Hold on and Hope

sleep

Harrison

Maisie's soft breathing coming from next to me gives me a sense of calmness, despite all the chaos tonight.

When I drove past her in a complete state my heart stopped. It makes me sick to my stomach to think about what could have happened if I hadn't of seen her.

I was on my way to Conan's, he'd left his wallet in my car and I didn't mind dropping it to him as I felt like going for a drive anyway. However Conan's wallet became the last thing on my mind when I saw Maisie running in the dark.

I was dying to ask her more questions, not only about tonight but about everything, but that's not what she needed right now. I know I'll have to ask her eventually but I'd be selfish to push her. She was brave enough to tell me about her dad.

I feel my jaw clench at this thought. It took everything in me not to go mental when she told me.

The film had come to an end but I knew Maisie had fallen asleep at least half an hour before hand. She'd eaten half a cookie and left the other half. I don't blame her; she was past being exhausted.

Her head is leaning against me, and I'm afraid that if I move I'll wake her. God knows she needs this sleep.

But I also don't want her sleeping on the sofa all night. It'd cause her more pain in the morning than she's already in for.

The way her whole body shook with her sobs and the way she held her head in pain. I can't even imagine what kind of hell she's been through and evidently still going through.

A couple of days ago I hadn't spoken to her in years, no one had. Or nicely at least.

I feel Maisie move a little beside me, and I look down at her. Even in her sleep she didn't look at peace. It was as if she was carrying the world on her shoulders. And I didn't doubt she was.

As quietly and gently as possible, as to not wake Maisie, I stand up and stretch.

I softly get one arm beneath her back, while the other goes under her knees. I pull her as tightly against me as possible without hurting or waking her. I stand up, her dainty body in my arms.

I walk to her temporary bedroom as my mind races. Her dad did this to her, where's her mum? Maybe she doesn't live with them or possibly worse. I shook my head lightly, as if that would remove the heart aching thoughts i was having for her.

I can't send her home on her own. This could have happened before, it could happen again. And then that'd be on me.

I lean Maisie against my chest and quickly hold her with one arm in order to open the door.

Gently, I lay her on the bed and tuck her beneath the sheets. My hands reaches out to brush a strand of her hair from her face, but I regret it when her eyes flutter open.

"Sorry." I whisper and she just nods, yawning and closing her eyes.

I sigh quietly, my heart hurts for her. We aren't exactly close friends- we've barely spoken. But that doesn't mean I don't care about her.

There's a heavy feeling on my chest, and I can't imagine the pain she's feeling.

I slowly open the door, about to leave when a small voice sounds behind me.

"Thank you." I turn around in surprise.

I try to smile but the second an imagine of her is such distress crosses my mind I feel my jaw clench, something I've noticed I do when I'm angry.

"You're welcome." I whisper, trying my best to not look angry in front of her.

Maisie yawns and closes her eyes, pressing herself further into the bed. Her body doesn't relax and I honestly can't see her sleeping tonight.