"Do you need help?"
I shook my head. "No thanks, I got it. Thank you, though."
My cheeks warmed as I headed inside. I turned into Ricky's sister's room. Dropping the bags with a soft thud, I turned to go back to the rest of the bags. Ricky's dad was carrying them down by his sides. He went past me and put the bags with mine.
"We're thrilled you're here, Sawyer. Just remember this is your home too." Ricky's dad grinned and wrapped me in a hug.
I gulped and hugged him back.
Part Four
Four Months Later
12
Madeline
It was late at night. The scientists were gone, and it was only a nurse and me pretty much in the whole building except for the security. I had snuck down to Adam's room as I did when I was unable to sleep. The nurse was rocking a fussy Adam in a chair in the room. She smiled as she saw me.
"I got it," I spoke up.
She nodded her head and handed him over to me. I sat in the rocking chair and held the growing child in my arms. Adam's eyes weren't blue anymore, but brown. His hair was coming in a strawberry blond. He made some noises then yawned as I held him. I smiled as I rocked the two of us. Even though I saw him every day, it still amazed me how much he was growing. He was always so happy.
"I should've known this is how you spent your nights."
I peered over to the door and saw Dr. Green standing there. He slid his hands into his coat pockets.
"I've always had trouble sleeping. I can relate to Adam."
Dr. Green laughed. "You're good. Human interaction is good for the both of you."
I nodded.
"Sawyer graduated high school today."
My stomach twisted as I continued to rock. My eyes stung.
"He is starting summer classes, so that he'll be leaving soon."
I was still unable to find the words. A lump had grown in my throat, blocking anything from coming out.
"I'd like you to stay in your room tomorrow night even if you're unable to sleep."
I looked at him, and my eyebrows drew closer.
"Why?"
"I just think it would do you some good to spend some time in your room tomorrow night."
Dr. Green winked and left the two of us rocking.
The next night I sat in my bed watching TV. My eyes were wide open, and my knee bounced as I sat cross-legged. I'd been in this room all day with my lessons with Beth. I was ready to get out. Groaning, I fell backward so that my head hit the pillows. I was too awake even to try to fall asleep. My door creaked open, causing me to sit up on my elbows. A figure was in my doorway, and the outline was lit by the hallway light that stayed on. My nerves were on edge. The person closed the door and got closer. Despite all the windows, I squinted to figure out who it was.
"Maddie."
I leaped out of bed and wrapped my arms around his neck. Sawyer stumbled backward, and his arms went around my waist. The crinkle of plastic was behind my back.
"Sawyer." I nearly cried.
I buried my face into the nape of his neck. I took in a deep breath of the scent I would recognize anywhere.
"How did you get in here?"
"Dr. Green gave me his badge. When I leave, I have to put it in a spot for him so he can get into work."
I couldn't let go. Sawyer scooped me up and carried me to the bed. We sat still holding each other.
"I've missed you so much," I whispered.
"Trust me. I've missed you. Cold feet and all."
I laughed and slowly let go so that I could look into those eyes again, even though it was dark. My fingers stroked Sawyer's shorter hair. He must have gotten a haircut recently. My fingers traced down his cheek before I held his face between my hands.
"It looks like you're being treated better here." His voice was soft.
"It's been so long." I ignored Sawyer's comment as I was still stumbling over the idea of him being here.
"I know. I moved into Ricky's house because I couldn't handle being in that house any longer."
Sawyer's hand reached up and pushed some hair behind my ears. My insides fluttered. I dragged his face closer to mine until our lips met. It felt like my heart had burst into a million pieces. I pulled away just enough to look into Sawyer's eyes as blood rushed through me. His brown eyes stayed glued onto mine under the heavy lids. This time he closed the space between us, and Sawyer's lips were against mine. Sawyer drew me in closer as I crawled into his lap. His hands held onto my hips.
"This isn't why I came to visit you." Sawyer's breathing was heavier as he pulled away for a moment.
"I believe you."
Leaning over again, I crushed my lips against his. Sawyer's hands ran up my back, and I arched into his touch. Every inch of me wanted more. My fingers drove through his short, dark hair. I could not have him close enough. Sawyer backed away and gave a light kiss to my neck. Goosebumps crept up my spine.
"I want this, but I'm about to leave for school. I can't do this to you."
I leaned forward so that my forehead rested on his. My breathing was slightly labored as my hands fell onto his shoulders. I closed my eyes and felt his arms embrace.
"All I had planned was a quiet night. I brought you ice cream and cookies. I figured we could watch movies and eat junk."
I laughed and opened my eyes. There was a
