* * *
The moment I stepped into the circus school Tuesday afternoon, Gavin bounded over to me. "Five called and said I could bring you home after classes, and we could have dinner together, and I have to have you home by seven-thirty, and you get to spend the whole weekend with us!" Gavin's face shone with joy.
Cold guilt crept through me. I wasn't nearly as excited about this. My whole routine was about to change. I would spend even less time at home. Less time with Melanie and Shante. But wasn't that the point, to make Gavin and Anali my home? I was out of my depth. I didn't know what to feel, what to hope for. Part of me felt excited at the idea of having a family and being special. Another part wished I could go back to being just some group home kid.
"We'll have to stop by my house after class on Friday night to pick up a bag for the weekend," I said trying to sound enthusiastic.
"I don't teach in the early afternoon; I could pick it up and then get you from school." Gavin's cheeks must hurt from smiling.
"Cool, that will work." And be easier on Shante if she didn't see me leaving for the weekend. "What are we doing tonight?"
"My class ends at six-thirty and Anali's ends at six so we thought we could grab something to eat between here and the group home," Gavin answered. "Tomorrow night we're done at the same time you are, so we can go home and eat dinner, and on Friday Anali doesn't have any classes and I end at six, so we we'll eat at home again."
"Sounds good. I should probably get ready for class."
"I came early so we could talk. I'll go entertain myself with something," Gavin said with an embarrassed grin.
"Do you want to warm up with me?" I offered.
"That would be great. I'll go change."
Gavin chatted happily while we warmed up, telling me what he and Anali had done since Saturday night. I made the socially appropriate sounds in the right places and even asked a few questions. I deserved a gold star.
"Beginning acrobatics," Shin called once he was ready to begin class.
"I'll see you after class," I told Gavin with a wave and walked over to Shin.
"Good afternoon, class," Shin greeted us. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he looked rather imposing. "I'm glad all of you arrived early and went right to work, I can already tell which of you have been doing the daily exercises I suggested." Shin walked over to me, tucking his blue streaked bangs behind his ear. "Everyone pair up for partnered stretches."
I let myself get lost in the class and managed to quiet my mind while focusing on the exercises. I wish it lasted longer.
"You did well this afternoon," Shin said after class.
"Thanks, it's a fun class. I'm learning a lot." Yeah, like I suck at cartwheels! "Is there a place I can sit and do some homework while I wait for Gavin?"
"Sure, I'm going into the office to eat dinner before my next class, you can sit with me," Shin offered.
"Cool, thanks. I'll go change and I'll meet you there."
Closing the office door behind me I sat down and began to pull out my books.
"What are you working on?" Shin asked as he started the microwave.
"Geography and science, today. What are you eating?" I asked, as the room filled with tangy and spicy smells.
Shin pointed to a small container on the desk. "Kimchi, and I'm heating up pork stew with rice."
"It smells great."
Shin bowed his head towards me. "Thank you. I will pass on your compliment to my mother. My classes are far enough apart that I can actually eat a good meal before nine in the evening."
"Are you in school?" I knew Shin was older than me, but that was all I knew about him.
"Yes, I'm a senior in high school. I only have to take four classes this semester, so I've got my homework done already."
"That has to be nice," I sighed, opening my science book. Shin ate quietly while I worked on memorizing the first twenty elements on the periodic table.
"Crap!" I snarled glaring at my geography book.
Shin jumped. "What's wrong?"
"Everyone seems to think all kids have easy access to a computer, and I have to look up and plan a trip to an Asian country," I explained. "I hoped to get this done tonight, now I'll have to spend lunch tomorrow in the library and hope to get a few minutes on one of the computers."
"I can tell you about South Korea," Shin offered, setting down his chopsticks. "My grandparents live there, and I've spent several summers there."
"That would help a lot." I grabbed my purple gel pen ready to take notes.
Shin told me about the best places to go, museums, temples, fortresses, and shopping. He told me the proper greetings and described Korean pottery in detail. "My grandfather is a master potter. He lets me make small things for fun, but I have cousins that are apprenticed to him. It’s very demanding."
"It sounds amazing. Okay one last question. 'Foods: what should you try and what should you be careful of?' ” I read from the book.
"Well, a lot of Korean food is spicy, so be careful with condiments and what you order," Shin said, thinking the question over. "Almost every meal will be served with kimchi; that’s spicy fermented cabbage. There is a large variety of foods to choose from: noodles, rice, seafood, chicken, vegetarian dishes," Shin said with a shrug. "Oh, one thing to look out for is dog meat. Not an American-friendly dish."
"I've never tried Korean food; I'll have to try it. I like spicy food, but not eye-watering, mouth-on-fire spicy."
Shin stared at me for a moment, his black eyes looking for something. Using a different pair of chopsticks he picked up some kimchi and held it out over the desk. "Here, you can try some my mom made. The recipe has been passed down for generations."
I stood up a bit in order to reach the food being offered. It tasted cool, crisp, and tart with a warm spiciness. "That’s good,” I would need to find a way of getting more of his mom's kimchi.
Shin smiled brightly, "Would you like some stew?"
"No, thank you I don't eat meat."
Gavin knocked, then opened the door. "Oh, there you are, Sapphire. Are you ready for dinner?"
"Yes!" I gathered up my things. "Thanks for all your help, Shin, and please tell your mother that her kimchi is delicious."
"Is that what I smell? No wonder you're ready to go to dinner." Gavin walked over to Shin and stared at the kimchi.
Shin rolled his eyes, but was clearly pleased as he wordlessly offered him a piece.
"It's as good as the potluck party. If I weren't married, I'd try to steal your mom for myself. I'll be right back, Sapphire. I need to grab my stuff." Gavin whirled out the door.
"Gavin told us about your name change," Shin said, watching my reaction carefully. "So you want to be called Sapphire now?"
"Yeah, it's a bit weird, but I'll get us to it." I shrugged and put on my jacket. "Bye, Shin I'll see you later, and thanks again for your help."
"Goodbye, Sapphire."