Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

“Here you go, that’s Valentina’s room, mine and Sofia’s are the doors
right in front of you, in case you ever need to find us during the night.” The
little girl nodded at my instructions but a frown still marred her baby face. “I
think it’s better if you two sleep together tonight. Again, I’ll be in the room
right in front of yours if you need anything, okay?” Valentina looked instantly
relieved but she kept biting her lip like something was bothering her.
“Thank you Maddox. I can never thank you enough for what you’re doing
for us.” Sofia’s eyes shone with sincerity as she looked at me.
My throat felt tight, seeing her so vulnerable did something to my heart, I
had to say.
“You don’t have to thank me, Sofia. I’d do anything to help you guys.”
Silence filled the room as we stared at each other, communicating without
words. I was beginning to think I’d do anything for these girls. They grew on
me more and more every day, their bond with each other slowly shifting to
make space for me. Being with them almost felt like spending time with
family.
Clearing my throat because I realized I was still staring at her while lost
in thoughts, I scratched my neck and gestured to the door next to the closet.
“You can shower in there, there should be towels under the sink cabinet,
I’ll go and make you something warm to drink before you sleep, okay?” They
both nodded and Valentina then cocked her head to the side.
“Do you have hot chocolate, Mads?” I smiled at the nickname she insisted
on giving me earlier today.
She said since I called her Pretty Girl she had to have a nickname for me
too. I’d suggested Maddie, since it’s what my friends from college called me,
but she said no because she’d heard Callie use it and she wanted something
that was only hers. So Mads it was.