Barely There

Chapter 12 - The Storm

She walked towards the entrance, her steps light and airy with the memories of the night before still fresh in her mind. A gentle breeze warned her skin and she quickly opened the door to the building to avoid the cold harassment.

Her ears perked up once she reached her apartment and she strained herself to hear more clearly. A child's girlish laughter echoed from behind the door across from her's. Her eyes widened.

"What the-."

She ran to the door and pounded on the dark wood, her heart racing frantically.

"CALEB OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT-" The motion of the door opening caused her to stumble and she tried to maintain her balance as she breathed in deeply through her slightly red-tinged nose. "...now."

"Leda why are you causing so much damn commotion?"

"I heard a kid." Unsuccessfully, she tried to peek over his shoulder.

"Are you okay? Because I think you've just about lost it."

"Did you knock someone up?"

"WHAT? I-"

Her body shook with worry as her eyes widened further, revealing her frantic state.

"Who's the mother? When was the baby born? How- Oh my god, you're so not responsible enough to take care of a goldfish let alone a full on child."

She pushed him out of the way, looking around the cluttered apartment. Slowly, a small head peeked out from behind the curtains. She stepped back in surprise before walking towards the thick, white fabric.

"Leda-"

She tugged the curtains to the side, thankful that the child didn't protest. Surprised, Leda found that a small girl stood in front of her. The girl had light brown wavy hair that flowed to her shoulders and was neat and tidy, having been brushed recently. Her blue eyes gleamed in the golden light that peeked through the windows. The doe-like eyes were big and the lashes long, emphasizing her childish innocence. Her creamy skin was baby smooth and spotted with light freckles that spanned across her full checks and button nose. The long-sleeved light purple dress stopped right above her knees and was followed by white tights. Leda could hear Caleb's steps growing closer but kept her soft stare on the child as she kneeled down across from her.

"Hi," she said tentatively, glaring at Caleb from the corner of her eyes.

Silence sounded before the soft voice spoke out.

"H-. Hello."

Leda smiled at the girl, hoping to soothe her nerves.

"What's your name?"

"Clementine."

"You have a really pretty name, Clementine."

Caleb stood beside Leda, observing the strange interaction.

"What were you doing behind the curtains?"

The young girl lifted her finger and pointed it accusingly at Caleb.

"He told me to."

"Caleb told you to go hide behind the curtains?"

"Yes."

Leda stood up from her spot and glared angrily towards the fearful boy.

"Did you tell her to hide from me?"

"You're not supposed to-."

"Not supposed to what Caleb? And you kept this from me this entire time? I thought we told each other everything."