Orphans of the night

Chapter 10

Worn out coat

As soon as Demi had left the room last night I'd pretty much fallen asleep as my head hit the pillow. A real pillow. I didn't want to leave this bed. I snuggled between the blankets and kicked my feet joyfully. I was warm and safe. I could hear the loud icy wind outside that couldn't bother me while I was here.

For a minute I let myself imagine this was my life. That this was my bed every night. That I was always clean. I felt so refreshed and energised as I'd had the best sleep but I knew it was time to get up.

I opened the bedroom door and crept out into the living room where I saw Demi sitting on the couch with a mug in her hand "good morning. How did you sleep?" She asked smiling widely at me "um.. really good" I said shyly "what time is it?" "Almost 10am" she responded "what? Omg" I said surprised. I hadn't slept later then 7am for as long as I can remember.

Demi chuckled and patted the spot next to her "come sit" she said. I felt a little awkward sitting so close to her but I didn't want to make her feel bad so I did.

"What are you drinking?" I asked "coffee. It's the first time I've made it myself since I moved here. I've been trying every place in the city to see where it's the best from" she smiled as she took a sip. Oh.. well that would explain why I was suddenly seeing her everywhere "you hungry?" She asked getting off the couch "a little" I said following her "I can make you some eggs on toast?" "Yes please" I smiled excitedly.

I sat quietly and tried to eat at a reasonable pace as Demi sipped on her coffee.

"Sooo.. Blossom. Um. Where are you from?" Demi asked placing her mug down "uh here I guess" I shrugged. I could tell she wanted to ask me more questions and I guess that was fair enough since I was in her house and she was feeding me, but I didn't want to give up any information voluntarily so I let her ask "if you don't mind me asking.. where are your parents?" She asked kindly. I paused and swallowed my food slowly "I dont know. Dead maybe. I never knew them" I said bluntly. I heard her take a deep breath as I continued eating "have you been alone all this time?" She asked quietly looking down at her hands "no" I responded hoping she'd stop asking me questions now
"What about you. Where are you from?" I asked diverting the conversation to her "I just moved from LA" she nodded.

After I finished eating I thanked Demi again sincerely "I should probably go now. Thank you so much. I'll give you your clothes back now" "no no. Wait. I don't want you to leave" Demi said rushing over too me "but I'm okay now" I said confused. She looked at me and sighed, she reached her hand out to me but I stepped back and shouted on reflex "don't touch me!" I sheilded my face with my hands "oh hunny I'm so sorry. I won't touch you" she quickly apologised stepping back. I looked at her as my breathing became fast and heavy feeling a little guilty.

"I'm sorry I- I should go now" I said quickly rushing out the door "Blossom!" She called out after me so I stopped and turned to her but kept my gaze on the floor.

"I want to help you" Demi said gently "I don't need your help" I snapped. She paused for a minute "you needed my help last night, and on the road... can you imagine what would have happened if I wasn't there?" She spoke sadly and with empathy as she bent down to match my height.

"I appreciate that, but I'll be okay now" I ensured her "oh. I need my coat though. It's cold outside" I said quietly. She smiled at me "how about we get you a new one? That one seems... worn out" she suggested. It was true. I'd had that coat about 5 years and it was a hand me down.

"I don't have any money" I said ashamed "that's okay. I gotchu" she smiled standing back up "what? You'd buy me a coat?" I said in awe as I looked at her with puppy dog eyes "yes, I'd really love to" she smiled.

***

I dawdled behind Demi following her around like a lost sheep as we walked through the mall.

"Come on slow poke" she turned and smiled to me. I held my hands nervously to my chest as I caught up to her "aren't you embarrassed to be seen with me?" I said quietly "what? No way" she said surprised. I felt shocked myself hearing that. I thought for sure she would've wanted me walking behind her so people didn't know we were together.

"How about this one?" Demi said holding up a coat. It was brown and looked like it had lots of buttons and pockets. I reached my hand out and felt the inside of it. It was a thick wooly layer on the inside and a soft brown colour on the outside. It even had a hood "I really like it" I smiled shyly "um. How about maybe some new boots?" Demi scrunched her face as she looked down at my boots with holes in them and the soles so thin I could feel every pebble I stepped on. I nodded and smiled.

A/N
Thank you everyone whose been reading and voting! I'd love to hear what you think so far and point out any mistakes I might've looked over 🙈