Milly Jones looked at the door. She hated the waiting. They had told her to stay in the room. But she had the attention span of well a ten year old. And there was nothing to do in the room. She just wanted to get out and see the hotel. What harm could that do? Besides she would be back before her mother and those men. So she opened the door and looked around.
A boy popped out of nowhere. He grinned wildly. It made Millie laugh. She stared at him for a moment then decided to not be rude and introduce herself.
"Hey I am Mildred Jones. Call me Millie."
"My mommy tells me not to talk to strangers but you don't to strange so…Hi, I am Derek Venturi. Just call me… Derek."
Millie couldn't help but giggle. "You are funny. My daddy says funny people are smart. Are you smart?"
"My mommy says I is. I hope she is right bout it."
"You have any siblings?"
"Yah one his name is Edwin. How's about you?"
"I have one. But she lives with my dad in Idaho. I rarely see her. Mom says that we may get to go see her in a few months. But she says that a lot."
"Your parents divorced?"
"No they are not. They just live apart."
Derek quaked. "Okay"
Millie smiled. "Well I best get back inside before mother gets back. It was nice meeting you."
"You too."
Mildred didn't ever tell her mom about the nice stranger. She never got a chance to. A few years later the "men" ended up in jail. And Mildred's life was turned inside out. As was the rest of her families. Her mom had to testify against them and Mildred was never the same again.