Sorry I haven't been writing much lately. Life has been hectic and I've been going through a bad bought of depression, which makes it hard to write. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3

"Leon why would she be trying to run away?" Gaia asked. They were seated on their bed, getting ready for the night. Maya was curled up between them. The night air was cool, the net keeping the mosquitoes out draped around the bed.

"Like I said before, I don't know." Leon sighed. He smoothed back Maya's hair with one hand, the other draped over his leg.

"She seemed almost... upset when she found out her baby was alright," Gaia admitted, keeping her voice low in case the girl was still awake.

"That doesn't seem right," Leon stated, getting that look on his face.

"Oh no."

"What?" Leon asked.

"You've got the look on your face." Gaia lifted the covers and climbed into bed.

"What look?" Leon seemed genuinely perplexed.

"The one that says you aren't going to drop this. You're going to prod and poke and question the poor girl until you both go insane."

"I don't have a look," Leon defended, climbing beneath the covers as well.

"You don't see your face as often as I do. Trust me, you have a look."

Leon grunted his disagreement, but gave up.


The next morning, Gaia awoke before Leon and decided to start breakfast. She walked into the living area to find Sophila sitting cross legged on the back porch.

"Are you doing alright?" Gaia asked.

The girl sighed. "I'm alright, I guess."

Something about the girl seemed off. Gaia looked her over once more. The girl was pretty with long, dark hair that fell about her shoulders in waves. She had high cheekbones and full, heart-shaped lips. She was short and slender, or would have been if
she weren't pregnant. She was still wearing the tattered white nightgown that she'd arrived in. Her hair was oily and her face dirty. She needed a bath and a change of clothes desperately. She might fit Gaia's clothes, but Gaia was taller and fuller
framed.

"How about some breakfast and a bath?" Gaia asked her.

The girl simply nodded.

After breakfast, Gaia filled a tub with water and kicked Leon out of the house. The girl undressed and stepped into the warm water. Gaia could see the full extent of the girl's injuries. Her back was covered in scars and bruises. Gashes criss-crossed
across her back. They reminded Gaia of something, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She helped clean the girl up and dressed Sophila in one of her old dresses. It was slightly large and too long, but it was better than what she came in.

"Thank you," the girl stammered. "You've done so much for me."

"It was no problem. You can stay here as long as you like." Gaia sighed. "Who hurt you?"

The girl's eyes darkened as she remembered. Gaia could see the tears welling up. "Never mind," Gaia reassured her, "it doesn't matter. You're safe now. Nobody will hurt you anymore."

A slight knock came from the door. "Is anybody home?" A voice called from the entryway. Phyro.

"Come in Phyro, it's alright."

Phryo came striding into the house, his face was smudged and his fingers oily. "Sorry for the appearance, I just came back from my parent's shop."

Phyro helped his family make fireworks and other explosive things. Gaia wasn't sure why he was so infatuated with explosives, but that was his business not hers.

"Will you stay in here with Sophila, I'm going to check on Maya and Leon in the backyard." Gaia left the two and made her way to the back door.

Maya was in Leon's lap, attempting to shove a fistful of grass and dirt in her mouth, while Leon did his best to restrain her. He had both her arms gripped and struggled to keep her hands out of her mouth, but she kept picking grass. Eventually she got
frustrated and threw the grass at him, giggling.

Gaia laughed. Leon was still so good with her. It made her sad because Leon was never going to get to do this with his own children.

"You two okay back here?" Gaia called.

"We're fine. How's Sophila?"

"Much better after a bath and a change of clothes, but something is still off. She just won't talk to me. Phyro is with her right now."

Leon drew his brows together. "We'll have to keep a close eye on her."