Finding My Way Home - Short Story

Chpt. 9 - Taking Care Of Her

*Sam's POV

As I was alone, I took the time to finish making the bed and put my things away in the guest bedroom that I would be staying in.

I placed the small box that consisted of my blades, some bandaids and money under the bed and put the little amount clothes that I had in the closet.

All that was left in the bag now was my small stuffed sheep. I sat down on the bed as I held him close to me. Although it was just a dirty old stuffed animal, it was my most valuable possession. He's been with me since I was about five years old. The only thing I had ever gotten from my parents. It was my birthday present.

I tried to hold back the tears as the memories started to resurface again. I stood up and tugged him in, laying the covers over his small body.

When I was done, I walked back to the living room and continued watching TV. Something so simple, I hadn't had the chance of doing in a long time. I savored it, waiting for Hailey to come back.

-

A couple hours later, it was dark outside and I had started getting tired. I was laying down on the couch and had a big blanket covering me. I almost fell asleep but I quickly sat up as I heard the door open.

It was Hailey. She dropped her keys on the kitchen counter and hung her jacket on the hook of the coat rack. "Hey Sam, were you okay by yourself these last few hours?" I lazily nodded my head.

"Are you tired?" She asked as she saw me barely being able to hold myself up.

"Yeah, but I wanted to wait for you." It was the least I could do for her. I would've felt rude going to sleep when she was working.

"You didn't have to do that sweetie, it's okay to go sleep. I understand you must be tired." She told me as she joined me on the couch.

I don't know why, but I layed my head on her lap after she was seated like it was a natural thing to do for me. She didn't say anything and just brought me closer and started caressing my head softly.

The last thing I felt before sleep took over me, was a soft kiss being placed on my forehead.

____________________

*Hailey's POV

Having Sam fall asleep on my lap made me happy. It meant that she trusted me enough to do that. To let her guard down. It also made me proud of myself for making progress already.

When she was fully asleep, I carefully carried her to her bedroom and tugged her in. My heart nearly exploded when I saw a stuffed animal already in her bed. She is to innocent for the life she's lived.

I noticed the sheep was a bit dirty, so made a mental note to ask her tomorrow if I should wash it.

I softly closed blinds of the window and the door behind me and went to my room to change into something more comfortable.

After I had done that, I decided to make a list of things I needed to get tomorrow when we are going shopping. It would be Saturday and it's the perfect time to do it.

We needed things like clothes, toothbrush, a telephone and maybe some things for in her room.

When the list was done, I got ready for bed and shut off the lights. As I was laying in bed, I started thinking about Sam.

I've always wanted to have a little sister. And for some reason she feels like she's one to me already. I feel protective over her and want to make sure she has everything she needs. I just wanted to hold her in my arms and protect her from all the bad things in the world.

With that thought, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

-

The next morning, I woke up to find out Sam was still asleep. I don't blame her. Must have been a long time since she's had such a comfortable sleeping area.

I decided to start making breakfast and to wake her when it was done. I made scrambled eggs and also prepared some fruit. I knew it wouldn't be a good idea if she were to eat too heavy after not really having eaten much for such a long period of time, so I skipped the pancakes for now and made something lighter on the stomach. I don't need her getting sick.

When breakfast was done, I separated it on two plates and went to wake her up before it got cold.

I knocked on the door but when I didn't hear anything I opened it. I was met with a still sleeping Sam and a smile crept on my face at the sight. She had er stuffed sheep in her arms, held close to her, and you could just about see her head poking out above the sheets.

I sat at the edge of the bed and caressed her cheek before waking her. "Sam, wake up. Breakfast is ready."

It took a couple of tries before her eyelids finally started flashing open. "Good morning, I see you had a good rest." I chuckled out.

I watched as she rubbed her fist against her eyes in a cute way to wake up better, before looking at me.

"Morning Hailey." I gave her a smile and stood up.

"Breakfast is ready. Don't take too long, or it might get cold." I said before leaving her room to let her wake up properly. She had a confused expression on her face and I had to chuckle as I made my way back to the kitchen.

I noticed she was still a bit overwhelmed with her drastic change of scenery. But she should get used to it because she wasn't leaving anytime soon.

I made myself some coffee and and got some water for Sam. Just as I put it down on the table, she walk into the room.

"Hey, take a seat. That's yours." I said as I pointed to her plate beside me. She slowly took a seat and looked at the breakfast with wide eyes.

"All for me?" She quietly asked me. My heart just kept getting softer and softer for her.

"Yes, of course. I wouldn't want you to have an empty stomach while we go shopping." She gave me another confusing glance at that.

"We need to get you some things. Like new clothes and some stuff for in your room. You can decorate it with anything you'd like."

I watched as her eyes welled up and tears started making their way down her cheeks.