His Girl

Chapter 5

Sneezing again, Dolly whimpers and squirms uncomfortably. "My head hurts," she mumbles, scrunching her face up in pain.

I come to a swift decision, to stay with Cassie and deal with Mrs. Kolfer later. I'm worried that she's coming down with something, that her injuries are only one of many causes for concern.

Carefully, I recline onto the hard matress, laying her on my chest. As gently as I can, I run my fingers down her body while she snuggles closer, checking for broken bones.

After confirming that no bones are broken, I have her show me her bruises. Lastly, I inspect the generous bump on her head, seeing that the skin hasn't broken.

Afterwards, when I know the extent of her injuries, I let her relax fully into my chest. It isn't long before she's fast asleep.

I need to wake her in a couple hours, I tell myself, lightly caressing her soft, slightly greasy hair, make sure she doesn't have a concussion.

However, after a few moments I feel myself drifting off.

×××

The sound of a door creaking jerks me back to reality, causing my eyes to snap open instinctively.

"Why you little..."

Before I can react, I'm roughly pulled off the bed and thrown to the floor. Only, I accidentally take Dolly with me, unintentionally pinning her to the old wooden floorboards.

Quickly, I roll off of her so she can breathe and try to take in our current situation.

Mrs. Kolfer and Lankan John--the only boy in this place even close to my size--stand over us, looking rather angry.

Lankan has always been a kiss up, always trying to get special treatment from dear ol' Mrs. Kolfer. Which he does, but that's not the point.

The point is is that we aren't on the best of terms as of late. And frankly, I don't think that will help us any right now.

Still slightly groggy, I reach over and grasp Dolly's trembling hand in my own. "What do you want?"

Rolling her eyes, Mrs. Kolfer crosses her arms over her chest, looking like an angry badger. "You know what I want! Or rather, who I want," she adds on, a slow smirk spreading across her ugly face.

I sense Dolly become more worried, cuddling closer to me for protection. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kolfer."

"Actually," I huff, sitting up calmly, "I was just going to come talk to you, Mrs. Kolfer! How nice that you saved me the trouble. Now, I heard someone say something about a closet? Maybe? Oh, and also some unprofessional behavior on your part if my sources are correct. And they are."

She starts fuming, fisting her chubby hands at her sides as her face literally turn a shade of red. "How dare you? You disrespectful--"

"I would hate for my information to get out," I cut her off, glancing towards Lankan momentarily before returning my gaze to her.

Slowly, her raging expression dims and her beady eyes show fear. "That's not necessary."

Dropping my pleasant facade, I glare at her harshly, getting to my feet so I can tower over them all. "Get out," I hiss, barely restraining myself.

Terrified, they rush out of the room, closing the door behind them.

I swivel to look down at my little Dolly who is sitting on the floor and staring at me in awe.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"N-no, that was cool!" She scrambles to her feet, a bright grin lighting up her whole face. "Thank you!"

She throws her arms around me wholeheartedly, smiling into my chest.

So adorable.

Gently patting her hair, I chuckle in response, her attitude appearing utterly contagious. "Anytime, Dolly."

Pulling away, she beams up at me expectantly.

However, I don't understand what it is she desires.

Slightly confused, I shove my hands into my pockets and ask, "what is it?"

Immediately, a blush spreads across her cheeks and she looks away, "oh--no, that's not what--well, I was just wondering..." She sighs and peeks up at me through her thick lashes, "c--can I sleep with you?"

Surprised, I lift my brows and my mouth drops open, "What?!"

Realization washes over her face and she gasps in horror, "No! That's not what I meant!"

Choosing to tease her a bit, I smirk and chuckle lightly, "Cassie, if you wanted it all you had to do was ask!"

Completely mollified, she takes a step back, raising her hands in defense, "That's not what I meant, Grayson! I was just gonna ask you...the closet's really dark... nevermind." She turns around and starts leaving the room with her head down in embarrassment.

"Oh, Dolly," I laugh gently, swiftly pulling her to a stop before she can exit the room. "I know what you meant, I was just teasing you."

Slowly, she turns to face me, but keeps her head low in attempt to hide her bright red cheeks.

"Besides," I continue, tugging her closer by the hem of her t-shirt, "I wouldn't dream of letting you sleep in that closet all alone. Of course you'll be sleeping with me!"

Before she can stop herself, she sighs in releif, playing with my shirt absentmindedly. "Thank you, Grayson. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Something tells me I'm beginning to feel the same way about her.

"Come on," I gesture her towards the bed where we were previously laying, "I'm tired."

Obediently, she walks over and crawls to the far side of the hard bed, pressing herself against the crummy wall to give me more room.

Following after her, I pull the covers over us and stare up at the dirty ceiling quietly.

Faintly, I hear children murmuring at other parts of the house, but I ignore them, like always.

Sighing heavily, I shift, trying to get comfortable on the crappie bed. It creaks annoyingly, making me scowl. As I crack my neck, I glance towards Dolly, who is huddled silently in the shadows.

Without thinking much about it, I reach over and pull her little form towards me, taking her by surpruse.

She gasps and looks at me in confusion, "Grayson?"

Before she can say anything else, I roll towards her and wrap my arms around her shivering little body.

She's tense for a few moments before relaxing against my chest. "Goodnight," she whispers softly, draping one of her arms across my waist.

"Goodnight," I sigh, feeling her tiny body against mine is somewhat soothing.

Closing my eyes, I drift off almost immediately.