Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 7

During these passed few days since Daniel arrived alot has happened. I'd gotten a room of my own even with my objection. He was concerned for my health. Even though I had a bed of my own, I preferred to sleep on the floor. I did so without Daniel and Emily's knowledge.

I had gotten an entire new wardrobe. Despite my refusal Daniel told me that I could wear these clothes anytime I felt comfortable doing so.

The warmness in my heart made my cheeks flare. I didn't know how to accept these feelings thrown toward me with so much care.

"Hey Eli. Would you perhaps like to get a haircut." My mind drifted off towards Calhoun and I couldn't help but smile at my feet.

"Why are you smiling so secretively?" Daniel raised his brow with a small grin.

"N-nothing. It's just that my f-friend wanted to take me first." I spoke in a small voice and Emily wrapped her arm around Daniel's shoulder with a grin.

"Calhoun? Oh right that's today! I almost forgot." It was indeed Saturday. All I could think about was today. Excitement littered my face easily without thought.

Emily winked at me before insisting that I join them for breakfast. I followed them towards the dining room and sat down on the seat opposite Emily.

I watched as Aunt May placed a plate filled with all sorts of food in front of me. I couldn't help but want to assist.

"Let him be Daniel. He has many kind bones in his body. Surely he takes after me." Emily stuck her tongue out at Daniel and I couldn't help want something of the sort.

A knock sounded on the door which immediately caught my attention.

"I'll go ahead and open." Katherine, one of Emily's younger housemaids answered the door. One night in the week I asked Emily what their names were. I did not want to seem rude so I drew portraits of each one and matched their names to their faces.

"Aunt May do you perhaps have extra servings?" She seemed surprised at her question. Since I moved in I had only been aquinted with aunt may amungst other kitchen and house staff, but never a family member nor friend had made an appearance in this household before.

Emily did not like to speak about her mother and by the looks of it she harbored great resentment towards her.

"Yes we do! Let me prepare them."

"I'll help you aunt May." I offered.

"No my dear! You still have many injuries that need tended to. Aunt may will feel troubled if you so much as lift a finger." Her reply rendered me quiet. She was too kind.

I walked after her and before Daniel could say anything I made a 'shh' sign, which made him shake his head with a little chuckle.

When I lived with many families I became accustomed to making food by my lonesome. Most of the time I ended up stealing items in the household we lived in in order to feed the other kids that joined me.

I got punished, many times, but the outcome was worth it everytime.

Whilst I fried the bacon I could hear chatter coming from the dining area. One particular sound captured my attention. It was Calhouns laugh.

After finishing up Aunt May forcefully made me exit the kitchen, despite my refusal. My palms became sweaty, and my throat a bit dry. These symptoms were uncommon and I did not know how to deal with it.

"Eli why are you standing there? Come on in." Calhoun turned around and a bright smile appeared on his face which made my eyes widen. He walked over to me hastily and wrapped his arms around my torso.

"I missed you." He said, quietly in my ear before letting go.

I didn't know what to say as he fluffed up my hair.

"Hair cut?" All I could do was nod.

"Come on Eli you need to eat something. I'm afraid you'll disappear if you are not fed well." Daniel said with concern and I nodded making my way to my seat.

"Mrs Garcia nice to meet you again." I said politely as I sat down.

"You too, Eli! Where have you found such a handsome friend Calhoun?" His cheeks turned a shade of pink as he poked his mother on the shoulder.

I ate a bit to much in order to please Daniel and Emily. Even though my stomach hurt it was worth seeing the smiles on their faces.

What I enjoyed most was seeing how well Calhoun ate. He did so with gusto and pure bliss.

"Let me help you." The adults moved to the living room in order to speak further, and I decided to stay behind to clean up.

"Why are you moving about when you are still injured?" Calhoun asked. His brows were furrowed and he seemed to be a bit upset with me.

He gripped my shoulders and squeezed, making me tense up.

"Sit down and rest assured that I will be helping. After let's head to the barber okay? I'll drive." With that statement he left with a grin playing upon his lips.

I took the cellphone Daniel had given me out and couldn't find a way to put thought into word. I wanted to ask Calhoun his number.

Would that be too forward?

***

"Bye Daniel and Emily. See you Mrs Garcia." I greeted before leaving behind Calhoun.

"Keep my son safe! Eli make sure your phone is on at constant times!" Daniel shouted. Normally my other foster parents would send me great distances without worry. I could sense panic in Daniel's voice as if being out of his sight even for a second made him worry.

I kept hoping that whatever love they were giving was genuine and that it'd Stay for a long long time.

In order to catch up to Calhoun I began to slightly jog which made me trip just as he was about to turn around. I knocked into his chest and he against the car which made the alarm go off.

"You're clumsy too?" I don't know why but my heart began yammering against my chest.

"I-uh" Calhoun looked down at me and snuck his hand around my waist bringing me to my feet.

"Are you okay?" He asked and I shook my head.

"Why are you so red?"

I didn't know how to respond. He pressed a button on his keys before pushing my hair behind my ear.

"Let's go."