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 Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 7:54 pm
She has been expecting a bunch of things. The smile was expected, even if it showed more teeth than before. She expected laughing to accompany the flash of teeth. Maybe even some teasing words. Yvette didn't think of Mr. Darrow as a mean man, but she was used to even the nicest people teasing her on occasion.
So when her mother's friend said perhaps the kindest thing possible given the scenario, the small girl looked absolutely surprised. For a moment, she said nothing, just looking at the tired man. However, her expression gradually melted into a small shy smile.
It still took a bit of work, but eventually her eyes found his sleepy green ones and her voice managed to utter out "Th-thank you, Mr. Darrow."
For a moment, she drew a finger to her eyes and rubbed at the last bits of unwanted wetness. Also trying to move along with the conversation, she thoughtfully added "Well, I've been visiting friends at the hospital, going to work, and during my free time, I've been working on all the make up work I have for school..." It was always embarrassing to confess that last bit. Yvette was 18 years old. The last thing she needed was an extra year in high school. Yet, with the school closing down prematurely for the school year, it seemed like all of her work was going to be for nothing.
No! No more sad thoughts! she mentally scolded. Mr. Darrow was being so nice, so she could try and be cheery for him.
So when he apologized and rubbed at his eyes, she immediately offered a simple "No no no! I-i should have found a better time to come visit. D-do you want to take a nap or something?" Guilt. Yvette had issues with it.
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Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 8:15 pm
Tony watched Yvette carefully, his eyes warm and his expression friendly. He wasn't trying to condescend or patronize, just wanting her to feel more comfortable and safe than she seemed to be. He wasn't going to make fun of her, or run her out if she accidentally stumbled over a word or something.
He wasn't sure why she looked so surprised, though.
Chuckling, he nodded, "You're welcome," he said, though he wasn't quite sure what he had done to warrant it. But he was very sleepy, so that was half to blame for the mental abstractions. He shook his head, closing his eyes again. He nearly nodded off.
"A... a nap? Ah, I am falling to sleep, aren't I? Hmm," he looked very guilty, not wanting to kick her out just because he was falling to sleep. He shook his head, sitting up a bit more to keep himself from passing out completely.
He smiled, laughing at himself.
"I guess sleeping for as long as I did makes me tired. Who would have known? Thank you so much for the visit, and the flowers, and I do mean what I said. Don't worry about things too much, and enjoy yourself, you know?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:37 pm
The girl sat there for a bit, as if processing what was going on around her as well as her own thoughts. Eventually, her voice managed to chime in with perhaps the most innocent question.
"Would it be okay if I gave you a hug, Mr. Darrow?"
Only Yvette Weaver would ask permission for something so simple as a hug.
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:53 am
Tony smiled at her question, nodding his head as he adjusted his position a bit so he would make it the least awkward hug for her as possible. Though, knowing her as he did, he imagined any hug would be a little awkward.
Which was fine by him: he wasn't the best at them, either.
"Of course you can give me a hug," he said with a laugh, warm as it was. He might have been uncomfortable himself if it had been absolutely anyone else, but she was essentially a kitten or a puppy, or some other harmless, adorable baby animal. It was impossible to feel threatened that way.
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 3:49 pm
"Thank you, Mr. Darrow."
Even with permission, she seemed to hesitantly lean in, much like any of the baby animals he seemed to associate her with. Her arms reached out, but then something unexpected happened. Her hug was as far from awkward as possible. Her arms wrapped around the grown man and squeezed in a caring manner. She didn't hug him in a shy manner, like she was being forced or too timid to offer such a vague comfort. The dark-haired girl hugged the man almost like how she would hug her Daddy.
Almost. Mr. Darrow wasn't nearly as broad as Daddy was, so it was a bit different.
"I... I hope you rest well, Mr. Darrow." Rather easily, the girl slipped out of his hold. She offered her tiny smile towards him as she backed away, slowly, but for a few seconds, she did not seem like her usual shy self.
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:52 pm
Tony smiled at her, shaking his head slowly. Did she just thank him for allowing her to hug him? He was pretty sure that was what just happened, and he didn't quite know how to respond. Who did that? Besides Yvette, of course. At least it didn't seem weird, it was just... amusing. Usually people liked to hug spontaneously.
He'd never had to plan it before.
When she did manage to get her arms around him though, he was very surprised to find her clinging to him. He smiled softly, a bit touched by the sentiment, hugging her warmly in return. He knew she was well loved in her family, and just wished she could have the best of everything. She certainly deserved it, as far as he was concerned. He released her when she spoke, smiling.
"Have a good day, Yvette," he said, "and thank you again!"
He waved and then settled back against the pillows, closing his eyes for a moment as a wave of tiredness washed over him. He was still smiling, though. Kids like Yvette made him wonder if he had missed out on something grand, never having any of his own.
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