Amara's POV
I came back home after doing the dishes. I know I was supposed to tell him I was leaving but his girlfriend had problems with me being there and I didn't want to cause further tantrums. I went straight to my bathroom and quickly showered after brushing my teeth. "I miss you teddy !" I said and picked it up from the floor. I drew my curtains and I could see Ivan and his girlfriend arguing. I giggled and went straight to the living room. Mom called to check up on me some few minutes later and I told her I was doing fine. She even suggested me coming over but Alice was visiting today and I wanted us to have the whole house to ourselves. I called Madi and asked if she was free to accompany me to get some items at the supermarket and she agreed. I watched the series"Ginny and Georgia" as I waited for Madison. My door bell rang and I rushed out excitedly, thinking it was Madison but it was Eric.
"Hi " I smiled generously
"Hello Amara ..you look beautiful as always " he complimented.
"Thanks .. come inside " I replied and he nodded. I led him to the living room and he made himself comfortable on the couch.
"I wasn't expecting you ..can I get you something like a juice, water or some coffee" I said knowing perfectly, I suck at making coffees.
"I just had breakfast ..I'm okay" he replied.
"So to what do I owe this pleasant surprise" I asked sitting on the couch opposite his.
"You told me your mom wasn't around so decided to come and keep you company"
"That's so sweet but I will actually be leaving the house soon.. I'm just waiting for a friend" I replied.
"A friend... Is it a dude " he laughed.
"Nah it's Madison and you are actually the only male friend I have here "
"You are kidding me right?"
"No I'm serious " I smiled
"I'm pleased to hear that but there is something you need to know Amara " he said and came to sit beside me. I shifted, feeling a little bit uncomfortable and anxious.
"Hope it's nothing bad " I replied worriedly.
"Of course not !" he laughed and took my hands.
"The thing is..." he said and the door bell rang, interrupting him.
"I think Madi is here .. excuse me " I said , getting up.
"Sure" he rubbed his hands through his hair.
"You've kept long!" I said to her as I hugged her.
"I'm sorry..I was helping Mom out with the laundry" she replied smiling beautifully as always.
"I hope she is well?" I asked as we walked inside.
"Very well and she said hi" she replied.
"Hey !" she waved at Eric, surprised to see him .
"Hi Madi .. it's been a while" he replied and I could sense some tension in the air.
"Sorry I couldn't tell you earlier but Eric came to visit" I said to her.
"It's cool " she smiled and sat down, avoiding eye contact with him.
"You wanted to tell me something" I turned to Eric.
"Yeah but since you are going out I don't want to keep you ..I will tell you another time " he replied
"Are you sure cause I can spare you a few minutes " I said and Madi raised her head and looked at him.
"It's quite a lengthy talk ..you don't worry we will talk later"
"If you insist..let me see you off then" I said.
"Why don't I so you dress up" Madison interrupted.
"That's cool..I will be ready when you return" I replied and climbed to my room.
I grabbed a pair of high waist Jeans and paired it with a yellow crop top. The supermarket was more like a mall and I never know who I'm going to meet. I thought. I tied my hair in a loose ponytail tail and went downstairs. I thought Madi would be back by the time I returned but she wasn't in the living room. I called out for her and I was about to open the door and step outside when she stepped inside.
"Are you set ?" she smiled.
"Yah ! " I said and grabbed my keys. The drive to the supermarket was much more fun than I expected. We played almost all the music on my playlist and we sang to each and every one of them.
"You ain't shy when it comes to music!" I teased her.
"Of course not.. music is my life!" she screamed on top of her voice. I smiled , admiring this side of her . The supermarket was busy as usual and the place was busier today than the last time I came .
"So what are we getting?" Madi said pushing the cart.
"Groceries first " I said and helped her pushed.
"I can do this alone you know that right" she said.
"Why don't we try what we see in movies!" i said excitedly.
"And what's that suppose to mean" she asked confused. I lean over and whispered into her ears excitedly.
"I'm in!!" she exclaimed and I hopped inside the cart.
"You can push me right ?"I laughed.
"You are light as a feather" she replied and pushed me faster than I thought.
"If we get the foodstuffs now...I think you would have to hop off the cart" she said.
"But I was just beginning to enjoy it " I said
"Then let's get some toiletries" she laughed and high five me. I don't want to say this was the best shopping of my life but it was .Madi and I were having so much fun like it was just as two in the mall. We ignored the stares and went on collecting what we needed. We finished shopping and went to pay our bills. There was a long queue and I wondered whether it will soon get to our turn. As we waited for our turn, I saw a little boy who was standing at a corner outside the supermarket crying. There were people around but they ignored him and that me worried.
"I will be right back Madi" I said to her and gave her my credit card. I walked past the crowd and approached him.
"Is everything okay" I knelt in front of him and asked. He shook his head and sobbed.
"Talk to me dear .. don't cry " I said holding his hand. He didn't stop crying but pointed his finger in the direction of the ice cream stand.
"You want some ice cream?" I asked and he nodded.
"But where are your parents ?" I asked and he shook his head.
"Can you talk to me please?" I said worriedly
"Did you come with mom or dad?" I asked but he still wouldn't speak.
"Will you talk to me after buying you an ice cream?" I asked again and he nodded. I smiled at how cute he was and rubbed my hands through his hair. I held his hand and led him to the ice cream stand.
"What flavor do you like.. chocolate, vanilla..." I asked.
"Chocolate!" he replied cutely to my surprise.
"oh so you can talk" I smiled and tickled him lightly. He laughed showing his cute dimples. He was a little bit dirty but was the most cutest kid I've ever seen. I began to feel sad for not having a sibling. I bought him two chocolate ice cream and sat with him as he ate.
"So will you tell me your name now?" I asked cleaning his lips.
"Jared" he replied .
"Okay Jared .. I'm also Amara so can you tell me why you are here alone?" I asked.
"I don't like it at home" he replied to my surprise.
"Really ..why ?" I asked concerned
"Dad will beat me up again" he replied lowering his head.
"Your dad beats you ..why?"
"I don't know..he always come home with some bottles and beat me up whenever he sees me"
"How old are you Jared and where is mom?" I asked feeling pity for him.
"I'm 5 and I don't know my mom.. it's only my dad and I " he replied and my heart arched . I pulled him closer and hugged him tightly not knowing why I did that.
"I like you Amara, can you take me with you " he said and I was shocked.
"I wish I could Jared but I have to send you back home."
"No! He is going to kill me !" he cried out.
"Don't say that sweetheart...I will talk to your dad okay and I will come and visit often" I replied and raised up my head to see Madison staring at me .
"Hey Madi" I said realizing It's been long since I left her.
"Who is this cutie" she ignored me and smiled at Jared.
"He's Jared ..we have to take him home" I said looking at him.
"Did he run away from home" she laughed.
"Yeah but it's not really funny " I said trying not to hurt her feelings nor his.
"Alright then" she said heading towards the car.
"You know the directions to your house Jared .. don't you ?"
"I know but please promise me you won't let dad hurt me " he said sticking out his pinky.
"I promise " I said joining mine with his . He smiled sadly and followed me inside the car.