Daddy's Precious Little Girl

Not Here

*****

As dinner wrapped up, I kept an eye on Ashlynn, but my attention kept drifting to Marcy. She sat quietly at the end of the table, barely touching her food, her shoulders hunched as if she wanted to disappear. The sight tugged at something deep within me—a mix of worry and instinct to help.

When most of the dining hall had emptied, I crouched down beside her, keeping my tone calm and gentle. "Marcy," I asked, "where's Franklin? Is he coming to pick you up?"

Marcy looked up briefly, her eyes wary, then shook her head, barely meeting my gaze before looking away. "I... I don't know," she whispered.

Her response wasn't just uncertain—it was filled with hesitation and something close to fear. I glanced over at Ashlynn, who had noticed Marcy's quietness too, and gave her a reassuring nod. "It's alright, Marcy," I said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "How about we walk to your dorm, and we'll see if Franklin's there?"

She gave a small nod, gathering her things slowly, as if hoping something would change. With Ashlynn on one side and Marcy on the other, I led them through the quiet halls, the late-evening hum replaced with an empty stillness that seemed to magnify Marcy's tension.

When we reached her dorm, I knocked on the door, hoping Franklin might appear with an explanation. But the seconds ticked by, and no one answered. I knocked again, louder this time, but still nothing.

Marcy's face crumpled, and she looked down, fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. "I don't think he's here," she murmured, sounding small and defeated.

I took a deep breath, dialing the Head Mistress, Mrs. Edington. It took only a couple of rings before her calm, authoritative voice came through the line. "Ethan, what can I help you with?"

"Head Mistress, I'm with Marcy right now, and it seems no one's here to pick her up," I explained, keeping my voice steady. "We're outside her dorm, but there's no answer."

There was a brief pause, then a sigh. "I had hoped this wouldn't be an issue," she said, irritation clear in her voice. "Franklin was supposed to arrange a substitute caregiver or take her with him when he left. This is unacceptable."

Her tone softened slightly as she continued, "Please bring Marcy to my office, Ethan. I'll arrange for her to stay with me for the rest of the week."

"Understood, Head Mistress," I replied, relieved there was a plan in place.

I looked at Marcy, offering her a reassuring smile. "The Head Mistress will take care of you this week, Marcy. She'll make sure you're comfortable."

Marcy nodded, her eyes still downcast, and I could tell she was trying to hold herself together. "Okay," she whispered, barely audible.

"Come on," I said gently, standing up and guiding her in the direction of the Head Mistress's office. Ashlynn walked beside her quietly, resting a small hand on Marcy's shoulder in silent support. It was a simple gesture, but one that seemed to steady Marcy just a bit.

As we made our way down the halls, I hoped that a few days under the Head Mistress's care would give Marcy the stability she needed. And maybe, in time, it would bring her some peace as well.