Jordan remained standing on the plastic tray, but Sara was gone. The bustling of people in the cafeteria created a loud ambiance of noise as the giant students laughed, talked, and ate. While plastic trays clanged against the wooden tables as they were picked up and sat down.
Jordan felt a sense of vulnerability without Sara nearby. It was strange because she wasn’t even a factor in his life at all just days ago. Now everything was so different, but only Ellie sat before him.
“So, what’s your plan?” Ellie asked as she continued to pick at the remainder of her lunch.
“What do you mean?” Jordan asked partially for clarification but also because no one had asked him that. His life had been seemingly deteriorating all around him. That whole time no one asked him what his thoughts or plans were.
“I-I don’t know. It all happened so fast, and so much I don’t understand.” Jordan said as he stepped off the lunch tray and took a few steps towards Ellie, knowing his voice didn’t carry all that far.
“So this guardian thing. She kind of owns you, then, right? That must be weird.” Ellie added, unsure if own was precisely the right word to use but not able to think of another way to put it.
“She doesn’t own me,” Jordan said defiantly. Moreso than he intended at that moment.
“Riiiiiight, okay,” Ellie said skeptically. “As it looks like you’re basically her little pet. You know you could be my pet if you want. I’d even let you keep your last name. I mean Sara is a great master I’m sure but wouldn’t you rather be with me?” Ellie said as she played with her hair while looking down at Jordan.
“Look Ellie, I think you are misunderstanding how this works. I’m not a pet. I’m just staying with the Reeves family for a while. Once things fall back to a bit of normalcy I’m sure I’ll get my own place and…what?” Jodan said stopping himself midsentence as Ellie laughed.
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t realize you were such a comedian.” Ellie said between bouts of laughter. “Getting your own place? Like are they going to make little neighborhoods with tiny houses? Where you then drive to a little person job?” Ellie said between laughs.
“It’s not that funny, of course, they are. What else could they possibly do? I’m sure it’s just taking time because you have to build the infrastructure.” Jordan said unsure what was so funny about all this.
“Oh, you’re serious. Sweetie, I’m so sorry. I thought you knew. They pair you all off with guardians permanently. They try to pair you off with someone from your family or a friend for that reason. However, not everyone’s family can afford the costs or can afford to take on the burden. I just assumed that’s why you consented to have Sara care for you.
Enjoy the full-sized version of any picture in the Smallara gallery.
Related Images:
