•Holding Out For A Hero By Ella Mae Bowen•

"You're staying with her?!" I grimaced at Casey's loud tone of voice and grabbed her arm, glancing around to make sure we were alone before pulling her over into a shaded corner.

She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. "Well? Spill." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair in aggravation. I'd been back at school for one damn day and I'd already spilled the beans.

The doctor released Charlotte last week, and I took another week off to settle into Evelyn's and take care of her. It'd been stressful, but it was worth it. I didn't know how much longer it was going to last, but I hoped it was a while.

Evelyn gave me security. Ever since I "moved in" she's been nothing but loving and caring with Charlotte and me. I knew it must've been hard, I mean she went from being a single woman to living with a house of three in two weeks, if that doesn't take a toll on a person, then I want some of what they're taking.

Charlotte still wasn't at school yet, I wanted to wait a bit longer just to make sure. Evelyn stayed home today to watch her, which I protested furiously on but she didn't listen to me. "Yes, I'm staying with her."

Casey raised a brow at me as if to say "go on" I huffed and looked at the ceiling. "Charlotte fell off the monkey bars and had to have brain surgery."

Casey gasped and pulled me into a hug. I stiffly hugged her back, not quite uncomfortable but not comfortable either. She pulled back for a moment, her eyes were soft with concern.

"Is she okay? Why didn't you tell me?" She demanded, in a slightly hurt tone.

I sighed again and looked at her. "She's going to be okay. I didn't tell you because I didn't think about it." I admitted honestly. "I'm not used to having.....friends."

Her eyes softened as she smiled. "Well get used to it." She linked her arm through mine and we reluctantly joined the flow of traffic. She leaned over and spoke into my ear. "So, you really do like her?"

My face bloomed bright red and she laughed. "Damn, you've got it bad." I rolled my eyes and shoved her playfully. "Oh shut up."

"Does she like you back?" I avoided her gaze and she pulled me to a stop and gasped. "Wait.....are you guys, seeing each other?!"

I blushed guiltily and bit my lip to fight back the grin. "Maybe?" She smacked my arm again and I pouted, rubbing the sore spot. "Hey, that hurt!" She growled and rolled her eyes. "Oh shut up. So how long has this been going on?"

"A week." I mumbled under my breath. Okay maybe I bent the truth a little, but whatever.

Her eyes widened. "Wow okay. So what's she like? I mean she's got to have a heart beneath the layer of bitch." I narrowed my eyes and she put her hands up in a "don't shoot" gesture. "Oh come on, you can't say you didn't think it when you first met her." She accused.

She did have a point. Evelyn wasn't exactly the warmest of people, but I knew it wasn't for lack of trying. I had a feeling she just didn't know how to be "warm" to someone. I had a feeling that she didn't exactly have a very nice start at life. But once you recognized the passion she had for life, you basically had a straight shot at the wonderful, beautiful soul beneath her layered heart.

"She's not a bitch. Life has just made her hard." Casey smirked. "Ok, whatever you say."

I sighed and shook my head. It was hard being yourself when some people just didn't understand the way you're mind works. Casey was a good person, but she'd been heavily sheltered from everything, so I doubt she knew how to handle situations like mine.

"Ok, well I have to go." I said, trying to sound regretful. I really didn't want to talk anymore. I just wanted to be done with this conversation and go home and see my daughter.

Casey nodded and smiled. "Okay. See you tomorrow?" She raised a brow. I forced a smile on my face and nodded. "Yeah." I spun around and immediately started booking it to the car.

The parking lot was a disaster and a half and I barely made it out without cursing someone out or ramming into their car. Fucking teenagers. I growled to myself as I stuffed a cigarette in my mouth and lit the end.

The inhale of poisonous smoke was glorious as was the pleasurable burn in gave me. I know cigarettes are disgusting, but damn I really needed one today. The drive took longer than I planned because of traffic but with I finally pulled into Evelyn's driveway with a relieved breath.

I was unloading my backpack when I heard footsteps behind me. "Those'll kill you, you know." She pointed out sternly, a smirk forming on her lips. I rolled my eyes and pulled the cig out and stomped on it. Then I turned to her with a raised brow.

She laughed and sauntered towards me, the simple sundress she wore swinging around her knees. My own legs nearly buckled as I ran my gaze over her. I dropped my bag and framed her face with my hands. Her eyes blinked at me in surprise but I just winked before I crushed my mouth to hers.

My eyes fluttered closed and I felt her sigh into my mouth and her hands wrapped around my waist as she drew me closer. The kiss was scorching and held a new kind of desperation. My hands curled into her hair and ran through the thick strands. She moaned into my mouth and I growled back, biting her lower lip softly in retaliation.

She smiled into my mouth and before I could register what had happened, I found myself sitting on the hood of my car and she was in between my legs. My chest was screaming for air but I didn't dare break away from her. I decided in that moment that I needed her more than air.

Her fingers dug into my legs and she finally tore herself away. Our chests touched every now and then as we heaved for breath. I snuck a glance at her and snickered silently. Her grey eyes were cloudy, half-masted and hazy with passion. Her lips were slightly red and swollen, glistening faintly with the moisture from our kiss.

I loved the affect I had on her.

"What....was....that...for?" She panted out, meeting my eyes. I shrugged and brushed a stray hair out of her face. "I missed you."

Her face softened, but she arched a brow at me incredulously. "You just saw me this morning!" I blushed and ducked my head, somewhat unwilling to admit I missed her ever second of every day, I missed her even if we were in different parts of the house.

"Hey." I looked up, my heart skyrocketed as she leaned forward. "I missed you too." She smiled and pecked my cheek before grabbing my hand and pulling me off my vehicle. My heart bloomed with joy at her words.

"And so did a certain five year old!" I laughed and let her tow me inside. "Mommy!!" I barely got one step into the house before I was rammed into by a ball of fur and a rambunctious five year old. I gently lifted Char and placed her on my hip, being careful not to jostle her too much.

"How's my little girl?" I glanced at her head and winced at the sight of the large bandage around it. I was supposed to take her in tomorrow afternoon to have Ms. Daniels check it. It didn't seem to bother Char at all though, from the big smile she sent me.

"I played princesses with Evewyn and took a nap, and then played some more, and ate mac and cheese!" I giggled slightly as she spoke, her words nearly running together with all the happiness that drenched them.

I rubbed my nose against hers, making her squeal happily. "I'm so glad you had fun today sweetheart." I set her down gently and turned to Evelyn. She stood by the door and watched Charlotte and the puppy play, a soft smile filling her face.

I went over to her and she opened her arms to me. Her scent wrapped around me and I rubbed my nose into her neck, living the feeling of her arms around me and the sounds of a laughing daughter. The room was so filled with joy and happiness it was contagious, and for the millionth time, I found myself thanking God that I'd found this town, for I truly felt like I was beginning to finally heal.

😉❤️