forum The Grand Library

Started June 13, 2018 by @Bri_Soto

tune

"Are… a-are you sure it's not too much?" There was a hint of fear in his eyes, and confusion. He had never really had anyone answer his questions before, and especially not without being angry. His father's voice rang loudly in his ears, so loudly that he actually flinched. Don't meddle in things that aren't any of your business, boy! And the sound of shattering glass.

Bridgett nodded. "I'm sure."
When Jay flinched, she furrowed her eyebrows. Concern clear in her green eyes. "You okay, hon?"

"W-What?" He locked eyes with her for a moment, and if eyes were truly the window to the soul he would be giving everything away. "Yeah…. y-yeah, I'm fine… perfectly fine.." He lied.

Bridgett's smile slipped slightly. Jay was so young and so small, but his eyes were as tired as any adult she'd seen. As anyone's eyes who'd seen hard times.
"Are you sure?" She asked softly.

Jay hesitated for a few seconds, wanting so badly to simply shake his head 'no'. He couldn't bring himself to nod, tears stinging his eyes. His breath caught in his throat, and he seemed unable to speak.

"I see." Bridgett pushed the plate of cookies towards him before she stood up slowly so he wouldn't scare him. "I'll be back in a moment."
She went back upstairs to grab a few things.

The tears fell from his eyes as she left, and he quickly tried to wipe them away. You're weak! Stop crying! "Stupid!" He yelled, slapping himself hard across the face to try and come back to his senses.

Bridgett thought she heard Jay yell something as she went up the stairs, so she quickened her steps. She grabbed a blanket, a mug, and a few pillows. She filled the mug with hot cocoa and rushed back downstairs. "C'mere, you can bring the book if you want, but we're gonna make a Soft Spot." She went to the corner of the room where there was a nice window that overlooked a peaceful little garden.

Jay stopped for a few moments before grabbing the book and walking over to Bridgett. A red mark was already beginning to form on his face, but he ignored it. After all, he was very accustomed to that sort of pain. He sat down beside Bridgett, trying again to brush away the stubborn tears.

Bridgett set up the pillows for them to sit on and a few to make walls like a pillow fort. She wrapped the blanket around Jay's shoulders and took the book from his hands, replacing it with the cup of cocoa. She saw a red spot on his cheek and set the book down to run back upstairs. She grabbed some ice and a bag as fast as she could and ran back down and sat next to him, now out of breath. "Here… Put-this-on…" She pointed to his cheek as she caught her breath.

"It's… i-it's okay… I-I deal with this all the time, I'm used to it…" Jay stared down into the cup, heat rising to his face. Why is she so concerned? Why does she care? I experience worse than this all the time!

"I don't care if you're used to it, put the ice on your cheek. You're to be safe, and hopefully happy, under my roof, okay?" She looked him in the eye to emphasize her care and seriousness of it.

Jay flinched at her stern tone and put the ice on his cheek. "Y-Yes, ma'am…" Another memory came back to him, from when he was very little and had only been speaking for a little bit. Perhaps around the age of four. Mama, can yo- The younger Jay was slapped hard across the face. You are to call me ma'am! Is that clear?! Jay trembled. I asked you a question, boy! Is that clear?! Y-Yes, ma'am… Good! And you'll do well to remember!

Bridgett immediately regretted her unfriendly tone. She crinkled up her nose. "Ma'am? Let's stick with Bridgett, yeah?" She tilted her head at him and finally asked, "What do you think of the cocoa?"

"Yes ma'a- sorry! I… I-I mean Bridgett… It's… good." He took a sip of the hot chocolate, unable to make eye contact with Bridgett. And your father is to be called sir! Do you understand, boy? Yes… y-yes ma'am… Take care that you don't forget, or your consequences will be dire! Jay closed his eyes, shuddering and not noticing that more tears had fallen.

(I’m joining in!)
Kamryn walked over to See a girl reading to a young boy. She listened to the story “that’s one of my favourites you know.” She smiled fixing her jacket

(Alright then.)
Bridgett smiled at the new girl who had walked in. "Yeah, it's good. What's your name?" She asked.
Bridgett glanced at Jay who was hiding his face from the new girl

Jay quickly tried to wipe the tears from his cheeks before the girl saw them. Perhaps she would not like him to be weak, like his parents didn't. His hands trembled as he held onto the cup, and he seemed to be holding his breath.