"ouch," el huffed as she poked her bandage in the mirror.
"dove," mike gave her a look as he walked into his room, "what are you doing?"
"seeing if it still hurts. which it does," she said, "how was karen's appointment? is she feeling okay? is she sleeping now?" she asked in worry.
he only smiled and shook his head. "no, she's feeling great. she's getting better," he said and smiled wider, "she's in her room if you want to see her,"
she nodded, "i want to make her waffles first.. can i?"
"of course, dove," he went over to hug her, "she'll love that,"
she smiled widely then kissed his cheek, "i'll go do that now. oh, i was writing an essay for eli just now and it's still loading to send, if it does, press send for me, okay?"
"why are you helping him? i thought he was amazing at english," he furrowed his brows.
"he is, but i'm better at persuasive essays if i want to be. just send it," she said then headed to the door and he nodded, "alright then, i'll send it,"
"thank you!" she smiled widely and walked downstairs as she held her side.
humming to herself, she made her way to the kitchen and took out some waffles from the fridge. taking two out, she placed it into the toaster and patiently waited.
once that was done, she placed it on a plate, made sure it was beautiful then took it upstairs to karen's room.
knocking twice, she held onto the plate tightly and asked, "karen? may i come in?"
"of course!"
smiling, she entered her room then shut the door behind her.
"oh, it's dark in here, want me to open the curtains?" el asked, setting the plate of food on the nightstand.
"yes, please," karen smiled and el went to open the curtains. "ooh and that is bright, jesus," she mumbled and went to help karen sit up.
"i made you waffles," she introduced.
karen smiled and patted the spot next to her before el sat down and laid her head down to her shoulder.
"how have you been, dear?" karen asked as el shrugged, "i'm okay,"
"just okay?"
el turned to her. "hm, i feel much better.. haven't been as sad. but.."
"but?" karen asked and urged her on.
"but i'm scared to see my mom in a few days." el said, "i mean, i know she's in jail.. but i also know how she can affect me,"
"you can choose to not go, el—"
"i know. but i want to know a few things from her," el said, "and she lost, i want to see her face." she grinned which made karen chuckle.
"well, el, you need be careful. mike told me a few things about your mother, i want you to be careful," she took el's hand, "i know you're very very strong, but still."
"thank you," el whispered then kissed her cheek gently with a small smile.
*
"sit still before i beat your ass!" el scolded as she braided mikes hair.
"i'm sitting still!" he exclaimed, sitting criss crossed in front of her.
she smacked his back hard. "no you're not! stop being a stupid ass!" she cried and then tugged on his braid.
"ow!"
