Unloved To Loved | Daerin

Chapter 4

The ride to Danielle's house was silent. Haeirn watched as the streets with rundown homes and breaking apart industrial warehouses slowly turned into streets with well-kept lawns and homes with immaculate gardens.

Haerin snuck a glance at Danielle, the doctor was singing along with a song Haerin had never heard before.

Danielle's voice was soft and soothing, it danced into Haerin's chest coaxing her heart to beat with its rhythm.

Haerin had never come through these streets before, she had never had a reason to. Even as a child, her neighborhood didn't look like this.

Haerin felt immensely out of place until Danielle pulled into her garage and gave her a soft smile.

There was a reason why Haerin felt comfortable with Danielle. The woman was practically duvet; her energy was warm and comforting.

Haerin trailed behind Danielle as they made their way into her kitchen

"Did you want to eat something first or do you want to have a shower?" Danielle asked as she opened the fridge.

Haerin stood slightly awkwardly trying to make up her mind, she knew she needed a shower but her stomach hadn't eaten since lunchtime.

"I know I need a shower but id like to eat first. If that's okay with you?" she added

"I've got leftovers from earlier, are you okay with salmon and salad?" Danielle held up the containers.

"Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you, Danielle." Haerin placed her bag on the floor and made a move to sit at the kitchen island.

Danielle plated the salad as she waited for the salmon to reheat.

"You're not eating?" Haerin frowned.

"I ate before I left earlier. Thirsty?'' Danielle smiled with her question.

Haerin picked at a piece of skin on her thumb, this entire situation felt so foreign. She hardly knew Danielle and Danielle hardly knew her, yet she trusted her.

Haerin couldn't figure out if this was a normal Danielle ting to do or if the doctor wasn't street-smart.

"Water is fine, thank you."

Danielle placed a bottle of water in front of Haerin, as she took a sip she hadn't realised how dehydrated she had gotten.

Haerin was half way through her meal and currently trying to make sure she ate at an acceptable pace because the food Danielle had served her was delicious.

Danielle was washing up as Haerin stole glances at her, Haerin couldn't have been subtle as Danielle looked up from what she was doing to catch her out.

"Do you have a question?" Daniele hummed as she rinsed out a pot.

Haerin almost choked on her mouthful and Danielle laughed. "You are not subtle if you're trying to be, Haerin." Haerin felt her cheeks redden as she cleared her throat.

"Well, I was wondering if you usually invite strangers into your home and feed them delicious food?" Haerin asked, smiling.
Danielle scoffed as she leaned forward onto the bench.

"Well, no. I don't. I usually don't have anyone over." Danielle replied simply.
Haerin nodded her head in understanding but she also felt the words had a double meaning.

She finished her plate then stood wanting to wash it up. "Ah, nope. You go shower, I'll finish this." Danielle stole the plate from Haerin and all but shoved her away.

"I don't know where the shower is, Danielle." Haerin laughed as she let Danielle think she could overpower her.

"Oh my god, I'm losing my mind. Follow me and bring your bag." She laughed as she headed towards a staircase.