𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 | 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐳

𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

Cherry lies on the patio, looking at the rickety ceiling above her, lost in thought. She hears the critters and the sound of crunching snow, but she can't concentrate on any of it. All she can worry about is the feeling in her stomach that won't go away. The feeling that something is off. That something is off with her. She brings her hand in front of her face. She spots the small scar she got a few years ago, but other than that, she seems normal. Then why does she feel so off?

"Why are you lying on the floor, Cherry?" She leans her head back a little further, seeing Daniel and Sean upside down. "You missed my training."

"I'm sorry," she says, looking back at the ceiling. "Figured you two could have your little bromance." She waves her arm at the boys. Daniel rolls his eyes. "Also, I was getting food ready. It's on the stove if you want to eat."

"Aw, you fucking rock, Cherry!" He runs past her, opening and closing the door. Sean moves to stand near Cherry, pretty much covering her entire view. She admires him momentarily, finding the long hair to frame his face better. She raises a brow at him.

"'Fucking'?"

"Not like it'll hurt," he shrugs. "Aren't you cold?" She shakes her head no, finally noting she took off her hoodie some time ago, using it as a pillow for her head.

 "You know my memory is still shit."

 "Well, I don't need you catching anything, come on." He places his hand out in front of her, making her roll her eyes.

"Like you said, I'm a walking furnace. I'll be fine." He doesn't move his hand, making her groan in annoyance. "You're such a dad sometimes, Sean-y boy." She grabs his hand, and the boy hoists her to her feet. She has to put her hand on his chest to avoid falling into him.

"Someone has to look out for you, chiqui." She rolls her eyes despite the warmth coming to her face.

"I think I do just fine, cariño."

"It's just..." he trails off, taking in a breath. "You've seemed out of it." She looks up at him, a tired sigh escaping her lips. She hopes the guilt isn't obvious with her expression. "You've been cold with me and a bit cold with Daniel, too." She looks away for a moment, feeling unsure of her words. "What's wrong, Cher?"

 "Nothing, just forgetful," she shrugs, but it's obvious he doesn't believe her. 

 "I told you you could talk to me about anything, didn't I?"

 "Yeah, but-"

 "Then what's wrong?" He places his other hand on her shoulder, leaving her nowhere to go. She stares at him for a few moments, finding it difficult to breathe. She can feel the answer on the tip of her tongue but isn't sure how to say it.

"Well," she starts, taking in a deep breath. "I think-"

"Cherry, can you help me with the food?" A silent sigh of relief escapes her lips.

"I'll go help him." He holds her still, gentle but firm.

"We're talking after Daniel goes to sleep. Promise?" She nods her head.

"I promise." His hold lingers before he lets go. He grabs her hoodie off the patio before the two enter the warm cabin. He tosses the hoodie on the bed before he goes to write Daniel's progress on a piece of drywall.

"What's wrong?" she asks. She looks at the stove, seeing the pot hasn't moved. The ravioli is boiling at this point, though.

"It's too hot to grab, and I don't want to drop it." She rolls her eyes but smiles, nevertheless. She definitely babies him.