Something Inappropriate

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Adrenna shifted her attention back to the screen as Horsca's projection came to life, and her initial apprehension began to dissipate

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Adrenna shifted her attention back to the screen as Horsca's projection came to life, and her initial apprehension began to dissipate. The images were not what she expected when Enoch had mentioned "movie time."

Instead of thrilling chases or horrifying monsters, the scene unfolded to reveal Horace in a bustling tailor shop, surrounded by racks of suits. He was animatedly discussing fabrics with various tailors, their hands gesturing as they shared laughter and compliments over each other's selections.

Adrenna felt a warmth spread through her as the other children leaned forward, captivated by the mundane yet charming spectacle. This was calm and soothing, far from the horror-filled tales she had heard associated with movies in the past. A small smile crept onto her face as she watched Horace twirl in different outfits, the joy in his actions infectious.

Enoch leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. "Horace can project his dreams," he explained softly, glancing at the screen. "And this is what he dreamed about last night. Sometimes, he even shows the future." His eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and mischief, and Adrenna felt her heart flutter at the way he included her in his world.

But just as Enoch finished explaining, the scene shifted dramatically. The laughter in the room faded into a collective gasp as the image morphed. Adrenna squinted, trying to make sense of the new setting. It was dark, with a night sky dotted with stars overhead, and she realized she was sitting on the top of a hill, not alone but facing Enoch, who appeared just as real in the projection as he did sitting beside her.

"Ooooh!" came the chorus of "aws" and "ohs" from the children, and Adrenna felt her cheeks flush with heat. Adrenna glanced at Enoch, and for a brief moment, she met his eyes, seeking reassurance. But Enoch was lost in the dream, seemingly entranced, wondering why he was there, while she felt a pang of embarrassment at being the center of attention.

As the dream continued, Adrenna saw herself smiling and laughing, her movements animated as Enoch's puppets made exaggerated gestures. They were holding a play for her as commanded. Her delight was palpable, and she tried to suppress her giggles. But then the camera zoomed in on Enoch's face, and the room fell silent.

"Enoch must have a twin. That can't be him," someone breathed, as the dream Enoch displayed a radiant, genuine smile that lit up his face. He looked at Adrenna with such intensity that it was impossible to deny the affection evident in his gaze. Each time she giggled, his smile stretched more, or when she looked up at him, he would look away.

His expression transformed, betraying an endearing shyness that made the children erupt in teasing laughter.

"Is that what you call being in love?" Millard teased from the back, earning a chorus of laughter that made Enoch glare at them deadpan. Adrenna felt a mix of confusion and warmth as she hid her face in her hands, wishing she could melt into the sofa.

"Don't hide," Enoch taunted, reaching over to hold her wrist gently, his fingers brushing against her skin as he forced her to face the screen. "You're in this dream, too, you know."

The next scene flickered to life, and Adrenna's heart raced as the setting shifted to Enoch's bedroom. She was lying on his bed, the fabric of his sheets running between her fingers, exploring the textures with an innocent curiosity.

As the camera panned up, her breath caught when she saw Enoch there, sitting at the side of the bed, his presence both comforting and daunting.

A heavy tension hung in the air, thickening like fog. They were locked in an intense gaze, and Adrenna could feel the weight of that moment like an electric current between them. Enoch coughed awkwardly, his usual confidence wavering under the scrutiny of the others, who were completely oblivious to the shift in the atmosphere.

"Um, this is—" he began, but the words trailed off as the dream version of Adrenna sat up slightly, her posture confident as she leaned on one arm. The blanket slipped from her shoulder to her lap, and she reached out, fingers brushing against Enoch's jaw, drawing him closer.

"Uh," the real Enoch muttered, his eyes widening as he realized where this was headed. "Shit, no, no—" His protest was too late. Before he could react, the dream Adrenna leaned in, her face mere inches from dream Enoch's, and the room held its breath in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

"Horace!" Enoch shouted instinctively, reaching for the nearest cushion. With a swift motion, he threw it at the screen, hitting Horace right in the face. The projection flickered and sputtered, just as the dream Adrenna was about to close the distance.

The room erupted in groans and frustrated yells as the dream vanished into static. "Aw, come on!" Hugh shouted, clearly exasperated. "You ruined it!"

Adrenna looked at Enoch, her eyes wide and bewildered. "What just happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the color still high in her cheeks. Enoch was bright red, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief plastered across his face as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I—I. Well!" he stammered, trying to maintain a semblance of composure. "Horace was about to show something... inappropriate!"

"Like a kiss?" Olive asked with a mischievous grin, causing a ripple of laughter among the others.

"Shut up, Olive," Enoch shot back, but there was no heat in his words—only a nervous chuckle as he glanced sideways at Adrenna, who looked as confused as he felt. "Is that really what it looked like?" Adrenna murmured, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had just unfolded.

"Uh, I mean, no! You were just—" Enoch floundered, his flustered demeanor only making others giggle more and Adrenna confused as she tried to understand him. "See?" Emma chimed in, nudging Adrenna playfully. "You made him all flustered!"

"Yeah, like a couple of lovesick doves," Millard added, feigning a swoon. "Shut it," Enich glared but them but it was not like he could do much as he sighed in defeat.

Adrenna felt a smile creeping onto her face despite her embarrassment, warmth bubbling inside her. Enoch's laughter broke through her anxiety, easing the tension that had built in her chest.

"I think you just broke me, Adrenna," Enoch mutters, only for her to hear, shaking his head in mock, but the smile tugging at his lips was unmistakable.

Adrenna could hardly keep the grin off her face as she watched Enoch begin to regain his confidence, chuckling along with the rest of the group. Maybe she wasn't as out of place as she thought. Maybe, just maybe, she could find her own spot within this peculiar family.

ɢʀօաȶɦ, աɛ ɢʀօա ȶօɢɛȶɦɛʀ | Enoch O'ConnorWhere stories live. Discover now