Hazy, the longer Penn focused on the horizon line the more she found her vision distorting. She could feel the haze dancing with the stupid summer heat. Her back was practically sticking to the cheap car seat, and the sweat that didn't stick rolled straight down her back agonizingly slowly. However, she still found a reason to smile even now. Beside her, driving, sat the man of her dreams swearing about the heat treading dangerously close to waking her bundle of joy. Her baby girl in the back seat. The baby stirred here and there but found comfort in sleeping off the heat. Hair sprawled around her like a blanket, and even if she wasn't in a seat belt anymore her stick arms held her in place. Rocking and swaying with the old rattle box of a car.
"And more than that I can't see how you're so happy, Penn '' Her husband, David asked, still at his wits end with it all. They'd picked up and moved at the drop of a hat, his hat. He'd gotten the chance of a lifetime and decided his ratty old would get them to middle America. Where and how was beyond Penn but she never minded going along for the ride with him. Of course, she wished the ride came with air conditioning but she couldn't complain too much.
"I'm happy because everything's working out for you… I know you've hated relying on my father for help but-" David quickly interrupts, practically vomiting the words "I never needed his aid, Dear" ever word more sharp than the last. Penn sighs, head falling into the cheap chair, it's hot. "I'm just happy for you. I don't understand it much but… just hearing you talk about your science… you light up so much. I'm just glad you seem…" Penn stops, the word dies on her tongue. It's obvious and that's what makes it hurt worse.
He does seem happier now and she had no part in making it happen.
She stops smiling and blames it on the heat getting to her. David, upon hearing this, goes back to being upset at the heat. Ranting and raving. "Dad" a small voice croaked. "Hm? Evening, Doll" David replied, the gruff tone wavering.
"It's hot" "I know" he sighed quickly.
"It's really hot, Dad" she lamented, sticking her arm only to stick it back. Finding the moist sound is almost as amusing as the feeling of her skin stretching like slime. "Stop that" he mumbles, and the child doesn't hear him. The sound continues. "We're almost there… The house should be pre furnished, working, electric and water going, and a fresh stocked fridge." The child nodded, head luling to the side before it crashed back into the seat. "I'm still hot-" "Working with air… air conditioning. Lily, it'll be better soon. Everything is getting better now" and David meant it.
David meant every word, looked forward to every second. "I'm glad you seem happier, David," Penn mumbled, smiling at the fact that at least she could still say it and mean it. Even if she understood what it meant. "Of course, you always are."
Once the sun dipped behind the horizon, once the road seemed to narrow and twist into the trees, before they knew it they'd arrived.
A house, not bold enough to overshadow the trees beside it but big enough to house them comfortably. Old enough to be called classic but new enough to catch David's eyes. The man practically foamed at the mouth screaming the house's praises. He rushed in not sparing a second to check on his wife as she leaned on the car. The heat, it didn't take it easy on her in the slightest. Thankfully the water in the house was on. She'd need it… if she could get there. She could feel herself swaying without even taking a step forward. "Are you okay?" Lily asked, concern evident.
"I'm fine, bud" she mumbled, kneeling to hide kisses in her hair. The bun came undone in her sleep and swirled atop her head like a mop. The comb would have fun tonight. "I'll carry you. I'll carry you, come here?" The child didn't wait for an answer as she went for the ankles. It was honestly bold of her to naturally assume she could lift her by her ankles assuming she could lift her. "No, Lily. I'm too heavy-" "But Dad used to pick you up. He said you aren't heavy" Lily whined, still trying to lift the woman. The girl's heels nearly slipped from under her as she tried to root them in the dirt.
The girl quickly found herself uprooted and in her mother's arm though despite the protests. "I'm still a big girl… I just need water so~" Penn hums, giving the girl a small bounce before braving the path to the house.
"Have you seen the fridge, chairs, and even the paintings are just-" "Expensive" Penn laughed, the type of laugh that was practiced and tiresome but it still sounded as fresh.
"No, I was-well yes-but more than that more than money. Well, I'll be making a lot of it soon. I just meant only the best for my family." David stumbled but somehow found something to say. "The chair doesn't look squishy" Lily grumbled, squirming out her mother's arms. "Try sitting on it then." "No, Mom needs water first" The child rebutted. David nodded quickly moving on to the basement.
If Penn hadn't seen him reach for the hatch in the floor she wouldn't have know it was there. It blended in with the hardwood flooring. "Penn?" David hummed, waiting for her to speak or keep going on with her day. "I'm glad we got here within the night. I'll start getting Lily ready for bed." David nodded racing back up to pepper her with kisses.
Penn realized talking about it wasn't worth the time. The kisses were enough to tell her this. "See, we fit together perfectly. Wait up for me?" Penn blinked confused. "Will… checking the basement take that long?" Instead of an answer she was met with his lips, chapped but eager. "Gross, stop. Mom needs water… seriously" Lily huffed kicking at her father's ankles. "Right, sorry ladies let me get back to work then. I'll be back up soon" and with a small wave he retreated into the floor.
"Drink it" Lily quickly huffed, on her tippy toes trying trying shove the cup as close to her face as she could. "Of course, go get ready for a bath first" and with a kiss they parted ways.
The tap tastes stale somehow. Lily couldn't reach ice but Penn couldn't bear the walk to get any. She found herself torn between following her husband or ignoring him. Of course, she knew what she'd end up doing. Knew what needed to be done but still… even still, her foot tip tapped on the hardwood aa she mulled over the obvious. David's little flaws were always so damn obvious. Blinding even, and even if everyone could see them why did she have to see them as well.
While she pondered the man holding her heart slithered about downstairs. What should've been a basement resembled a lab. An open space with every wall lined with equipment. Some common tools and the others complicated machines. In the middle of it all stood another man. He'd been standing as if he'd been waiting for him, and it was so obviously planned David laughed a bit. He'd decided to ignore him until he finishes surveying the rest of the room. If this annoyed the mystery man he sure didn't show it standing as patiently as ever. "Hours? Days?" David sneered, quick to pick at him. The other laughed a bit.
"Minutes… heard you roll up. We'll need to get you a better car you might not make it to work like that. This small office is just… a bonus. Apparently you requested it which is something new… anything to say about that?" David simply laughed. The other nodded quickly. "I'll find out eventually-" "Son-" the other snickered at that. "Assitant, Head of Resources and Information, and more are my titles, sir" he paused to smile, it was too sweet for a moment like this. Too gentle to be used on a man like this, and David shriveled at the sight of it. "However, if you want to be chummy my full name is Edward Clark. Or Eddy, Davey" Edward finished even more amused than before.
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He watched David struggle to regain some sort of composure. He opened his mouth for a moment but quickly shut it to rub his chin. "David, that's fine" he said, trying his best to stick out his hand. Edward ignored it. "Sure, Davey. Shouldn't you be used to pet names aren't you married-hm, well it's none of my business. Affection comes in different shapes." David again tried to say something but find nothing to say. "It's late, I'll head out since you don't have questions but you might just be tired," as Edward heads to the door he stops for a moment, "I'll be back in the morning though. Ask me things then, alright? Either way goodnight, sir."
Strange, that's the only word that came to David's mind as he lingered on Edward's unfortunately entry into his life. Tiring also took root in his mind the longer he lingered on how childishly sharp he was, or could be at least. It was hard to tell the man's limits. Pet names couldn't be more repulsive to the man, husband, and father. God he felt his stomach turn and fold at the idea of his own wife doting, and to have a man do it. His voice disgustingly factual.
"David?" Torn from his frustrations David quickly sighed rushing up the stairs. Taking a small comfort in the fact that while his wife was observant she couldn't figure out how to find the hatch. She couldn't find the handle, not yet. "A second… wait in bed for me?" He smiled against the hatch. Waiting for her feet to shuffle away. "Right. See Lily before you lay down" Penn adds before leaving. Her voice either tired or solemn, maybe both.
When he emerged the lights were all off, and he realized just how hard it was to navigate without a light. Hands out he wandered about like a lost child somehow finding the child's room. "Lily?" Silence. "Doll?" He said a bit louder. "Dad" the child croaked back. If it was a bit brighter he'd see her peering about a bit tense. He'd realize standing at the door like this wasn't helping her. However, he never like coming into her room unless he needed her and tonight was no different. So he stood at the door giving her a small "goodnight" before moving to bathe.
She stayed like he found her head on the bed as her jaw stayed stiff. She couldn't say anything to him and expected a slight fuss over it but nothing came. If she'd spoken up she might have even gotten some reassurance that the room, the dark, the house, the woods were just that and nothing more. Sadly, the child found her voice trapped in her throat. "Mom," she whispered, trying to compete with the showers steady sound. Her mother gave no answer.
"Mom" she called again, a bit louder. Only loud enough to feel like she tried. Any louder and she felt she'd get whisked away in the darkness and dragged off by… something. Maybe by the darkness itself, she realized sinking further into her covers. The warmth would've been enough for her back at home. Home where everyone loved one room apart. Home where her grandparents always checked up on her to see if she'd dozed off by now. Home where she'd be gently cooed and coddled until she realized nothing would happen to her, to anyone. Who could make sure nothing would happen now? Only her grandfather said things like that so in her mind only he could defend them all. Her father certainly couldn't, she realized grimly, he'd be too busy. Of course, her mother came to mind but she'd get hurt going too far for her. That left Lily to take her grandfather's place. With deep breath she stood up, hoped out of bed, and surveyed the room arms outstretched.
Her grandfather always said 'a monster wouldn't pass up a chance at my arms, as if they could get a bite I'm too fast' so she confidently waved her arms. If someone as old as himself could be as quick as anyone then she really did have the advantage. Everytime her arms cut through the darkness she gained more confidence. Soon she added little kicks and bounces. Weilding wavering arms wandering wordlessly working for peace. Once her arms tired, once peace of mind was achieved, she stood still satisfied.
"I'm heading back now with a job well done, Lily. Until tomorrow night stay strong" she mimicked, striking the same small pose and wave her grandfather always did from the door. Yup, the night was complete. She quickly dove back under the covers shifting and wiggling until she found the spot again. The one spot that sunk around her just enough to comfort her. The perfect place that seemed to absorb her warmth and radiate it back equally. Perfection and more defined by a little divot in matress. The walls may have been bare and she may have ended up leaving all her stuffies behind but tonight, at least, she'd sleep like she never left home.
"Are you really sleeping, dear?" David sighed against his wife's neck after a moment. Her eyes opened but she decided against stirring. Laying still as she could while still trying to appear relaxed and in a deep sleep. He gently rubbed her shoulder in a nearly rough manner. If she didn't feel rude assuming she'd think he was trying to wake her up. He was, of course, but she just bit her lip and shut her eyes once again. A sigh left him again as a small "goodnight then" escaped his lips. Lips that hardly parted to kiss her before he turned over.
The bed never felt so chilly and the small air gap didn't help. She tried to keep herself from shivering, and realized he'd usually cozy up to her by now. His arms would coil around her waist and he'd gently rub her stomach. A habit he picked up while she was pregnant. When David kicked the habit she experienced her first sleepless night. Of course, it didn't hurt anymore so she let her eyes gently shut, finding comfort in the new things she'd been given today. Her little budding girl could have a nicely sized room, they didn't have to share a bathroom with her parents, and could live surrounded by fresh air. She'd have to make a habit of using the backyard tomorrow.
Morning, it used to be so busy Lily had no choice but to wake up and get ready. But today curiosity was the only thing drawing her out of bed. Someone had to be in the kitchen with all the little clicks, drags, and sizzles. Lily moved to go see but stopped when she remembered her grandmother. 'Get dressed, get ready. By then breakfast's ready' she'd always said. Usually she'd help her get dressed but luckily for Lily she didn't need help with that anymore.
The drawers were packed as if they'd always been living here. Confused, she started tearing the drawers apart. Dresses, shirts, and skirts filled them along with undergarments and things. Everything was some pastel cutesy style. She'd never seen so many bows and ruffles… Well, no dolls usually wore cute things like this. It looked too fancy to eat and play in but since it was all she had Lily decided she'd have to try some clothes on.
The only dress she was sure she could manage was a simpler one that closed in the front. She could reach the bow and latch it closed easily. The bottom of the dress puffed up spilling with ruffles. Socks and shoes weren't needed...not yet. For now, she'd check the kitchen and get a better look at the house.
"Morning," Edward hummed from the stove. "Morning, sir" Lily replied. Stopping in her tracks when the stranger turned to her. "Edward, and you are?" Edward asked, making his voice lose all that stiffness. When she didn't immediately answer Edward simply patted one of the high stool chairs. Lily nodded gently making her way to the stool. Every step was purposely slow, testingly, as her eyes never left the older man. "I'm not gonna eat you. I'm here for your father. Does he always sleep so late?" "Yes" she answered swiftly. She hoped once, twice, and allowed the man to give her a small tug of the hand so she could finally take her seat.
"You look a bit… proper. Do you like the clothes?" Edward asked turning back to the stove tops. "I want to go into the woods. Is there anything back there?" The man hums in an obnoxiously loud way clearly not sparing it a thought. "Trees, obviously" Edward laughed. "No, yes, but is there anything else… just trees?" Lily asks, clearly annoyed. "Probably more… if you ever want to explore it make sure to bring this much" Edward declared putting a little pocket knife on the table. She snatched it up like candy hiding it in what could barely be called a pocket. "For bears and things?" Lily gasps now standing in the chair. "I'd be more wary of people. If anyone tried anything aim for the legs, make it harder for them to run and get you. You know?" Edward doesn't wait for Lily to answer moving further away to grab plates, silverware, and drinks.
Everything was here like they loved here forever, Lily really hated that fact. "Can you help me explore?" Edward simply shrugs and both decided it was best to leave it there for now.
"Lily… are you awake?" Her mother croaked from the hall. "Yes, eating" Lily quickly called back. Penn laughed albeit nervously making her way to the living room kitchen. "Oh? I didn't know we'd have a guest… you'll have to wake him yourself." Edward raised a small brow but decided to hold his tongue smiling instead. "The food smells nice, thank you. I'll be sure to beat you to the kitchen next time" Penn sits down, her hand naturally intertwining with Lily's hair. "Morning, bud" she sighs, smile contagious.
"Bud?" Edward echoed thoughtlessly. "My little budding blossom, Lily. I can't wait to see her grow." Edward nods again deciding once more to bite his tongue. Something about watching the two interact is enough to keep him content. "You haven't been waiting long, have you?" "No, Mrs.Grey" Edward sputters taking a seat. It's here first time he's relaxed in this house. "Grey, no. I-we-" Penn corrects gesturing to her child. "We kept my last name. Penn Wright" she laughs, sticking out a hand. Edward takes it firmly and gives it a shake. "Edward Clark, but my friends call me whatever they want" his hand retreats to grab a fork. "Oh, are we suddenly friends?" She bites in the playful type of way that makes Edward grin. "Aren't we? I've practically befriended your little angle" He adds, gesturing to the child. Lily doesn't agree or disagree but that does speak volumes.
Lily didn't find much friendship and often denied it if it was wrongfully assumed. Her silence spoke for her. "I guess you have… don't get her into trouble or you'll have to hear from me" Penn mumbles absent-mindedly. Edward nods and hesitated before replying, "I wouldn't mind hearing from you again, Penn" with a bit to much sincerity. He back tracks quickly as he noticed even Lily stares realizing he's said quite a lot. "Of course, we be seeing much more of each other because of your husband. Nothing else" and Penn nods. Silence return slowly but it doesn't feel uncomfortable for a moment. Penn finds her eyes are torn between staring at her plate and staring at the man before her.
She tells herself it's mainly because he'll be around the house often, clearly. She needs to know what type of man will be around her child. Of course, her child's safety doesn't have anything to do with her staring at his lips. "You didn't wake me up?" David yawns from the doorframe. "Oh. You, why are you here?" All the tiredness drains from his voice at once. Lily takes it as an invitation to gather her things and place them in the sink. Of course, she's a bit too short so Edward's aids her clearly ignoring the man. "Is there some for me?" "Ah, about that. We need to get you in the office asap today something big happened. One of your tests decided to up and leave." David grumbled, turns to get dressed, and turns back when he realizes he's already gotten ready. "Let's just go then" "Yup. Your new car is parked outside, Davey" Edward muses tossing the keys before the man can even complain. Both are out the door before Penn finishes her plate, but only Edward spares a moment to say goodbyes.