Page 8 of Fractured Mind

“Yes. Where are you?” I ask, looking around.

“In here.”

It isn’t long until I find her. She’s seated, surrounded by a large display of pastries.

“That’s quite a lot of sugary food.”

“You can never have enough sweets,” she says matter-of-factly. “How did you sleep?”

“Well, thanks. The bed was so comfortable.” It was better than my old one at home, where the springs dug into my back when I lay down.

“You had an early night,” she says.

I pause, as I’m about to take a sip of juice. “I’ve been exhausted.” I browse the spread of food and then scoop a few spoonfuls of fruit salad into a bowl. My mouth waters, and when I take the first bite, I slump in my chair.

“I’ve arranged everything for school. When you arrive tomorrow, go to the office.”

At the mention of school, the nerves creep in at the unknown. My phone vibrates with a message. It’s from Ruby.

Are you free to have dinner tonight?

I tap my feet under the table, unsure what to say, and I glance up at Nana. “Ruby and Jackson introduced themselves when Nick and I were having lunch yesterday... Ruby said we were friends?”

She nods. “Yes. Ruby was your closest female friend.”

I take another bite. That explains Ruby’s shock and excitement at seeing me. “Is she in my grade at school?”

“They both are. They’re twins.”

“She asked me to go to dinner tonight.”

“It would be good for you to get to know her again. It will be easier if you have someone you know to help you with school tomorrow.”

“You have a point,” I mutter while grabbing my phone.

Sure. Where should I meet you?

I’ll pick you up, say 7:30 p.m. See you tonight!

Since Ruby said the name, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. “Who’s Ashton?”

Nana’s eyes flare. “Have you met him yet?”

“No, but Ruby mentioned him.”

“He was your best friend when you lived here. You two were inseparable. I’m sure he’ll be happy to reunite with you. Are you excited about tomorrow?”

“I’m nervous.” I’m used to being in the routine of school, work, and exercise, but everything here feels foreign.

“You have no reason to be. It will be good for you to spend time with your friends again.”

I’m quick to reply, “They’re not friends; they’re strangers to me.”

At first her eyes flash open, but her gaze softens as she places her hand on mine. “Yes, of course.”

There’sa tap on my bedroom door. “Mia, Ruby is here,” Wayne says in his polite, professional tone.

I curse under my breath for running late and scan the clothes spread out over the bed. “Be there soon.”