“There are my favorites,” she calls, sliding her reading glasses from her nose as she jumps to her feet.
Miles laughs and bends down so I don’t hit my head on the doorframe. “We decided to end class a bit early today in favor of pizza.”
They share a look, and her smile wavers for a second before coming right back. She heads toward us and wraps her arms around his waist. Char’s so small Miles has to bend his knees to give her a kiss, and I fake gag. “Gross.”
They both chuckle as he drops into a chair and sets me on my feet, kissing my cheek before shoving me into Char’s waiting arms. She sits down in the chair next to him and tugs me into a hug that I immediately sink into.
Her eyes are the prettiest blue I’ve ever seen, and her face is covered in freckles like mine. I hope to grow up and look just like her someday. Char smells like flowers. She reminds me of home and safety. Mommy does, too, but it’s different with Char. She’s my best friend.
“So,” she murmurs, brushing my hair from my face. “Not that I’m not really happy to see you, but wanna tell me why you two ended class early?”
When I don’t say anything, she gives me a sad look and holds her arms open. I crawl into her lap, and she snuggles me, herfingers threading through my short, black hair. “Almost time for a touch-up,” she murmurs, tracing the lighter strands of hair at my scalp. Every month, Mommy dyes and cuts my hair. I don’t know why, but I’m used to it.
Miles chuckles. “You’re almost as high-maintenance as your aunt.” I know he’s trying to make me laugh, but I don’t.
Char sighs and cups my face. “Come on, Mi Cielo,” she murmurs, her accent thick. My lips twitch like they always do when she calls me that. Her Skye. “What’s wrong?” I bite my cheek. Her brows lift. “We can’t help you if you don’t talk to us.”
“You know we just want you to be happy, right?” Miles asks, tapping my nose. I nod slowly, and he smiles reassuringly.
My eyes water. “I’m sorry!” I blurt, covering my face. “I hate guns! They’re loud and scary, and they make my arms hurt.” I sniffle. “And—” I fall into a fit of tears, unable to finish my sentence.
Char lets out a long breath and cradles me to her chest, rocking me back and forth. She never judges me for crying or being sad; she just reminds me that I’m safe and loved.
Miles drops to his knees next to us and bundles us both in his arms, keeping us close until I finally stop crying. Then, he wipes my tears away.
“And what?” he presses.
I shrug, my fingers tangling with Char’s pretty pink dress. “I didn’t want you to be mad at me.”
“How much do I love you?” he asks, his voice soft.
I sniffle, wiping my nose with the back of my hand. “More than all the stars in the sky.”
“And how much doIlove you?” Char murmurs, kissing my face before blowing a raspberry on my cheek.
I giggle, and it turns into a loud laugh when she starts to tickle me. “Stop!” I cry, feeling so loved and happy between them. “Aunty, stop!”
“Well,” she laughs. “Say it! How much?”
“More than all the fishies in the sea!” I yell, panting for breath.
She stops and bobs her head, smiling wide. “That’s right, Mi Cielo.”
“And if we love you both that much, why in the world would we ever be mad at you for telling us the truth, hmm?” Miles asks, his bushy brows lifting. I shrug, and he sighs, his face going serious. “Skylar, I need you to promise me something.”
I bite my lip and nod, my stomach flipping at his stern voice. “Okay.”
“If there ever comes a time where someone, anyone, does anything that makes you uncomfortable, I need you to promise to speak up. Okay? Don’t worry about their feelings or making them upset. If you don’t feel right, you say so.”
“How will I know?”
Char taps my head. “Your mind will know if something is wrong. Trust it.”
“But,” I start, my face scrunching up. “My mind said there were monsters under the bed, and Mommy said it was just my imagination and not to believe it.”
Miles clicks his tongue. “That’s different.” His head tilts. “Do you trust Aunty Charlotte and me?”
“Yes,” I say right away. “I do.”
