The Drunkard's Daughter

Matthew

A few months passed with Kara living with us, a few months without Gabriella. Some days I missed her, other days I saw Kara and I would forget. Kara was like no other girl I've ever met. She's selfless, kind, bold, and the more I've known her, the more I've seen her courage and strength.

She's become more open with me as we've gotten to know each other. We've sat in the hallway between our rooms and talked for hours upon end. Her laugh sounds like an angel's song. Her smile lights up the whole universe. Her eyes sparkle with joy, unlike how before they were dull and lifeless.

When shopping for her room, you could never see someone happier. Someone having freedom to choose what they want, to not worry about how much it cost, or if it would survive a night. She got what she wanted, instead of what was needed for her family. Kara found out what it was like to be a kid, and not an adult.

---

We sat in the hallway between our rooms, a Saturday full of nothing awaiting us the next day.

"...and that's how I broke my toe."

I said, smiling. Kara laughed, her face starting to turn red. She covered her mouth, quieting the noise. I laughed with her.

"I've always wondered about this,"

She started to say before stopping and looking up at me.

"But when did you start to see me outside your window?"

Kara asked.

"A few weeks before..."

"Oh."

We sat together, quietly.

"Can I ask you something?"

I said after a little bit of silence. She nodded.

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?"

Kara laughed again.

"Nope. I didn't want to with my dad. I didn't want someone to get hurt because of me. Also because I didn't want anyone to know, to get anyone involved."

"I see that. I also see that if you did let someone know, you wouldn't have had to carry the burden alone."

Kara fidgeted with her shirt, her eyes downcast. I moved to sit beside her, placing my hand on hers.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable or guilty for not doing something."

She looked up at me, our faces dangerously close.

"No, you're right."

Her eyes, her deep brown eyes, darted down to my lips.

"Have you ever kissed anyone before?"

She chuckled.

"If I've never had a boyfriend..."

I laughed, rubbing the back of my neck, seeing her point.

"Can I...?"

Her eyes got wide. Regret set in. I pulled back, my eyes looking at the floor.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't hav-"

"Hey,"

I looked back at her, a small smirk on her lips.

"You know you're cute when you're being polite."

"Just when I'm being polite?"

She laughed, her wonderful angelic laugh. I leaned in, and kissed her.

---
Kara

"Just when I'm being polite?"

It caught me off guard, so I laughed. Then I felt his lips on mine, a hand on my cheek. I slid my hands behind his neck, pulling Matthew in closer. I felt his hand move from my cheek to my back, lifting me onto his lap.

I broke away, moving my hands to his cheeks.

"Am I just a rebound to you?"

"Why would you think that?"

"You broke up with her five months ago, you had been with her for three years. Why wouldn't I think that?"

Matthew laughed.

"Yeah, I see why you ask. Except that's Gabriella. You're Kara,"

He paused, moved my hands and held them.

"Now Kara has the most beautiful brown eyes, the laugh of an angel, a smile that not only lights a room but the whole world. Kara, you're the most courageous girl I've ever met. I only wish I went outside to meet you sooner."

I smiled, and kissed him. Matthew broke away, smiling.

"Will you go out with me?"

He asked. I laughed,

"Yes."