Unexpected Hero

Chapter 4

The next morning I wake up at half past 7, having always been an early riser, to Daniel snoring lightly beside me. Looking up at his peaceful features, little puffs of warm air blow from his mouth onto my skin - a nice way to learn that Daniel is one of those people who suffers from crippling morning breath. Like last time, I'm curled underneath his muscular arm, my face pressed into his chest. I distinctly remember curling into the wall last night, but must have been drawn to Daniel's warm body while I slept. Gently and slowly, I ease myself out from Daniel's embrace, needing to use the bathroom, and crawl to the end of the bed to make my escape. Once safely in the hallway, I realize that I don't actually know where the bathroom is - something that might have been good to ask about. I quietly pad down the hallway and peer into the doorways, getting a feeling of deja vu from when I had to find the laundry room just the other morning. After 4 doorways and having to venture further into the house, I finally stumble upon the toilet, and let out a sigh of relief. When I've done my business and washed my face, I tiptoe to the kitchen. I'm used to stepping lightly in the mornings after having made the mistake years ago of waking up my father after a particularly rough night - an event that was extremely unpleasant. The cupboards are new to me, so it takes several tries to find the cups. It's so strange being in a completely foreign environment - I feel so vulnerable, like someone will come up behind me and scare me or a squirrel will jump out of the cabinet. I imagine this is what it's like being on a sleepover and waking up before everyone else, but I've never been invited to a slumber party. Friends fell to the wayside after my mom died. With my hand on the faucet I pause, thinking about my mom. After all these years, her memory has faded from my mind, but I can still smell her. She always smelled like her honeysuckle lotion. Since she died, I've made sure to keep a bottle of it, and when I'm down its almost like she's there with me.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I fill my cup and sit down with my back against the refrigerator, knees pulled to my chest. A soft pattering catches my attention, and from the doorway emerges a tiny ball black fur - their dog Gizelle*. She tentatively steps toward me, sniffing in my direction. I hold my hand out and click my fingers together, gently urging her to come closer. Her short little legs bring her to me, and once she's realized I'm harmless, she leans into my hand, begging for affection. I've always loved dogs, and I lose track of time while petting her. There's just something about animals that makes me feel safe and calm, like nothing else in the world matters. My lips turn up into a smile at the thought - that's exactly how being with Daniel makes me feel. Once again, I'm lost in my mind, thinking over everything. I'm so dislocated from the world that I don't notice when Daniel's mom leans against the doorway, and it's not until she bids me good morning that I look up. Not wanting to upset her, I scramble to my feet. I don't know if Gizelle is allowed in the kitchen or if it's frowned upon to be sitting on the floor - every house has different rules. In my haste, I kick over the empty glass, shattering it.

"Oh no, I didn't mean to, I'm so sorry Mrs. Sahyounie I'll clean it up I swear," apologies spill out of my mouth and I immediately kneel down to pick up the shards, scolding myself for being so stupid. As I'm sweeping the bits into my palm, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up and Mrs. Sahyounie's deep brown eyes are staring sadly into mine.

"Sweetheart, it's only a cup," she tells me gently. The moment she says that I want to kick myself - of course not everyone takes breaking dishes as seriously as my father. I slump in relief, smiling at her. She rubs my arm affectionately and stands to grab the waste bin and a damp paper towel, helping me clean up the mess. Once we've finished I stand awkwardly, not sure how I should redeem myself after looking like an idiot.

"We haven't been properly introduced," she holds out her tiny hand and I grasp it firmly, "I'm Daniel's mum, Marie," I take in her features while she's up close. Her hair is a short brunette, hardly greying at all. She has a kind face, a gentle smile warming her features. I notice that she and Daniel have the same button nose and pixie face. 

"Annabelle," I give her a small smile. After a moment she drops my hand, pulling me into a tight embrace. I'm surprised, and it takes me a moment to return her hug. She smells like vanilla. For a second I pretend that it's my mom hugging me tightly, and tears well in my eyes. I had forgotten what it felt like to have the secure arms of a loving parent wrapped around you, keeping you safe.

"Sweetie I am so sorry," her strong voice quivers with emotion, "but I want you to know that you're welcome to stay here as long as you want to," she takes a deep, steadying breath, "you're safe here." With those words I can't hold it in any more - I break down. How could a woman who has known me for all of three minutes care so much about me, when I couldn't even remember the last time my father genuinely smiled at me? How could someone who is supposed to love and protect me, my own dad, be the one I need protection from? Hot tears burn down my cheeks and onto Marie's shoulder. She strokes my hair tenderly, murmuring soothing words to quiet my choppy breaths. I'm not sure exactly how long we stand there, but I cry out everything I've been holding in. Every feeling, every thought, every injustice, they pour out while Marie gently mothers me. Eventually I pull my head out of her strong shoulder and wipe my face, completely embarrassed.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Sahyounie, that wasn't fair of me. Now your shirt's all gross," Marie smiles, telling me not to worry. I can't meet her eye, but I notice that there are tear tracks running down her face. It fills me with comfort knowing that she cares about me, that Daniel cares about me. It's a feeling that most people hardly even notice.

"Why don't you take a shower while I make breakfast?" I agree to that and she tells me where the towels are. Thankfully I don't pass anyone on my way to the bathroom and Daniel doesn't wake up when I grab a new shirt from his cupboard, I wouldn't want to make a worse impression on this family than I already have. While the water gets warm I take off my clothes and fold them neatly, setting them in the counter. As I step into the tub, I feel like I did last night, lighter somehow. Everything is happening so fast and it's going so well, it feels like a dream. I'm actually happy for a minute before a little voice in my head tells me that something is bound to go wrong, just like it always does. For once though, I push that little voice out and focus on the good, letting the water wash away the tainted thoughts.

As I'm lathering my hair, I hear the door open. I suddenly feel incredibly exposed, the only thing between me and the person in here being a flimsy curtain.

"Um," I cough, "can I help you?" I hear the rustling of pants and decide to peek out before things get weird. Holding the curtain securely, I get my head out and am extremely surprised by what I see. A tall, broad shouldered young man is fumbling with his pants, but it's not Daniel. Just as he's about to whip them off, I clear my throat. "I'm going to assume that you're one of Daniel's brothers, yea?" He turns around, doing a double take when he realizes I'm not a member of his family.

"Holy shit! Who the hell are you?" He yanks his pants up high and turns to face me. I can't help but grin, this must be really strange to him.

"I'm Annabelle. You can calm down, I'm not going to peep at your peen," he blushes and smiles, running a hand through his hair. I notice that he is taller and more slender than Daniel, but they have the same pale skin and rosy cheeks.

"Sorry, it's not often that beautiful girls are naked in my bathroom," I look down at myself and realize that I am, indeed, naked. Hmm. "I'm Richard. I'll leave you alone now," he smiles and backs out the door. I go back to showering, but not before hearing Richard shouting for Daniel in the hall.

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*I literally have no idea how to spell his dogs name, so I'm going with that.

Also, I don't know any of Daniels family members names so I'm totes making that up.