I'm here for you. (Sherry x Aiden)

Chapter 14:Ground Rules

Since Sherry was awake, they took her to her doctor, Dr.Harold, to see if she was able to leave yet. He told them that she was able to leave, only if she had someone keep a very, very close eye on her.
Both of Sherry's parents worked almost all day, Violet would be sent to an asylum, and their youngest sister (Bernise) wouldn't be back from their Aunt Cassandra's for another month.

No one could possibly take care of her.

Well, no one except for Aiden, that is. Hailey panicked when she realized this, due to the fact that Aiden was a boy. Though, at this point, Hailey was desperate to keep her daughter safe. Even if it meant not being able to see her everyday. So as the conversation with the doctor ended, Hailey pulled Mari over.

"What is it," Mari asked, a little confused, "is something wrong?" Hailey showed Mari her and her husband's work schedule and Mari understood.

"You'd like Sherry to stay with us longer," Mari said, knowingly, "and yes, I know you are concerned about this, due to the fact that Aiden is the opposite gender. Don't worry about them. I will be watching them as well." Hearing those words made all of the fear just seem to wash away.

"So then," Hailey started, "we need to establish ground rules." Mari chuckled at that.

"Oh yes," she exclaimed, "definitely. So, to start off. How about sharing  a room, but not under any circumstances, a bed."

"I strongly agree," Hailey mumbled loud enough for only Mari to hear, "then...if Aiden's friends are there, the bedroom door can be closed. If not, the door must always remain at least 3 inches open. Failure to obey any rules should result in 1 hour of not being able to physically interact in any shape, form, or way."

"Wow," Mari exclaimed, "a full hour? That seems a little extreme. How about 45 minutes instead?"

"Why do you think so," Hailey asked, puzzled.

"Well," Mari sighed, "Aiden is a good kid, but he is a lot like a newborn kitten. He needs a certain amount of attention or he'll get...depressed? I'm not sure how to say it. He just seems very, very gloomy. 45 minutes is about as long as he's able to go without attention."

"Oh," Hailey said, surprised, "that sucks."

"Not really," Mari chuckled, "he's always using it as an excuse to hug someone. He likes hugs a lot."

They talked for about another half hour before returning and informing the others about the situation. Sherry seemed a little upset, but at the same time, she wasn't surprised. Aiden noticed and decided to see if he could ask her about it later.

It was going to be a long week...