There was a certain sense of welcoming at the Rabbits' house that I couldn't quite place. No other site had this unique feel to it, which just added to my confusion. Amy sat at the table with Cream and I, while Vanilla busied herself in the kitchen. From the looks on their faces, they couldn't sense it like I could. But then again, they all grew up here.
Normally my afternoons were filled in with town gossip and dull conversations. Thankfully, that's not what my two newest friends spoke of.
"I can't wait to get started on adventures again!" Amy exclaimed," It's been a while since I've used my hammer."
I casted her a sideways glance. By now I knew she was thirteen, which seemed a bit too non threatening in my eyes. But then again, I was only a couple years older than her, and I could smash bots better than any adult.
"I bet mister Knuckles and Tails will be happy too." Cream added excitedly. Cheese fluttered around her with an equally happy gaze.
"Yeah. I'm sure Tails gets lonely out there flying all over the world by himself." Amy added. I raised an eyebrow with curiosity. There was a boy just over a decade old who was flying a plane and authorities weren't worried? Just goes to show how concerned our government was. At that moment, Vanilla walked in with a warm smile fixed on me.
"What about you, Emma?" She put in. She'd probably been listening from her spot in the kitchen. I responded with a confused look.
"I've never been on an adventure. I mean, I run around outside of town for the heck of it. But there's not much but racing involved." I answered.
"I bet it's fun to go that fast whenever you want." Cream sighed with a light in her gaze. I shrugged.
"The rush is pretty cool. And I like watching reality and fantasy blur together." I added. They all just stared at me, and I knew I'd lost them. I blushed slightly, brushing away a strand of pink hair as a distraction.
"I-I mean it feels like the world fades and it's just me." I explained with a sheepish smile.
"But wouldn't it be boring to be all alone?" Cream asked. I blinked, biting back a retort. I hadn't meant it from a literal standpoint.
"Well...sometimes the world is just too much...and I find it easier to just take a break from it every once in a while." I replied slowly. I wasn't sure how to make a kid understand.
"Enough of that. You already know a lot about us. Why don't you tell us something about you?" Amy asked. I shuffled in my seat.
Vanilla noticed my awkwardness and tried to help me out.
"Do you have any siblings?" She asked.
"Yeah. I have an older sister. Her name's Rose. She's a bossy boots. And I have a brother named Tyler." I smiled fondly at the name. It had been a long time since I talked about him.
"What's he like?" Amy asked. I chuckled, recalling everything I could about him.
"He's kind of a dork. He travels with my dad in his band. He can sing a little, but mainly he plays guitar. Sometimes when he's bored, he'll just whip out his axe and strum a few words and make up some ridiculous tune." I told them.
"Your dad's in a band?" Cream asked, and Cheese sat on her head with wonder. I laughed at the sight.
"Yep! They play country music, and sometimes rock. They go all over Möbius." I grinned.
"Do you get to see them often?" Vanilla asked from the doorway. My happy demeanor instantly vanished.
"No. My parents split up when I was little. I don't get to see Dad or Tyler for more than five hours at a time." I looked down as I added in a soft voice," I haven't seen 'em in a year."
The room went eerily quiet. They hadn't meant to hit a nerve, but it still hurt to talk about it. I could recall a time when teachers would fuss over me, worrying about my mental state. Pretty soon, one had finally convinced my mom to come for a meeting.
"I just don't understand how a girl who reads so much could fail reading."
I gulped, pressing back the bitterness. She hadn't noticed. Even when complete strangers did. Even when the Councilor told her. She refused to admit something was wrong with her child.
"Mrs. Burns, your daughter seems to have a few...issues."
"Pardon me, but I'm not sure I follow."
"She said something today. Not to mention her attitude and grades are pitiful. Is everything all right at home?"
"What did she say?"
"Oh."
God, it hurt even now. It had been five years since that day. Five years of hiding and lying. She wouldn't acknowledge the fact that I was keeping secrets. Ones that would tear her apart. But Dad knew. He always knew. So did Tyler. They were just afraid to tell her because she wouldn't hear it.
I felt something land on the side of my head, bringing me out of my thoughts. It took me a moment to realize that it was Cheese hugging me. The feeling made me want to break down. But I forced a laugh and patted the Chao on the head.
"Thanks Cheese." I sniffed. He gave a "choo choo!" and patted my head with one of his tiny arms.
"Looks like Cheese likes you!" Cream giggled.
"That's a good sign." Amy smiled.
It lifted my spirits to see them do joyful, even after a moment's awkwardness. Maybe joining up with this crew wouldn't be so terrible.