Page 79 of Alexander's Heart

The room goes profoundly silent as we all witness this moment of her return to awareness. Her first confused blinks meet my eyes, searching for something familiar and as her wide blue eyes search mine, I notice her comfort of seeing a friendly face, and a tiny, hesitant smile flickers across her features. Relief blooms within me, warm and reassuring. Despite everything, she’s here, she’s safe, and every small movement she makes we watch her with bated breath, hoping she doesn’t feel frightened and that she realizes we are good people and she’s safe.

I move slowly and take a seat beside, Tiny, “Hi, baby girl, my names Lily, what is your name?”

Her wariness to speak is palpable, her eyes wide as she takes in the faces around her. There’s a noticeable hesitance as she surveys her environment, perhaps intimidated by the unfamiliar setting or the presence of so many men. Her small fingers clutch a piece of the blanket surrounding her, finding comfort in the soft fabric.

I slowly lean a little closer to her, offering a gentle smile, trying to show her warmth and kindness.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, keeping my voice soft and inviting. “You can take your time. We’re all here for you, and there’s no rush to talk.”

My words are patient and encouraging, aiming to ease her discomfort and hopefully build trust. She looks around her eyes wide but curious at all our faces, we all remain calm, offering a reassuring presence, hoping not to frighten her. Her eyes find mine again and she smiles.

“H-Hi,” her little voice quiet.

“Hi, do you want to tell me your name, sweetheart?”

She gently nods, “E-Eve.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you Eve, would you like to meet everyone?” I ask with a smile.

Eve nods and Tiny speaks gently, “Hi, Eve, my names Tiny, it’s really nice to see your pretty blue eyes,” He gives her a warm inviting smile and Eve giggles softly.

Eve seems to gather a bit more courage as she looks to Alexander, indicating her readiness to meet everyone around her.

Alexander steps in, lowering himself to her eye level, smiling gently. “Hi Eve, I’m Alexander, and I’m really happy to meet you,” he says in a soft voice, aiming to make her feel secure.

Cuddy goes next, his voice cheerful. “And I’m Cuddy! It’s great to meet you.”

Reid, with a friendly nod, introduces himself too. “Hello, I’m Reid,” he says, offering a smile that’s kind.

Blake chimes in with enthusiasm, “Hey there, I’m Blake!” ensuring his tone carries friendliness and warmth.

Jackson, standing slightly behind the others, adds a gentle wave, “Hi Eve, I’m Jackson,” his tone soothing.

Doc, always calm and reassuring, speaks last. “And I’m Doc. We’re all very happy to meet you and have you’re here with us,” he concludes, his voice filled with kindness.

As each name is said, Eve looks at each face, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and shyness. Tiny’s supportive arms giving her a sense of safety, helping her absorb each new face and name. Her small nods and the hint of a smile as each person introduces themselves show her beginning to feel more at ease amongst us.

As Eve is getting acquainted with everyone, the sudden sound of fast footsteps signals another arrival. The pace and urgency of the steps draw everyone’s attention toward the doorway just as Alexa bursts into the room. Her entrance is swift, reflecting her eagerness or perhaps anxiety to find Alexander and me as she quickly scans the room, her eyes land on Eve and she stops dead in her tracks.

“Uncle Tiny, who awe you holding?” Alexa asks breathily.

“Alexa, this little girl is Eve, this is who Daddy and team saved last night.” Tiny says proudly.

Alexa gasps and rushes in and wraps her arms firmly around Eve, “You okay, Evie?”

Eve is nodding but Alexa is too busy giving her cuddles to know.

“Princess, you can’t see Eve nodding because you’re cuddling her, give her a little space sweet girl.” Tiny says softly.

Alexa steps back and her little hands go to her hips and we all know what’s coming, Tiny’s about to get a beat down.

“Uncle Tiny, I’s giving Evie a cuddle because she’s my fwiend, how abouts you shawe, big guy.”

Eve starts giggling at Alexa and we all breathe a sigh of relief and fall into laughter.

“Sorry, Princess I was jus–”

Alexa holds her little hand up stopping his apology, “Awe you gonna shawe Evie, Uncle Tiny? Because I’ll tell you wight now, if you say the wong answer, no more sweet tweats faw you!”

---