic serenity, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

We made our way towards the forested area Jayden had mentioned, the trees providing a cool canopy of shade. Emile led the way, his boundless energy propelling him forward as he pointed out various spots along the path.

"Over there is the best climbing tree," he said, gesturing to a large oak with sturdy, sprawling branches. "And that clearing is where we usually set up our base."

"Base?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For our games, of course," Jayden explained. "Hide and seek, capture the flag, stuff like that. It's kind of our hangout spot."

Zoey nudged me playfully. "You'll love it, trust me. It's a great place to escape and just be kids for a while."

We continued walking, the conversation flowing easily. They shared stories of their previous adventures in the park, from epic hide and seek battles to makeshift picnics. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself relaxing, the tension in my shoulders easing as we delved deeper into the forest.

"So, Alex," Emile said, turning to face me as we walked, "what kind of books did you bring?"

I reached into my backpack, pulling out two well-worn paperbacks. "Just some mystery novels. They're my go-to for when I need to clear my head."

Jayden glanced at the covers, nodding appreciatively. "Nice. Maybe we can have a reading session later, if you want."

"Or," Zoey interjected with a grin, "we could hide his books and make him find them as part of the game."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You guys are relentless."

"Only because we care," Emile said with a wink.

As we reached the clearing, the familiarity of their banter and the beauty of the surroundings brought a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, the soft rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds. It was a sanctuary, a place where I could momentarily forget the weight of my past.

Emile dropped his backpack and stretched his arms wide. "Alright, guys, let's get this party started! Who's up for some hide and seek?"

Jayden raised his hand enthusiastically. "I'm in!"

Zoey turned to me, her eyes bright with excitement. "What about you, Alex? Ready to join the fun?"

"Wouldn't hurt. Why not."

 "Alright, here's how it works. One person is 'it' and counts to fifty while everyone else hides. The seeker then has to find everyone. When you're found, you have to help find the others. Last person found is the winner."

"Sounds good," Jayden said, looking around for potential hiding spots. "Who's 'it' first?"

"I'll go," Zoey volunteered, stepping forward. "You boys better hide well."

"Deal," Emile said, already scanning the area for his spot. "Let's do this."

Zoey turned her back to us and started counting, her voice echoing through the trees. "One, two, three..."

The rest of us scattered. I bolted towards a dense cluster of bushes, ducking behind them and crouching low. I peered through the leaves, watching as Emile climbed up into the large oak tree and Jayden hid behind a fallen log a few yards away.

"Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty! Ready or not, here I come!" Zoey's voice rang out, and I held my breath, trying to make myself as small as possible.

I watched her from my hiding spot as she began her search, moving slowly and methodically. She checked behind trees and bushes, her sharp eyes scanning the area. I could see her heading towards Jayden's log, and I silently urged him to stay still.

Zoey circled the log, then suddenly ducked down. "Gotcha!" she shouted, laughing as Jayden jumped up with a groan.

"Man, you're good," he said, shaking his head. "Alright, let's find the others."

They moved closer to my position, and I felt my heart rate quicken. I pressed myself against the ground, hoping the foliage would keep me hidden. Zoey was thorough, checking every possible hiding spot. She walked right past my bush, her focus elsewhere.

I exhaled slowly, trying to remain calm. But then Jayden glanced in my direction, and our eyes met. He grinned mischievously and started moving towards me. I knew I was caught.

"Over here!" Jayden called out, and Zoey turned, heading my way. I bolted from my hiding spot, sprinting towards the deeper part of the forest.

"Hey, no running!" Zoey shouted, chasing after me. I laughed, my legs pumping as I tried to evade them. Emile watched from his perch in the tree, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Go, Alex!" he cheered, but I knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up to me.

Jayden was faster, closing the distance quickly. He lunged forward, tagging me on the shoulder. "Gotcha!"

I laughed, doubling over to catch my breath. "Alright, alright. You got me."

"Now let's get Emile," Zoey said, looking up at the oak tree. "He's got to come down sometime."

Emile grinned, clearly enjoying his vantage point. "You'll never catch me up here!"

"That's what you think," Zoey said, moving closer to the tree trunk. "We'll just wait you out."

We circled the tree, trying to coax Emile down. He stayed put, taunting us from above. "You guys are going to have to do better than that."

Zoey started climbing up, her movements quick and agile. Emile's eyes widened in surprise as she approached. "Hey, no fair!"

"It's perfectly fair," Zoey retorted, reaching out to tag him. Emile scrambled to the other side of the tree, but it was no use. Zoey was too quick, tagging him on the leg.

"Alright, you got me!" Emile laughed, climbing down. "But that means I'm 'it' next."

We all gathered at the base of the tree, catching our breath and exchanging grins. Emile turned his back and started counting. "One, two, three..."

We scattered again, this time moving deeper into the forest. I found a spot behind a large boulder, crouching low and peeking out. Jayden hid behind a cluster of ferns, and Zoey slipped into a hollow tree trunk.

"Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty! Ready or not, here I come!" Emile's voice echoed through the trees.

I watched as he started his search, moving with the same methodical precision Zoey had used. He found Jayden first, the two of them laughing as they set off to find the rest of us. Zoey was next, her giggles giving her away as Emile peeked into the hollow tree.

I held my breath, hoping they wouldn't find me too quickly. But Jayden spotted me behind the boulder, and I knew my time was up. "Over here!"

I jumped up and ran, but Emile was quick, tagging me before I could get far. "Gotcha, Alex!"

"Alright, alright," I said, laughing. "You got me."

We all regrouped, our energy high from the game. "That was awesome," Zoey said, her eyes sparkling. "But I think we need a new challenge."

"How about we play in the river area?" Jayden suggested. "The rocks and trees there make for great hiding spots."

We all agreed, heading towards the river. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we approached, the cool mist refreshing on our faces. The river was shallow, with large rocks jutting out and trees lining the banks.

"Okay, new rule," Emile said. "You can only hide near the water. Adds an extra layer of difficulty."

Zoey nodded. "And we should set a boundary so no one goes too far downstream."

We agreed on the boundaries and Emile started counting again. "One, two, three..."

I moved quickly, finding a spot behind a large rock near the water's edge. The river flowed gently, the sound of the water soothing. I crouched low, watching as Zoey hid behind a tree on the opposite bank and Jayden found a spot under a fallen log.

"Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty! Ready or not, here I come!" Emile called out, starting his search.

He moved carefully along the riverbank, checking behind trees and rocks. He found Zoey first, her bright shirt peeking out from behind the tree. "Gotcha!"

Zoey laughed, joining Emile as they continued their search. They moved closer to my spot, and I tried to stay perfectly still. But the rocks were slippery, and as I shifted my weight, I lost my footing and slipped into the water.

"Over here!" Zoey called out, and Emile turned just in time to see me splash into the river. He ran towards me, laughing.

I scrambled to my feet, water dripping from my clothes. "You found me."

"That was quite a splash," Emile said, grinning. "Let's get Jayden."

We moved along the bank, the water cooling our skin. Jayden tried to stay hidden, but a sudden movement gave him away. Emile and Zoey ran towards him, and in his attempt to escape, he too slipped into the river.

The four of us stood there, waterlogged and laughing, the cool river water flowing around our ankles. "Well, I guess we all ended up in the river," Zoey said, shaking water from her hair.

"Yeah, we did," I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of belonging, a lightness that pushed away the darkness, even if only for a moment.

We climbed out of the water, our clothes clinging to our bodies, and sat on the rocks to dry off. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the forest. 

"We shouldn't probably run home. We'll be in deep trouble if we're back after its dark."

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Chapter Word Count: 3,363 

Story Word Count: 10,782