His Girl

Chapter 3

Dolly skips happily next to me, her bitty hand gently clasped in mine. "Where to next, boss man?"

Glancing at her, I don't fight the smile from forming on my lips. "To get you a phone."

She slows down, a confused expression on her face. "What?"

"So you can call me if something happens and I'm not there," I explain simply, tugging her along.

Thoughtfully, she studies the sidewalk as we make our way to the Verizon phone store. "I haven't got any money, Grayson."

Giving her tiny hand a squeeze, I reply carefully, "I know. I have you covered."

Out of nowhere, she yanks her hand from mine and stops walking. Once I turn to face her, she is already shaking her head.

"I don't need a phone," she says, sounding anxious as she rubs her forearm.

"Yes you do," I say, leaving no room for arguments. "Now let's go, Dolly. It's getting colder and you need to get warm before you get sick."

I should have made her grab a coat, the thin jacket she has on now does nothing to protect her. I'm getting cold too, we need to get back.

Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, I pull her securely to my side and resume our walk.

However, she doesn't brighten up like I thought she would. The entire walk to the phone store, she stares silently at her worn out shoes, not even glancing up at me when we enter.

Inside the store, I bring her to where the Samsung phones are kept. I have never liked Apples, they seem limited.

Glancing over them, I grab an S3, which is cheeper because it's out of date. "Is this one okay," I ask Dolly, showing her the phone.

She looks at it and frowns, "Please don't buy this for me."

Shocked, I scowl, "Why not?" What person doesn't want a free phone? So it might be a bit out of date, but I thought she wouldn't mind.

She fumbles with her fingers, biting her lip nervously, "I don't want you to waste your money on me. I can't pay you back."

Ah, so this is about her pride.

Sighing, I shake my head at her rediculousness. "I dont mind. Really this is for my own sake. I'll worry less if you have a phone."

With narrowed eyes, she looks up at me skeptically. "Right."

D**m, that's a cute expression on her.

"Honest," I confirm, nodding my head stiffly.

She watches my face, looking for any signs that I'm not telling the truth.

"Please," I sigh, wishing she'd just go with it, "I want to do this."

Still, she doesn't give in immediately. In her eyes, I see an internal battle, like logic is winning over pride. After a few moments, she nods slightly, a small smile forming on her lips.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Slowly, she wraps herself around me, "Thank you, Grayson."

Chuckling, I lightly run my hand through he soft hair. "Sure thing. Do you like this one?"

By the time she lifts her gaze to mine, she's recovered her mindless enthusiasm. "I love it!"

Smiling, I pull away and move to purchase the phone at the cash register. "Good."

After grunging up seventy-five bucks out of my wallet and setting up the network, I grab the phone and the receipt along with her hand and go outside.

Sitting on a nearby bench, I pull her down beside me and open up the cell. "Do you know how to use it?"

Confused, she nibbles on her lower lip, distracting me momentarily. "Sort of. My mom had an IPhone, but I could never figure it out."

In my opinion, Androids are simpler. They aren't as secure, but I feel like they have more options.

Patiently, I describe how the phone works. I could just let her figure it out on her own, but I have nothing better to be doing. "This is the power button...that's the home button...volume...you can just touch that..."

By the time we're done, it's starting to get dark.

I have to get to The Ring.

Standing, I gesture for her to stand as well and begin walking back to our foster house. "I will be gone until late tonight, do me a favor and avoid the others."

She looks up at me, fear appearing on her face. "Can I come with you?"

The vulnerability in her soft voice has my throat tightening. "Where I'm going is no place for you. You will be in even more danger there." D**n, I hope she understands.

Nodding slowly, she lowers her head like a kicked puppy, excepting my words but not agreeing with them. "Okay. Thank you for today, Grayson. It was really fun." However, despite her words, her voice is distant, disappointed almost.

In attempt to reign in my guilt and worry, I force myself to look away.

This is for the best.

"Don't leave your room, lock the door--" Horrified, I remember that she is sleeping in the closet, which has no lock. "Nevermind. There is a place that I used to hide," I've been in this house before, back when I was younger and smaller, "When I could fit in it. There's a loose air vent in my room that is easy to open up. You stay in there as silent as a mouse, when I come back, I will get you out."

"How long will you be gone," she asks curiously, looking up at me.

While inwardly wishing I didn't have to leave her, I reply worriedly, "Three hours at most." I can't leave her in that vent all alone for more than that.

Previously, my plan was to stay as long as possible at the ring, it's just more time away from that sh*t hole.

But now I don't mind the thought of going back.