temporary home

Micheal's POV

It's been a few hours and the boys just got home. I couldn't order much for Addie because she slept the whole time but I did get a cool loft bed and a dresser for her room. The painters are coming tomorrow and right now I'm trying to get Addie to tell me what colors she likes. Ashton and Calum are putting groceries away and attempting to make grilled cheese for a meal. Laughter pours out of the kitchen. Luke just walked through the door a few minutes ago and is currently bringing bags and bags of toys and clothes into the spare room where we're keeping Addie's stuff for now.

Addie and I are sitting on the couch, the TV is on quietly in the background and she's watching everything that is going on with apprehension and fear, but a little excitement too.

"What's your favorite color, Addie?" I ask her quietly. Her clothes are dirty and she's got some crazy bedhead, but she looks so adorable that I can't help but snap a picture as she thinks. She hasn't said a word since we've met her so I'm afraid she might not answer me, but after a few moments she says in a small voice that's scratchy from lack of use, "b-b-blue" She quickly hids her face and scoots backwards farther away from me, as if she expects to be slapped for talking. It breaks my heart. I lower myself so I'm at her level and still leaving a good 6 inches between us, I show her pictures of blue rooms on my MacBook. Her eyes light up on the 3rd picture I show her. It had a loft bed, fairy lights, a reading nook, a beanbag chair, and a big barbie house. I can tell she's in love with it, so I save it. I flick to the next picture when Ashton calls from the kitchen.

"FOODS READY"

Addie jumps and then hides backwards, terrified at the sudden noise. She slowly looks out and when she realizes it's just Ashton, stops shaking and slowly moves towards him, keeping her eyes on the ground. I follow her into the kitchen where Ash and Luke have made food for all of us. The other boys are at the table already and I show Addie a seat, then sit down myself.

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After food, Addie is completely exhausted. She's falling asleep at the table and looks miserable. Calum is washing dishes and Ashton's playing fifa with Luke.

"I'm going to try and give Addie a bath, you guys will be down here if I need help right?" I stop to check with Luke on my way upstairs (yes our flat has 2 floors). I get a grunt and a nod which I take as yes and continue on my way. Addie is so tired she lets me carry her up the stairs, but wakes up when we get to the bathroom. Instantly she starts shaking and trying to get out of my arms.

"whoa, whoa, Addie it's ok, relax" I try to get her to calm down, but no luck. We haven't even been in the bathroom for a minute and she's already having a full blown panic attack. I set her down and get down on her level.

"Breathe Addie, deep breaths, follow my breathing, that's it, deep breaths, I won't hurt you."