I got up after another night of only training, still unable to get tired easily. My muscles should've been screaming, but instead they just hummed with that familiar ready to go feeling. I sometimes missed the satisfying ache of a good workout, ya know that tangible proof you'd pushed yourself. But now? I could go for hours and barely feel it.
The sun was already somewhat high peaking through the other side of the equator, so I figured I might as well go for a quick jog to Connie's house. I lowkey gotta finish that book she recommended, who knew that the ancient philosophy that she swore would "expand my perspective on life" actually would.
The jog took maybe ten minutes at an easy pace, just enough to enjoy the morning air without actually exerting myself.
I knocked on Connie's door, figuring we'd hang out for the afternoon. Maybe mess around with some of those theories in that book she'd been teaching me, or just shoot the breeze about whatever random stuff popped into our heads. You know, normal friend activities.
The door swung open, but instead of Connie's grinning face, I found myself staring at Dr. Maheswaran. She was dressed casually, jeans and a comfortable looking sweater instead of her usual professional attire. Clearly having one of those rare days off from the hospital.
"Oh, hello Ethan," she said with a polite smile. "I'm afraid Connie's at school today."
Wait, what? I blinked, running through my mental calendar. "School? But it's..." I trailed off as it hit me. "Oh that, the makeup day. I totally spaced on that."
"Yes, they're making up for that snow day last month. She should be home in a 'few' hours though." Dr. Maheswaran stepped back slightly. "Would you like to come in and wait? I was just making some tea."
Part of me wanted to just bail, hanging around with someone's mom when they weren't home felt weird. But Dr. Maheswaran had always been decent to me, not to mention I did enjoy her company and honestly? The house smelled like something was baking, and my last meal had been... well, let's just say it was a while ago, not that I needed to eat much.
"You sure? I don't want to crash your day off or anything."
"Not at all. Please, come in." She gestured for me to follow her inside. "I've been curious to get to know you better anyway. Connie talks about you quite a lot."
I stepped into the familiar warmth of the Maheswaran house, taking in the family photos once more, and the comfortable furniture that actually looked like people lived on it instead of just existing for show. This place had that whole 'functional family' vibe that still caught me off guard sometimes.
"Tea sounds good, thanks," I said, settling onto the couch when she gestured that I should sit.
Dr. Maheswaran disappeared into the kitchen, and I could hear her moving around, the soft clink of cups, water running.
She returned with a tray bearing two steaming mugs and a plate of what looked like homemade cookies. I automatically stood to help her set everything down on the coffee table.
"Thank you," she said with an approving nod. "You have lovely manners."
"Just how I was raised, I guess." The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Dr. Maheswaran settled into the chair across from me, studying me with that same thoughtful attention Connie had inherited. "You know, I've noticed you seem quite mature for someone your age. Connie mentioned you live independently?"
And there it was, this conversation, it was inevitable I suppose. I'd been dreading and expecting in equal measure. Time to dust off the carefully crafted version of events that wouldn't send any red flags up the metaphorical flagpole.
"Yeah, I've been on my own for a while now," I said, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "It's not too bad once you get the hang of it."
"That must be incredibly challenging." Her voice carried the genuine concern of a doctor. "Do you have any family? Anyone looking out for you?"
I shook my head. "Nope, just me. But I'm managing okay learned to adapt pretty quick."
The 'worry' lines around her eyes deepened. "How old are you, Ethan?"
Damnit.
"Twelve." Technically true, even if the past me's age was older, it would probably be best not to lie to a doctor.
"Twelve and living completely alone." She set down her tea with a thoughtful clink. "How is that legally possible?"
I'd rehearsed this answer more than one time at least. ""Just kind of fell through the cracks, I guess. System's pretty overwhelmed one kid living quietly, I'm sure they've got bigger fires to put out."
It was true enough. I kept my head down, didn't make waves. Yet.
"I see." She went quiet for a moment, but I could practically see the gears turning behind her eyes. This was either going to end with awkward questions I couldn't answer honestly, or phone calls to people I definitely wanted to avoid. "And your education? Connie says you don't attend the local schools."
I see she's doing a full analysis apparently, triple killing me. "I'm more of a self-directed learner. Books, online resources, that kind of thing. Connie helps me out with some subjects when I get stuck."
"Self-directed learning." The way she repeated it made it sound both impressive and woefully inadequate simultaneously. "That's admirable initiative, Ethan, but you're clearly intelligent. You deserve access to proper educational opportunities, the kind that can open doors to your future."
There was real passion in her voice, the same intensity Connie got when she talked about things that mattered to her. And of course she was right, I mean what would I do once the diamonds are defeated?
"I mean, I'm getting by alright with what I've got."
"Getting by isn't the same," she said firmly. "And from what I can see, you have the potential to do much more than just 'get by.'" She leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, what do you want to do with your life? What are your goals?"
Goals. Dreams. Future plans. Hmm well good question?
"Honestly? I haven't really thought that far ahead," I admitted. "Maybe something in science or medicine. I'm pretty good at problem-solving, figuring out how things work."
"But without proper credentials say, a high school diploma, college education those career paths are essentially closed to you." Her tone was gentle but matter of fact. "That's not fair. Someone with your character shouldn't be limited by circumstances beyond their control."
Something in her expression shifted, and suddenly I felt like I was being evaluated in a whole new way. Like she was seeing possibilities I hadn't even considered.
"What are you thinking, Dr. Maheswaran?"
She was quiet for what felt like forever, like she was weighing some major decision in her mind. I had to audible gulp when she finally spoke. Her voice had that decisive quality that meant business, the same tone she probably used when talking to Connie.
"I'm thinking that you need an advocate a person who would help you access the educational opportunities you deserve."
"I'm not sure I follow."
"What I'm suggesting is..." She paused, seeming to choose her words carefully. "What if you had a legal guardian? Someone who could enroll you in school, sign necessary paperwork, provide the stability you need to focus on your education?"
Wait. Hold up. Was she suggesting what I thought she was suggesting?
"Are you talking about... me? Having a guardian?"
"I'm talking about you having the chance to be a normal teenager. To go to school, make friends, participate in activities, and especially plan for college." Her eyes were bright with the kind of determination once more mirroring Connie to some degree. "I'm talking about giving you the foundation you need to build whatever future you want."
My brain was having trouble processing this. "Dr. Maheswaran, that's... that's an incredible offer, but I couldn't ask you to—"
"Don't worry, you're not asking. I'm offering." She smiled, and it was warm and genuine and a little bit fierce. "Ethan, I've spent my career working with young people. I recognize potential when I see it. And I can see that you just need the right opportunity to flourish."
"But why? Why would you want to take on that kind of responsibility?"
"Because it's the right thing to do. Because every child deserves a chance to reach their potential." Her expression softened. "And because I can see how much you mean to Connie. She's happier since you became friends. She talks about how you help her with her studies, how you listen when she needs to talk through problems. Good friends are precious, especially at your age."
I had to set down my mug because my hands were starting to shake a little. This conversation had taken a hard left turn into territory I'd never even dared to think of.
"What would that actually look like? The guardian thing, I mean."
"It would mean you'd live here with us. You'd have a home, regular meals, and most importantly, you'd be properly enrolled in school. The same school as Connie, actually." Her smile turned slightly mischievous. "I have a feeling you'd both enjoy having each other around for moral support."
A home. A family. School.
"I..." My voice came out rougher than I intended. "I honestly don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything right now. This is a big decision, and you should take time to think about it." She reached over and squeezed my shoulder gently. "But I want you to know the offer is genuine. I've already started considering the practical aspects - we have a guest room that could easily become yours, and I have connections at the school district who could help navigate the enrollment process."
Before I could respond, I heard the front door open and Connie's voice calling out, "Mom, I'm home! Whose bike is that outside?"
"In the living room, dear," Dr. Maheswaran called back.
Connie appeared in the doorway, backpack over one shoulder, and her whole face lit up when she saw me. "Ethan! What are you doing here? Please tell me you remembered about the makeup day and aren't just sitting here looking confused."
"Guilty as charged on the confusion," I said, standing up. "Your mom was kind enough to let me hang out instead of sending me packing."
Connie looked between her mother and me, surprisingly picking up on the kind of weird energy in the room. "Okay, what's going on? You both have that 'we just had a Very Important Conversation' look."
Dr. Maheswaran glanced at me, silently asking if I wanted to share or keep it private for now. Which was... actually pretty respectful of her.
"Your mom just made me an offer I definitely wasn't expecting," I said slowly. "She thinks maybe... maybe I could become part of your family. Officially."
Connie's eyes went wide. For a moment she just stood there, processing. Then her face broke into the biggest, most genuine smile I'd ever seen from her.
"Mom, really? You'd really do that?"
"I would, if Ethan is interested," Dr. Maheswaran confirmed.
Connie looked at me with so much hope and excitement that any lingering doubts I had just evaporated.
"Yeah," I said, knowing how certain I sounded. "Yeah, I'd really like that."
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Delivering some more peak watch your back, anyways tell me if you enjoyed and any suggestions or just things you'd like to see in the story obviously I'll only do it if it aligns with my own head cannon of events but if its good enough I can assure you I'll make those changes in a heartbeat!
Hmm I wonder who'll ethan get with???