“Yes, yes. That doesn’t mean I have to like it.” I must have missed something that wasn’t spoken as my gaze was on the counter. For the next thing Alex said, was soft. “I know why you do it, Allister. But don’t tear your heart out while doing so.”
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“But it’s exactly what you meant,” Sir stated, all-knowing, his voice had an edge to it.
I stiffened, waiting for what was to come.
“I’m not doing this, Allister,” Alex spoke evenly. “I’ll see you Friday. Bye, Dakota.”
Sir didn’t speak a word until the front door softly closed. I kept my body stiff, waiting for a command, a hand, anything really, to tell me what I needed to do.
I hated it when people argued or raised their voices. I always paid the price, no matter if I was in trouble or not.
Growing up, if my folks were yelling, there was always something thrown. My father would somehow find me and toss me around or smack me a time or two. It never mattered if I was hiding or not. Sometimes, I could run off and not be found. But I was never fast enough.
“So you gave her your name?” He sounded disappointed. I couldn’t help it as my shoulders lifted up closer to my ears, trying to shrink into myself as much as I possibly could. If the floor would open and swallow me, that’d work perfectly right about now.
My name was already known by him. It was out of my hands, like so many other things. There hadbeen no point in keeping it from Alex since she seemed nice enough.
“I’m assuming you aren’t hungry for lunch?” I shook my head; There was no way I’d be able to eat another bite. I couldn’t remember the last time I was ever this full. Of food, at least. “Well, I am going to eat.”
At once, I stood. Sir stepped back, surprised at my sudden movements. But he let me go. I knew Alex had left a bowl of food for the man in the microwave. Pulling it out, the food was still warm in my hands.
I placed it on the counter, then quickly got a spoon for him to use. Only after I took a step back, hands clasped in front of me, did Sir move to take a seat.
“Thanks.” There were more words he was thinking of saying but decided not to.
Unsure of what to do now, I just stood there, trying to be invisible as he began to eat. I kept my gaze on the floor, listening to every sound he made.
I was determined to be one of the ones that stayed here longer. I didn’t want to give Sir a reason to send me away to someone else. I would cater toevery need he possibly had, no matter what. I could do things that weren’t what I was used to, as long as it kept me here in a place I got to have a bed to sleep in and wasn’t tossed in a cold basement.
“You and Alex did well making this,” Sir said as he finished the last spoonful. As the spoon clunked against the bottom, I was already there, taking it from his hands to go rinse it off.
I didn’t say anything, figuring he had to know already that I hadn’t done all that much. I mostly just sat there, toying with the new bracelet around my wrist.
After putting the last two things into the dishwasher, I started the device.
“How about watching a movie?”
Was that code for something? I tilted my head slightly, confused.
“I’ll meet you in the living room after you use the bathroom.”
It was then that I felt my bladder demand my attention. Guess Sir did know me better than I gave him slight credit for.
Thankfully, I had no trouble using the bathroom this time and met Sir in the living room. He was already sitting on the couch, the TV on. For half a second, I debated on where he would want me. On the floor? His lap? Beside him?
In the end, I took a seat stiffly on the couch in reach of him. From the corner of my eyes, he seemed to relax just enough to let me know I made one right choice.
“I’m assuming you haven’t watched much TV.” I shook my head just enough to answer. “Figured. So I picked something that’s been out for a few years. A new animated film that was a huge hit in theaters.”
I wouldn’t know. I had no reason to know what was big on these types of screens or the newest gadgets that were out.
I wasn’t meant to be entertained. I was the entertainment.
Slowly, my body relaxed more to the back of the couch as the movie began to play. I still held every muscle stiff, keeping me alert to every breath Sir took. Every time he shifted, I was aware, ready to be of service.
