The Borrower and Her Bean (complete)

Part 18

Henry was busy, there was only an hour till the football game was on and he was excited to share his love of the game with his new family. Currently, with the help of Greg and Carson, he had the iPhone leant against the leg of the coffee table. They had also managed to pull the toy couches from their place on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf to in front of the phone. The only one missing was the one up in Melina's room. He grumbled to himself as they settled down, they did not have football food, the fruit they had was not football food. If he was ever big again he would make sure to introduce the men to Beer and Doritos. Sighing he decided that it was a little problem. The pleasure of sitting down to watch a game especial one with his team the Kansas City Chiefs with his new brothers, Lina's father and Pam and Elish's father would be enough.

The men enjoyed the comradery as Henry taught them the general rules of the game. Even Kal had come and laid down by Henry, he threaded his hand into the large dog's fur just behind his ear and scratched. Each pass, Sac, and a touchdown, they cheered enthusiastically as the Kansas City Chiefs fought their way to victory. As the game came to a close so did the night sky, they quickly moved the chairs back to their place on the bookshelf but as they were heading to get to the phone the door swung open. Scrambling they ran to the closest hiding place under the side table. The floor shook and dust particles could be seen dancing around the 5 men as Sandy called out as had become her custom "Henry? Are you back yet" her footfall seemed to Henry to he heavier today as he was bounced slightly by the floorboards as she grew closer in their direction.

He would never get used to this feeling, the terror of seeing a Giant, but at least he no longer froze in fear. Sandy was in the kitchen, pulling food out of the fridge as per Henry's request, Kal was dancing as she feeds the happy puppy. Finally, she knelt down grasping the large dogs face in the hands "I'm sorry Kal, I have to go. I'm going away today. I really hope your master comes home soon." Sensing eyes watching her a shiver went down her back as she looked around. It is in that moment she spotted the tail end of the phone down by the legs of the side table. Standing she walked back towards the living room, Henry inwardly groaned as he saw her large meaty hand grasping at the phone in front of them "Now how did you get back down here?" she whispered to the phone before placing it back on the top of the side table. Biding Kal farewell Sandy moved to the front door and left.

The men were shaken if she had looked any closer they would have been caught. Walking out Henry looked back up at the now out of reach phone. Frustration welled up as he tried not to throw a temper tantrum. How many times were he and his family going to have to retrieve this phone? He looked at the men and at that moment it truly hit him this was the life of a borrower. The phone was inconsequential but the act of retrieval, of helping each other, of working to survive each day. They looked ready to lend a hand but at this moment he had another purpose. Scratching the back of his neck he looked sheepishly at the men "Sorry, but let's get that another day. I need to talk to Melina's dad.

Henry stood facing Melina's father the older man was watching him with wary eyes as he instructed "Go ahead son, what do you have to talk to me about" scratching the back of his neck again he swallowed hard then spoke "I want you to know that I know I was wrong, that I broke Melina's trust but that we have talked it through and I believe she has forgiven me. In the last week, I have fallen in love more and more with your daughter and your family. I believe in traditions so I ask you will you give me your blessing to court your daughter with the intention of asking her to marry me when the time is right?"

The older man frowned at Henry for but a moment before a grin spread across his face, "I have watched you this week Henry and I will be honest to start off I did not think you would survive as a Borrower. However, I have seen in this week your tenacity to stick to something until you have mastered it. Your size and strength have made you an asset to the family. I have also seen the way you look at my daughter, caring for her without demining her, valuing her and listening to her when she has instructed you. I appreciate how you want to protect my family." holding his hand out to the stunning bean he pulled him into a hug and said into his shoulder "Yes, My answer is Yes, now all you have to do is convince her" with a chuckle and a laugh he let Henry go and walked away.

The hour was late, Henry and Melina were back on the window sill looking out at the stars. Henry held Lina in his arms, it was becoming like home to him, holding her close to his heart. He ran his hands through her hair, and down her arms, his deep cadence echoed against the glass, "You are so special to me Lina, I hope you know I would give up everything to stay by your side" A word he had hoped would bring her confidence in his attentions instead caused her to start to weep. The tears flowed and Henry did not know what to do but to hold his little sprite close and continue to whisper words of comfort. It was not long before she had cried herself to sleep again. He thought of carrying her to there beds but realised it was impossible to do that with shoestring ropes to climb down so instead he tucked her closer and closed his eyes.

Nighsong and whisper looked to each other a smile echoed on each other's face.

The morning sun shone on Henry's face waking him from a peaceful slumber. Stretching he felt something was amiss, instead of the hard sill he was in a soft bed, his bed. His first thought was Lina looking to his left he breathed a sigh of relief, she was ok. It took but a moment to realise she was not just ok but she was big like him. A soft smile broke across his face as he reached up a hand to brush her cheek "Lina, my precious Lina its time to wake" he watched as her eyes opened. The haze of sleep clouded her gaze for just a moment until she realisation dawned and her face brightened "You still hear, they didn't take you " she burrowed into his chest holding him tight. Confusion over her statement hit him, what was she talking about, who was going to take him? wanting clarification from and also wondering how long it would take for Lina to realise she was big he gently pulled her back.

Lina was in awe, the moon and stars had ignored her plea and in this one moment, she realised she was glad they had. After his words last night she had realised she never wanted to leave his side. He was now gazing into her face a cute confused look in his eyes, she was about to tell him what she had done. When Kal came bounding onto the bed tail wagging and diving in between them. Now instead of henry being confused, she was, whilst Henry hugged his best mate he looked at her a smile on his face as she began to look around her. Shock, Amazement, Fear and Joy clamoured in her bain for dominance. She was a Bean.

A/N Happy New Year :)