The Devil Walks Among Us; Book l - Completed 4/21/22

Swannanoa

Heavy rain pierced Mia's bedroom window, the morning spring light peering through her sheer white curtains as her head was pressed against Michael's chest, her leg draped over his as he lay on his back, his right arm curled around her while his thumb rubbed against her bare arm. He lay wide awake, only able to get a few hours of sleep per night lately. Keeping still, he didn't dare move as Mia's peaceful inhales and exhales indicated her peaceful sleep that she had deserved, especially after working twelve hours a day for seven days in order to get overtime hours.

Michael had desperately wanted to help her - to earn his keep so to speak. While she was away at work, he would do his best to keep the house organized to keep himself occupied. For a few hours of the day, he would be located in the barn, constantly trying to earn the complete trust of Harlow and Lilo while also earning the attention of a small calico kitten that had wandered in. Mia hadn't seen the kitten yet, but Michael wanted to eventually bring it into the house as this was the first animal that came to him first for attention.

His eyes flicked down to look at her as she moved in her sleep, feeling her body shiver slightly as she nudged against Michael more, seeking him for warmth. He had noted she had been feeling sick, but as far as he knew, she hadn't yet been to a doctor as she believed it was something minor. She nuzzled her head against his chest, bringing the blanket to press under her nose, looking as if she couldn't get any air. Naturally, Michael reached to remove the blanket from her nose, afraid that she couldn't breathe, even though she could.

Feeling her jolt, she groaned and rubbed her eyes to reach for her ringing phone. Turning over out of her sleeping position to grab her phone before turning back, she sat her phone on Michael's chest, putting the person on speaker as she could return to nuzzling under her blanket, Michael's chest rising and falling in a soft chuckle at her action. "Hello?" She grumbled.

"Hey, girly. I'm sorry to bother you. I haven't heard from you in a couple of days and I got worried about you," Her friend, Sandra said. "I hate to ask, but could you watch my little girl tonight? My babysitter canceled and I know you're great with Jaydin. You don't have to if you-"

"No, absolutely. I'll watch her tonight! What time do you want me to get her?" She smiled at the thought, looking up at Michael to see him looking down at her. Babysitting? This was definitely out of his comfort zone and he was sure to stay away from it. The closest he had ever come to babysitting was killing the babysitter, not becoming one.

"Can you get her at five and I'll pick her up at eight?"

"Sure. Sounds good to me! I'll see you later!"

"Okay. Thank you so much, Mia. I'll give you the money when you pick her up."

She smiled, hanging up the phone before looking up at Michael, "It'll be okay. She's such a sweet little girl and I love babysitting her. You'll see."

He sighed in response, regretting the long hours before five o'clock came around. She giggled in excitement, secretly hoping, or knowing, that Michael would have great fatherlike instincts, giving him the opportunity to have the experience of being a parent.

oOo

"I'll be right back, okay? She lives about twenty minutes from here." She explained, slipping on her shoes at the front door as Michael stood close to her as usual. "I promise, it's not as bad as you think. She may be seven, but she's not a tornado like most kids are. The last time I watched her, she helped me feed the horses and everything. You won't have a headache." She explained, pressing her hands on his shoulders, watching him nod slightly in response, accepting her kiss of departure as he would never get tired of her warm and caring touch.

Once starting her truck, she looked down at her phone to see a message from him, happy that he had begun to show trust in her still by sending messages. 'Be careful'