Her Gift

Way better than next doors.

Rae now^^

"And... this is my room, I wanted to show you this first because its the best room in the house but everyone always says 'save the best until last', oh and this is my dog Rover and my doll Penny." I grab Penny off the floor and place it in his hands while I kneel next to Rover and scratch behind his ear earning me a soft happy sigh.

Hayden was holding Penny very delicately and examining her as though she was as precious to her and she was to me.

"She's lovely." he states and hands her back, smiling down at me as he had done throughout the entire tour.

"Yeah she's my most favourite doll, you can play with her if you want anytime though. I don't mind sharing."

"That's very kind miss Rae, but I'm not sure dolls are really an interest of mine." Hayden's eyes crinkle because of his big grin and makes him look too lifelike, he could definitely walk the streets and people would be unaware that he was something entirely different to them. "But if you'd like me to play dolls with you anytime I'd happily do so."

"Rae," mom called from the bottom of the stairs. "Dinners ready... bring Rover and... what's his name again?" I heard her lower her voice "Oh right, and bring Hayden with you."

I grabbed his hand and lead him to the top of the stairs, his hold was warm and strong but gentle at the same time. I was used to Delilah - if she were ever forced to hold my hand - gripping it quite tightly and I had to constantly remind her that she was squeezing my fingers;
Hayden's was a very welcome change.

Shouting for Rover to follow I looked up at Hayden whose gaze was on our entwined fingers. I realised I probably shouldn't just grab a strangers hand, but I felt a comfortable ease when near him... very protected.

I let go regardless as I wasn't sure he liked me touching him and apologised for it.

"No, I didn't mind you holding my hand, it's just the first hand I've ever held," he paused a moment and then gently placed his hand in mine again. "I like it." He decided.

Grinning cheerfully the three of us found our way into the dining room and I let go to sit in my usual seat, watching Rover scramble to his food bowl I looked to find no extra place setting for Hayden...

"Where's Hayden's plate?" I frowned down at my own "if we don't have enough he can share from mine."

"Hayden doesn't eat sweetheart," mom explained "but that's very kind of you to offer your food, such a pure soul." She beamed at her daughter.

Delilah snorted "oh yes Angelic Rae, can't do no wrong can she."

I looked down at my plate sadly; she was fine with me half an hour ago, her mood swings that I couldn't keep up with left me tired and unsure how to ever approach her, not knowing which sister I would be getting.

"Don't be like that D, Rae doesn't deserve to be at the brunt of your mood, if you had done all your homework you would be able to go to Lucy's sleepover on Friday, but you haven't and that's why you're not going. Take your anger out on me as I'm the one who has decided this, not anyone else." Dad said all this without even looking up from the android manual he was perusing while trying to eat at the same time.

Delilah hissed under her breath and stood up suddenly "May I be excused, I'm not hungry."

"Take your plate to your room Delilah, I won't have you starve yourself." Mom said soothingly, little did it do to soften my sisters hard glare as she snatched up her plate and left the room.

Hayden had been watching wide eyed at the entire exchange and looked down to me playing with my food gloomily.

Bending down to my side he took my hand in his "Do not be sad miss Rae, how about after you eat, we go play dolls?" His mouth lifted into a sincere smile and I echoed his expression.

Mom and Dad looked at each other "He's so much better than next doors." Dad whispered to his wife, but we both heard him.