The Orphans

Chapter Five- Things in the night.

~~Rayne's point of view~~

It has been three weeks since we went shopping. We have been in his home for a month now. Things are a lot better. He and I sat down after Raynebow went to bed one night, and he laid everything out on the line for me. I know what he wants and why he wants it. I won't stand in his way. When he tells me that he still wants me to stay after I turn eighteen, I believe it.

He explained that he just wants to her dad. That he has no ulterior motives, and there is no plan to push me out of her life. He made it clear I am free to live my life and that I am always welcome here. He has also said I could stay for however long I wanted. It took a bit, but I no longer stress. I have let walls down.

I no longer question his motives, and I have even talked him into eating with us. He said he didn't want me to feel like he wanted me here to cater to him. Truth is, he caters to Raynebow and me. When we got home from the toy store that night, I was in Raynebow's putting her stuff away. She came in with a gift bag. It was full of all the coloring stuff on the wall and every coloring book they had. When I color every page in one, he buys me another one. We don't hurt for anything. I quickly learned not to say I like anything in front of him. If I do, he buys it.

Raynebow doesn't have that control. She is three. He leaves the house and comes home with something for her every time. Most of the time, it is something she saw on tv or pointed out while we were out. He takes us out often. He has been busier with his projects, so he is gone several hours every day. He apologizes and makes up for it on the weekends.

He told me about his plans. I think it's a great idea; I have him. George and Dennis don't have that; They were doing the same thing I was. They were working any and everywhere they could to have that money when they leave. I know that when they age out, Dennis is staying with us, and George is going to the Webb's house.

I know they don't know that yet. When we visit, I don't say a word. It's not my place. Zailan goes not only to see his mom but to play with the kids as well. Every time we go, Raynebow thinks we are staying. We've explained to her that we are just there to see Ms. Audra. She now calls her Mimi like her other grandchildren.

She also slips and calls Zailan dad. Neither of us corrects her; He will be her dad. I want him to be her dad. She is safe here; He will protect her with his life. I have no questions about that; He will be her everything. I know he will do the same for me. So why am I lying here drenched in from another heart-stopping nightmare?

They have happened every night. They have been constant from the orphanage to here; they follow me. They seem to get more intense as the nights go on. I have hit my breaking point. I get out of my bed and make my way to Zailan's room. I know he has been asleep for hours. I don't knock. I quietly open his door then shake him awake.

Zailan: "Everything ok?"

Rayne: "Can I sleep on your floor?"

Zailan: "Why would you want to do that?"

Rayne: "I've been having night...."

I didn't even finish. He lifted his sheets.

Zailan: "Don't sleep on the floor. There are monsters down there too."

I climb into his bed. He kept his distance, and I kept mine. When we woke up to Raynebow wanting in the bed, it was a completely different story. I was snuggled against him, and he had his arms wrapped around me. I went to move to let Rayne next to him, but she snuggled into me.

The next morning, I wake up before both of them. It wasn't an easy task, but I made my way out of the bed without waking him or her up. After I went to his bed, the nightmares subsided for the night. Maybe they will go away for good now.