Anyone But You~

14

Daniels Pov: 

I caressed her hair while she was hugging me and crying. I felt bad seeing her like this. I knew her grandmother was her only family and how much it hurts to lose someone so dear to your heart. But one thing I knew her for sure is that I'll never make her feel empty or lonely. The funeral was over. We walked back to her house. she sat down on the wooden floor. I sat beside her. 

Daniel: "Hazel" 

I called her out softly. She looked at me with her red puffy eyes. I pulled her closer to me making her sit on my lap caressing her hair. 

Daniel: "I'm so sorry about your grandma. I can only imagine how hard this is for you."

Hazel: "I-I have no one...I miss her" 

she cries once again snuggling into my neck. 

Daniel: "You're not alone, you have me. I'm here for you."

I say, my voice firm yet gentle. 

As I speak those words, Hazel lifts her head from my chest, looking up at me with tear-filled eyes. Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, we hold each other's gaze, a silent moment of understanding passing between us. After a while, Hazel's sobs start to subside, and she manages to speak. Her voice is soft and shaky, but there's an underlying strength in her words. 

Hazel: "Thank you for being here for me. I... I don' know what I'd do without you." 

I smile gently at Hazel's words, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me. Hearing her express gratitude for my presence touches me deeply. 

Daniel: "You don't have to thank me, I'm here for you, always. You're not alone, okay?" 

my voice firm but tender. I gently place my lips on her forehead. she closes her eyes in bliss.  Daniel comforts Hazel, she slowly calms down further. The emotional outburst has left her feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally. Daniel, still holding her, notices the weariness in her face, and he makes a decision.

Daniel: "You need to rest; you've been through a lot today. Let's get you somewhere comfortable, okay?"

Hazel: "I-I'll change my clothes...Y-you should too" 

Daniel: "Yeah I have extra clothes in my car I'll go get them" 

She nods. I quickly go outside then take my clothes and come back inside. I take a warm shower in the guest room in Hazel's house before wearing my hoodie and trousers. I came out while drying my hair to see Hazel in a cute white night wear with her hair left open and no makeup on. 

Hazel: "Your here! I made you some coffee" 

she passed me the cup. I smiled and took the cup tasting it and as always, it's perfect. We sat down on the ground drinking the coffee. Her house is really comfy and vintage it calms me down for a reason. 

Hazel: "I-I'm sorry my house isn't that spacious" 

She said while looking down embarrassed. 

Daniel: "No no it's fine I actually like the way your home is...like an actual home"  

I said to her then smiled, she smiled back. We sat in silence for a while before I asked her something. 

Daniel: "So now...you're going to stay here alone?"  

Hazel: "I... I think I will shift in the maid's quarter" 

Daniel: "That's a good choice...You won't have to be alone" 

she nods. 

Hazel: "I'm sorry cause of me you have to stay here" 

Daniel: "Hazel stop apologizing it's fine it's the least I can do for you after all this" 

she smiles softly at him. Then I remembered something and removed it from my back pocket. 

Daniel: "Here's your medicine" 

I forwarded the paper bag to her. 

Hazel: "Thank you so much" 

She smiled at me I smiled back.  

Hazel: "We should sleep...you can sleep in my room I'll sleep here in the living room" 

Daniel: "No it's not needed I'll sleep here you can sleep in your room" 

Hazel: "No please I wouldn't like it" 

I sighed. 

Daniel: "Let's do one thing both of us will sleep inside" 

Hazel: "Together?" 

I nodded. 

Daniel: "We'll adjust" 

She nodded. We got up and went inside her room which was enough for one person to stay with a bed, study table etc. Hazel made the bed I stood there looking around. 

Hazel: "I'll sleep on the ground" 

Daniel: "No you're sick...we both can share the bed" 

she thought for a while before nodding. She slept on the left and placed a pillow in between I slept on the right. We covered ourselves with the blanket and turned off the lights, a candle was lightened on the side table. She also turned on the heater for some warmth as it was snowing outside. I looked at Hazel who closed her eyes sleeping. I sighed and closed my eyes. 

LATER: 

While I was trying to sleep, I noticed my phone buzzing, so I picked it up and went out of the room to see my mom calling me. I knew why she was calling me, so I picked it up. 

Daniel: "Hello mom" 

Mrs. Hernandez: "Daniel where are you? it's 2 in the morning?" 

Daniel: "Mom I-I'm with a friend it's an emergency" 

Mrs. Hernandez: "Oh..is everything okay dear?" 

Daniel: "Yes mom I'll take care don't worry I'll be home by morning" 

Mrs. Hernandez: "Okay buddy! Take care, love you" 

Daniel: "Love you too mom bye" 

I ended the call and left out a heavy breath.