She's little

chapter 53

i don't know why but ever since last night I've been on edge, and slightly irritable.

"no i don't want tea James." i say curled into my camping chair waiting for my noodles to be ready.

James was walking over to our little makeshift kitchen area, where we had all set up.
He seemed taken aback by my sharp tone, but he simply nodded and sat down in the chair next to me.

"Sorry, I was just.." he trailed off, his eyes fixed on me. "You seem upset."

Regret coursed through me when I saw the wounded look in James' eyes, his expression a clear indication that my harsh tone had hurt him. I sighed softly, my irritation from earlier diminishing.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, my voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

James' soft kiss on my forehead sent a wave of comfort and reassurance through me. It was a gesture both tender and forgiving, and I felt my irritation melt away under the warmth of his touch.

I looked up at him, my expression a mix of remorse and gratitude. "Thanks," I murmured, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Derik emerged from his tent, holding Lizzie like a small child in his arms. His movements were gentle and protective, and Lizzie seemed to sink into his embrace, looking every bit like an overgrown baby in his strong arms.

The sight was both humorous and endearing, and I couldn't help but smile at the tableau they presented.

"Well, look who's being babied," James teased, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. I nudged James next to me, looking towards Derik and Lizzie with a smirk.

Derik rolled his eyes but a smile crept over his features. Lizzie nuzzled into his neck, her eyes closing and making a content little noise. It was hard to believe that less than an hour ago she had been running around the campsite with boundless energy.

we had all long suspected that lizzie was a younger little, probably around 1 maybe 2, unlike Jenna who was definitely more of a 5-7.

Derik's way of handling her, carrying her like a small child and cuddling her like a caring guardian, seemed to be a natural and comforting fit for her young age. It was heartwarming to watch, in a way, how naturally he adopted a protective and nurturing role around her.

it made me question how old i was perceived as.
i know i've never really slipped in-front of them, so maybe none of them had any clue.

i also thought about how young James saw me as. 

There was a sense of vulnerability that came with reflecting on these thoughts. I was acutely aware of the secret I carried within me, and the fragility of my own regression felt exposed when I thought about how others might perceive it.

James, especially, held a unique understanding of me. I wondered if he saw me differently now, i had slipped multiple times in-front of him.
and Did he treat me with extra care or caution?