Author's Note: Yes, I know I haven't updated since May and I apologize profusely. My dad's health is still terrible and they say his body is slowly shutting down but he's pretty much the same. I just haven't been able to find the will to write. Fortunately for you, I typed up a small chapter this morning and will probably start another one after I upload this one! If you have any questions or constructive criticism about my writing, let me know! I am also looking for a banner! Thanks!
Chapter 6
"Lady, you alright?" I pulled at my hair mercilessly as I watched the small girl tuck into herself on the bed, obviously trying to hide from me. Fuck, I scared the shit out of her! Letting out a breath of air that I was unaware I was holding, I bent down to and propped myself on one knee to talk to the girl.
"Look, I'm really sorry I yelled… You hafta bear with me girl, I'm not used to having company around here and you pretty much threw me for a loop. Are you thirsty? Hungry? Tell me something, please."
Sensing my pleading tone, she looked through her curtain of hair and stared at me for a few seconds before nodding her head, whispering 'Water'.
I nodded eagerly and practically ran from the bedroom into the kitchen, Cotton on my heels as I found a glass. After tipping the glass over twice with my shaking hands, I finally managed to fill it up halfway and took it back to her. She took the glass gently and brought it to her lips for a sip. As if being reminded of her thirst with the first sip, she greedily gulped it down and sat the glass on the bedside table.
"Want anything else? Can you speak? Do you hurt?"
Seeming to be thinking something over, she arched her eyebrow and stared in my eyes for a long, hard second.
"Do you think I'm retarded or something? I was kidnapped, not raised by wolves…"
To say I was unprepared for her sarcasm and ire would be a gross understatement. Then I thought over her words again and felt my temper flare.
"I didn't kidnap you, lady! I saved your ass! You were out in the middle of the woods and if it weren't for me, I'm sure whoever had you, would have found you again! I could take you back if you want!" I really didn't mean to yell but was she seriously thinking that I kidnapped her?
"I know you didn't kidnap me, you idiot! I meant the people who had me before!" After her brief show of bravery, she shrunk into herself once again.
I sighed and sat down in the nearby chair, wringing my hands together, trying to think of something productive I could do. I couldn't just stand here and gawk at the girl, I didn't have the patience for it. Pretty much deciding what I wanted to do, I glance at her once more and spoke.
"Look, I'm going outside. Got some chores to do and I ain't got all day to be coddling you. There's leftover supper from last night in the fridge and everything you need is in that kitchen.. Um… Ok.."
And with those parting words, I walked outside and to my shed, where I found my fishing gear. Maybe catching some fish would do me good and get my mind off of the strange girl in my room.
Bella POV
This guy was officially insane. He says less than ten words to me and most of them were said in either anger or frustration. I shook my head to myself. Out of all of the places in the world I could escape to, I find the most secluded, less than pleasing place with the most broody, moody, annoying man I had ever met. It could be worse, couldn't it? Yeah, it could.
I would rather deal with this guy for a million years than to be back with my tormentor(s). They were probably still looking for me as I spoke. I cringed to myself in fear and sat on the bed for another ten minutes or so, gathering my thoughts.
Finally deciding to buck up and face my problems, I stood on shaky legs and made my way into the kitchen, trying to find something sustainable to eat.
After finding some leftover mystery stew (which scared me, but I was hungry!) and sitting down at the table, I started to spoon some in my mouth and my eyes widened at the good, surprising flavor that touched my lips.
I heard a whimper under the table and looked down to see Cotton, licking her lips at me and laying her head on my knee. I had heard the man talking to her earlier while I was half asleep.
"Hey Cotton.." I whispered, rubbing her head soothingly. I reached into my small bowl and plucked a small piece of beef from it. Cotton seemed to perk up at my movement and her tail started wagging, awaiting the treat that I would give her.
I smiled to myself and held it out to her as she then licked it off of my hand and hardly chewing it, she swallowed it whole.
"My goodness, you sure are a hungry girl, aren't you?" I told her while smiling happily and giving her another piece. We spent the next fifteen minutes or so doing this, me talking and her listening (or so I think). It was really therapeutic and she had a really calming nature about her.
It almost made me forget why I was here. Almost. Sighing to myself and rinsing my bowl out, I made my way back to the bedroom and curled under the covers, closing my eyes to keep the tears at bay.