Dallying with the help (closed)

[swordandsandle]

Name; Canas D. Richards
Age; 30
Desciption; 6' 2", broad shouldered, minimal but even muscle tone, well groomed chestnut hair, peircing grey eyes.
-----

Some might say I am the luckiest man on earth. I, for one, might be tempted to agree with them.

After all, as I child, I had little to look forward too; my father owned a small deli and my mother never got a job, the times where a bit tough, so I never managed to get hired... so it diden't look like I'd be going to collage anytime soon. It wasen't that I diden't have a brain; indeed, I had always had quite a mind for bussiness, but as the old saying goes, it took a dollar to make a dollar, and I just coulden't get that first dollar.

That is, until my 18th birthday... when I won the lottery. Suddenly, I had millions of dollars at my disposal; enough not only to fund my collage, but open up several online bussinesses, mostly in the sale of tutor computer programs. Over the last decade, my empire has grown, bringing me a tidy profit... far more then most men my age make. And, without a wife (though I did have an adopted son, who took after me quite well), I had plenty of ways to spend that money. Much of it I invested, but I still took the time to handle the finer things in life; a nice house, good food, nice suits... and a maid to clean the place up. After all, I worked a bit too much to do it myself, and it was quite large; why not give somebody an oppritunity when they where at the age I got mine?

My maid wasen't exactly a bad cleaner... though she was a bit young and inexperenced. Still, she diden't leave any spots in the carpets, made sure there where not dust streaks, and all in all made the house good enough to live in... at least for a man of my standards. Some nights, I offered her the oppritunity to stay for dinner, if I was particularly inpressed with her work, but as of yet she haden't taken me up on my offer. It was almost as if she got quite around me... it was strange.

Today, I had finished my work at the office early, and decided to come home early for a little half day vaction, although I did have to take home a few peices of paper that would need signing. I drove my compact car into my long driveway, stepping out in a nice, blue suit; crisp and clean, staring forward and walking with a presence. My maid's car was here... thank goodness she was still on the job. I walked up to the door, flipping out my keys, before opening it up, stepping inside and looking about. Surly, she would have heard the door open and be coming there to great me... she seemed to enjoy doing that.

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

Name: Elizabeth (Liz) Phillips
Age: 19
Description: 5'8'', petite, shoulder length straight auburn hair, hazel eyes

Some might say I was the luckiest girl on earth, and up until a year ago, I definitely would have agreed.

Exactly three months and seven days ago, my father cut me off. Appalled by the fact I had no interest in school, he'd decided that I needed to be taught a lesson; that things in life weren't just handed to me. If he needed me to learn that lesson, then why had things been handed to me my entire life?

The truth is, the whole "cutting me off" plan came from my father's third wife, who was approximately five years older than me, and twenty younger than my father. My mother had left us when I was only four, leaving my father to bury himself in his work, perhaps the only positive thing to come out of her bailing. He had worked so hard he'd become the CEO and eventual owner of his fortune 500 company, and we were living the high life in no time.

For that simple fact, the young gold diggers flocked to my father. I mean, he was a good looking man for a 44 year old, and I couldn't blame him for wanting some company, it was just a shame to see him being used.
I'd always been a daddy's girl, and I was never told no, until Third Wife came around and got sick of me always being with my father. He'd convinced her that I would not make anything of myself unless taught how to live a real life. "You've worked so hard for everything you've got, she should do the same." I'd hear her saying when she thought I wasn't around. Unfortunately, he was sucked in, and he agreed. Cutting me off completely, allowing me only a room to sleep in. He was still my dad, he wasn't that cruel.

Being cut off sucked, I couldn't buy what I wanted, and I was forced to get a job. Having only a high school diploma and not a lot of experience or skills, the only job I could find was a maid. For a rich man nonetheless. The irony. I grew up having maids clean my messes, now I was the one doing the cleaning.

I didn't mind it. Mr. Richards was a very nice man, and he was patient with me, knowing I had little experience in working. I enjoyed the job, and he was very hospitable, often inviting me for dinner.

I was in the middle of making the beds when I heard the door close, which was odd. Mr. Richards wasn't due home for another three hours at least. Confused, I made my way to the front room, smiling when I saw him come in.

"Ahh, Mr. Richards, early day at the office?"

 

[swordandsandle]

Focusing down on my shoes, I had hardly noticed the sounds of the house around me... I had never had that strong of an ear. Still, when I heard that soft voice, I knew exactly what had happened, turning about, I set my gaze out on her... it wasen't as though she was ugly; there was obvious good breeding in her, as she had made quite apperent in her interveiw. Still... she wasen't the sort of person that looked as though she should be walking about cleaning houses. She had to do something though... that's why I'd given her the job.

"Yes Miss Phillips," I said politly, walking a bit closer. "I haven't taken a vacation day in quite awhile, so since I was ahead of myself, I decided to take a few hours off. I assume I won't be getting in the way of your duties?" I was starting to walk away, though I was sure not to go too far. Of course, my question was quite retorical.

"Just remember," I gave a polite, freindly smile, which always seemed to go strangly with my eyes. "Come to me if you have any problems. I'm well aware that this job might need a bit more getting used to." And with that, I headed back up to my bedroom to get myself out of my suit and into something more... relaxing.

Pressing the door closed behind me, though it diden't quite close all the way, I set myself to removing my outfit, pulling off my pants first, then unbuttoning the top. Granted, I wasen't bulky, but I did make an effort to keep myself in shape. After all, nothing is less authorative then one who dosen't look like they could do the work themselves. I pulled on a nice sweatshirt and a long pair of crisp jeans... about the minimum a man of my stature could be seen with, before lingering there for a moment, taking in the smell of a cleaned room. Elizabeth had been doing such a good job as of late... perhaps it was time she got a raised.

Eventually, I emerged from my room, starting to feel relaxed. Coming down the kitchen, I set myself into the chair, flipping open the bussiness section of the newspaper, one leg crossed over the other. Why, add a cigar and I could have come out of fifty's show. Finnaly... a bit of peace.

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

I couldn't help but smile at him as he spoke. He was so articulate and spoke so intelligently; I loved hearing him speak.

And he was so understanding. Opening himself to any questions or problems I had made me enjoy working for him even more. Although, I'd never admit to having a problem, the thought was still nice.

I watched him saunter off, to go relax I presumed, and I made my way to the dining room to begin dusting the chandelier, which was hard for me to reach at my 5'8'' stance, even with the small stepladder.

I was on my tiptoes, bent over the table when it happened. Somehow I had lost my balanced, leaned to far over perhaps, and I went crashing forward onto the dining table. I landed right on my wrist, which resulted in an incredible pain, causing me to cry out. My scream combined with the loud bang of me hitting the table would no doubt lead Mr. Richards to come running in.

"Great," I thought to myself, "this is going to be embarrassing."

 

[swordandsandle]

I spent the next few minutes peruising the paper, getting up only to get myself a glass of water. I had been tempted to pop open some beer, humanity knows I've a taste for the stuff, but decided agenst it; I'd be having a glass of wine with dinner, anyway.

It was there I heard the crash. Even with my hearing, that was plain enough. Immediatly, my head shot up, hand slidding the paper back onto the table. It took half a moment for my mind to process what had happened, but even before I had, I pulled myself up out of the chair, walking smoothly, but briskly over to the dining room, passing thourgh the hallway and living room before I came upon her, laying there on the table. Quickly, I walked over, bending over slightly so I could lift her and place in in a sitting position in one of the chairs, getting the pressure of her wrist. From the redness and swelling, it appered as though she'd taken quite a beating there.

"Are you alright?" I asked, genuinly concerned. She looked in so much pain, in her eyes, on her wrist... my own faces softened as I looked her in the eyes for a moment, before moving them back to her wrist... and the scratch she'd made on the table bellow. Still, tables where replacable take too long, and her hand might not be. I should have known she'd have problems... I was partially repsonsable for this. Still, I placed one hand on her shoulder, trying to hold her still.

"I'm not mad at you," I assured her, just to cover up that potential bump... there where people who would have been mad at her now, yes, but I wasen't one of them. "I just need to know how much it hurts. Do you think you need to see a doctor, or would you just like me to fetch you some ice?"

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

I tried to fight back the tears as Mr. Richards came to aide me. My cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, and I tried to calm my breathing. His closeness was something I hadn't experienced before, and I couldn't say that I didn't enjoy it.

"Mr. Richards I .. I'm fine sir," I stuttered, lying through my teeth. The pain in my wrist was almost unbearable, but the embarrassment and fear of losing my job overpowered it.

"Oh my god!" I said in shock as I saw what had happened to the table. "Sir I am so sorry, I... I'll find a way to replace it .. or .. or fix it... something." I had to struggle to fight back the tears; I couldn't believe this was happening.

I searched hisface for a reaction, and seeing it soften calmed me a bit. "N-no sir. That's not needed, honestly. I.. I'll be fine. It's nothing." I was trying to convince myself as much as I was him, but it wasn't working. No way I was going to see a doctor, especially letting you know so. And there was absolutely no way I was going to allow you to fetch me ice, not when you were supposed to be relaxing on your day off.

 

[swordandsandle]

Being a bussinessman, I had had experence with this sort of thing before. Maybe not an exactly identical situation, but in our building, it had to happen at least once a week: somebody spills their coffee on the rug, or jams the copy machine, or accidently drops a box of pens in the middle of the floor and getting a few of them broken. Every time, they came in front of me almost like this; a bit better controled perhaps, but the same basic sympotoms. It wasen't that difficult to see and hear, then, the fear in you. Smiling slightly, I kept your injuried hand elevated in my own, looking back down at the table, and shaking my head dismissivly.

"It's alright," I tried to speak smooth and soft... though it certainly wasen't what my voice was built for. "Nothing occured that isen't fixable. I'll contact somebody to buffer out the table; I've got plenty of money. I will, however, be angery if you insist upon risking further agitating your wrist. As your employer, I want you to rest for the rest of the afternoon, ok?" I took my hand off your shoulder, standing up by moving down my eyes, so we still had eye contact. "Make yourself at home, alright? Everything in my house is yours. I can only apologize," I glanced down at your uniform, better suited for cleaning then relaxing. "That I have nothing else for you to wear. You'll have to make due with what you have. If you need help finding anything, don't be afraid to approch." I allowed my hand to touch the back of your hair for a breif moment before turning away. "And no cleaning, understood?" My voice grew back to familer tones... strong and authroative... that's how I was ment to speak.

Heading back to the kitchen, I picked up my empty coffee mug and placed it by the sink, although I knew it wasen't going to get washed today, or perhaps even tommarow. Glancing back at the newspaper, I decided I'd read enough, taking the short trip over to the living room and setting myself down in the sofa, large enough for two in anticipation of my son growing larger. Taking the remote, my mind longing for a bit of rest, I turn it on to some low-brained sitcom... Big Bang Theory I deduced. I watched, letting the facts and figures and files retreat back, although I was still rather alert, looking forward intently, body straght, legs parallel. Hopefully, Elizabeth would do as he ordered, although he wasen't going to fire her if she failed at that this time.

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

My breathing began to slow as I realized he honestly was not mad. I no longer feared the loss of my job, but the embarrassment was still unbearable. I wished I could crawl into a hole and never come out. But there was something about the look in Mr. Richards eyes as he spoke to me, I couldn't quite tell what it was, but I certainly didn't mind it.

"Yes sir," I replied after he'd given me very strict instructions to do no further work. "I'll get some ice on it and rest," I said, giving him a half-hearted smile. As he walked away I stood up from the chair, straightening out my uniform. It was indeed nothing special, a simple black pleaded skirt that fell mid thigh, and a black v-neck t-shirt that surprisingly showed my upper body off quite well. I couldn't complain about the uniform though, at least Mr. Richards was kind enough to provide me with a uniform as to not ruin my own clothes.

I made my way to the kitchen, reaching into the cabinet for a ziploc bag and filling it with ice from the freezer. I also grabbed a thin hand towel to wrap around the ice bag, so it wasn't too cold on my skin.

The kitchen sat just behind the living room where he was sitting, and the open wall of the home allowed me a clear view of the television. He was watching one of my favorite shows,and I thought about joining him on the couch. Ultimately, I decided to stay in the kitchen and sit at the small table to watch, not wanting to invade on his peace and quiet like I already had.

I sat quietly, icing my wrist and listening to the television, when one of the characters said something funny. A small giggle escaped my lips, unfortunately drawing his attention to me once again.

 

[swordandsandle]

I don't know why my poor ears picked up that one particular sound over the surronding diaolouge of the television. Maybe it was because of the high pitch, or the fact that I had just noticed her arrival a few moments ago, but sure enough, the sound of a light giggle reached my ears, causing my eyes to dart over. She was just sitting there, ice on her wrist... but still, she seemed to be thinking, something else.

"It's alright," I bekon softly with my hands... you must be bored, just sitting there in the kitchen, doing nothing. The least I could do was offer you a good spot to veiw a show you seemed to think was funny. I shifted over slight to the left, making room on the couch for you, enough so we diden't have to touch if you diden't want to. "There's plenty of room if you'd like. I don't mind." With that, I turned away, looking back at the screen... though part of me would prefer if she came in. Weather or not it was concidered acceptable by others of my status, I had tried to give my maid something with a little more function then a pinafore. Not that it diden't compliment her nicely, but it was a uniform none the less, for function rather then fashion. She would probebly look best in powder blue, maybe a nice long dress. But, that diden't lend itself to cleaning toilets and and washing laundry, now would it? Still, I woulden't mind if she wore such a thing to dinner... indeed, cocidering how distasteful woman could be in the office nowadays, it would be nice to see some clothing with a bit more culture and tradition to it. Perhaps, when her birthday came around, I could give something like that to her as a bonus.

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

Hesitantly, I got up from the table and slowly walked into the room that was occupied by Mr. Richards. Why does he have to be so nice? Surely he didn't want me moping around here all day, but being such the gentleman he is, he had to offer. I respected him for that. He didn't treat me like just some maid he was paying to do mundane tasks around the house; he respected me, treated me like a human being and I liked that about him.

Choosing where to sit was more difficult than it should have been. I didn't want to sit to close and creep him out, but I didn't want to sit on the opposite end and make him think I was afraid of being near him. So instead I sat awkwardly half on the middle cushion, and half on the far cushion, leaving about a 3 foot distance between us. I sat up straight, crossing my legs in front of me and placed my wrist in my lap, holding the ice on it.

We sat silently for a moment, with my occasional giggle that I tried to stifle; something about that show was just so funny to me. Damn my simple sense of humor. And then a commercial came. The close proximity we were sitting in, and his absolute kindness he had shown me today had my mind racing with thoughts. His actions, and actually being able to get a good up close look at him had me very attracted to him. But he was my boss, the only person on earth willing to help me out; I had to get those thoughts out of my head, and fast. Unable to bear the silence, I shifted my weight so that I was facing him.

"Mr. Richards, I am so so so sorry. I shouldn't have tried to reach it without a higher step ladder, I .. I just thought I'd be able to handle it, and I didn't want to trouble you. " I glanced at my wrist and sighed, "we see how that turned out."

 

[swordandsandle]

I smiled as she came in to accompany me. Sometimes, it got quite lonely around this large house, my son being a bit of a social butterfly being out quite late most nights with freinds and parents of the right stripes. Besides, even when he was here, he wasen't old enough to enjoy mature entertainment. Having another adult to just talk too might be nice. It wasen't just that though, she actually made me feel comfortable. Perhaps it was because I could maintain shreds of my work day, being in authority, putting on that comfortable old suit. Slowly, I shifted in my seat, waiting for her to sit down.

My eyes glanced over when she sat, looking to be in a bit of an uncomfortable position. Indeed, the lack of an armrest within easy reach of her wrist must have been killing her. There was still some suffering in her face, I could make it out, even though I only had a sideways glance at her, keeping my eye primerly on the television. "Don't be afraid," I say as a commercial comes on, a ghost of a smile flitting across my lips every time she speaks. "You can come a little closer if you'd like."

Listening to her speak, I nodded slightly, solemly to myself. She was a little self-depreciating; perhaps it was only around me, but I wasen't about to pry into her personal life without her permission. Slowly moving my head, my body sitting straght, I locked my eyes with hers, reaching across the couch to touch the side of your leg. "Its ok," I spoke simply, as if stating facts like "I am male" or "the sky is blue". "I know this isen't the easiest job for you, and things like this happen on occasion. The best thing we can do is learn from our mistakes, no?" I slid a bit over on the couch, so I don't have to strain my arm to reach you. "I don't want you to ever be afraid to ask me for help, ok? You're still fairly new at this, and I want you to feel like when you're working in my home, you have just as much right to ask my assistance then any employee in my office. Sometimes in life, you just need somebody else to guide you along." And with that, I turn my head back to the screen, pulling my hand back.

After awhile, the credits start to roll, and I flip the screen off, looking over at the clock before back at you. "That was nice," I state genuinly, turning my body back before you. "I truely appreicate your company. It gets a bit lonely out here sometimes."

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

I could feel him looking at me throughout the show, and I was sneaking glances here and there; admiring his masculine face and defined jaw line. His handsomeness was undeniable, but I wished I could focus on something else. After my apology, he once again assured me that he was not angry, and I listened intently as he spoke. An occasion nod and "yes sir" got me through the conversation. It was his slight touch on my leg that sent chills up and down my spine. The lightest touch felt like he was jolting me with electricity, and I had no idea why. Your hand on my leg made my responses slower and my nods began to come uncontrollably, making me look a nervous wreck. I tried to steady my breathing, but it wasn't until the credits began to roll and his hand left my leg that my pulse returned to normal.

I had to admit, although it was a bit awkward 'hanging out' out with my employer, it was indeed nice to have some company. I didn't have many friends since my father had cut me off.They'd all stopped coming around, not wanting to be seen with a 'poor' girl; some friends they were. I guess when you lose everything, you find out what really matters.

"I know the feeling," I said without thinking. "I mean, of being lonely in such a big house." I looked around the room, enormous itself, and gestured with my hands. "I know what it's like to be lonely, and it is nice to have some company." I smiled faintly at you, pushing a stray piece of hair behind my ear. "Thanks Mr. Richards, you've been incredible today. I'll repay you by working twice as hard tomorrow. I'll make up for what I missed today."

And I meant it. It was killing me sitting around while I should have been dusting and vacuuming and doing laundry. That's why I couldn't stop apologizing. Admittedly, it did make me seem a little pathetic but I wanted to do the best job possible. Not only because you were nice enough to give me the chance, but because I wanted to prove to myself, and to my father that I wasn't a spoiled brat like his new little wife had said I was. I wanted to prove that I wasn't afraid to work for what I wanted; that I could make something of myself, even if it was just cleaning. I was bound and determined to do so, and regardless if I had help or not, I was going to be okay with my life.

 

[swordandsandle]

I slowly shoke my head as you stumbled over your words, smiling with my eyes. "Now, don't get ahead of yourself," I cautioned. "We don't want you breaking that little hand of yours and getting yourself in a brace for a month, do we?" Honestly, you seemed so flustered... although I had to admit it was kind of cute. Honestly, all of you was a bit cute; perhaps not a mature beuty, but plesent to look at in your own special way. "Take as much time as you need. I'll even speak with your father if he wants to do so. My first priority is your comfort and safety." And with that... it sort of stopped. No particular reasoning, just stopped.

We waited there for a few moments, a bit of akward tension in the air, silence permiating everything. "Well," I finnaly looked up at the clock... it was getting a bit late, now that I thought about it. "Your shift should be over soon, would you like to stay for dinner? I diden't have anything special planned, but I can always order out." I spoke more for something to say then anything else, the silence itching at my brain. "Also, if you don't feel like driving home with your wrist, I'd be more then willing to offer you the guest room to sleep in. I must warn you though; there's a storm coming tonight, and the window makes a rather frightening sound when it gets too hard." Slowly, I stood up, waiting for your answer... and, perhaps, taking a glance at admirng the unifrom. I haden't picked it for astetics, but it actually complimented your form quite nicely... wait, what was I thinking? "In fact, I insist upon you staying for dinner, at least. My son will be coming home soon, and I'd rather you get a chance to meet him properly."

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

I smile and shake my head, agreeing that me in a brace would not be a good idea.
"No sir, that's alright. Having you call my father would only be worse. He'd scold me for falling in the first place, but thank you." I smile and stand up as you do. My pulse quickened as you asked me to stay for dinner.

"Oh sir I couldn't impose," but my rejection was cut off by your insistence. I took a deep breath, straightening my skirt with my good hand. I felt your eyes on me and I looked away, unable to meet yours as I felt you looking me over. "He must think I'm pathetic," I thought to myself. I mean look at my situation. Here I am in this man's house, I've sprained my wrist, wrecked his table, and now he's pitying me by asking me to stay for dinner. I was pathetic. I sighed, taking a long drawn out breath before speaking."If you insist air, then yes I would be happy to stay for dinner." My eyes finally met yours as I smiled tje forsy genuine smile of the day."And I would be delighted to meet your son." This was the truth. In the time I've worked for Mr. Richards his son was always at school, and I was gone by time he got home. I have secretly been wanting to meet him for a while now.

"But, you have to let me help you. I'll do what I can to make up.for my slack today. I can't be taking handouts from my employer," I say with a small laugh, half joking and half not. I didn't want him to think I was takings advantage of the situation, that would be awful.

The truth is, every time Mr. Richards had asked me to stay for.dinner, I'd wanted to say yes. I'd wanted ro sit with Jim and his son and learn about their lives, have someone to talk to. I was lonely, and desperate for the company, but I could never allow myself to say yes to his offer until now. His.character today has changed something; I dost just feel like the maid he pays to clean. Mr. Richards had treated me as if I were a human being, a friend even, and that feeling alone made all the difference.

 

[swordandsandle]

"No, no," I shake my head firmly as I look at you, chuckling a little myself, if only to make the atmosphere less, akward. "You're my guest tonight. Besides, I'll probably end up ordering out anyways. Talented as I am, I never did take much time learning how to cook." Oh, the truth in that statement. Honestly, I burned my toast half the times I'd try to make it; mostly, I'd settle on cold cerial, as even I coulden't mess that up. "I'm not doing this as your employeer; I'm doing this as a person. Please, respect that." My voice was gentle, but forceful. No matter what, I'd have to convince her of this... I just needed a chance to talk with her. Something was wrong with her life, and I was determained to find out what.

"Now, come on," I placed an arm gently over your shoulder, leading you along into the kitchen. Leading you over to the chair, I sit you down, moving over to the opposite side, sitting down across from you, looking onto that face with a concerned look. "Something's wrong," I state simply. "You haven't been acting like yourself as of late. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

"Of course," I can't help but smile at his words. 'just two people having dinner, not as an employee." I smile genuinely and tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I was very pleased, and flattered that Mr. Richards was being so kind to me, and with everything going on in my life, a break from the real world would be nice.

When Mr. Richards had hired me, I did not tell him I had been cut off, or of the stupid skank who married my father; I left my personal life out of it. Actually, he didn't really know much about me at all. Just that I was a young girl, desperately needing a job.

Chills shot through my body at the feeling of his arm around me and I fought to catch my breath. It had been a while since any man had touched me at all, let alone a man I saw as attractive as I did you. I sat in the chair, and at your words my face dropped. I placed my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands, trying to think of a way to avoid this question. I was on the Bergen of bursting already, and with enough prodding, there was no doubt the dam would break and everything I had been hiding from you would come rushing out.

"It...It's really nothing sir. I've just been tired that's all," I lied, trying to convince myself as much as I was you. I didn't want to admit to myself how hard this actually was. And I definitely did not want to admit how lonely I was in every possible way.

 

[swordandsandle]

I notice the subtle signs; the shift in your seating, the eyebrow movements, the light twitch across your arms... you weren't telling the whole truth, that's for sure. My eyebrow went up skeptically, trying to puzzle it out. "It has to be more then that," I ask, genuine concern in my voice. "Its just, I'd like to know if I can help. I'm not fond of seeing young people suffer... I had a bit too much of that in my own childhood." I stopped myself from going into a speech, knowing this wasen't my time. Still, I had shift my stance a bit, as if to emphasis that to my own mind.

I wait for a few minutes for you to speak, keeping my gaze on you... before eventually just moving my hand to pat your shoulder slightly. "Well, if you want to talk, I'd be more then glad to listen." I smile softly before standing up, giving you one last little look. "Take as long as you need." Finnaly, giving up the ghost, I walk over to the staircase, heading up and into my room to grab at a book, fliping it open to my bookmark and holding it before me, walking slowly down the stiars before settling myself in the study, flipping on my reading lamp and settling myself into and old leather chair, taking in the scent of old paper and wood. It was such a peaceful place.

I don't know how long I was in there reading, before I head the rumbling in my belly. Giving a light sigh, I head my way into the kitchen, looking around until I found you, and getting your attention by resting a hand back on your shoulder.

"Hey, feeling better?" I ask, to be polite. "I'm going to order dinner now... is there anything you'd like?"

 

[lonelycollegegirl]

Your hand on my shoulder sent chills through my body again. I had no idea why your touch was so electrifying to me. You were so genuine as you spoke, making it hard for me not to spill my guts to you. I opened my mouth repeatedly to speak, but nothing came out. Finally, you walked away, and for some reason I felt sad that you had left.

I sighed heavily and suck backwards into the chair, debating on what to do. I had missed my chance to open up to you. I wasn't going to go chase you down and blab about my sob story. Honestly, I wanted to just be near you. For some reason, around you I felt like I actually mattered, that you actually did care a little bit about me. That's why I wanted to do anything I could to make you happy. And if that meant cleaning the house spotless, or just staying for dinner, I would do it.

After calling my father to tell him I would be working late, I tidied up the living room a bit. Nothing too extraneous for my wrist; just some light dusting or pillow fluffing with my good arm. Thankfully, you didn't walk in to see me doing any of this, because I knew you would not be happy about it.

After what seemed like ages, I decided to go into the kitchen to see what sort of food I could find in the cupboards. I jumped at the touch of your hand, you'd startled me. When I turned to see it was you, I couldn't help but laugh at my jumpiness.

"Um, no sir. Order whatever you'd like, I'm sure it will be delicious," I smile, looking away quickly, unable to hold your gaze. I swallowed loudly, and then cleared my throat, the silence becoming more and more uncomfortable.