Page 20 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

She lifts to her feet and looks up at me through her lashes. I feel bad as I look at the effort she put into her appearance. As I take in her hair and the outfit she’s wearing, she steps forward and pulls my handkerchief from my pocket.

I look back at her curiously. Tapping the cloth to her tongue, she then wipes it against my cheek. When she pulls it away and it comes into my view, there is blood on the cloth.

“I will set the table and heat our food. Maybe you should go and shower. You seem to have brought work home.”

I chuckle. “Sorry about that. I will be quick. We’ll make a night of it. We can watch a movie together after dinner.”

“I would like that. You are just in time. We still have a few hours to do all of this before our anniversary is over.”

“Then I better hurry.”

I go to take the handkerchief from her, but she clutches it in her grasp. I give her a questioning look and hold my hand out for it. She shakes her head at me.

“I will toss it into the fire.”

“Thank you.”

Symphony

I was so nervous. I didn’t think Michael would return home for our anniversary. I didn’t think he would want to spend it with me.

I know it’s silly for me to think he would want to celebrate the occasion. He is only married to me to keep me safe. However, I wanted to have dinner with him in remembrance of the day.

I collect our now hot plates and carry them into the dining room. I take a calming breath as the vest beneath my dress goesa long way to settle me into my skin. Annabella gave it to me before she left for her holiday.

She explained she got it from a friend who said it would work like the weighted blankets. So far, it has been working wonders. I would like to show Michael I can be a real wife.

I would like for him to fall in love with me the way I’ve fallen for him. I know it’s silly and this crush may never be requited, but I have hopes and dreams. My disorder has not caused me to be oblivious to my attraction to the opposite sex.

My husband is very handsome and attractive. He’s sexy and often makes me blush. I might be fifteen now, but it is my hope that in a few years, Michael will start to see me as more than his charge.

“Something smells delicious,” Michael says as he enters the room dressed in a fresh black dress shirt and slacks.

His hair is still damp, causing it to fall down in his face. His hair is much longer than one would think when it’s combed back away from his face. I have always wanted to push my fingers through it.

He pulls my chair out for me to sit. I duck my head and sit down as he scoots my chair in for me. My heart is racing.

This all seems like a bad idea now. What will I say to him? Will I sound weird to him like the girls at school say I do to them?

Will I sound childish to him? I keep my fingers hidden as I can’t keep them still. I long to go and play the piano.

“George said you have been on a leaner diet. I chose chicken and steamed vegetables. We went with Italian flavors. I hope you enjoy it.”

“Are you not going to eat?” he asks as he picks up his knife and fork.

“Yes, I am. I am quite hungry. It does smell delicious.”

I begin to eat as he does. He groans and nods his head as he chews. I keep my gaze on him from out of the corner of my eye.

I want to start a conversation, but I’m too nervous to think of anything to say. Instead, I keep stuffing food into my mouth. I dart my eyes around as I desperately try to find something to say.

“You really were hungry,” he chuckles, breaking the silence.

I put my utensils down and rub my sweaty palms on my thighs. Full of nerves, I scoot forward to the edge of my seat and finish chewing my food before I answer.

“Was your work successful?” I blurt out.

Michael places his fork and knife down and clears his throat. I turn in his direction, but I don’t look into his eyes. I’m not ready for him to see me.

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