Orphans of the night

Chapter 20

"Foster" daughter

I'd spent the last few days making sure my home also felt like Lizzys home. I wanted her to be comfortable. I turned the guest bedroom into her bedroom given I only lived in a two bedroom apartment. We added some personal touches to make it feel more like hers. She didn't really know what she liked, but she was ecstatic when I suggested we put a book shelf in her room and fill it up with books.

I'd gotten to know more about Lizzy over the last few days. I learned what some of her triggers were, she didn't like being interrupted while she was reading unless it was important, she didn't like being touched by surprised and she really didn't like being told what to do. Which I guess I could understand it's hard having someone tell you what to do when your so used to taking care of yourself. It was something we'd work on.

"Dinners ready hunny" I called out to Lizzy who was sitting on the couch reading. She came over with her face still glued to her book, I smiled. She put the book down and started eating.

"What do you think of your new room?" I asked trying to make conversation "it's so cozy.. I love that I don't have to keep my stuff in a bag and carry everything with me now" she said while shovelling some veggies into her mouth. It was a relief she was a good eater and would always finish her plate and eat her veggies "hopefully that's something you'll never have to do again" I smiled sympathetically at her.

After dinner Lizzy jumped in the shower and I was setting a movie up. I felt it was really important to keep her in routine while she was getting used to her new life.

Lizzys POV

I woke up again in a real bed, in my own room. I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I squealed with excitement remembering that Demi had promised to take me to the book store to fill up my shelf if I remembered to brush my teeth every night with out being reminded, which I had been doing.

"Morning Demi" I smiled "wow, never seen you in such a good mood" Demi laughed as she poured her coffee "what's the occasion?" She teased.

I sat down at the bench and smiled at her as she pretended to think and came up with a bunch of silly reasons why I would be in a good mood "Demi!" I playfully shouted "oh. Now I remember. I made a promise to a certain someone" "yes. Me" "alright alright. We'll go to the book store as soon as you finish breakfast" Demi smiled

***

"Whoa" I felt my eyes light up and my heart start racing as I practically ran down the isles "hey, stay where I can see you" Demi called out catching up to me "what books can I get?" "You can get whatever you want" Demi smiled extending her arms out.

Demi grabbed a basket and I filled it to the top with all kinds of novels and book series I'd never read before. When we went to check out, the lady behind the counter laughed.

"Just grabbing a couple books for your daughter?" She asked as she started scanning them. I saw Demi about to say something but I beat her to it.

"Foster daughter" I corrected her "oh I see" the lady replied awkwardly. I looked over at Demi thinking I'd done the right thing but she actually looked... a little hurt. I just thought Demi might've been insulted that someone thought we could be related when she's so much prettier then me.

"Alright. Let's get these books up" Demi smiled as we brought the shopping bags into my room. I'd spent the entire drive home thanking Demi profusely and taking in the new book smell that I'd never been able to experience before.

We organised the books in alphabetical order, once we were done I stood back to admire my full book shelf.

"Looks good" I smiled with my hands on my hips "it sure does. I'm so glad your happy" Demi smiled but it quickly faded as she cleared her throat "I wanted to ask you something" she said in a quieter tone. I looked at her waiting for her to continue "did it upset you that you were mistaken as my daughter today at the store?" Demi asked sadly. I was a little taken aback by her question and I didn't know how to respond "uh.. um. No it was just a bit of a surprise to me I guess.. I'm sorry if it offended you that she thought that" I replied looking down at my hands "I wasn't offended. I thought it was sweet but.. you seemed to be uncomfortable with it" Demi sighed. I paused for a minute "it's not a big deal Demi. We just don't really look alike, that's all" I shrugged nervously. Demi took a deep breath and just nodded her head "yeah.. okay" she fake smiled.

Demi left me in my room to read and enjoy my new books but I couldn't. I just couldn't work out why Demi was so kind to me and why she seemed to care about me so much. She's brought me clothes, books, food that I like and set up the guest bedroom for me with things I like. So it seems like she really does want me to stay but I have a hard time feeling like this is permanent.