you couldn't love me if you tried

You shake your head. You’re not even fully sure what ‘like this’ means yet. “Aww, that’s adorable~” She giggles. “Well, would you be comfortable if I sat down next to you?”

You rub your arms and nod. She doesn’t seem so bad. She gets up and sits down right next to you on your little twin mattress that was already getting too small for you, much less her. “Can I put my arm around you, baby?” You nod again, and she does, gently pulling you into a side hug. “Is this okay?”

A timid smile crosses your lips at just how gentle she’s being. You lean against her a bit, and mutter that yeah, it’s okay. The butterflies in your stomach begin to die down as she strokes your back idly, her nails tracing little patterns over your graphic t-shirt. Her voice is quiet and patient. “Please let me know if you need me to slow down, or if you start to feel uncomfortable, okay?”

“O….Okay…” You whisper under your breath. Her hands find your budding chest, playfully prodding at your little mosquito bites, sending another wave of trembles through your body. You’re nervous, but you put on a brave face. Mom likes this woman. Trusts her. That means you should too.

“You’re so beautiful, little angel~” Her hand snakes down from your chest, trailing down your fluttering tummy, finding your thighs and resting there. You blush to the compliment, the smile on your lips growing against your will. "Am I alright to keep going?”

You feel like the logical answer is to ask her to stop. But honestly. You don't want her to. You don't feel like the prey you are. She's shown you more patience and kindness in the last minute than anyone in your family has in weeks.