Testing The Waters

Chapter Fourteen

Today is Anna's first group activity at The Friendship Center. I'm not sure what Mr. Clark has planned, but this will be a good time to introduce her to a group setting.

As soon as I park at the Center and step out of my jeep, I hear my name and find Anna running towards me. I smile at her, but then my smile lowers when I spot Alex following behind her. 

"Babbie!" Anna says, throwing her arms around me.

"Hi Anna!" I give her a big squeeze and smile down at her. I turn to face Alex who is standing there, hands in his pockets, watching me.

"I thought Anna's Dad was coming today." I say, feeling nervous for some reason.

Alex raises a curious eyebrow at me. "He had to work late."

Not responding, I fix Anna with my biggest smile. "Are you excited to meet the other kids?"

Anna looks down, shrugging, and I can immediately see her closing in on herself. Alex bends down, putting a gentle arm on her back. "What's wrong, Bean?"

I hate the way my insides slightly melt whenever he uses that nickname.

She turns to him, and I see the tears already dripping down her small face. "I'm scared," she cries, burrowing her head in his chest.

Alex gives me a heinous look as if to say, "Way to go, Dummy!". He looks back down at his sister and gently strokes her back. "Why are you scared? You know I'll be here with you."

She sniffs, looking up at him. "I want to go home."

Standing, Alex picks Anna up in his arms. She buries her face in his neck as he rubs her back soothingly. "It's okay Anna, we can go home."

Wait... What?

"Alex." I take a step toward them. 

"Don't" He eyes me in warning. "She's not ready for this."

I hold my hands up, trying to placate him. "I understand she's scared, but that's to be expected. The initial meeting is always the—"

"No!" he cuts me off sharply. "I'm not going to make her do something she doesn't want to do."

"Even if it's what's best for her?" I snap back, growing frustrated.

His eyes narrow. "Don't tell me what's best for MY sister!"

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose, forcing myself to calm down. "Let me try talking to her." I lightly touch his hand that is wrapped around Anna. "Please," I plead with him. "Before you give up and take her home, just... let me try."

Alex frowns down at my hand on his arm, and I quickly remove it.

After a moment, he sighs and sets her down. "Anna, stay here with Babbie for a sec. I need to get something from my car," he mumbles. After giving me a warning glance, Alex walks away, brushing a furious hand through his hair.

Sitting down on the ground, I scoot back until I'm leaning up against my car. I pat the space next to me. "Anna. Why don't you come and sit by me while we wait for Alex?"

She nods, slowly making her way towards me and, after a moment of hesitation, she sits.

I look over at the sad little girl and run my hand over her hair delicately. "Anna. Why are you afraid?"

It's not like I don't already know, but I need to get her talking about it. Unfortunately, the only reaction I get is a loud sniff.

Okay, that's obviously not going to work. I decide try a different approach.