Nadine's Stuck.

EIGHT

Caden's POV:

I smile as I watch Nadia carelessly play with Zara while happily babbling and giggling. I have to admit, her giggles are a bit contagious.

I felt bad about the diner. Nadia seemed disconnected the whole time; she didn't make any effort to talk to anyone. Maybe this is what she meant when she said she was "socially troubled". She's not just quiet and reserved, she's anxious and sad. I mean, I noticed the way she bite her cheek and glanced around the room nervously when we met, but she's a freshman. All freshmen are anxious about starting high school, rooming with a random senior, nonetheless. All freshmen besides Elana and Akiko, that is. Elana is too outgoing and loud for her own good, it's like she just says whatever comes to mind, stupid or not. Akiko...is well, Akiko. She's not afraid of anything besides her dad. The way she picks at her nails when her dad is around. I'm not sure what to make of that.

Speaking of Akiko, I don't know why she said that about Nadia. Nadia's skinny, but that doesn't mean she's anorexic, right? She was probably just born like that.

It broke my heart seeing her face as Akiko asked her if she was going to purge. Akiko can be genuine bitch sometimes. I don't like her. I saw the tears gather in Nadia's eyes and Akiko looked at her like she was a pathetic little puppy. It sort of reminded me of when me and Nadia first met. Her slightly tear stain faced, embarrassed, like she was looking at herself like she was a pathetic little puppy. Maybe it's true what they say, people can tell when you're insecure, so just fake your confidence. I don't think Nadia can even fake it.

I glance at clock just above Nadia's desk. "Alright, little Rosewood, time for bed."

She pouts and shakes her head. "No, I'm not sleepy! It's playtime!" She exclaims, going back to playing with Zara.

The last thing I would expect from Nadia is a 'no'.

"Hey, no, no. No, it's not playtime. It's bedtime."

She falls down from her sitting position on my bed, backwards, now laying on her back. "Nooo," she whines.

"Nadine Rosewood. It's bed time. Now let's get ready or you're getting a punishment, alright?"

She groans, glancing over to the punishment list. "Fiiiine."

- - -

It took a little work, but I got Nadia into her pajamas, ready for bed. I tuck her in with Zara and pat her head.

"Are you okay?"

She nods, tired.

"That's good," I say. "Night, Little Rosewood."

"Good night, Big Caden." She mumbles, drifting off into sleep. So much for not being sleepy.

"Cade," I correct her. "Just call me Cade."

I can't help but smile. Nadine Rosewood is one cute little girl.

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Check out the first chapter of my new book 'In His Eyes' on my second account KeepingKeroppi!
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[Sorry if this isn't the best chapter and that it's short! I'm very busy and my birthday is in a few days (as the time I'm writing this), my birthday is August 16th for anyone who is curious! Also, thank you all for so many views and upvotes! Please keep upvoting and following! Love you all and I will try to get another (hopefully better and longer) chapter up next week!]

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Word count: 563!