Quarantined: Book 1 of The Quarantine Series Page 4

  “Hi, Rave.”

  Raven spots me and gives me her megawatt smile. Despite how much I chide myself, my heart stops.

  “Hey there. Did the party end early?”

  “Naa, it’s still going on. What are you doing outside by yourself?”

  “Just needed some air.”

  I have a feeling that means Uncle John did not come home again. Raven is sitting outside, waiting for him. I am shocked that Raven still craves his love. He has been treating his only daughter like dirt since her mother left. Love has made a monster out of that man, who was once my hero.

  Raven does not harbor any hard feelings towards her mother or father. She talks to her mother on the phone. She told me she was happy her mother pursued her dreams. I have to shake my head at her perspective on life.

  The more Raven acts like she understood Theressa’s decision, the more Theressa drowns in guilt over leaving her daughter. She has been showering her daughter with gifts. At least once a month, Raven gets shipments of designer clothing and shoes. Raven’s tact is effective, even though she doesn’t know it.

  When you attack someone, they become defensive. It’s easier for them to defend their bad behavior. When you act with class and poise, they can’t deflect their anger on you. They have no choice but to acknowledge their own shitty behavior. It’s the best way to make someone feel ashamed. I have learned a lot from Raven.

  The only negative from the situation is the clothes her mother keeps sending her. Her mother demands photos of Raven wearing these clothes.

  Since her private school requires uniforms, Raven’s only opportunity to wear them is around us. I don’t know if her mother realizes, but those outfits make her fourteen-year-old daughter look like an eighteen-year-old model. They give me mini heart attacks, further making my denial about Raven’s physical attributes that much more difficult. I have made it a point to include Raven in all of our family outings. And more than once, during our outings, Reid and I had to threaten to murder men with leering eyes or groping hands.

  I sit down next to Raven on the steps. We sit together in comfortable silence for a little while. Raven puts her head on my shoulder like she often does. After a beat, I ask her an unsettling question.

  “When was the last time you saw Uncle John?”

  Raven doesn’t say anything.

  Another odd fact hits me. “Rave, why are all the lights off in your house?”

  She is still quiet.

  “Rave…”

  “Milo… don’t.”

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I do worry about it.”

  “It’s not a big deal. Dad made a mistake with the electricity bill. They shut it off.”

  “What the hell!” I yell out immediately. “When did this happen?” I am furious, and she looks too fucking calm for my comfort.

  “Milo, he is going through something. And it’s not that big of a deal. It’s been great weather lately. It’s not too hot. If there was a time for dad to slip up, thank God it was now.”

  She tries to smile it off. Is she seriously making a joke right now?

  I know Raven’s not a pushover. She won’t let anyone talk down to her. Reid, with all of his hot temper, is the only one who tries. Raven usually says something to the effect of:

  If you are not in the mindset to have a sensible conversation with me, I am going to excuse myself from this situation. Feel free to call me when you are in control of your emotions, and we can have a mature discussion on how to resolve this argument.

  Can you believe that shit comes out of a fourteen-year-old’s mouth? Reid gets dumbstruck, and I usually have to reel in a snort. So why is she not standing up to Uncle John?

  Right now, I need a reaction from her. A normal reaction to her abnormal father. I will take any reaction other than her nonchalant act.

  I take a deep breath. I have to approach this with caution. Raven is all about being rational and seeing things from the other person’s perspective. That’s how I have to approach it if I want to get through to her. I have never had to put this much effort when speaking to any other female. Somehow, this fourteen-year-old always keeps me on my toes.

  “Okay. Let’s pass off the electric bill fiasco as a fluke,” I start cautiously. “However, do you believe that Uncle John is currently upholding his duties to you, as your father? Yes, he is going through a tough time. Yes, he lost the only woman he has ever loved. But he also has an obligation to you.”

  I remind myself that she is fourteen and a girl. This conversation might make her cry. On the other hand, if she is as mature as I peg her to be, she might reflect on my words and really listen to my advice.

  I continue. “We all go through tough times. It’s part of life. It’s alright to mourn any loss for a reasonable amount of time. But if it’s at the expense of everything you value, when does it stop being a mourning period and become a lifestyle you lead?”

  I pause, letting that sink in. Raven doesn’t waiver, not giving anything away with her expressions.

  “If he doesn’t know his behavior is affecting you negatively, he will not change,” I say as softly as I can.

  Raven listens to my whole spiel without interrupting. When she is sure I am done, she speaks slowly. “He does know. I approached him twice about this.”

  This is news to me. “He does?”

  “You know, as well as I do, you cannot force anyone into something they are not ready for. Our discussions only made him more uncomfortable and embarrassed. The first time I approached him was when mom left. He was being reclusive and detached. I told him I needed him to step up as my father. He agreed, and it lasted about a week. It was like pulling teeth. Finally, he stopped trying. And he stopped wanting to be around me. My best guess? He was drowning in self-pity and couldn’t face the disappointment in my eyes. That’s when we decided to move to New York.”

  “I thought Uncle John moved because my dad asked him to.” I am awed at all this new information.

  “That was part of it. Once we moved here, I told him I needed him to do better. He tried his best. Then I caught him talking to Doctors Without Borders, about a possible assignment. It became clear to me. He needs to get away from here. I am a constant reminder of my mother, and my expectations are not making it better. Each time he is not able to meet them, he sinks further into self-loathing. Nowadays, he has been leaving the house before I wake up, coming home after I go to sleep. The few times I see him, he wears a look of guilt. It’s like, he knows he is not doing right by me, but doesn’t have the energy or the will power to change. So he avoids me.”

  I open my mouth to voice some follow up questions. Raven speaks before I can ask.

  “He still goes to work. He just avoids me. And on various occasions, he forgets bills and responsibilities. The way I see it, I still have a roof over my head, and all of my best friends live next door. You guys have become my family. Maybe down the road, dad will realize what he is doing is not fair to me. As it stands, the more I discuss unwanted things with him, the more he will pull away from me. Right now, he doesn’t know how to be my father.”

  I am quiet. What do you say to that? I stay quiet for so long that Raven finally bumps my shoulder. I sigh.

  “Lord help the boy you end up with. He will never win an argument. Most likely, he won’t even know that he lost the argument.”

  Raven laughs and cocks her head, as her dark hair spills over her shoulder. I have already made up my mind about how I am going to approach this. Raven is not easily susceptible to ideas that wound her pride. So I will have to use logic again, to make my case. No matter what, she is going to accept my offer.

  “Look, Rave, you make some good points. Now I want to make a point of my own. By your own admission, you are telling me that Uncle John is currently an unfit parent. He is lost and not mentally capable of the responsibilities of a parent.” I pause to see if Raven will argue.

  Raven doesn’t interrupt. She is listening intently to my argument.

  “We also have an absentee parent. So dad and I pick up the slack. There is no one here to pick up the slack. While I believe in your abilities, I am uncomfortable with the idea of you living in this house. What if an intruder comes in? If your phone is dead due to electricity loss, and your dad is not here, what do you plan to do?”

  I let my terrifying thoughts sink in. My own stomach drops at the idea. “I’d like for you to move in with us. At least temporarily. We love it when you stay over. Reid has all but physically already moved you in. He has covered our guest room with your pictures and personal items. Whenever we have guests, Reid lets them know that they are staying in Raven’s room, and not the guest room.”

  I lean back on the step casually. I don’t want to come off too strong, but my heart is beating really fast. What if she rejects my idea?

  I make my closing statement. “To me, it makes logical sense. You said you live next door to your best friends, who have become your family. If the situation was reversed, you would want us to come stay with you, would you not? If we refused, it would be indicative that we are not as close as we say we are. If we really are family, then this is a no brainer. Still, if you are uncomfortable with the idea, see it as a temporary arrangement until your father sorts out his shit.”

  I have to take a deep breath, after spitting all that out. I can’t even imagine Raven staying in this house, not after everything she disclosed. She is coming back with me. It’s not a choice. But I will give her a chance to respond.

  -----------

  Raven

  Milo is waiting for a response. If I know him at all, he is not waiting for me to say yes. This is happening, no matter what I say. He is just waiting for me to acknowledge it.

  All of his protective instincts are out. I have seen Milo like this before when he is being protective of Reid and Mia. When he is this determined, no one can get in his way. Not his parents, not the world, not even God himself.

  “Let’s go inside, and I can pack a bag,” I say quietly. “I will come back tomorrow for the rest. Is Reid still up?”

  “He is, but I don’t think he is talking to me right now.” Milo looks exasperated, at the mention of Reid’s name.

  I feel for Milo. Reid has become very difficult and hot-headed. Reid is loyal, and he will lay his life on the line for his loved ones. But he is rough around the edges.

  When I lived in Boston, it seemed like Reid idolized Milo. Now that I am living closer to them, I see that Reid actually holds an unfair amount of resentment towards Milo. I get it. Milo is a pseudo parental figure for Reid and Mia. Hell, he is a pseudo parental figure for me too. But Mia and I idolize Milo.

  Reid idolizes Milo as well, but he fights Milo every step of the way. I am not allowed to point it out or take Milo’s side. Reid gets really angry if I do. That’s a sore spot for him.

  The problem is, Reid is the one at fault. At most, Milo disciplines Reid for poor behavior. Whereas, Reid spews harsh and hateful words to Milo, which makes me cringe. Reid doesn’t know how good he has it.

  Milo and I walk inside the house. My phone is already dead. So Milo uses his phone light to find his way around. I grab a backpack and pack some toiletries. I also pack a duffel bag with some essentials for tonight.

  When Milo isn’t looking, I pull out my special box from under my bed and slip it in my bag. It has my most prized collections, and I’d rather take it with me.

  Ever since I moved to New York, I often stay over at the Sinclair home. And every time I do, Milo packs me lunch for school. Just as he does for his siblings, he includes a handwritten note with my lunches.

  The first time I saw a note, my heart melted.

  Apple a day keeps the doctor away. Have an awesome day, Rave!

  It was basic, encouraging me to get my fruits in for the day. But I never got a lunch note before. My mom and dad always gave me money for lunch.

  So I saved the note. And I prayed for another one. My wish was granted, every time I stayed over. More packed lunches, along with handwritten notes.

  I am going to keep packing this same apple with your lunch, till you eat it.

  And he did.

  Enjoy your lunch, because Reid is cooking dinner tonight.

  Reid loves to be creative in the kitchen. Every time a new season of Masterchef comes out, he forces us to a home-cooked dinner, to try his newest creation. He is a terrible cook.

  I ran out of peanut butter. This is a Jam & Jam sandwich. Here is $5 for a better lunch.

  The Jam and Jam sandwich was actually delicious.

  I never asked. Did your parents name you Raven because you have jet black raven hair?

  Yes, they did.

  Why didn’t they name you Snow White? You look more like Snow White than a Raven.

  My mother tried. Dad, thankfully, put a stop to it.

  I saved all of those notes in my special box. I barely have any handwritten memorabilia from my own parents, except for some birthday cards. These notes mean so much more to me than those generic birthday cards. I am addicted to them.

  Sadly, Milo informed Reid and me that once we start high school this year, he is not going to pack our lunches anymore. We are being enrolled in school cafeteria lunches. So I tried to collect as many lunch notes as possible by the end of the school year.

  As much as I crave those little notes, I make a point not to overstay my welcome. If I stay there two days in a row, I grudgingly scoot back to my empty house by the third day. I hate it.

  Which is why I will never forget this moment. I will always be grateful for what Milo is doing for me right now and pray that someday I can repay him.

  I secretly vow to myself that I will do anything to decrease Milo’s stress. I will not disappoint him, let him down, or regret letting me move in. I will make him proud.

  I chant all of these mantras in my head as we step out together. I have my backpack, and Milo is carrying my duffle bag.

  Today I am moving in with the Sinclairs. And for the first time in my life, I wasn’t forced into someone’s path. Someone volunteered to take care of me because they loved me enough.

  CHAPTER 3

  October 10th, 2013

  -----------

  Raven

  I have been cleaning Tessa's room for hours now. The room is a disgusting mess with trash, litter, and clothing everywhere.

  It's been a little over a year since I moved in with the Sinclairs. Shortly after I moved in, dad announced that he was going back to Africa to work for Doctors Without Borders. He didn't make eye contact with me when he broke the news.

  Before dad accepted the assignment, he had a long conversation with Milo. Dad made Milo swear to look out for me, the same way he did for Reid and Mia. He also asked Milo's parents, Reese and Tessa Sinclair, to become my legal guardians.

  A little while after dad left, Uncle Reese also got a job offer. He got an offer as a visiting specialist at a hospital in the Cayman Islands. The pay would be significantly more, and he would work half as many hours. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

  Uncle Reese spoke to Milo before making any decisions. In the end, it was decided that Uncle Reese would take the position, and Milo would become my legal guardian, since he was eighteen. Uncle Reese loves me like I am his own daughter, and he knows it's useless to have Tessa be my sole guardian.

  So here we are. Dad is away, working for Doctors Without Borders. Uncle Reese is also away, working at Grand Cayman as a visiting physician.

  As always, Milo is the only one present. He is currently going to Columbia University, and he’s officially my legal guardian. Tessa is also here, but she’s not really present, which means Milo is unofficially the legal guardians for Reid and Mia as well.

  Nonetheless, Uncle Reese wouldn't allow Milo to miss out on any more college experiences than he needs to. So Milo stays on campus three days a week. And he stays with us for the other four days. The nanny stays here the three days that Milo is gone or anytime Milo is indisposed.

  It was hell on earth, convincing Mia to let the nanny stay for three days a week. In the end, I think she has a soft spot for me. She gave in once I used all of my persuasive skill sets.

  Personally, I think Uncle Reese was happy to have an escape away from his wife. Looking at this room, I can't exactly blame him. It's depressing. Tessa has become worse than before, staying in bed for days on end.

  This makes me feel even more guilty for forcing the responsibilities of being my guardian onto Milo. He already has Mia and Reid to worry about. Plus, attending Columbia is not easy. He deserves the chance to enjoy his time in college. I know, I have a happy home and life at Milo's expense. So I try to help as much as I can.

  I whip my head towards the door, as I hear it creak. Reid's face pops in. Tessa is lying on the bed, facing away from him.

  "How‌ ‌is‌ ‌it‌ ‌going‌ ‌in‌ ‌here?"‌

  "Same‌ ‌old,"‌ ‌I‌ ‌shrug.‌ ‌ ‌

  The room looks a lot better, after I have been cleaning it all morning. I try not to divulge about how bad it actually gets in Tessa's room. I know Reid gets irritated at Tessa. And the last thing I want is to create conflict in the Sinclair home.

  Milo, Mia and Reid Sinclair have become my constants in the last few years. And I need them to be in harmony, for my own sanity.

  I share a unique connection with each of them, but I love each of them differently. And I love all of them, more‌ ‌than‌ ‌I‌ ‌love‌ ‌myself.‌ ‌

  My connection to Reid is a spiritual one. I can't explain it. He is my best friend but he is also my soulmate. Not the romantic kind, but our souls are tethered to each other.

  Growing up, our friends, kids in school, even our parents wondered if there was a romantic connection. The answer is simply No.