Chapter 17: Friend

The Next Day: I had just finished training when I heard the front door open. I walked out to see Ms. Clare coming inside with a cardboard box. “Hey Ms. Clare, whatcha got there?” I asked. She walked over to the kitchen table and put the box down. “Hello, Ferral….*sniff* PHEW!” Ms. Clare exclaimed. “You smell awful.” I chuckled, “Yeah, I just finished training. So what’d you bring.” “Huh? Oh right, I got you this.” She picked up the box and handed it to me. “Ah cool, a box! Thanks, Ms. Clare.” She laughed, “No silly, it’s what’s inside the box.” I put the box back on the table and opened it. It was a pile of books. “Books?” “Not just any books, they’re Animal Encyclopedias.” I picked one of the books up and it had the title Animal Encyclopedia Volume 1. “I went down to the library to find some books for you and they were just giving those away. All ten volumes. Do you like it?” I put the book back in the box and turned to her with a big smile, “I LOVE IT!” I gave her a tight hug, “Thank you so much, Ms. Clare.” She hugged me back, “Heh, you’re welcome.” After that, I grabbed the box and put it by the couch so I can read them later. “I’m gonna take a shower,” I told Ms. Clare. “Good, you need one.” She said jokingly.

While Ferral took a shower, I sat on the couch to decide what to make for lunch. “Hmm, the healthiest thing I can think of is a salad. Sure, we’ll do that.” As I got up, I heard a loud bang at the left window. Then it shattered. I yelped and jumped back, then ran into the kitchen to grab a knife. I grabbed one and turned to see a young girl walking into my house. I didn’t make a sound as she looked around, then saw me. “Yo.” She said, “You should really get stronger windows, someone could break in.” She told me as she walked around. “W-Who are you?” I demanded. “Huh? Oh yeah, name’s Leona.” She responded. “I’m guessing you’re Ms. Clare? So, where’s Ferral?” I put down the knife and walked cautiously toward her. “He’s taking a shower.” “That right? Well, I don’t mind waiting.” She sat on the couch and folded her arms. She had a very rebellious attitude, so she won’t be the easiest person to get along with. “So Ms. Leona, why are you here to see Ferral? After you try to kidnap him and all.” “That’s between me and him, so mind your business.” Yep, figured that’d be her answer. “Well I am his guardian, so I have a right to know.” “No.” “Heh, the way he described you I thought you are nicer. But I guess you wanna be difficult.” Her eyes flickered, and I knew I got her. “How did he describe me?” She asked. “Oh no, I don’t talk to those with attitudes.” She growled, “*sigh* I’m sorry. Can you please tell me what he said….ma’am?” I smirked, “Well he couldn’t stop telling me how amazingly awesome and strong you were.” “Yeah?” “Oh yeah. And I think he mentioned one more thing….” “What?” “That you were VERY pretty.” Her face shot beet red and darted her head away. “Well he’s not wrong, I guess…..idiot.” I giggled, “You want something to drink while you wait?” “Orange juice.” She said. “Wow, you and Ferral have something in common.”

I finished drying myself off and putting on some underwear and shorts. Shirt? Nah, I don’t really like shirts. Besides, Ms. Clare’s okay with it. “Ms. Clare, I heard a loud noise, is everything alright?” I asked as I walked out. I saw her sitting on the couch….with Leona. “Uhhhh…..” My face felt very hot again. “Oh hey Ferral, you remember Ms. Leona, right?” We locked eyes and her face became red, then she looked away. “H-Hey Ferral.” She said. “Uhhhh…hi” I responded, my face feeling hotter when I remembered I don’t have a shirt on. “I’ll be right back!” I ran back into the bathroom and grabbed the shirt I originally had on. I came back out and chuckled, “Hey Leona, what’re you doing here?” She got up, “Well…I left the Facility.” My eyes widened, “You did? Why?” It took her a minute to respond, “Reasons. But I didn’t run away, they let you leave once you reach a certain age.” She said. “And what age is that?” Ms. Clare asked. “They give you the option to leave at eighteen. I’m nineteen, so I was already eligible.” Leone responded. “Does that mean you’re gonna live here?” I asked, getting excited, “Because you can stay here if you want.” “Woah woah woah. When you help pay the bills, then we’ll talk,” Ms. Clare interjected, “But I already have one large mouth to feed, I can’t house another. Sorry, Leona.” “Nah it’s fine. I already have a place to live anyways.” “You do?” I asked. “When you ask to leave, they’ll ask where you want to live.” “And you decided here?” Ms. Clare asked. “Uhh, well yeah. I promised Ferral we’d fight again…and I plan to keep that promise.”

My face got hot. She chose here because of me? She’s so nice…and pretty. “Best part of asking to leave is that they fund everything. My apartment and all my expenses. But anyways,” She reached into her pocket and handed me a slip of folded paper. “Here’s my address if you wanna train together….or you know, hang out.” I took it and smiled at her, “Thank you.” She smiled back and nodded, “Well I gotta go. Need to unpack everything and get settled.” She walked over to a broken window, “It was nice meeting you, Ms. Clare. Sorry about your window.” “It’s fine. It was nice to meet you too.” Leona looked at me and waved, “Bye Ferral.” “Umm, bye.” She left and my body was filled with excitement. I finally have a training partner…and a friend. Ms. Clare looked at me, “She seems nice.” “Yeah, she is.” Ms. Clare laughed.