Family First | *Rewrites in Progress*

The Little Girl

Charlie's POV 

To tell you I was furious over finding a malnourished child in that bag was an understatement.

I was livid. 

I was 10 when Hazel was born, and I remember holding her tiny fingers as she slept soundly on my mother's chest. 

I was 7 when Anastasia was born, and I remember vowing to protect my baby sister for all eternity, no matter what.

Now, looking at this skinny, shivering child, I was determined to protect her just as I would my sisters. I rummaged through the cupboard to find another blanket, and pulled a giant fluffy pink one out, draping it over the covers of Hazel's bed.

Julian slipped in, and sat on the edge of the bed, stroking Astrid's head. "She's got a fever and bruises all over, oh my poor babygirl, I'm so sorry I left you with him," he said kissing her forehead.

I walked out and went into my bathroom, passing Alex who was holding a glass of apple juice. "Grayson left it in the kitchen," he mumbled, walking into Grayson's room. 

I chuckled and opened the first drawer under the sink of my bathroom, pulling out paracetamol. I slowly walked back to Hazel's room and handed the medicine to Julian, who carefully and gently shook Astrid awake.

Her eyes opened quickly, alarmed, and she started to hyperventilate. Julian grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to his chest, telling her over and over to listen to his heartbeat. "Listen to me Astrid, you're safe here."

She started to quieten down, and I took the opportunity to pull up a chair next to her bedside. "Astrid, this is Charlie, one of the people who I have been staying with," Julian said gently, and I put out my hand. She took it and shook it softly, her hand far too thin for a girl of her age.

"Hello Astrid, I'm Charlie," I said.

"I'm Astrid Borle, but my mummy's last name was Hartford, so I go by that," she whispered, her voice slightly hoarse. I smiled.

"I much prefer Hartford over Borle, topolina," I said, and she furrowed her brows at the nickname. Julian relaxed at the light conversation we were having, and left to go grab a glass of water.

Astrid shifted so that she was sitting up. "Are you going to send me away once I'm better?" she asked, fear laced in her angelic voice.

I froze. This poor little girl thought we would send her away?! No. We were going to raise her unless Julian and Carlotta wished to. I was pretty certain my mother and father would adopt this child in an instant, and we would all love her like she was a blood sister.

"Topolina, listen to me carefully. We will never, and I mean ever send you away. My mamma and papà will raise you, along with my other siblings. You know I have five siblings?" I said, trying to sound amazed to entertain her. It worked and her face lit up.