Her Guardian Angel

9. BEAU

I walk out of my room to find Emma still fast asleep. Her hair is flowing behind her head. I also notice that she has curled herself into a ball. It is probably really creepy watching her sleep, but I can’t seem to pull myself away. Her face looks so young. She looks so peaceful as well.

After a few minutes, I finally pull myself away from the living room. First, I run out to my truck. I grab the teddy bear from under the seat. It must have landed there when I was looking for her. I go back inside and place the teddy bear on the coffee table. Then I walk into the kitchen. Since living on my own, I have discovered that I can cook.

I make breakfast for the both of us: pancakes, eggs, and bacon. There is a rustling in the living room. A few seconds later, Emma appears in the doorway. She is wearing the same clothes she wore yesterday. “I’ve made breakfast,” I tell her.

She smiles and reaches up to stretch. “It smells really good,” she tells me. I beam at the compliment. I pull the chair out for her and she sits. Then I place the plate in front of her. She bows her head and says a silent pray. I sit beside her and follow her example. I’ve never been the praying type but I want Emma to like me. I might just change for the better.

We eat in silence. “I think I should take a shower,” she says. I find her a clean towel and wash cloth then I leave her in the bathroom. I put the couch back together even though she will be sleeping there again tonight.

She comes back out in a sweatshirt and blue jeans. Her wet hair is sticking to her face. “Beau,” she says when she sees me sitting on the couch. I stand and walk towards her. “I just want to thank you. My brother is being transferred just before Thanksgiving. I’m going to live with him once he gets settled.” Emma then begins to ramble.

“Emma,” I say pulling her into my arms. I feel her tiny arms around my torso and I love the feeling. “You can stay with me for as long as you need. I just want you to be safe.” Her arms tighten around me and I hear her sniffle.

EMMA

After Beau tells me he just wants me safe, all I can think to do is cry. No one has ever said anything like that to me. Not even Ben who I thought I loved. “Don’t cry,” Beau says. He pulls me to the couch so we can face each other. He gently wipes a tear from my cheek. He acts like if he makes the wrong move I might crumble in his hands.

“I’m crying because I’m kind of happy. You are the first person to ever seem to care about me.” I grab his hands that are in his lap. Then I do something that I am terrified to do. I touch my lips to his. He places his hands from mine to my face. I wrap my arms around his neck. It feels so nice to have his warm lips against mine. It is as if I have been longing for this to happen since we met.

I break away for air. “I wasn’t expecting that,” he says panting. I giggle and peck his cheek. “Come on,” he says. He pulls me from the couch.

“Where are we going,” I laugh. He stops at the door and runs back to the living room.

He comes back with a small teddy bear. It has black fur with an orange bow around its neck. “Happy late birthday,” he says. I feel the tears spring into my eyes again. “I’m taking you out for your birthday like I promised.”

I sniffle and giggle. “I keep crying,” I say wiping the tear that fell loose. “Thank you so much.” He gives me the bear and I give it a squeeze. Then I jump into his arms. He holds on to me for a little longer. “Let me change my shirt if you are taking me on a date,” I say.

He looks like he is going to argue but then he stops. I find my favorite peter pan collared shirt. It is blush color and it is short sleeves. I change quickly and then I’m ready to go.