Annabelle
After Homecoming, my relationship with Phoenix was different, in a good way. I think hearing the words “I love you” from him was what I needed to stop holding back. I no longer felt the need to hide the true nature of my home life from him. So, when he took me home one night in November and asked if anyone was home because the house was so dark, I answered him honestly.
“It’s dark because we don’t have any power,” I said softly.
“Annabelle—,” he started, but I cut him off.
“Phoenix, my parents aren’t like your grandparents. My mother is a drunk and my father is hardly ever home. He only comes home for a day, two at the most, before he takes off again. He doesn’t help with the bills and my mom lost her job with Macy’s parents not long after school started. When she didn’t show up for work and I couldn’t fill in for her, Macy’s parents had no choice but to fire her,” I explained.
He rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You aren’t working for Gram to save money for college, are you?”
“No, I’m not. I’m sorry for lying to you. You come from such a good family and I was embarrassed by mine.”
“Annabelle, I don’t give a shit about what kind of parents you have or where you come from. I care about you. I love you, doll face. Now, please let me help you,” he pleaded.
“I can’t, Phoenix. I just can’t,” I said, starting to get upset.
“Okay, okay,” he relented. “But I can’t let you stay in that house without power. It’s too cold, baby. Come spend the night in one of Gram’s guest rooms and we’ll figure something out tomorrow, okay?”
“Your grandparents won’t mind?” I asked.
“No, they won’t, as long as you stay in your room and I stay in mine.”
As much as I didn’t want to accept any handouts, the thought of a warm and cozy bed was too good to pass up. “Okay. Just for tonight.”
“Just for tonight,” he agreed and squeezed my hand.
The next morning, I nervously left the guest room and tiptoed down the stairs. I found Phoenix and his grandparents in the kitchen, seemingly waiting for me.
“Good morning,” I shakily said to the room.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Gram said. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for letting me stay,” I said uncomfortably.
She smiled. “Have a seat, dear. We were just about to have breakfast.”
I took a seat while she brought everything to the table and began handing out food. Phoenix’s grandfather cleared his throat and placed his clasped hands on the table. “Annabelle, Phoenix told us a little about your situation at home. I admire you for trying to take on the responsibilities of your parents and I respect you for not wanting to accept handouts. Those are admirable qualities that are hard to find in most adults and rarely, if ever, found in teenagers. But, sweetheart, you do need some help, or at least a little luck. I grew up in Croftridge and with the exception of the time I was away at college, I’ve always lived here, in this very house. As a result, I’ve accumulated a large number of customer loyalty points with various service providers that I’ll never use. I made a few phone calls this morning and was able to use my loyalty points for the utilities at your address. Starting today, you’ll have power, water, and heat for the next year and it didn’t cost me or anyone else a penny.”
Completely flabbergasted, I stared at the man for a few long beats before I moved to hug him and simultaneously burst into tears. “Thank you, Mr. Black. Thank you so much.”
He returned my embrace and patted my back. “You’re very welcome, sweetheart. We were happy to help.”
When I returned home later that day, the power was on, the heat was working, and we had hot water. I was thrilled. My mother was too drunk to notice.