Rowan woke up in an unfamiliar bed, snuggled close to Jinx, who was fast asleep. She shifted away from her, causing the older girl to wake up. "Are you ok?" she asked.
"I want to go home." Jinx didn't say anything, only ran her fingers through Rowan's nappy, sleep disheveled black hair. Giving up, she found a brush. "Ow!" Rowan shrieked as Jinx pulled at a tangle.
"How about I braid it, keep it out of your face?" Rowan nodded. Jinx began twisting her hair into a braid, securing it at the bottom with a ponytail holder. "You have such pretty hair. I'd kill to have hair like yours," Jinx said absently, attempting to put the jittery little girl at ease. "It's just so soft and smooth and curly." Rowan popped her thumb into her mouth, seeking comfort. "Don't do that. It's bad for you teeth," Jinx reprimanded. Rowan obliged and she slid back into Jinx's lap. They sat in silence for a few minutes as Jinx enjoyed the feeling of being a big sister again…
…but that didn't matter right now. What was past was past. Right now, she had to protect the kid from the three rough teens she lived with. Being a big sister, even a surrogate one, was hard work. She had gotten the baby through the night, now she needed to help her survive the rest of her time with them, and, eventually, get her home. "Are you hungry?" Rowan nodded. "Do you want some oatmeal?" Rowan nodded. Jinx lifted her off the bed, cradling her against her chest like a baby.
"Um, Jinx. I'm eight years old. I can walk."
"Of course you can, sweetie," she said as she sat her down gently on the ground. Rowan took her hand and smiled in her sweet little way, causing her heart to melt. She led the little girl into the kitchen. Mammoth and See-More were sitting at the table and, as soon as she saw them, Rowan leaped back into Jinx's arms. Rowan buried her face into Jinx's shoulder, whimpering.
"The little brat's still here?" Mammoth grumped. Jinx shot him a glare.
"Sweetie, you're going to have to let go. I won't let them hurt you, I promise." She detached Rowan's arms from around her neck and sat her on the ground. Rowan clung to her waist, glaring at them both. Gizmo came in the room and glared at Rowan, saying nothing.
Jinx lifted Rowan off of the ground and placed her on the counter as she ferreted around in the cabinets for the oatmeal. "Do you like it with milk or water?"
"Milk," Rowan replied and Jinx pulled the milk carton out of the refrigerator. She shook it and realized it was almost empty.
"I guess I need to go shopping later. Do you want to go with me, Rowan?" Rowan nodded with a giggle. The milk was boiling by now and Jinx added the oatmeal, stirring it in. Rowan was watching curiously. "Do you want to help me?" Rowan nodded and Jinx lifted her up so she could see, handing Rowan the spoon so she could stir. Mammoth rolled his eyes.
"You do know that she's not one of us, don't you?" He snapped. "You should have let us drown her." Rowan whimpered and clung tighter to Jinx.
"Leave her alone!" She yelled at him, causing him to shiver and shrink back. "She's just a baby, a helpless little baby. I'm not about to let you assholes hurt her." Mammoth yelped as her powers struck him, and he leaped out of his chair and bolt out of the room. "Anybody else want to mess with the kid?" See-More and Gizmo exchanged fearful looks and left the room as well.
"Gee, you sure know how to clear a room," Rowan said with a giggle. Jinx giggled as well as she sat a bowl of oatmeal on the table.
"Eat up."
It was getting dark when the girls finally got to the store. Jinx sat Rowan down in the shopping cart as they entered the grocery store. Rowan didn't object, only sat quietly. She was sucking her thumb again and Jinx teased about getting her a pacifier for her to suck on. "How about we get some cookies?" Jinx asked.
"You won't find me complaining." They girls shared a giggle as they cruised the aisles, searching for cookies. Jinx also remembered that they were out of cokes and orange juice. Finally, after being at the store half an hour and remembering half a dozen other thing they needed, the girls were heading to the checkout counter. Suddenly, Rowan slapped herself on the forehead. "Guess what we forgot."
"What?"
"Milk." Jinx giggled.
"Hey, I'm pretty, I don't have to be smart."