If You Change Your Mind You Know Where To Find Me (Book Two)

Gnashing Teeth and Criminal Tongues

Asteria:

Davey looks at me and doesn't say a single word. He just starts crying. I don't mean a few tears I mean completely sobbing into his own hands and I'm terrified. What's going on?

"Davey...Davey, what happened?" I ask as I shake his shoulder. He aggressively pulls me into his chest and just keeps crying. I don't understand why he won't stop but it makes me cry even more. He kisses the top of my head. 

"We need to go to the doctor tomorrow," he manages to muster out once he's done.

"Why? Why do we need to go back there?" I ask, panicked. He touches the side of my face gently and just shakes his head.

"I'd rather just wait for us to talk to her, okay? Do you want more food?" he asks. I shake my head and he takes my plate.

"Get some sleep," he mumbles as he walks out of my room.

I follow him into the kitchen. I can't be alone right now. He scared the crap out of me and he won't give me any answers. I go into the bathroom and start running the water. When I reach to grab my candles I jump back. This isn't mine...What is this?

"Davey?" I call out. He comes in quickly. 

"What is it, munch?"

"Where did this tray come from?"

"Oh my God, I can't do this all over again," he sighs and starts rubbing his eyes. 

"I'm sorry I-I just do-"

"No, don't be sorry. It's okay. We'll talk about that tomorrow too, okay? We'll see if I can answer your questions tomorrow. You're going to take a bath?" I nod at him and he smiles. His eyes scan my body for a quick second and I can tell he's hoping I didn't notice. I shut the door and let the hot water run, happy to step into it and relieve my tense muscles. I think I put too many bubbles in this one because a few of my candles snuff out once I climb in. 

"Are you in? Can I come in? Is it weird if I just keep you company? Not like inside of the tub or anything, I'll just sit on the floor." What the hell? 

"David, what's wrong with you?"

"Sorry, it's weird, forget I asked."

"I just want to know why." I ask, sinking farther into the bubbles.

"I just haven't seen you in a really long time. I guess I'm excited for your company." I can't help but contort my face. What the fuck is going on with this kid?

"I mean I guess it's fine but once the bubbles start to go so do you!" He just laughs and comes in, sitting cross legged against the wall. He avoids looking at me, which I'm grateful for.

"Remember how weird my dad was?" he laughs. I join him.

"Oh my God he was the worst!"

"Just bathe together! It saves water! You're only eight it won't make a difference!" He impersonates his father down to his hand gestures and I laugh much harder than I should. 

"Every sleep over we bathed in swimsuits. Now that I think about it, that's so gross," I laugh. He turns his head and looks at me, flashing me a charming crooked smile.

"Oh, so you're not up for it?" he asks and we both burst into laughter. 

"Do you remember the tree incident of 2002?" I ask him and he covers his face with his hands, laughing himself to tears. "Dad, build me a tree a house! Dad, hurry up! Dad, all I want is a tree house!"

"And the tree fell because I forced my dad to go up there and build a damn tree house!" We're both laughing so hard we're crying and I'm amazed I have any form of tears left in me.