We Are Risen

Chapter Eight

I jerked away from Toby, quickly covering my stomach and bra-clad chest with the blanket.

"I swear this is not what it looks like!" Toby stammered to Ally, who was standing in the doorway with her hands pressed firmly to her hips, a furious expression on her face.

"Oh, really?" She snapped, storming into the room. "Because it looks like you're taking advantage of Daisy when she's clearly in a very fragile and vulnerable state of mind!"

"I- I just had a bad dream," I jumped in, hoping she couldn't hear how thick my voice was. "My shirt was off because it got hot in here. Dirk turned the heater on before we went to bed."

"It's true," Toby cut in. "I heard crying and I came in here to check on her. I swear, I wasn't trying anything, I was just worried about her."

"Oh," Ally's eyes softened as her body relaxed. "I- I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you two of anything. . . I'll just go."

She gave me a small smile before she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her. 

"Are you okay?" Toby asked quietly after Ally's footsteps retreated back into the living room. 

I sighed, grabbing my shirt and slipping it on, hiding the hideous damage. 

"I will be. I think," I answered truthfully. "Thank you for listening, but I need some time to think. I think I'm going to take a shower, is that okay?"

Toby smiled and nodded. "Of course. It means a lot that you trusted me, Dee."

He took my hand, and this time, I didn't flinch away. He led me out of the room and down the hall to his bathroom. 

"The towels are under the sink," he said. "I'll lend you some of my mom's old clothes."

I nodded, then quickly kissed him on the cheek before I could chicken out of it.

"Thanks," I said softly, my face burning.

His face flushed bright red, and he gave me a goofy little smile before he gave me some privacy. I turned on the water, letting it heat up while I undressed. I stepped under the stream, closing my eyes as the water cascaded down my body, matting my hair to my back. After a couple of minutes, I heard a soft knock at the door. The dark blue shower curtain prevented anyone from seeing me as the door opened. 

"It's just me," Toby said. "I'm putting the clothes on the counter. Take as long as you'd like."

"Okay," I said back, and I heard the door click shut. 

I stayed in the shower until there was no more hot water, and then I turned the water off, dried myself with a towel, and then got dressed in the clothes Toby left for me. It was just a white tee shirt and green flannel pajama bottoms, and some underwear obviously meant for someone older than me. I borrowed Toby's brush and ran it through my damp hair before braiding it loosely and letting it fall down my back. I folded the towel I used and hung it on the rack to dry before I grabbed my dirty clothes and exited the bathroom. I gasped and nearly dropped the clothes I was holding when I saw Ally's figure leaning against the wall beside the bathroom door.

"Jesus Christ, Ally," I gasped, holding a hand to my heart. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Ally didn't answer, instead turning to me. "When are you going to tell him?"

"Tell who what?" I asked, adjusting the clothes in my hands. 

"Don't play dumb, Daisy." Ally rolled her eyes. "When are you going to tell Toby you like him? He obviously feels the same way."