“Listen kid, if this is too much for you, just say the word.” His comfort and safety is priority.
“I’m not scared.” He says.
“Never said you were. But only you can trust the people you want. You want to keep testing his limits or anyone else, then do it. Just because I may trust him, doesn’t mean that you have to right away.” I squeeze him, holding him close.
“Thanks Lottie. You know if you want to date him. I guess it’s okay.” I smell mischief.
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, but I’m not stopping the pranks.”
“Didn’t expect you to. Just no more itching powder.” I give him a gentle shove.
“No promises,” he smirks.
I walk out of my office, looking to see the decorated classrooms and volunteers spreading the cheer. Each room has an explosion of color and sparkle. Time flies by as Finn finishes the lights and we all gather around the big Christmas tree to start decorating it.
Some people may not have the opportunity to do this with family, for the time being, we’ll be their family. If we can help create memories for these students, then we’re doing our jobs right.
Each of the students start to hang their own ornaments, placing them carefully on the branches. The gleam in their eyes is enough to warm my heart and cherish the job I have. Finn assisting the smaller ones with their ornaments, his friends watching him and helping out others.
The air grows cold and the brief smile I had on my face disappears. It’s starting to become second nature of someone's presence behind me, making themselves known. Our hands aren’t touching, but his warmth radiates.
“Office now.” his voice grunts.
I’m taking this as a sign that I needed to prepare myself.
I can see him out of the corner of my eye heading towards my office. Finn locks eyes with me, the worry in his eyes, knowing that we were going to get answers. I give a nod, hoping to relieve any of the stress or anxiety.
Allow him to be a kid, he deserves that.Like I don’t already know that.
I turn and head back to my office, closing the door and the blinds to give extra privacy. Keola relaxes on the couch while I stand, leaning on my desk with my arms crossed in front. My arms hug me tightly as I wait for him. The laughter of the kids and staff echo through my office and my heart sinks.You can’t save everyone, you’re not a hero. I shake the thoughts away. I don’t beat around the bush.
“Judging by your body language, you found something.” I say to him, barely looking at him after I say it. I don’t want truth, and yet I crave it.
He takes a deep breath like what he’s about to say is a loaded answer. “He wasn’t at home.”
I cock my head, that’s too simple of an answer, “Don’t hold back from me now, 5-0.”
He fumbles around with his hands, between the ink and the veins bulging from the top, it’s a distraction and a concern. He fidgets.
“Keola, damn it. Just fucking tell me. What did you find?” I yell, anger rises in me.
He mutters something under his breath, I can’t make it out. He’s holding back and I don’t understand why. I may be clumsy, but I’m not weak.
He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, hands still folded. His deep chocolate brown eyes staring at me, “He wasn’t there.” He starts but I interrupt, “I got that…”
Now his anger rises, “Interrupt me again and I’ll show you what I can do with a pretty mouth.”
What was once heat from anger moves to my cheeks. “You wouldn’t do that.”
His eyebrows fur, “Angel, I had my hand in your pants at the library and feasted on you in the art room. If you think that I won’t bend you over that desk for being rude and interrupting me, then I’ll remind you,” His voice lets out a threat, but a promise. There’s a slight possessiveness in his eyes.
“Do it and I’ll scream,” I weakly say, yet turned on.Fuck.
With a curl of his lips, he says, “Is that a promise?”There goes my underwear.
He starts to stand up, closing the distances between us. “Keola.”
