long time...

I know it's been ages since I actually wrote anything here. And even longer since I posted what I'm going to post. How does the rest of "Kaleigh's Story" sound? That's been a while huh? Since February... I finished it long ago but just found the book again. So here we go...

"Kaleigh's Story"
By Avalon Swiftwind 


Arabella held Kaleigh's hands and watched her face. "You were very brave, Kaleigh. You are only a child and have made an adult decision. I'm proud of you for getting away from a difficult situation." Kaleigh suddenly felt tired. Her shoulders sagged and her chin fell to her chest. "I will do my best to protect you here, Kaleigh. Try and sleep. I'll stay with you until then." Arabella tucked Kaleigh in and sat beside her until she was sound asleep. Arabella walked out to her living room and looked at herself. She thought to herself, "The poor child. Forced to grow up so early in her life. No wonder she ran. No wonder she's jumpy." She had a hard time sleeping the rest of the night. Kaleigh met Arabella in the kitchen for breakfast the next morning. "How are you feeling this morning?" Arabella asked. 
             Kaleigh smiled a little. "Better," she said. I think it was good for me to tell my story. 
             
Kaleigh soon found a job in the afternoons so she could go to school in the mornings. She thanked Arabella every day for her hospitality. Kaleigh had made friends and was especially close to a boy named Aidan. He was the first person to become her friend when she had arrived at the new school two months ago. It was around that same time that Kaleigh became nervous about the results of her father's last rape before she left. She told Arabella her fears and asked for her advice. "What should I tell Aidan?"
              Arabella thought for a moment. "Have you told him your story?" Kaleigh shook her head. Arabella went back to her thinking. "Would you be opposed to having him over for a meal and telling him? I'd be here to back you up. From what I've seen of Aidan, he seems like he will support you no matter what happens."
             Kaleigh thought about it. "It can't hurt to ask. When should I ask him over?" The decided on Saturday's dinner. 
             Aidan agreed and only asked one question. "Are you in trouble, Kaleigh?" She looked at the floor.
             "I don't know." She quickly wiped at the tears that were forming in her eyes. Aidan quickly hugged her close.
             "Whatever it is, I"ll be here for you." Kaleigh hugged Aidan back.
             "Thank you, Aidan. I've never had a friend like you. In fact, I've never had anyone like you. The closest thing I've ever had to a family is Arabella." Aidan pulled away from her. He put his hands on her cheeks and used his thumbs to wipe away the tears that were now streaming down Kaleigh's cheeks. "I'll let you explain when that when you're ready." He hugged her again and, taking her hand, walked with her to their next class.

Aidan arrived exactly on time, his reddish blonde hair pulled back to show his green blue eyes. Kaleigh smiled shyly at him and he kissed her cheek. Arabella served the meal. After they had eaten, they gathered around the fire place, Arabella on one side, Aidan on the other, and Kaleigh in the middle. Kaleigh pulled her knees up under her chin much the same way as when she had told Arabella a few months before. She began her story again. By the end of it Aidan was holding her with her head pressed gently into his chest. "That's not the worst of it, Aidan. And I'll be okay if you decide to leave after I tell you." Here Kaleigh paused. 
               Aidan placed his hands on her cheeks again and looked her in the eyes. "Tell me. I'm not going anywhere." 
             Kaleigh sighed deeply. "I'm pregnant with my father's baby, Aidan." She watched his face, terrified at what she might see there. Arabella watched silently from the couch, tears in her eyes. Aidan simply held Kaleigh and let her cry. Arabella noticed him wiping away tears of his own. 
             "What are your plans, Kaleigh. For the baby I mean. Will you keep it?" Kaleigh didn't know yet. 
             "I'm terrified of what people will think. And I'm terrified of what they will say. More for you, Aidan, than for myself."
             "Let them talk, Kaleigh. No one outside these walls needs to know your story and everyone within them knows the truth." Aidan held Kaleigh until all the tears had stopped flowing.


Arabella had asked Kaleigh, when she had lived with her for about a month, when her birthday was. Kaleigh was spending most of her time with Aidan. She had lived in Ireland for five months and as her belly grew, so did the rumors about her and Aidan. One day, Kaleigh came in crying. She sat on the couch holding her knees. Arabella asked her what was wrong. "They're blaming Aidan for this," she said holding her belly. "I won't be surprised if he leaves me for it. He left school early today and that's when the girls went after me. They told me I've stolen him and that the only reason he stays with me is because it's his baby." Kaleigh stopped to catch her breath. "I love him, Arabella." Arabella smiled at her. "Why are you smiling?"
            "Come with me," Arabella instructed. "We remembered better than you, what today is." They walked into the kitchen and Kaleigh saw Aidan. He stood next to a cake on the table. "I love you too, Kaleigh," he said coming toward her. "Happy birthday." He wrapped her in his arms. "And I love your baby, too. It may not be my  baby but it is a part of you and so I love it." Kaleigh hugged Aidan back.
            "Thank you, Aidan." She pulled away slightly. "Thank you, Arabella."



So since this seems to be going on for a long time... I'm going to post another blog with another piece if not the rest of the story... Sorry...