This chapter came a little easier than I thought it would. I'm really working on establishing a good relationship between Alex and Paige's parents.

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Chapter 5

I spent most of the morning sitting around doing nothing. I skimmed through the newspaper Mr. Michalchuk had read earlier. Then went into the family room to watch a little television. As I sat on the couch, memories of Paige and I flooded my head. It was only months earlier that we would be haning out on a Friday night watching television. We kind of had a little game going. We would sit on the couch and pretend to be content, when really all we wanted to do was grab each other and makeout. We would see who could hold out the longest. We would usually only last about ten minutes before we were in some serious lip lock. It started to make my stomach hurt just thinking about. I wasn't sure if could deal with being here. Not if everything here made me miss Paige more than I already did. Why can't I just get over her? I knew I couldn't leave. Mrs. Michalchuk would never allow it and I didn't have anywhere else to go. Since I was positive I never wanted set foot in the woman's shelter again; I was stuck here.

Around noon Mrs. Michalchuk decided we should get our errands done and over with. We got into the van I had come to know so well and set off.

"I was thinking I would run down to the post office first and mail off some bills then there are just a few items I need from the grocery store." Mrs. Michalchuk said

"That sounds fine to me." I replied feeling a little more lively. The boredom of my morning had made be somewhat eager to spend a little time outside the house.

"Then dear, did you want pick up your stuff?"

I thought for a moment. My mother and Chad should be at work assuming they still have their jobs. They were always bouncing around from job to job. I was pretty sure they both had someplace to be today. If not there was also the chance they were passed out. I decided there were a few things I wanted to get.

"Yes, actually could we swing my mom's apartment?" I said.

"Sure thing dear." Mrs. Michalchuk gave a small smile.

There was a brief silence between us before Mrs. Michalchuk started speaking again.

"I hope you don't mind me asking dear. But why aren't you living with your mother?"

I leaned my head against the van window and looked down at the moving pavement as we drove. "I got kicked out." I was hoping she would leave it at that. I didn't want to have to explain the reason.

"Why would a mother do such a thing?" Mrs. Michalchuk exclaimed. It sounded like she was talking more to herself than asking me. But when I didn't answer she gave me a quick glance.

"It wasn't my mother. It was her boyfriend." My tone had dropped a pitch. I was beginning to feel nervous. I hoped so desperately she didn't ask why Chad had kicked me out. I didn't want to have to explain about the drugs. I wasn't using but I didn't know if she would believe me. After all, it was me who talked her beloved daughter into getting stoned at a college fair. I had almost ruined her chances of getting into Banting. Paige had told her parents that is was her idea and I was just going along with it. I couldn't believe how selfless Paige could be, even back then. Even when it didn't matter if her parents liked me or not. Her parents had known I had a reputation as the bad ass, but Paige had changed that image for me. Now I am glad she did or I might not be sitting in this van right now.

"Why would your mother's boyfriend kick you out?" Mrs. Michalchuk had to ask the question. I was almost angry with her for going there. I didn't want to answer it. I just looked at her for a few seconds before turning away toward the car window again.

"Alex, I just want you to know that you are always welcome in our house. But you leave your street life at the door. Understand?" Mrs. Michalchuk spoke a voice that was stern but at the same time had a tenderness about it. I had never heard a tone like that before.

I turned to look at her. "I understand." I said in a voice that would let her know I was absolutely serious about what she had said. The rest of the ride to the post office was silent.

"Do you want to stop by your place now?" Mrs. Michalchuk said as we were leaving the post office.

I took a moment to go over everything in my mind. I was pretty sure there would be no one there. I could just run in and run out. "Yes." I finally said.

Mrs. Michalchuk nodded. I lead her all the way to my apartment. She had never been there before. It was usually Paige who would come to pick me up. I don't recall her mother being with her ever.

"It's this one right here." I said as I pointed to the old building I grew up in.

"Alright dear." She pulled over and put the van in park. "Should I come in with you?"

"No." I had said it so abruptly I realized I had almost yelled it. I calmed down the tone in my voice. "It's probably better if I go in alone. I'll be quick, I promise."

Mrs. Michalchuk gave me a look as if she didn't agree with waiting in the van but I could tell she wasn't going to push it. She wasn't at her house any more. She was in my world now and here I called the shots. Mrs. Michachuk gave a little sigh to acknowledge that she would wait in the van while I went in. I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and jumped out of the van. I looked up the building for a moment then around to make sure my mother or Chad were around on the streets anywhere. When I didn't see them I went inside the building.

This building held so many memories from my childhood. I didn't miss it though. I walked down the hall way to my door. I pushed my ear against the door to see if I could hear any voices. It seemed empty. I was pretty sure they were gone. I pulled out my key from my pocket and unlocked the door. I tried to be as quiet as I could as I gently cracked the door open a little to peek inside. It room was dark and empty. I opened the door a little more. Nothing. They are gone. I squeezed through the cracked door and inside my apartment. I didn't even take a moment to look around, I just headed straight back to my room. My room had been left untouched. I grabbed an old duffle back I had laying in the back of my closet and started shoving clothes and items into it. I grabbed a few CDs and some jewelry. I only had one pair of shoes and I was were them. I grabbed an old hat that I really liked. I looked under my bed and grabbed an old journal that I used to keep. I then went over to dresser and started to empty it. I stuffed my socks and undergarments in the bag with out even bother to fold them. I then started to go through the drawers one by one to make sure I hadn't missed anything I wanted to take. I opened one of the top drawers and stopped for a moment. It was still there. Right were I left it. My diploma. I picked it up and looked at it for a moment. I pulled out my journal and tucked it neatly inside before nicely putting it back in to my bag. When I felt sure I had grabbed everything I wanted or needed I left. I ran by the bathroom real quick to get some of my makeup, my toothbrush, and few other personal items before darting back out the door. I didn't feel safe again till I was back in Mrs. Michalchuk and we were driving away.

"Get everything you need?" She said to me.

"Yea," I replied. "I think I have everything." There was a moment of silence before I decided to speak again. "I just want you to know how thankful I am you are doing this for me." I hold her. It was hard for me to get the words out. I felt awkward saying them but I knew I should.

Mrs. Michalchuk smiled warmly, "Oh, It's no trouble dear. I'm always happy to lend a helping hand. Now I'm just going to run by the grocery store and pick up some things for dinner and we can head back home.

"That sounds wonderful." I said. I was smiling.

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Mrs. Michachuk pulled into the parking lot of a the grocery store. It was called Friends with Food. I rolled my eyes at the name.

"Well then, " She started, "I just have a few things we need to get, so we'll make this quick."

"Okay." I said as I started unbuckling my seatbelt. I had never been to this store before, but I liked it. Despite the fact it was meant to be just a friendly neighborhood store, it was pretty big. I pushed the shopping cart as we strolled through the store. Every now and then Mrs. Michalchuk would stop and study an item. She would say "Well, it's on the list...but..." then she would throw it in the cart. I got a little chuckle everything she did that. I couldn't help but think how lucky she was to be able to even buy things that weren't on her list. I used to remember when I was younger and I would go shopping with my mother. My mother would look at an item then glance at her list and say, "You don't like milk do you Lexi? We can do without it this month." I almost felt like I was in a different world now, but I liked this world.

"Lets just go down this isle. I need to get some canned fruit." Mrs. Michalchuk pointed in the direction she wanted me to turn. I obeyed. We strolled down the isle, despite the fact she had said she wanted to make this quick we seem to both be taking our time. We stopped at the canned fruits and she went over all the different kinds they had.

"Umm...lets see. Peaches, cantaloupe, grapefruit. Bananas? Hmm...that's new." She examined each can before placing them into the cart. I wasn't sure if should help. I didn't know what she was looking for.

"Maggie?" I heard a voice call. I didn't kno who's it was. I saw Mrs. Michachuk turn away from the cans as she looked at the woman who was quickly moving up to her.

"Maggie!" She said again.

"Well hello there Janet!" Mrs. Michachuk exclaimed. They grabbed each other for a quick hug.

"How have you been?" Janet asked.

"Oh, I've been doing good. Paige is off at college now."

"Oh really. She's going to Banting?"

"Yes."

"Oh, how is she liking it?"

"Oh she's loving it. Having the time of her life."

My stomach dropped at those last words. Despite the fact I wanted Paige to be happy, I couldn't stand she was having all this fun...without me.

"Oh that's wonderful." I heard Janet say. I had started to wonder off a little bit. I decided I didn't want to get in the way of their conversation...especially if they were talking about Paige. I shoved my hands in pocket and started to hum a little to myself as I started to stroll down the isle. I hadn't gotten very far when Mrs. Michalchuk finally noticed me again.

"Oh, Janet...This is Alex." Mrs. Michachuk said as she grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back to the conversation.

"Hello there, Alex." Janet smiled at me. She was tall and thin and her fashion taste looked about the same as the Michalchuk's. She was covered in jewelry. Every time she moved you could here her bracelets clash together and she smelled strongly of vanilla.

"She's an old family friend. She'll be staying with us for awhile. " Mrs. Michachuk stated. I couldn't even describe the feeling I felt at the words an old family friend. I wasn't just a friend of Paige. I was a friend of the family. I don't know why, but something about those words made me feel a little chipper. In fact so chipper that I was almost felt like talking now.

"Hi." I said, I was almost amazed at myself for sounding so friendly as I said it. Janet gave me a little smile.

"Well, you make sure you keep Maggie and Bill in line now. They need a little discipline." Janet gave a little laugh.

"Will do." I replied.

"Well," Mrs. Michachuk interrupted, "It was nice seeing you again Janet, but Alex and I must be going now. But we will have to have lunch sometime."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful." Janet exclaimed.

"Great, I'll give you a call then."

"Bye-bye."

And with that we strolled away. Mrs. Michalchuk and I checked out and headed back home. It was late afternoon by the time we returned and I was feeling a little tired, but I told Mrs. Michalchuk I would help her prepare dinner. I went back up to Dylan's room to change first. I felt so yucky in these clothes. I grabbed my duffle back with all my possessions and pulled out a white tank top and a clean pair of jeans. It just felt good to be in different clothes. I decided I would unpack all my other possessions later. I didn't feel like dealing with it at the moment. After I changed I went downstairs to help with dinner. Mrs. Michalchuk and I chatted a little while I was cutting up the tomatoes and she was cooking the meat. She was making spaghetti. With the smell of the sauce it didn't take me long to get hungry. By the time Mr. Michalchuk came home, the table had been set and dinner was ready to serve. He walked through the door and gave Mrs. Michalchuk a kiss on the lips. It was so great to see affection like that. So subtle and gentle, but it was love nevertheless. I really enjoyed being in their company. I had started to space out when Mr. Michalchuk turned at looked at me.

"Now who is this lovely young lady sitting at the table all by herself?" I couldn't help but smile at his words. Mrs. Michalchuk could only roll her eyes and sigh.

Mr. Michalchuk walked over to the end of the table. He put his hands in the back of the chair. "May I?" He asked. I gave off a little chuckle

"You may." I said trying to hold back my laughter.

Mr. Michalchuk pulled the chair out and sat down.

"Well then, let's get dinner started." Mrs. Michalchuk said as she grabbed the bowel with the spaghetti in it. I pulled my chair back as I started to get up to help.

"Sit." She said in her stern voice she seemed to love to use. I quickly took my seat again. My whole motion must have looked funny because Mr. Michalchuk started to laugh.

He leaned into me, "Maggie likes to fly solo." He grinned and than readjusted himself in his chair. I shook my head at his comment. He really was a funny man.

After all the food was on the table Mrs. Michalchuk took her seat.

"Well then," She started, "Our first dinner here together."

"And I just would like to say." Mr. Michalchuk interrupted, "that I am a very lucky man to be sitting her having dinner with the two most beautiful woman in the world." He raised his glass at that.

"Oh Bill." Mrs. Michalchuk started. She was trying to hide that fact she was flattered.

Mr. Michalchuk smirked at her. "Well Maggie, it's true."

I smiled at their conversation. They were a cute couple. I hoped I could someday have what they have.

The spaghetti was the best I had ever tasted and eating dinner with the Michalchuks was very interesting. As Mr. Michalchuk talked about his day at the office, he would make different voices for each co-worker he was imitating. It was very amusing. They would joke and laugh. I even joined in from time to time. There were only a few times in my life I can recall feeling truly lucky. This was one of them.

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Okay. I'm think in the next chapter I am going to start have Alex interact with more than just the Michalchuks. But don't worry they will still be in it. :D I seem to be able flow through these chapter pretty easy, so chapter 6 might be up sometime tonight. If not, I'm pretty sure it will be up tomorrow then.