Hey, Have You Ever Believed? {Geebs}

Savannah Kemping

She liked the feeling of his hands on her waist. It made it feel important to him - which was nonsense, of course. How could she be important if they'd just met? Her elation pushed these thoughts away. She was a child, that was all, and she should be allowed her simple pleasures. If this was a mistake, she'd find out soon enough, wouldn't she?

His question stopped her short. The smile fell off her face, and she stopped standing tiptoe to reach him better. She pulled away from him, hugging her arms to her chest. It wasn't that question that bothered her so much as the memories it brought with it. She'd always been quiet, but after Redge had left - A sob bubbled up out of some part of herself, and she hated herself for it. She wanted to be happy just now, not crying over her brother. She didn't want Motel thinking she was crazy and hormonal or something like that. She tried to swallow up the tears, brush them away, but they stuck there.

She put her face in her hands, shaking hard, trying to get the tears out quickly, so they'd be over. It was so unfair. She'd spent years - years! - worrying about Redge, waiting for him to come home, wondering if he was dead, and now, for once, she had a day where she could think about something else entirely. But Redge had come in and ruined it again. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping away tear that were quickly replaced by fresh ones. "It's just - my brother, Redge. A few years ago, he - he got into trouble and had to - had to leave. And ever since then, I haven't talked, not at all, or at least not that much, not until today -" The words were short and halted, interrupted by sobs. It was a terrible explanation, but she hoped it was enough. She hoped Motel understood, and wouldn't ask any more questions. But she also hoped that he knew that he was the reason she was talking now. He'd done a beautiful thing for her, just by showing up and talking to her.