I made a mental note that I needed to go shopping as I pulled out chicken fingers and a bag of fries. Tonight seemed like a night where Oakley could use some comfort foods.
As I expected, it didn’t take long for the boy to shuffle into the kitchen, taking a seat at the island. The stuffed animal was tucked tight against his chest, and his thumb was in his mouth.
I wanted to pull him into a hug and take away whatever was bothering him. Instead, I turned my attention to dinner.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for everything to cook in the oven, and the table was set. Oakley didn’t move, other than watch me as I moved around. His eyes didn’t leave me, even if he didn’t meet my own.
Setting the plates on the table, a thought struck me. Something that should have been obvious before now.
Was it possible that Oakley was a Little? The trauma did play a factor in that, and it was possible that he didn’t even realize it himself.
But that could explain why he was more skittish tonight.
Had something upset him during the day? He had seemed to be okay earlier when I checked on him through the camera. He didn’t seem to be in a little mindset at that time.
Going with instincts, since they hadn’t failed me yet when it came to Oakley, I finished getting dinner ready. I kept Oakley in sight, never fully turning my back on him. Not that he moved more than to breathe as he sat there, sucking away on his thumb.
When the chicken strips were done, crispy on the outside, and the fries were finished, I took them both to the table. Oakley slowly shuffled that way, too.
“This,” I touched the top of the animal’s head, causing Oakley to jerk away, “needs to sit at the counter while we eat. That way, he won’t get dirty.”
Oakley sniffed, forcing a whine to stay down. But he handed it to me, eyes watery as he did so.
“He’ll sit right here.” I sat it gently on the island top, right where Oakley could see it. “I promise, little one, you’ll get it back after dinner.”
Dejected, Oakley sat, keeping a chair between the two of us. It hurt a bit that he chose a different seat than he’d been taking the last few days, but if he was wanting space, then I’d give it to him.
“Thumb, sweetheart,” I said, eyes flickering to said digit as I dished up his food. I even put some ketchup in a corner, making sure nothing touched.
“’ Orry,” he muttered, dropping his eyes to the plate.
“Nothing to apologize for.” I made sure to keep my tone calm and even. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”
His eyes flickered to mine before they dropped once more.
“Go ahead and eat,” I said, knowing he wouldn’t eat until I told him he could. When he did start to eat, I kept talking. I hoped it’d ease whatever was going on. “I hoped you had a good day.”
That reminded me that I hadn’t taken a shower, or changed clothes yet. Was that throwing off the boy? I didn’t think so, but it was hard to tell.
“My parents are throwing a get-together in a few weeks,” I went on. “They love family parties, eventhough it’s just family. My two brothers, one has a wife, and then Mom and Dad.”
That seemed to get his attention. At least he kept eating, so I kept talking between bites.
“One older brother, one younger. Blaise is the younger one, even though he sometimes seems like he’s older. He’s the wise one, though. Smart enough to not get into trouble like I had when I was that age. Now, Nathan, he’s the wild card. His wife had her hands full, but they adored each other.
“It wasn’t always like that though. Molly hated his guts at first, which is given by how they become together. Which isn’t my story to tell. She would do just about anything to make Nathan upset.” I shook my head, glad that Oakley wasn’t like that. I wouldn’t have kept him if so. He’d have gotten a new identity and moved across the country.
“I’m assuming you don’t have any siblings?”
Oakley shook his head slowly. I didn’t think so, but it was good to know anyway. If he did, I’d track them down somehow.
“Mine like to drive me nuts,” I smiled towards the boy. “But family means a lot to me, just like what my parents wanted to instill in each of us. The family also isn’t just blood. It’s about bonds and trust. And protecting each other.”
I could see thoughts swirling around in Oakley’s head at that. He didn’t know what family was since the only people he knew didn’t want anything good from him.
“You may like Nathan’s wife, though. She’s…similar to you.” Not the little part, but the past of each of them were similar in ways. “She’ll adore you, that’s for sure.” Molly had met a few of my partners in the past, ones that I took on dates to certain events, and she always enjoyed them, even when they weren’t in their little mindsets. She justknewand treated them like an aunt would.
At my comment, Oakley’s cheeks darkened, but he tried to brush it off by pushing the last bite into his mouth.
