A friend gave me some advice on how I write, so I'm hoping this chapter turned out better than the first. I tend to type faster than I think, so sometimes I leave out things and it doesn't come out as detailed as I had hoped, so I tried to go a bit slower on this one. Now for a bit its going to seem like she'll only get close Abe (after all Hellboys all big and scary) but don't worry, it'll come. Anyways, any comments and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! And thanks for being so patient, it's been a hectic year! Enjoy! 8D

Sophie sat on at the end of one of the brown leather couches, clutching her teddy bear. Hellboy and Liz were at a far corner of the library, Hellboy unconvinced as to why Liz had to go while he "babysat." By the tone of his voice, it sounded as if Sophie were a burden. She stared at her shoes, her honey ears drooping at the feeling of being in the way. She had felt like this at the orphanage, none of the kids really spoke to her and the adults always looked at her as if they didn't know what to do with the strange girl. Sophie sighed rather glumly, but then looked to her left as she felt someone sit down on the opposite end of the couch from her.

It was Abe. The blue fish man sat kind of perched on the edge of the cushion, not leaning back, but instead resting his forearms on his knees as he looked at Sophie with his big black eyes. He had a small comforting smile on his lips. It was as if he knew how she felt…

Sophie stared back at him, not really wanting to say anything because she didn't really know what to say in the first place. She still wasn't used to the odd appearances of Abe and Red, but at the same time, she was almost relieved. There were other people who were like her, who were different.

Abe looked over his shoulder at the quarreling couple, then back to Sophie.

"Don't worry about Hellboy, he'll get passed this anger. He's a nice fellow, once you get to know him that is" he explained softly.

Sophie wasn't sure she wanted to get to know the big angry loud guy…he seemed very intimidating. She liked Abe so far though, he was gentle with his words and the way she felt he truly understood what emotions she was feeling…it was a bit uncanny. Nonetheless, she made a mental note to stay close to Abe until Hellboy calmed down. Liz seemed pretty nice, Sophie was just wondering how she put up with Red.

Sophie hugged her bear tighter, she had had her bear since she could remember. She had been told that her mother had given it to her when she was a baby. It was soft and always brought Sophie comfort, as if part of her mother was right there with her.

Abe leaned his head slightly to the right as he eyed Sophie's teddy bear. He understood the need for her security item, anxiety was rolling off the child in waves. He didn't even have to use his abilities to sense that.

There was suddenly a groan of frustration coming from Liz in the corner. As Sophie turned around, she saw Liz storm across the room to the wooden doors. What had made Liz so mad? She seemed pretty good at keeping calm before…

Hellboy was trailing behind her. "Liz…" he called out, sounding defeated and as if he was going to try to patch something up. He reached out for her, but Liz opened the big wooden doors, and exited the room, slamming the door with a loud BAM! The room seemed to shake as if shock waves had been released from the door. Hellboy stood in his tracks, staring at the door. A few silent moments passed until he trudged over to a leather armchair next to Abe. He sighed in defeat as he slumped over into the chair.

All Sophie could do was stare at him, afraid if she said anything that it might anger Red.

Abe was the first to speak. "You know she's right…" he stated matter-of-fact like.

The big red guy glared at Abe silently for a moment.

As if on cue, Sophie's belly rumbled loudly in hunger, breaking the silence. She shrank back a little as if trying to hide the noise.

Abe glanced at her, then back to Hellboy. "How about you start with lunch?"

Hellboy rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh, then eyed Sophie with an expectant look.

"Ya like nachos kid?"