His Girl

Chapter 6

He's coming back today.

Mr. Kolfer, that is.

Which is why, when we wake up to the smell of bleach the next morning, I'm not surprised. Mrs. Kolfer seems to deem it necessary to convince her husband that she is still able to keep house. However, she also seems to think herself too good for cleaning. Thus, she always forces the children to deep clean the house before he returns from his business trips.

Luckily, the two brain cells she possesses know not to try and make me help. Moreover, she understands not to try and make Dolly do things around me.

"Grayson?"

"Hmm?" Smiling down at the little doll on my chest, I contentedly play with her soft blond tresses.

On this rare occasion, Dolly seems to be at ease, which puts me at ease. Especially as she rests her chin on my chest and blinks up at me adorably. "Why does it smell like cleaners?"

"Because, little one, Mrs. Kolfer is worried that Mr. Kolfer will divorce her if the house doesn't stay clean."

Looking troubled, she furrows her brows and purses her delicate little lips. "Oh. But doesn't he love her?"

I scoff at such a ridiculous question, "Sweetheart, do you even hear yourself?"

Confused, she sits up, looking so innocent and helpless, that I just have to sit up and pull her back into my arms.

"What's wrong," I ask gently, subtly checking on her goosebump.

"Well," she begins slowly, "It's just that...why does him loving her sound so ridiculous?"

My heart melts at her worry, but I'm quick to reassure her. "Don't worry, Dolly, you'll never end up like her."

Suddenly, she pulls away, a small spark of anger in her beautiful eyes. "Like her?"

Becoming confused myself, I frown and tilt my head inquiringly.

Upon seeing the question in my eyes, she explains. "Having to be married to a man who doesn't love her, while--based on what you've told me about her--she loves him. No wonder she's so bitter! She's probably miserable, having to prove herself all the time. You must remember that women around her age are retired and living peacefully with their husbands somewhere nice."

Surprised, I blink down at her, seeing her in a new light. This woman is more empathetic than anyone I have ever known.

She huffs slightly, her anger dissolving into sadness. "We should help her, Grayson."

Coughing at such a preposterous idea, I choke out a laugh, "Are you kidding me?!"

After everything she's done?! That witch is evil! And now she's got into my Dolly's head!

"Of course I'm not!" She frowns up at me, her jaw set stubbornly. "That poor lady! She must be in so much emotional torment!"

Emotional torment? What the hell?

Slowly, I take her into my arms, smoothing her hair down carefully. "Dolly, what's this about?"

She allows herself to be cradled against my chest, sighing tiredly. "I don't know. I just need something to do. Take my mind off things..."

Her parents must be plaguing her mind, poor little thing.

"Do whatever you like, pumpkin, as long as you let me know first. I don't want you doing any dangerous stunts, yeah?"

Nodding in agreement, she closes her eyes contentedly. "Okay."

"GET TO WORK YOU SLIMY LITTLE RATS!"