SILVER EYES (GXG)

Chapter 50: New Buddies

It took a long talk with Jen, the little girl we found in the woods, to convince her to come with us. I knew it wouldn't be easy. 

I didn't want her to feel forced to leave with us; practically strangers to her. But at the same time, we couldn't leave them there. Will, her little brother, would probably need more medicine in the upcoming days, and if they stayed here, what would happen then?

When Heather picked up Will to place him in the harness she had built, Jen immediately tried to pull him back to the ground. But she calmed down once she saw how comfortable he was with her. Will was her first and only concern. I respected that; he was the only thing she had and I knew that feeling very well. 

Once I felt Jen was ready, I offered her my hand. After a brief moment of hesitation, she took it, and we started walking back to where Stella and Beverly awaited us.

"How old are you, Jen?" I asked.

"Seven and a half." She said, swinging our hands.

"Wow, seven is a great age," I said with a smile. "Do you have a favorite game you like to play?" I wanted her to relax, to feel safe. Maybe a casual talk would help ease the tension and allow us to get to know each other better.

Jen thought for a moment. "I like playing hide and seek, but Will isn't very good at hiding." She said, glancing at her brother in the harness with a hint of a smile.

"He'll get better as he gets older," Heather said, overhearing our conversation. "I bet you're a great big sister, teaching him all sorts of things."

I threw a smile at Heather. She was also trying to make Jen feel comfortable with us. It warmed my heart to see that not only had she changed her mind about taking the kids, but she was also jumping right in and helping them feel comfortable with us. 

Jen's face lit up with pride. "I try. He likes it when I make silly faces at him."

"Really? What kind of faces?" I asked curious.

Jen giggled. "Like this!" She scrunched up her face, puffing out her cheeks and crossing her eyes. I couldn't help but laugh.

"That's a good one!" I said. "Do you have any others?"

Jen nodded eagerly and showed us a few more funny faces, each one making us laugh more than the last.

"Now you!" Jen said to me.

Heather's eyes darted to me with expectation, a funny smile on her face.

"You have set the bar very high, but I can try." I said.

I scrunched up my face, attempting to puff out my cheeks and cross my eyes just like she had done. Heather burst out laughing, melting with Jen's.

"Okay, okay. You can stop now." I teased, watching their laughter stretch endlessly. But there was no sign of it stopping. "Hello? Starting to feel a bit offended." I joked, but it only led to another round of giggles from both of them.

Suddenly, Will popped his head up from the harness.

"Look who's awake." Heather said, glancing at him. His brown eyes scanned the surroundings, curious about the sudden burst of laughter.

"Willy!" Jen exclaimed, hurrying over to Heather. She brought her nose close to his, and he giggled in response.

"I think he's feeling much better." I said, admiring his beautiful brown eyes.

"He sure does." Heather agreed.

I reached out and tickled his tiny toes. "Hey there, little buddy."

Will's giggles filled the air.