The Man Of Little Words (Thomas Hewitt x Reader)

Chapter 3

Her voice sounded very optimistic, like a child getting excited over a new toy, when she had spoke about eating dinner. An unsure feeling arose in my chest as every nerve in my body was screaming to make a beeline to the door, against my better judgement I kept my feet planted on the hardwood floor and formed the sentence, "Thank you, I appreciate that. It smells wonderful.". Her face lit up with glee as she listened to my words, she stood there for a moment as if she was pondering over every word I had let her hear. The setting sun had let gentle rays enter through the thin kitchen blinds that hung over the sink, bathing everything around it in a orange hue including the woman's cooking. I was unaware for how long I had been standing there in the silence expecting another response from anyone other than myself, until her voice broke the silence; "It is getting pretty late, darlin'. I insist you stay the night here, I don't want you out on them roads especially not on a full belly; getting all sleepy and whatnot." her voice sounded sincere but I couldn't help but get the feeling something was hidden in her words, maybe it was a plea for feminine company. I had taken into account that she was the only woman I had come across that was part of the family thus far so it was only natural to assume that she would want a girl to spend quality time with instead of another boy. I did my best not to read too deeply into her words and just gave her a nod and a, "That would be wonderful, thank you." Which earned a rosy cheeked grin from her. I traced my fingertips against the knots on the woodgrain of the countertop, "Is there anything I could maybe give a hand with to take anything off of your plate, ma'am?" I asked honestly hoping for a way to observe everyone's mannerisms more before I decide to commit to staying the night. Luda's hum of thought filled my ears as she only turned her head and looked over her shoulder at me, "Actually, yes could you set the table while I finish up here? I'll gather the boys when we're both finished." She responded not letting a smile drop from her face as she turned back to the pot on the stove and continued to stir and add ingredients.

        I turned to make an exit into the dining room that I had noticed on the way in. Taking my best guess I approached a server cabinet that seemed worn down over time, I admired the iron inlay on the sides of the piece while reaching for the drawer handles to look for placemats and silverware. I pulled the tableware from the drawer and began setting the table, dusting each spot before placing down the mats, bowls, glasses, and silverware. Luda entered my peripheral vision gaining my full attention, she was carrying the pot of stew to the table. As she strategically placed the pot of boiling food in the middle of the table she looked at me then shook her head, "Go get cleaned up for supper then we'll be ready to eat. Come with me and I'll give you a clean nightgown." She said while leading me out of the dining room and down the hall towards where I would assume the bathroom was. "Hop on in the shower and I'll put your clean clothes in front of the door." Her voice said while her hands gestured me into the pale lit bathroom I obeyed her hands and smiled, "Thank you so much." I responded feeling rude to protest against her wishes especially with her joy so apparent. Once in the restroom, I turned the shower on, the cold metal knobs froze my palms as I turned them. While watching the water heat up I got chills, feeling excited and deserving of washing the muck off of me from throughout the day. I stripped off my dirty clothing, tossed them in the nearby hamper and stepped into the shower and let the water run over me, the feeling of well water was much better than the feeling of city water.

        After I finished, I stepped out of the shower and dried off, wrapping my hair in a towel. I slightly pulled the door ajar and grabbed the clothing that sat neatly in front of the door. I quickly got dressed and hung the towel up to dry then exited the bathroom to go back to the dining room for supper. I entered the room, Hoyt and Monty had already taken their places at the table. Hoyt sat with an impatient look at the head of the table with his arms crossed. I looked at Luda for approval while smiling. She let out a small gasp and grinned, "Well don't you look as pretty as a June bug in July. Come. Sit." She said and watched as I took a seat at one of the sides of the table in front of Monty, leaving the other head of the table open. Hoyt let out a gruff scoff and looked in Luda's direction, "Where in the hell is that boy?" He asked irritated earning a shrug from Luda who seemed a little pressed by Hoyt's irritated demeanor. Hoyt took in a lung full of air and shouted, "Thomas! Get up here and quit making us wait, damnit!". At those words I felt relieved that I wasn't the reason they were waiting to eat but then I began to wonder who Thomas was. I watched the doorway, the room was silent until Luda cleared her throat, "Thomas is my son, you're really gonna like him." She said filled with happiness and... hopefulness? My attention got grabbed by the sound of heavy footsteps coming through the hallway, the suspense was eating me as I waited to see the one they call Thomas. The footsteps stopped at the doorway, I shifted to see a huge man, black curly hair, and cold eyes but the thing that caught me off guard was the leather mask that covered his mouth and nose. He looked at everyone then looked to me, his eyes seemed to penetrate my soul. He threw his arm out and pointed at me then looked to Luda in a distressed manner, Luda responded with a smile that seemed to give fake solace, "This is Y/N, she is going to be our guest for the night. You'll do good to treat her right and help her if need be." She said which got her a low grunt from Thomas. I watched as he sat at the open head of the table directly across from Hoyt.