"I'm sick." Lindsay whines as we make our way to the break room where her mother is supposed to pick her up in a while.
"That's your own fault." I tell her with a smirk. "I didn't force those pancakes into you."
Rolling her eyes she lets herself flop down on the couch and releases an exaggerated sigh.
"So, anything to be worried about when your mom comes back?" I ask, hoping that maybe I can distract her from feeling stuffed and queasy.
Pursing her lips in contemplation she remains silent. I guess that means a simple 'no' doesn't apply here.
"What did you do?" I ask, mindful not to sound too much like a mother.
"Nothin' really" comes the somewhat mumbled reply. Her averted gaze tells me it's probably a little more that nothin'. I'm not sure whether to press on the topic or leave it be, after all it's something she has to discuss with her mom.
"I'm bored at school, you know." Looks like I won't have to ask her anything. "And when I'm bored I tend to...well distract others." So far that doesn't sound too bad. I have no idea what she means by distract, but it couldn't be too bad, right?
I look at her questioningly, encouraging her to continue.
"Ok, well I don't really ever pay attention." she confesses. "And I talk with my best friend all the time."
"Is that all?" I can't help but wonder what is so very unusual about that.
She sighs.
"I keep forgetting about homework, and I lie to mom and tell her I've done it."
"You forget?" I challenge, earning myself another roll of her eyes.
"It's boring, duh." Her words make me laugh.
"How do you know it's boring if you never even do it?" She seems to contemplate that for a few seconds before she opens her mouth.
Whatever she is about to answer is cut off when Catherine comes barreling into the break room.
"Lindsay Willows. We two have a lot to talk about." Lindsay's face turns into that of a deer caught in the headlights for a moment before she manages to transform it into a steady glare.
Damn, I'm glad I'm not a part of that family. Those two can be scary.
Despite the huge red sings reading 'warning' I decide to break their staring contest, I wouldn't want to be witness to eye-murder.
"We had a great morning, thanks for asking." I say and immediately tense in suspense of what reaction I might have triggered.
"Sorry, so did you two get along? She didn't give you any trouble or did she?" Catherine asks, looking at me.
"I'm sick but it was fun." Lindsay replies before I get the chance to open my mouth. She once again makes a great show of patting her swollen belly and sporting a miserable expression. She really has a thing for defusing these kind of situations.
I see worry flicker through her eyes as Catherine turns to her daughter. "You were fine when I left, what happened?"
"I ate 10 pancakes." The girl beams before returning to her pity-me-I'm-suffering-mask.
"You let her eat ten pancakes?" The glare that hits me is enough to make me feel this was truly my fault.
"I...ah" shit, why can't I form coherent sentences when she stares at me with such intensity?
"It was a bet, she gave me 5 bucks." The little one continues proudly.
"You what?" She bellows, looking about ready to strangle me. Why can't that girl just shut her mouth for a minute?
"It was...uh." Damn that glare is getting more menacing by the minute. I'm helplessly fumbling for words here, I need a moment to compose myself. Why can't she just let off for a second? Oh god, those eyes are like fire.
"It's okay, mom. It was my idea. She said it was enough after the seventh, I insisted on the other three."
Catherine slowly backs away and turns around to face her daughter. I think it's safe to say that Little Willows just saved my life. I knew I liked her for a reason.
"I see," she finally drawls out. "You two really shouldn't be left alone together."
Yeah, as if this whole thing had been my idea. Still, it hurts to hear those words, I had a great time with the little one today.
"Well, you could join us next time to make sure we behave." Where the hell did that come from? Did I say that?
"Sounds like a plan. Now, if you excuse us? We've got some talking to do."
Lindsay gulps audibly as the same glare I was receiving seconds ago is directed at her. I'm feeling sorry for her already.
"Mom, whatever Mrs. Peterson told you, it's not-" "Not something we'll be discussing in front of my colleagues." Catherine finishes. "Now, come on."
Hesitatingly the girl grabs her jacket and moves up from the couch.
"Bye Sara, it was nice knowing you." she says in a dramatic voice that causes me to grin despite the situation.
"Likewise" I smile, my hand reaching out to pet her head. Lucky for me I remember her reaction to that very move from Greg earlier and just in time redirect my hand so it lands on her shoulder instead, squeezing lightly.
"Thanks for watching her." Catherine speaks up before ushering her reluctant daughter out the door.
With a sigh I sink back onto my chair. I really don't envy that girl right now. Sure, she brought this onto herself, but as far as I trust my observation skills, she's only craving for attention.
"Hey, Cath." I call after them, jogging out into the hallway where the two Willows turn at the same time. It's scary how both their right brows rise simultaneously.
"I...You've got a great daughter, she really comes after you." The second I hear what I've said I curse my mouth for slipping out that last part. That is until a broad smile spreads over Catherine's face.
"Thanks, Sara." she smiles, petting my arm.
I'm still caught up in the touch by the time she has turned and walks her daughter to the exit.