Building Bridges

Chapter 7

Arriving home, Mary made her way to the kitchen for an early dinner. Pulling out the ingredients for Chicken Alfredo; the girl got to work on boiling water and prepping the chicken. "It's been a while since you've made a meal, Margret." Dawson commented with a smile as he moved into the kitchen. Leaning across from the island counter and watching the girl, she noted how he smiled. Honey brown eyes were lighter. He seemed happy. Not the fake 'lull you into a sense of security and then crush you' happy either. "I-I'm in a g-g-good mood." She shrugged, trying not to pay any attention to him and focus on the food. Which was hard to do as he moved near her, "Guess it's just going around. You won't believe who just called me to tell me their flight was delayed." He teased, fingers moving to trace the edge of the bandage around her next. Tense, Mary paused on cutting the chicken. A part of her mind wanted to ignore him. Pretend this was fine and cook dinner. Act like she was okay. The other part of her wanted to shove that knife through his eyes. Carve them from his face and leave him bleeding on the kitchen floor. Mary could almost see the blood dripping from the blade. His large hand moved to her waist, "I'll shred the cheese and get things measured." His lips pecked her cheek and he moved away. Humming. Unaware of the thoughts going through her mind. A piece of her felt cracked at the affection. The man bumped into her playfully, smiling and humming like Mr. Roger. Lighthearted and relaxed, Dawson treated her like she was a kid again. Even going so far as to make her smile when they threw noodles at the wall. Like the night was just a 'daddy-daughter' playdate. And it surprised her more when he let her stay up and talked her into playing cards while listening to music. Even though she had school the next day, she didn't go to bed until midnight. Mary messaged Kurtz before falling asleep, making sure he was okay at his apartment with his dad. The man had passed out drunk, so Kurtz let her know that things were fine for the night. She never felt so conflicted before as she went to bed in her own room.
Dawson didn't ask or demand or take anything from her. Whatever really put him in a good mood lasted all night and morning. Mary woke up to banana pancakes in bed, "W-what about s-school?" She asked, noting that it was passed eight as she ate her breakfast. Dawson sat at the bottom of her bed and watched her, shrugging, "You can be late or stay home, it's up to you, sweetheart." At this, she became suspicious. No way her mother being delayed made him this happy. The woman was delayed a lot and Dawson usually brushed it off. Setting down her fork and folding up her knees, she pursed her lips, "W-what's really g-g-going on, d-d-daddy?" She questioned. Normally, she didn't want to get involved. Especially if it had to do with the Ghoulies. More and more, this was starting to look like something that might affect her though. She felt like she was putting together a puzzle and Dawson had an important piece. "Work finally paid off. I got a bonus and some vacation days, but I'm not sure what to do with them." He laid back, staring up at the ceiling with a heavy sigh. If it was work-related, that was definitely gang-related. And Mary didn't want to be involved or know too much. So, she smiled and stood up, "I-I think I'll head t-to school today. I don't w-want to miss t-turning in h-homework for math." The man nodded, ruffling her hair on the way out of her room. Swatting his hand with a giggle, the girl felt an odd weight inside of her when he left. A sense of self-loathing that she pushed down in favor of enjoying the positive attention. Her smile felt heavy and empty as she arrived at school late, but she tried to make it real. She tried to push out as much happiness as she could at the fact that Kurtz and Fangs were getting along and joking. That they were all friends. But her chest felt hollow. Her mind would space out. All in all, school had ended up being the worst place for her that Monday. Her distractions caused the boys and Toni to worry, but no one asked. What drew her attention was Kurtz walking home with her though. They were halfway to her house when she even realized it.
"Your dad messaged for me to come by so I can tutor you. Didn't he tell you?" The boy explained with an impassive shrug, but blue eyes watching her reaction. At the surprise, "H-he m-m-must have f-forgotten to let m-me know." She answered, trying to brush off the building suspicion and anxiety. His hand grabbed her forearm, stopping them down the street from her house, "What's up with you today?" It was a loaded question. Mary knew she was acting odd but couldn't help it. Dawson's words and behavior had been on her mind all day. Even more so was her own behavior. Her acceptance of his good mood and change in attitude. After everything he'd done, she still offered the man a smile. Still gave him an ounce of trust and a part of her might have felt something more. A need to be loved and accepted by the only other father figure she's had in her life. And it disturbed her. Made her feel sick.
"I-I have a l-lot on m-m-my mind, Kurtz." Her answer deepened a growing frown on the boy's face, but he let it go. Not pushing it as they continued to walk to her house. Once inside, Dawson smiled at them from the kitchen, "Hey, kids. I made snacks for your session." He called out. Mary gave him a smile as they moved to the dining table and set down her satchel. Moving to the island counter, "Ooh, fruit cups." She shot him a grin as she brought both glass jars to the table. Setting one in front of Kurtz and sitting with her own, the girl pulled out her notebook and textbook while figuring out where to start. Dawson cleared his throat behind the pair, and she turned to see his arms crossed, "Manners, Margret." He reminded her in a displeased tone. Tensing, she gave an apologetic smile, "S-s-sorry. Thank y-y-you for the s-s-snacks, d-daddy." A cold chill creeping up her spine as he gave her a forced smile in return. Watching him turn to the living room and hearing the tv, the girl turned back towards Kurtz. His blue eyes were on her, analyzing once more.
Trying to figure something out. With a swallow, she pointed his attention to the work laid out. An hour ticked by slowly, nearly torturous as her focus waned and disdain for the subject became frustratingly obvious. "L-l-let's just s-stop here." She sighed out, rubbing her temples and leaning back in her chair. Kurtz mimicked her, "We'll pick it back up during lunch tomorrow." His own sigh was a bit more relieved compared to a groan that worked from her as she leaned forward to lay her head on the desk. Peeking up to see his small grin, she gave a light glare, "I-I told you I s-s-suck at math." The boy chuckled, "Well, now I really believe you. It's nothing a little help can't fix though." His grin morphed into a smile as she sat up and continued packing up the books and notebooks into her satchel. Catching his staring and smile, she coked an eyebrow and paused, "What?" Kurtz shrugged, still holding a smile, "I was just thinking that you might learn better with... positive reinforcement." The statement made her a little more confused. "L-like how you t-train a dog?" She sounded offended, but the restrained smile was enough for Kurtz to know she wasn't seriously upset. Straightening his face and rubbing his chin, "Maybe we should try using cookies or gummy snacks." The pair laughed as she smacked his arm lightly. As they stood, his blue eyes caught hers and he looked perplexed for a moment. Her head tilted, curious and ready to ask what was on his mind when his hand landed on her head. Similar to the other day when he thanked her. Soft and warm. His blue eyes lighter and the small smile taking place, "You did good today, Mary." The words weren't even the slightest bit mocking. The girl was in a stupor this time, her face suddenly feeling hot and looking into those blue eyes made her feel like she was on fire. Watching her foot awkwardly scuff the floor and crossing her arms below her chest, "Th-thanks, Kurtz." Her smile feeling shaky because her mind felt like it was on overdrive as he moved his hand away. When he left, she went to her room. Tempted to jump on the bed like a child at the sudden rush of giddiness.
Mary couldn't figure it out, but she felt happy. Something the boy said or did would replay in her mind and leave her smiling in a daze for the rest of the night. Even Dawson was put on the back burner as she thought about the boy. "Looks like someone has a crush." Until the man stated that at her door. Mary looked over at him, seeing his crossed arms and cross expression. Like she had done something bad. Sitting up and feeling a cold creep up from her hands and spine, she frowned, "N-n-no, d-daddy. He's j-just a r-really n-n-nice friend. They a-all are." Her heartfelt like it was slowing and speeding up at the same time as the man stepped into her room. Invaded her space and shutting the door behind him. Locking it. "I know what I saw, Margret, and you know how I feel about liars." His russet eyes heavy on her as she moved farther back on her bed. Until her back pressed into the cold wall, "I-I'm n-not l-l-lying." Her throat was like sandpaper as he moved closer to her. Sitting on the edge of her bed and sighing deeply, he looked at her. Watched her. He latched onto the ankle closest to him and pulled her close as she let out a panicked scream. One that was quickly silenced with his hand over her mouth and fingers pressing into her cheeks painfully. "Margret, I'm going to make this clear for you." His words grating out as her hand grabbed his offending wrists, "No boyfriends."