What happened!’ Brandon James stared at the slumped figure behind Josh on the bike.

‘Shut up. Don’t say a word!’ Kaz whispered from behind Josh.

‘Umm__Kaz has that roughed up feeling,’ Josh answered.

‘Ouch!’ he yelped, when Kaz’s knee pierced into his waist.

‘But you are riding her bike. She never allows anyone to touch her bike!’

Josh stood up and removed her helmet. His eyes very slowly met Kaz’s eyes.

She must be in real pain if she allowed me to ride her bike, when I did not even know how to! Well technically she controlled the gears and the brakes. I just had to keep the handle bars steady.

Hiding the pain, Kaz managed to keep the muscles on her face from contorting as she slid off the bike. She glared at Josh when he attempted to offer his help, by stretching his arm out to steady her.

‘Hey Brandon,’ Kaz drew out with difficulty. ‘You want to cover at the school for me today?’

‘Why?’ Brandon demanded.

Kaz smiled. ‘I ___have company,’ she replied mysteriously.

Josh looked from Kaz to Brandon. His cheeks coloured profusely.

What is she doing!

‘Oh___it’s like that,’ Brandon laughed. ‘Wow!’ He smacked Josh on the chest. ‘Congratulations man. You’re the first guy to break that wall she has around her heart.’

So we have a deal Brandon?’ Kaz inhaled in measured breaths. All she wanted to do was to take a bottle full of aspirins and get into her bed.

‘Sure sugar,’ he winked.

Kaz, I’d like you to come have dinner at my house,’ Josh invited, as he watched her pop a handful of pain killers into her mouth.

‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ her eyes met his over the rim of her glass of water.

‘Why?’ Josh asked nervously. He was surprised she had not thrown him out yet.

‘Look Saint Josh,’ she finally snapped.

Here it comes!

‘You’ve done your good deed for the day. I think it’s time for you to beat it.’

‘You need to have dinner and you’re ___in no shape to cook for yourself,’ Josh pointed out.

‘The old lady will whip up something for me,’ Kaz lied.

‘No she won’t Kaz. I’m calling my mum,’ he stated.

‘Why are you calling your mum?’ Kaz demanded.

‘Well,’ his eyes shifted, ‘I need a lift home and,’ his eyes returned to her, ‘I need to let mum know there will be one more person for dinner.’

That sounded lovely. When was the last time she sat at a table and ate a meal she did not prepare? When was the last time she ate with family...

No, don’t go there!

‘I’m tired___and in a lot of pain,’ she turned away from Josh. ‘I’m going to bed.’

‘No,’ Josh gripped her arm, preventing her from escaping. Kaz glared at Josh, hiding the pain. Her grey eyes were almost as dark as the colour of slate. They fell to his fingers around her arm. Josh’s hand fell, like he was burnt by a flame. ‘You can’t be alone tonight,’ he insisted.

‘Oh, so now I’m going to share your bed after you give me dinner!’

‘No!___no,’ he repeated. ‘We have a guest room. Pack some items for yourself,’ Josh instructed, removing his mobile. He called his mum.

‘I said I’m not going with you!’ Kaz hissed, as he was on the phone.

‘All settled,’ Josh smiled. Mum is on her way.’

‘What did you say to her?’ Kaz demanded, even though she was right there and heard the conversation.

‘I told her I assisted you home and now it’s too far for me to walk,’ Josh mentally threw an air punch as he saw Kaz packing some personal effects into a backpack.’

‘Don’t forget your toothbrush,’ he smiled.

She stabbed her finger into his scrawny chest. ‘Don’t assume, you’re going to make decisions for me ever again. I’m just___just. Go,’ she pushed him out of her bedroom. ‘I want to change.’

‘Will it be a problem with Mrs. Bairns, if you are not here, when she gets here?’ Josh raised his voice at the closed bedroom door.

Do you think she cares? The old bag won’t even know whether I’m here or not.

‘I will write her a note,’ came Kaz’s response from the other side of the door.

Eleanor was too polite and diplomatic to ask her son why a girl from his school was sleeping over. Neither did she question Josh as to why their guest leaned slightly against him as he led Kaz into their house. Her son was just like his father in many ways. They both had hearts of gold, and compassion for people. If Josh invited somebody home, Eleanor knew his reasons were valid.

Josh led Kaz to the guest room. It was not huge or fancy in any way. A single bed, a medium sized closet and a chest draw that also held a huge mirror and a tiny desk completely filled the room, though it was spotlessly clean and smelt fresh...like a bouquet of flowers.

‘You will be comfortable here,’ Josh spoke softly.

Kaz turned around and looked at her host. ‘Thank you,’ she murmured and quickly looked away.

‘Should mum call the doctor?’ Josh’s eyes were concerned.

‘No,’ she shook her head. ‘I’m probably going to have ugly bruises tomorrow, but nothing major,’ she looked away.

‘Are you sure?’ Josh lifted her chin with his index finger.

‘Yes,’ she slapped his hand away. ‘Your mum said she is serving dinner,’ Kaz walked out of the room.

Kaz stood in the tiny dining room and hovered in front of one of the chairs. She was not sure if she should sit or stand. Her back and her ribs were aching.

‘May I help with something Mrs. Mitchell?’ Kaz offered.

‘Thank you Kaz, everything is done. You may take a seat and be comfortable,’ Eleanor smiled.

Kaz was relieved to sink her body into a chair, she thought she was going to collapse from the pain she was still feeling. Those useless pills had not kicked in yet. Soon Mrs. Mitchell, Josh and Shanna joined Kaz at the table. They seemed to be waiting for Mr. Mitchell who was in his study.

‘You look lovely in those jeans,’ Shanna smiled at their guest.

‘Thank you Shanna,’ Kaz was focused on the fried chicken and the delicious looking fresh salad.

‘Is dad going to be long mum?’ Shanna sighed. ‘I’m starving.’

‘I hear your father now,’ Eleanor smiled, as Ralph’s footsteps drew nearer.

‘Sorry to keep you waiting everybody,’ Ralph took his seat.

‘Good evening Pastor Ralph,’ Kaz greeted as she help herself to a tempting chicken drumstick.

‘Good evening dear,’ Pastor Ralph smiled. ‘Kaz would it be okay with you if we said grace before we commence our meal?’ he spoke gently.

Kaz stopped chewing. ‘Umm___sure.’ She spat the chewed chicken into the palm of her hand, looked around the table and met Josh’s eyes.

He smiled, nodded, gave her a paper towel to discard the fried chicken she was protecting and reached out for her hand. Kaz cast a cursory glance around the table again and saw the rest of the family were holding hands in preparation to say grace. She clasped her one hand into Josh’s and the other into Shanna’s hand as Mrs Mitchell said grace.

‘You may enjoy your chicken now Kaz,’ Mrs. Mitchell smiled.

‘Thank you ma’am,’ Kaz began devouring the contents of her plate.

‘You can slow down Kaz,’ Shanna whispered. ‘The contents of your plate will not run away.’

Kaz lifted her head, swung it in Josh’s direction. He smiled courteously as he buttered a bread roll. She looked at the senior Mitchells. They were focused on their meal with their heads bent.

‘Thank you,’ she accepted the bread roll from Josh. The silence at the table was killing Kaz.

‘Shit___it’s awfully quiet!'

Shanna gasped. Mrs. Mitchell’s fork stopped in mid air as they stared at their guest.

‘Does your God not like you to talk whilst you eat?’ Her eyes travelled from one Mitchell to the next and stayed on Pastor Ralph.

Pastor Ralph lowered his knife and fork onto his plate. He seemed unperturbed by Kaz’s language.

‘You may talk at the table Kaz,’ he encouraged. ‘We can converse on any subject under the sun. We also don’t want you to feel uncomfortable engaging in a conversation if you don’t want to. We always have choices Kaz,’ Pastor Ralph finished.

‘Oh,’ Kaz responded and proceeded to remain quiet until the end of the meal. Pastor Ralph winked at his son and continued his meal. After dessert, Kaz volunteered herself and Josh to wash the dishes. Even though it was his sister’s turn to do the dishes, Josh politely accepted his nominated task. Shanna smiled happily.

‘You have to polish my school shoes until they’re shining like silver,’ Josh murmured to his sister as he passed her chair.

‘No, I don’t,’ she whispered back.

‘Are they always so quiet?’ Kaz whispered to Josh, as she passed him a soaped plated.

Josh laughed. Dad generally likes to enjoy his meal and does not talk much, but if you engage him, he would respond. Mum and Shanna talk a lot actually, but perhaps they did not know what you’d be comfortable talking about,’ he smiled.

‘You have a nice family,’ Kaz spoke sadly.

Josh stopped wiping the casserole dish in his hand. He looked at Kaz. She was focused on cleaning the sink. He wanted to ask about her family, but he did not want to spoil the moment.

‘Thank you,’ he answered softly.

‘What now?’ Kaz asked when the dishes were done.

‘Have you finished your homework?’

‘You sound like a parent!’ Kaz scolded Josh.

He laughed. ‘We have math homework. You could help me with mine,’ he teased. He knew she always aced her math.

‘Who helps you every other time?’ She raised her eyebrows questioningly. Josh smiled. Most times he was able to work on his own. On very rare occasions, he would go to his dad. Failing that, he would knock on Ms. Shaw’s door, which was very rare. Tonight he did not need help. He was just winding Kaz up.

‘There’s this very gorgeous first year med student that helps me most___. Ouch!’

Josh did not get to finish his sentence, when Kaz landed her fist, but not very heavily into his tummy.

‘Sissy,’ she laughed.

‘How you feeling though,’ Josh asked soberly as they stood facing each other, and just then Eleanor walked into the kitchen.

Kaz looked away. She reached for the tea towel and dried her hands.

‘All done?’ Eleanor smiled, looking from Kaz to Josh.

‘Yep,’ Josh answered. Kaz remained quiet. ‘Good night mum. I’ll just walk Kaz to her room.’

‘Would you like something to drink Kaz? Hot chocolate?’

‘Thank you. I’ll have some soda if you’ve got.’

Eleanor nodded, removed a can from the refrigerator and handed it to Kaz.

‘Thank you for the meal, Mrs. Mitchell. It was delicious.’

‘A pleasure Kaz and you are very welcome in our home.’

‘Thank you,’ Kaz murmured. ‘Umm___I have math homework.’

‘That means so do you,’ Eleanor looked at her son.’

‘Yep,’ Josh repeated for the second time.

‘Good night Mrs. Mitchell. Please say good night to Pastor Ralph.’

‘Will do dear. Sleep well,’ Eleanor smiled.

The following morning Kaz felt like she was run over by a steam roller. When Josh knocked on her door, she got to the door in excruciating pain.

‘Kaz, I think you need the doctor!’ Josh blurted, taking one look at her.

‘No! I examined by body. Nothing’s fractured or broken.’

‘You’re not a doctor___.’

‘Shut up Preacher Boy! This is not the first time I got hit.’

‘What!’

‘Look,’ she pulled Josh in with much effort and shut the door.

‘Umm__I don’t think mum is going to appreciate you and I behind closed doors.’

‘I’m hardly in a position to rape you,’ Kaz drew out in an annoyed tone.

Josh blushed uncomfortably. ‘I think mum should call the doctor,’ he repeated.

‘I’m ready to go to school,’ Kaz countered.

Josh continued to study Kaz, wondering if he should listen to her or his own instinct.

‘Very well,’ he handed her a lunch bag. ‘We are travelling with mum, this morning.’ His bicycle was still at school and even if Kaz’s bike was here, she was in no position to ride.

‘Kaz why are you limping?’ Ms. Shaw enquired, gently, placing her palm on Kaz’s shoulder. Even that gentle touch hurt like hell. Kaz winced sharply. Ms. Shaw quickly removed her hand.

‘I fell off my bike.’

Ms. Shaw narrowed her eyes. Kaz could see a million thoughts were running through her intelligent brain. After what seemed like eternity, Ms. Shaw spoke.

‘Did your guardian assault you Kaz? Because if you fell off you bike, a fractured wrist should be added to your injuries and your wrists seem fine.’

‘You know too much,’ Kaz hissed. ‘A guy and I got into a fight yesterday, after school.’

‘A boy did this to you! You should go to the police!’ Ms. Shaw placed her hand again on Kaz’s shoulder. At Kaz’s gasp, Ms. Shaw’s hand fell again.

‘Sorry,’ she winced apologetically.

“‘Police!” Kaz laughed. ‘They don’t care,’ there was a cold angry look in Kaz’s eyes. ‘They never did,’ she whispered to herself.

‘Let me take you to the doctor Kaz,’ Ms. Shaw urged.

Kaz looked up and saw the grave concern in her teacher’s eyes. She wondered why this female and the preacher boy cared. They were the only ones in the world who bothered about her pathetic life. Nobody else cared. Nobody at all!

‘I’m fine,’ Kaz murmured. ‘I’m late for my geography class.’

‘Kaz, I suspect you have a few fractured ribs. Please__ you have to be x-rayed.’

‘There’s no medication that can heal broken ribs,’ Kaz argued. ‘And how much is that going to cost me?’

‘Good Lord! Don’t tell me you’re ignoring your health because you think you have to pay. Kaz you know the State will cover your costs. Ms. Shaw did not labour the point because she was a ward of Social Services. Kaz had not known, she would not need to pay any medical bills. Myrtle always demanded money from Kaz, if ever she got her anything from the pharmacy.

‘Kaz__,’ Ms. Shaw’s eyes were glassy. ‘I will pay if you incur any costs,’ Ms. Shaw took Kaz’s hands into her own.’

Kaz studied her feet. ‘Can Josh go with us?’

‘“Josh?’” Ms. Shaw assumed after Kaz implicated Josh in the store theft that they were not on speaking terms. When Kaz remained quiet, Ms. Shaw nodded.

‘Sit here,’ Ms. Shaw guided Kaz to a leather seat in the reception area. ‘Let me clear it with the principal and then I will fetch Josh.’

‘Ms. Shaw!’

‘Yes Kaz?’

‘Promise me you won’t tell Social Services.’

Ms. Shaw’s eyes widened. She walked back to where Kaz was seated. ‘I won’t volunteer information to them Kaz, but if they come asking, I won’t lie. I will tell them all I know.’

‘Fine,’ Kaz sulked.

Ms Shaw knocked on the door where Josh was busy with his technical drawing class. She made apologies, briefed the teacher and requested to speak with Josh. When Ms. Shaw explained her reasons to take him out of his class, Josh’s eyes filled with concern.

‘Where is Kaz now?’ Josh demanded. Ms. Shaw had hardly finished talking when Josh sprinted to the reception.

‘Kaz!’ Josh fell to his knees.

‘Josh,’ Kaz put her arm around him with measured movements. ‘The pain’s not going away,’ she whispered. ‘I’ve finished about an entire bottle of pills.’

‘You’re overdosing with the pills Kaz. Let’s get you to the hospital, quick!’ As gently as he could, Josh helped Kaz to her feet.

‘I’ve got her,’ Ms. Shaw spoke from the other side of Kaz.

‘Hurry Ms. Shaw! Hurry please,’ Josh urged.

‘Wait here Josh. Let me bring the car closer to the door.’

‘I should not have listened to you Kaz. I should have listened to my own instincts,’ Josh sighed.

‘Josh___,’ he did not get to hear the rest as she collapsed against him and almost dropped the both of them on the floor.

‘Ms. Shaw hurry!’ Josh screamed at the top of his lungs.

              -end chapter ten-