The Girl Who Heard Voices.

Comfort.

"Book?" Lyle sat next to me, the warmth of his hand against my forehead felt weird.
"How'd you get in here?"
"Your mom left a spare key taped to the inside of the mailbox, remember?" His smile was soft.
"It's a little creepy that you know stuff like that." I teased, sitting upright. The pounding of my head caused me to fall right back down, it was as if someone was dissecting my skull with a dull blade.
"Yeah, you hit your head or something I guess. I don't think you should try to move so much." His fingertips grazing gently over what apparently to my surprise would've been a welt on my forehead that was sensitive to the touch. I wince softly, flinching out of reflex. I quickly notice his face then turn red as he starts apologizing.
"Lyle, it's fine." I reassure him.
"You want me to get you water or something?" I nod to his generosity. As he stands to his feet and heads toward the kitchen, I loose the sight of him as he turns the corner and I lay there in pain, trying my best to mask it. Just like old times, he's always trying to make me feel better.
The smell of pollen brought me back to a happier time.
"Bookie! Oh god, Book, are you alright?" His concern causes me to laugh, I remember how easily worried he can get. I lay on my back, staring up at the clouds which formed different shapes which if I were to look close enough they'd form animals or objects. I hold my gaze on the horizon, and spot an alligator, staring back at me. Its tail forming an S shape in the sky. My hair was a lot longer back then. With his assistance, I stood to my feet, I remember him standing behind me taking his fingers through my hair while brushing the pricks and mud out of it like a mother ape would do for her offspring. My hands were stained with the earths damp soil, it dried and slowly cracked several in minutes. I looked down to Lyle, and smudged what was left of the damp mud on my hand unto his cheek and let out a giggle. It was nice when I actually was taller than him.
"Hey you butt!" His voice cracked as he picked up a pile of mud within his hands, throwing it in my direction. Usually I was quick enough with my feet, but I for some reason froze in my place as it lounged for my neck, slowly slipping and plopping to the ground underfoot.
"Book." I glance up at Lyle who held a glass of water over me. "If you don't stop zoning out I'm gonna have to pour this on you."
"try it and I'll shove that glass up your ass."
"Ohh. Feisty." His lips formed a crooked smiled which I wanted to slap off of his face. I mean, I love this kid but God he knows how to get on someone's nerves.

"Hey Lyle?" I speak softly, sitting upright with my back against the arm rest of the couch. "Can you do me a favor?"
His eyes focused on the TV he nodded. "Yeah, sure. What's up?"
"Can you like stay for tonight or something?" I question, and soon after I began to stammer over my own words like a tongue twister. My brain was running while my lips were still learning to crawl. "I-I mean, you do-don't have to. I um, I just kinda don't wanna like, you know. B-Be alone. Ever since mom died I haven't been able to sleep right. I hear noises outside and shit." He glanced at me and nodded, I knew he didn't know what to say. I didn't expect him to. I just needed to know that I wasn't going to be in this house alone.