Adopted by a pack of wild animals

“So Daphne tells me your from an orphanage in California…originally.” Nyx spoke out break the awkward silence in the car.

I glanced towards him and nodded, “Yeah…a family I lived with for a week took me in they moved out of state and turned out they couldn’t…handle me anymore…whatever that means.” I explained with a simple shrug.

“That must have been tough.” When he spoke it came out as more of an indirect statement. One that didn’t need to be answered but I found myself compelled to answer it anyways.

“Not really…you learn quickly after being in an orphanage for as long as I have, that people don’t normally stay around for very long.” I rested my head against the cool glass window.

The rest of the car ride turned out to be extremely quiet after our little conversation. The conversation may have been some sort of ice breaker, but it didn’t stop the awkward silence afterwards. All I could really find myself doing was staring out the window watching as the beautiful scenery whizzed past us in a fast yet pretty blur. Large tall trees filled with foliage, big bright green bushes lined up all over the woods we passed. It was amazingly beautiful. I liked it here, the area around us, the house I was living in, this new family –minus one creepy anger filled bipolar Malic.- it was a place I would hope to actually live at for a while. Maybe I could become apart of this family. I felt my lips twitch a little in a small smile at the idea of actually being apart of a family for the first time in 9 years. Like an actual family, one that did have kids but just wanted me to join them; like the Wulfrith’s.

“You alright Cruz?"

I glanced towards Nyx, noticing that in my pondering thoughts we had made it into town, and were parked in front of a big mall-like building. It looked like a mall but you never know in an unknown place. The building was huge, 2 stories from what I could see on the outside. Turning back to Nyx, he was leaning on the steering wheel with an amused glint in his pretty green eyes while watching my movements. He looked a bit more laidback compared to when we were in the house. Maybe he didn’t feel comfortable around everyone. Maybe he liked to be alone or at least be around a small amount of people. Or it could be that I am one of the people that doesn’t actually try to cause him physical harm.

I smiled a little shyly and nodded, “Ya…just thinking to myself.”

He continued to stare at me for a few long moments, before leaning back in his seat tapping the steering wheel a few times, “I see…then do you want to go inside now? Or would you like to continue staring at me and ‘thinking’” he asked in a teasing tone.

I felt my facial features flush red realizing that I did just stare at him before answering his question. I pursed my lips a little giving him a playful glare and getting out of the car. Nyx quickly followed after me while I walked away towards the big building.

“awww come on Cruz don’t be like that.” He called out jogging after me.

I giggled a little feeling a little different compared to being trapped in my room at the house. I may like it there but there’s honestly not much to do, so being able to get out like now with Nyx seemed to be fun; especially after all the weird things that had occurred during my couple of days there. Seeing how Nyx was relaxed as well I could see Nyx becoming my first real friend. One actually closer to my age too, no offense to Kayne and Seth. Nyx was probably closer to my age anyways, which brought out my question to him.

“Nyx, how old are you?” I asked glancing up towards him curiously.

He continued walking, “19 why? How old are you?”

I smiled slightly up towards him, “I’m 17…I’ll be 18 ummm…” I glanced t my fingers and counted, “12 months, 2 week, 13 hours and 36 minutes.” I explained.

Looking at the expression on his face made me want to laugh out loud, eyes wide, mouth hanging open, and mid-step with a long pause. I guess keeping track like I was wasn’t exactly normal but then again I suppose know how many hours and minutes I had left was a tiny bit creepy. But I was good at math so it was a normal thing for me.

“how did you come out with like the precise number of…well everything.” He asked

I shrugged my shoulders, tilting my head to the right. “I dunno…I’ve just always been counting down until I turn 18 and become a full legal adult. It’s when the orphanages kick you out.”

He seemed to ponder on my words before nodding, “I see. That’s interesting, so if you wouldn’t have been adopted once you turned 18 you’d just be kicked out?”

“I suppose that’s a simple way of putting it.” I replied, “But to be honest most un-adopted orphans are just given $300 as an ‘assistance’ then kicked out. It’s more of a formality, because we were unwanted and the law finds us legal adults so it’s just easily figured we’re not allowed to be in the programs anymore.”

It was a harsh reality but a reality nonetheless. It was a sad thing to think about if no one wanted you then the only home you knew would be taken away once your 18. It was something I may of not been looking forward to, but I knew I would be able to at least handle a little of reality since at the time I did have a job. If not most un-adopted kids turn to illegal acts, not trying to say all do. Just most. It’s a mental thing, if no one wants you most gangs take just about anyone if your ‘good enough’ you have nothing to loose so why not just join. Something I’m glad I didn’t need to worry to much about anymore. If worse comes to worse I probably would of ended up in the same situation; and that’s just me being honest with myself.

“Dang…but doesn’t that seem a bit harsh?” Nyx asked in a curious tone.

I glanced up towards Nyx’s towering figure noticing him looking down at me with an odd look in his eye. I wasn’t sure what it was, could have been pity, sadness, maybe even irritation but I wasn’t sure. “Reality always is.” I said simply.

“You’re an interesting character you know that Cruz.”

I grinned a little, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should. It’s actually been a long time since I’ve had an actual conversation with someone. I’m glad it’s with you.” He explained happily.

I looked up at him confusion evident across my face, “What do you mean by that?”

He shook his head, his cute male features turning a bright shade of red, “N-not to many people in our family…like me. It’s difficult to explain, maybe I’ll tell you one day.”

I tilted my head slightly as I repeated his words in my head. That meant he would continue talking to me a little more then his hide and seek game. I felt my face heat up thinking about actually having someone to talk to. Turning my head down I found myself fiddling with the end on my shirt in a sort of embarrassed sort of way.

“I would like that Nyx. It would give you an excuse to talk to me.” I smiled to myself.

“You would?!” he sounded surprised by my answer, “You mean you want to talk to me?”

I nodded a little shyly. Keeping my head down I jumped a little feeling something warm wrap around my hand. Looking down to my hand I noticed a big warm hand gently clinging to mine. Slowly lifting my eyes up the muscular tan arm of the person holding my hand, I couldn’t help but flush seeing Nyx’s beat red face as well looking down at me. My heart did a little flip seeing Nyx’s bright green eyes locking with my own. The look was intense; it was almost as if Nyx and I were the only two people left in the giant mall.

“Ummm…do you…want to hang out before we get your pet stuff?” he suddenly asked breaking our silence.

Smiling to myself I nodded, “Yes, I would like that. It’s been a while since I’ve been out like this. It’ll be nice.” I spoke gently wrapping my fingers around Nyx’s big hand.

Nyx blinked a few times as if just realizing he was still holding my hand; it was amusing to watch his gaze shoot down to our interlaced hands. Slowly he lifted his eyes up towards me from under his eyelashes. It gave him a cute look of a little boy just getting a toy he always wanted.

“Good. Lets wander around a bit.”

Our mall trip was actually really fun, we walked into a movie store and talked about all kinds of movies we’ve seen. Of course Nyx had seen way more then me, since I’ve only seen mine on TV and that was with commercials. It was fun listening to Nyx speak about his favorite movies or what I should watch or what sucked when it first came out. We went into a book store and spoke about books, this was a subject I was actually able to get into. Though Nyx and I had different likes and dislikes about this particular subject. While I liked Teen fictions and romance novels, he was more into Mystery’s and mythology. But what we did have in common was comic books, but even then a mini argument started about who was the best super hero.

“hey lets go to the music place next?” Nyx asked as we laughed together about a joke he had said.

I nodded, “Sure I love music. It was the only thing not nun related I was able to listen to in the orphanage. But we did have an instrument class at the orphanage, they made us all learn an instrument.”

“Great, then you’ll love this place.”

I giggled as he grabbed onto my hand again and pulled me to the music shop called ‘Tone Deaf’. It was an amazing place! Instruments littered the walls, and stands, guitars, bass’s, violins, flutes, and so many other instruments I didn’t even know names of. There were a few drum sets and piano’s on stands asking people to sit at it and test it out. The red carpets seemed to mesh well with the white walls and glass mirror ceilings. It was amazing even cool seeing all the rows of CDs and music playing through speakers.

“Woooow” was the only audible thing I could say.

Nyx just chuckled next to me, “Ya it tends to give people that effect.” He teased

I felt a small smile tug at my lips, “It’s so amazing Nyx. There are so many instruments and CDs everywhere. It’s so cool. I’ve never seen so many instruments in one place before.” I explained in an excited tone.

“Well come on let’s look around” Nyx tugged my arm playfully.

I grinned and followed after him, my hand still tightly locked with his so we wouldn’t get lost. He pulled us towards a row of CDs labeled rock / pop and started flipping through the cases. So many CDs, all different types and genres. There were so many CDs compared to what I’ve ever seen. I didn’t even know most of these bands, besides old ones my dad used to listen to like Queen, ACDC, Iron Maiden and a few others, everything else just seemed like unknown weirdo’s with names like Quick Strike(Made up), Blow horns(made up), Petals of you(made up), or Ghost of life (made up) all of them seemed a bit weird while looking at them. I continued just glancing at everything unsure of who most of these bands or people were. Only a few were actually easily identified for me, but even those were in a mass mix-up with the thousands of other names.

“See anything you like?”

I glanced up to Nyx who was looking at me curiously, “Not really. I don’t really know who most of these people are.”

He seemed a bit surprised by my admission, “Seriously. What did you listen to in that place?”

“I dunno normal stuff I knew about, like my dad used to listen to a lot of old rock bands like Metalica and KISS, bands like that.” I explained simply, “we may have had the freedom to listen to music but I didn’t know to many people or bands to actually get into any of them. Only a few things I would hear off the radio and I’d sing to the smaller kids, but I never actually knew the names of whoever played them.”

“Wait! You can sing?!” he asked in disbelief

I nodded, “Well ya. I can also play the guitar and the violin.”

A grin seemed to grow across Nyx’s pretty boy features. He looked like a boy that had just gotten his favorite birthday present. Grabbing a hold of my hand again, I was dragged to a completely different side of the store.

“hey Brent!” Nyx called out, “Let me use the backroom for a minute.”

A guy behind the counter looked up in a tight black shirt that had ‘Tone Deaf’ written across it. I was guessing it was his work shirt. He also had a giant 5 inch bright red Mohawk, and random piercing littered across his face. He was cute looking in an odd bad boy sort of way.

“Backroom? What for?” The guy Brent asked.

Nyx glanced at me then leaned over the counter and started whispering something to Brent that I couldn’t hear. But by Brent expression it seemed amused and a bit entertained.

“Ya sure go on back. You know where it is. Just don’t tell Malic about you-know-what” Brent smirked, “By the way we’re coming by tonight. Everyone else is coming by tomorrow since school starts up soon.”

I glanced towards Nyx who seemed to be having an internal battle with himself about the news he was just given. Without giving the guy a response he started off towards a door near the counter Brent was at. I glanced towards Brent and gave him a small smile and nodded my head slightly giving him a thank you and goodbye before trailing after my now upset friend. It was strange seeing Nyx suddenly so upset.

“Nyx, is everything alright?” I asked tilting my head to the side once I caught up with him.

Silence.

“Nyx?”

Silence.

I bit down on my bottom lip. I wouldn’t press too much but I remembered being in the orphanage without many people to talk to about something that would bug you. Looking up at Nyx it seemed like at the house besides the two mini’s and Mr. and Mrs. Wulfrith everyone else seemed to be cold towards him. It seemed weird to me knowing that a family could just be mean to Nyx; like Malic randomly attacking Nyx because he was holding onto my hand a little to tightly. It was a scary thought to think about but it wasn’t exactly my family to judge anything they do. It was probably something that always happened. Or something that just seemed normal to them. I mean Nyx didn’t react to much against Malic when Nyx was attacked by him. It would also explain why he always left a room when everyone else walked into it.

“You know Nyx. back at the orphanage.” I pause wondering if he was even listening. Seeing him glance towards me I continued, “It was sort of like an animal kingdom, like a live in school you see on TV. Not everyone is all happy-go-lucky like in Orphanages on TV either. It was more like everyone was against everyone else, and mostly everyone only cared about themselves because they wanted to be adopted. You’d get picked on and get your stuff stolen all the time just so you’d miss out on your time to be interviewed by the adoptee parents and miss a chance to get adopted. I was actually surprised when Mr. and Mrs. Wulfrith decided to adopt me since to be honest not to many people besides the little kids I played with; not to many people liked me. So I actually didn’t really get to talk to them. So when I was selected to be adopted I was a bit surprised to be accepted by people I never even met. I guess my situation and yours isn’t really the same, but it’s a thought since at the orphanage I wasn’t really accepted and it seems by your reaction whenever someone mentions your family you get a bit uncomfortable. I guess what I’m trying to say is well-“

I paused trying to think of where I was getting at. I glanced up at Nyx who was staring at me curiously and I smiled, “Even if everyone else in the Wulfrith house don’t accept you or if I get sent back to the orphanage I can always still be your friend if you want. I know everyone needs a friend to talk to, and I may not of had one in the orphanage and I may be a bit younger then you but you could always talk to me if it could make you feel better.”

Once I finished I felt my cheeks were on fire from my random little speech. It was awkward to actually try to make someone around my age feel better. It was different then cheering up little kids when you’d just need to talk to them for a minute and play with them to make everything all better. It was strange hearing my own voice talk about my life trying to relate to someone else like I just did, but it made me feel a little better knowing at least I was able to talk to someone.

“Thanks Cruz.” Nyx’s voice brought my out of my wandering thoughts.

I grinned up towards him and nodded, “Anytime. We live together, and…I want to be your friend. You’d be my first friend that’s actually around my age.” I spoke teasingly.

“Well it’s an honor. I’m sure I wont be the last though.” He spoke with a contented smile on his face, “Now come on, we’re going into this room.”

I blinked a few times just noticing we were stopped in front of a closed door a confused looked crossed over my face. Nyx opened the door and moved to the side allowing me to enter and glance around. I gasped in surprise it was like a small little recording studio back here. A table with all sorts of knobs and buttons with a big glass widow that you could see into a room filled with instruments and chairs.

“What are we doing back here?” I asked curiously.

Nyx chuckled at my amazed sound, “Well you said you could sing. I wanted to hear you. If you don’t mind that is.”

I pursed my lips a little and glanced down towards my shoes, “I-I don’t think I’ll be very good you know.”

“Doesn’t matter. Singing is a medicine everyone needs ad or good I want to hear. Please Cruz.” Oh god no! That little adopt me puppy dog face made it impossible for me to say no to him. Groaning inwardly I just nodded. “YES!”

“You need to teach me how you do that.” I mumbled in a pout.

Nyx paused in his excitement and smirked towards me, “Teach you what?”

I gave him a doubtful look, “You adopt me puppy look.”

“No way…if I taught you I’d never get you to agree with anything I say in the future.” He explained before tugging my arm and pushing me into the glass door behind the button place, “Now pick something and play I’ll listen hurry!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his interesting pushy attitude, it was cute. It was like he wanted to open up out of a shell he built around himself, just to try and be more friendly with me. I liked that thought being able to be around someone who actually wanted to be around me. It was a nice feeling.

I smiled as I glanced around the room and slowly lifted up an acoustic guitar. Examining it for a moment I nodded and slowly took a seat next to a small mic that sat in front of the stool. I looked towards the glass to see Nyx behind the button table and waved towards me like a little kid. I jumped when a scratchy sound echoed into the room.

“Whenever your ready Cruz.” His voice was loud into the room.

I giggled a little and nodded, “Alright I’m ready.” I said moving the mic down so he would be able to hear me better, Just don’t laugh at me. I played this song for little kids remember that.”

I saw him laugh on the other side of the window and nod. I smiled again and slowly started strumming a few notes before I started singing.

‘oooooh hoooo

You can be the peanut butter to my jelly
You can be the butterflies I feel in my belly
You can be the captain
And I can be your first mate
You can be the chills that I feel on our first date
You can be the hero
And I can be your sidekick
You can be the tear That I cry if we ever split
You can be the rain from the cloud when it's stormin'
Or u can be the sun when it shines in the mornin'’

I continued playing the cute little love song I used to sing to the groups of little kids at the orphanage. I remember seeing all of there little faces smiling brightly as they moved there little heads from side to side as they listened. It was as if I could just remember them all just gathered around me looking up at me from the floor as I played.

‘Don't know if I could ever be Without you
'Cause boy you complete me
And in time I know that we'll both see That we're all we need
Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the smoke to my high
And you're the one I wanna marry
Cause you're the one for me (for me)
And I'm the one for you (for you)
You take the both of us (of us)
And we're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two’

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as I closed my eyes and remembered back as a few of the kids would sing along with me. It was always so cute.

‘You can be the prince and I can be your princess
You can be the sweet tooth I can be the dentist
You can be the shoes and I can be the laces
You can be the heart that I spill on the pages
You can be the vodka and I can be the chaser
You can be the pencil and I can be the paper
You can be as cold as the winter weather
But I don't care as long as were together’

I opened my eyes slowly and it was as if I was back in that one sanctuary I had in the orphanage, my room. Surrounded by little kids at 3 o’clock since just after the kids got out of the nuns versions of kindergarten. All of there cute little faces smiling up at me giggling as I played for them. 6 year old Tony’s eyes staring directly at my fingers as I would strum against the guitar. Jamie’s cute little hands holding onto my leg and giggling as I tapped my foot causing her to bounce with my movements. Jesse the 10 year old mini playboy would be sitting in between two little girls as they would snuggle into him with his arms around them.

‘You know that I'll never doubt ya
And you know that I think about ya
And you know I can't live without ya

Nooooo oooooh
I love the way that you smile
And maybe in just a while
I can see me walk down the aisle
Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the smoke to my high
And you're the one I wanna marry
Cause your the one for me (for me)
And I'm the one for you (for u)
U take the both of us (of us)
And were the perfect two
Were the perfect two
Were the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two(yeah, yeah)’

I finished the song and took a deep breath and watched as all the happy little kids suddenly vanished from around me. My old rotted brick colored room disappeared, the messy bunk beds all over the room, the crappy ripped up posters everything disappeared. I was back in the new unknown sound room surrounded by random instruments, and a big window with a stunned looking Nyx on the other side of it. His mouth was dropped open, eyes wide, and an astonished look plastered across his face. I gulped down a little uneasily as I stood up and set the guitar back where it originally was.

I walked out of the room and smiled towards Nyx, “So what do you think?”

“Your voice…should be illegal. That was amazing!” I grinned at his words, “It was weird though you got this distant look on your face while you were singing, it was like you were somewhere else and like for a minute it looked like you were surrounded by a bunch of little kids in there and like it was like the whole room changed into a bedroom. It was strange.”

I blinked a few times in surprise. If Nyx saw what I was imagining, then was it real? Did I actually make everyone appear? How did he see something like that? Maybe it was just a fluke or weird connection thing we had. Could happen to anyone…right? Something is definitely weird.

----------

We walked into the giant Wulfrith manor with Nyx at my side holding onto Clementine’s new cage and me with a big jar of dirt from outside and a few wake plants in bags. Nyx was laughing and couldn’t seem to stop talking about me singing earlier today before we went to eat lunch and grab Clementine’s stuff. I smiled and couldn’t stop blushing at the constant praise I was getting.

“I’m serious Cruz! That was amazing!” Nyx gushed like a little girl.

“What was amazing?” A deep voice spoke out.

Both of us froze in our spots, our heads shifting to the dining room doorway where an irritated Malic stood. I glanced towards Nyx seeing him tense up at the sight of Malic and bowed his head down quickly casting his eyes to the floor. I furrowed my brows in confusion as I glanced towards Malic again.

“Well!?” he prompted

I shrugged a little, “Well we just hung out and had fun is all.” I explained vaguely. “Come on Nyx. You were going to help me with Clementine right?” I asked turning back to Nyx.

A loud growl echoed in the room causing Nyx to flinch and my heart to kick up, “Ummm sorry Cruz. I actually have something I need to do.” He spoke in a scared manor as he set the glass cage down and gave me a weak smile, “I’ll see you later Cruz.” And with that he walked towards the door leading to the living room.

“Wait! Nyx what’s wrong?!” I called out rushing towards him.

I reached out to grab onto his arm and gasped when I felt an electric shock run through my entire body. I shuddered at the feeling still staring towards Nyx with wide eyes. Nyx was staring back a look of sadness written across his features when I felt something warm press against my cheek. I turned my head slightly seeing Malic rubbing his cheek against mine while glaring towards Nyx. My heart was pounding against my chest feeling Malic so close to me, the enticing smell of grass and aftershave or Axe, whatever it was my mouth was watering from it. Places on me were reacting like they did the first time he was this close to me.

“Run along pup.” Malic’s teasing tone was directed towards Nyx,

I shivered feeling his breath against my ear, “N-no Malic…I-I was s-still hanging out with Nyx.” I tried to speak properly.

Malic growled again, something I was slowly getting used to, “No. Nyx only gets you when I say.”

I furrowed my brows in confusion, “What? Why?” My logical thoughts were finally starting to come back to me, “I-I should be able to…spend time with Nyx if I want.”

“I’ll…hang out with her Malic. To keep her company.” I heard my friend speak out a bit nervously.

“NO! MINE!” Malic shouted out at Nyx. His arms around my waist tightening pressing me up against him in a tight hold.

His little outburst didn’t only take me off guard but also Nyx. The look on Nyx’s face though seemed to take on a whole different meaning then I thought. His tanned face was deathly pale, a look of guilt was plastered across his face. His eyes looked towards me with sympathy before he turned around and left, leaving me and Malic standing in the entrance doorway. Malic being well Malic and me confused as hell.

~~~~~

Ok!!! So what did you guys think? good not good?

Question of the day brought to you by Ty Loath (my best friend) - Do you think a dog can get herpies? If so Should Ty get checked?

I will read them so dont get weirded out and not answer lol and dont ask me about it. It's a joke question lol so dont worry my dogs are all safe lol. VOTE COMMENT VOTE COMMENT VOTE COMMENT PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU!!! I just wanna know if people like it.