KYRA
Staysie,my new mom led me into my new home and upstairs. She was literally bouncing off the walls in excitement. "I really do hope you like your new room, Kyra".
I sucked in a breath of air. I had a name now, it felt good and oddly calming. Staysie, I guess I should call her mom now. Mom gave me a tight lipped smile,but even with that, her eyes popped out of their sockets in enthusiasm. "We're here". She unlocked the door and covered my eyes. I heard her open the door and she guided me into the room.
I gasped as her hand fell from my eyes. The room, well, my room was black with a splash of purple. It was very beautiful. I turned to her and hugged her. "Thank you so much". "You don't have to thank me, sweetie. You're part of our family now". I smiled at her and tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes.
She dashed out of the room. "Noah! She loves her room". "I told you she would", I heard dad call from downstairs. I walked around the room, letting my fingers trace my new possessions. My bed, my reading table,my curtains. I carted my suitcase off to my wardrobe. I opened it and packed all the clothes Ava had gotten me. It was a lot, so I told Staysie and Noah that we didn't need to go clothes shopping.
I wondered about Ava. It'd been a while, prolly a month since I saw her last. I wanted to pay her a visit in the hospital, but I didn't wanna try my luck with my new parents. Thinking of going to the hospital made me remember Henrietta. I rummaged through my suitcase and then I pulled out the silver locket and emerald studded ring she'd given me.
I quickly put it on and then I heard Staysie call me. "Yeah?" "Lunch's ready". "Coming". My stomach growled and I giggled. "Lunch's ready tiger, calma".
I ran downstairs. " What's with the rush, bunny? You don't wanna fall and break your neck, now do you?" Noah asked. I shook my head. "Then walk like the princess you are". I strutted down the rest of the stairs and he reached out and carried me up on his shoulder.
"Bunny, you're very light. Come on Mama will change that". Noah carried me into the dining table and set me gently on my chair. He went over to Staysie and kissed her. I don't know why, but that hurt my chest. Did my dad love my mom? Did he ever kiss her like that?
Staysie placed a plate of food in front of me. " Thank you". She placed one in front of Noah and then one for herself. Noah put a morsel of food in his mouth and moaned. "Noah", Staysie cried and smacked his arm, "We haven't said grace yet". I gulped.
Noah smiled remorsefully. "I'm really sorry but your food's irresistible. Kyra, can you say grace?" Crap. Strike one. " I… I… don't know how to". " What?", Staysie laughed unbelievingly, " You spent 6 months with Lisa and the other kids, how come you never learnt how to say grace?" "They always said something different everyday and when I was asked to say it, I'd always make a mistake trying to join all their prayers together and they'll laugh at me".
"I'm really sorry about that, bunny. Here, lemme teach you how. Father, we thank you for the bread and we glorify thee for the water. Bless and sanctify it for the nourishment of our body and soul, provide for those who don't have any to eat. Amen". Noah said it slowly enough for me to grab it and I did. "Good work Kyra. Now say it on your own", Staysie said. I did and I was backed up with a very enthusiastic amen.
We dug into our meal. Damn, Noah wasn't wrong. Staysie's cooking was amazing. "Uhmm, Staysie?" She looked at me with a pained expression. "I know this transition is very hard for you but you need to remember to call me mom, cause that's what I am now. Youre mom.Okay?" I nodded. " Mom?" She smiled at me. " Yes daughter?" " You're a very good cook. The food tastes great". " Oh, why thank you. D'you want a second?"
" No", I shook my head, " This'll be fine". Noah and Staysie then began to talk about a good many things and I tried not to listen. It wasn't that hard. As far as I know, what they were talking about was all gibberish. " I don't know,but can I ask you both something?", I asked when the table was quiet. " Sure. Ask away", Noah said. I gave Staysie a look and she nodded.
" Why'd you guys decide on an adoption. I mean, you both are still young. Why am adoption?" My eyes widened and I slapped a hand on my mouth. "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry". I apologized quickly, seeing the pained look on Staysie's face. "No. No. It's okay. I love inquisitive kids". I must've not looked convinced because she added, "Kyra, I said it's okay. Noah and I have been married for 3 and a half years, and we've been together since junior year in college. As usual, our doctor said there's nothing wrong with us, that we'd have a child in due time".
Noah laughed. "Let's just say Staysie couldn't wait for the due time". She smiled. " Yeah, so we decided to adopt one". " Why my age? Why not a baby or a toddler maybe?" " Impatience,I guess. I want a child that'll call me mama correctly".
****
I lay sprawled out on my bed, a complacent look in my face. Today had gone well. I had a feeling I'd enjoy being a Ledger. "Come in", I said as I heard a knock on my door.
"Whatcha doing bunny?" I sat up and gazed at Noah. "Nothing. Just thinking about how today went". "You enjoyed it?" "Yeah. It was the best. Thank you for my room. I love it, it's pretty". "You don't have to thank us bunny. Your mom and I are gonna do what's best for you".
I smiled at him and patted beside me for him to sit. He did. "I don't want you to bother much about your amnesia". I nodded. "Do I have to start therapy or counseling so I can get my memories back?" "Do you wanna?" I thought about it for a while and nodded gaily.
"Alright. I'll talk to one of my friends from work, so that he'll help me get someone". I nodded happily. "When do I start school?" "Ahhhh, is someone excited for school?" "I'm more nervous and scared than excited". Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. There's no need to be actually. You're gonna do great. But, we need you to get comfortable with your new home first. Maybe by next week, we'll see if you can start school". I smiled, relieved.
Noah slapped his hands on his thighs and stood up. "Well. Get some sleep bunny. You had a really big day today". "Aight", I said and crawled to the headboard and wiggled my way underneath the sheets. Noah tucked me in and kissed my forehead. "Goodnight bunny". "Good night dad".