Forgotten

The autumn air leaked into Reine's clothes sending cold breaths up her arm. She clutched the backpack in her lap, pulling it closer to her for some semblance of warmth. Nestled up close beside her was a small young boy, shivering against her shoulder. It wouldn't be so cold if they had nicer jackets. No. She shook her head. They did have nicer jackets, but those were just for show at the door to make their 'parents' seem any sort of good. Reine ground her teeth together, cursing herself in her mind for not stealing them today when they left for school. She knew it would be cold, and she should have expected to be forgotten. The sun was just beginning to set, and they were still there. They were sitting, waiting, hoping that someone would remember to come and get them.

"Has he messaged you back?" The small boy's voice was quiet, and she looked to him. His hair was a greasy mess, and the shirt he was wearing was clearly dirty from going to long without a wash. She took a deep breath and reached for the flip phone sitting beside her. It opened with a click, and she used her other hand to prop up the screen. It's hinging joint had broke weeks ago during a screaming match she unwilfully had with their 'mother,' and now it would swing backward any time she opened it. There were no notifications. The time sat in the middle of the screen, reminding her of how late it was. It was 7:42 pm, 4 hours after class ended. They had been sitting there, cold and alone, just waiting. It was almost ironic. All the teachers pretended they cared about their situation. They would always give the two of them slack with school work, and sometimes, if a teacher was feeling incredibly chivalrous, they'd pay for one of them to have a warm cafeteria lunch. But, not a single one bat an eye as each student was picked up by their loving families, leaving the two of them last on the steps. Even the principal didn't notice as he left for the day. It was like they didn't even exist on those steps. She shook her head, slapping the phone closed.

"No. We have to walk." She looked back to the boy, watching as his expression dropped further into a frown.

"I hate walking…" he pulled his legs closer to his body.

"What did you expect, Dylan? For them to just suddenly care?" She snapped, her words sharp like an arrow. He shook his head, burying his face into his knees. Reine unzipped her back, dropping the phone into it, and sighing heavily.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that. Come on. I bet we can find a gas station nearby. You want some hot chocolate?" She reached out gingerly and put her hand on Dylan's head. He looked up at her and smiled warmly. His smile was warm. Dylan could always seem to find that little sliver of happiness and bounce it back to Reine.

"Really?!"

"Yeah. You know I can always find a way," Reine returned the smile before beginning to stand. Her legs were numb from the hard concrete below them, and she could feel her foot begin to tingle. She slung her backpack onto her shoulder and reached out her hand to Dylan.

“I love you!” he took her hand and stood.