Capítulo 11: Eleven
Haven fell asleep with Clementine still in her arms. She didn't intend to go to bed so early, but as soon as she had completely settled down and was relaxed, she couldn't keep her eyes open.
"You're not asleep already, are you?" Sarah asked gently, knocking on Haven's door before letting herself in.
Haven giggled, embarrassed. She sat up a little straighter, bringing her knees closer to her chest as Sarah set down a tray of food. Clementine shifted, starting go make her noises.
"I brought up some soup and grilled cheese sandwiches if you're hungry," Sarah said.
Haven nodded, stifling a yawn. "I'm always hungry."
"That's true," Sarah laughed.
Haven smiled, a little self-consciously. Sliding out from under the covers, she laid Clementine down on the bed and tugged her hair into a messy knot. "Um, I noticed Clementine's jumpers are getting to small, and I know you're super busy this whole week so maybe sometime next week could we maybe go back to the store? I have more money saved up, so I can pay for what she needs," Haven added hastily.
"Yeah, we can go tomorrow. And, listen; if you really and truly want to pay for what she needs, then I'll respect that." Sarah paused. "But, you're still very young, having to take care of some pretty serious adult-level responsibilities that no one your age should even be thinking about. You worked non-stop for two months when you first got here, and since you've had Clementine you've been working even harder. And if you'll let me… I'll take care of you and, and pay for things you need—things you both need. Help you take care of her."
Haven blinked and a tear dropped onto her face. "You'll take care of me?"
Sarah nodded. "If you'll let me."
"Yeah. It just seems like a lot for you."
"It's not. Trust me."
"Will you tell me if it ever becomes to much?"
Sarah nodded. "If it will make you feel better, I promise to tell you if the time ever comes." She smiled, almost mischievously. "But it won't."
Haven managed a faint smile. "Thanks."
Sarah winked. "Alright, let's dig in."
Haven took the plate Sarah handed her, her mind spinning. She'd never had someone like Sarah, someone who wanted her like that. She'd always imagined it was something like this, only not nearly as much. She wanted to say exactly how much she was coming to love Sarah, and so much more, but it was harder to get the expressions in her mind to come out of her mouth in a way that made sense.
Because she did love Sarah. She didn't know exactly when it started—actually she did; it was when she first came to the inn. Sarah took her in right away, no questions asked. She cared for her and looked out for her. In a much more subtle way than she was now, obviously, but that care was still present. That combination of motherly-sisterly care Haven had never felt before.
"And all that doesn't mean I won't continue to pay you; you work hard, and you earn it and you should have money of your own to spend on fun things."
Haven smiled. Almost nervously, she asked, "So… can I tell people you're my family?"
"Only if I can tell them you're mine."
Haven nodded again, enthusiastically this time. "Deal."
Sarah smiled. "Okay, then it's settled. Come on, let's eat."
With Clementine lying on her fuzzy blanket beside her, now able to prop her head up all on her own, Haven finished two sandwiches and an entire bowl of soup.
* * *
Haven was awake bright and early the next morning. While Sarah set to work in the kitchen, making sure everything was ready to pop in the oven, Haven started setting the tables in the dining room.
As guests started making their way downstairs for breakfast, Haven ducked into the kitchen, slipped Clementine in the corner, and started cleaning up in there.
The day progressed as it normally did—dying down at around ten, and picking up again around four.
Drying the last few remaining dishes after the last of the dinner guests had gone up, Haven stifled a yawn. Sarah walked in a moment later.
"I'm almost finished," Haven said.
"No rush." Walking over to Clementine's cradle, Sarah gently lifted her out. "I see her jumper fits better," she noticed. "Not as loose anymore."
Haven shook her head. "She's grown a lot."
Clementine looked at Sarah and then turned to Haven. A big grin spread across her face, her two bottom teeth visible.
"She knows you," Sarah smiled warmly.
Haven bit her lower lip, grinning when Clementine giggled.
"Ready for another day tomorrow?" Sarah asked.
Haven nodded. "Are we baking again in the morning?"
Sarah shook her head. "No, I've got some of my other bakers coming in so we can have a little respite. Do you want to go to the store instead?"
Haven nodded.
"Okay, so we'll leave about eleven? Maybe have lunch in town when we're finished?"
Haven stiffened. Go to town and have lunch? In a public place? With… quite possibly more people to notice Clementine? She was about to shake her head, but caught herself before she did. She reminded herself that Sarah wouldn't have suggested it if she didn't think it was safe. "Yeah that… that sounds fine," she finally replied, trying to smile.
Sarah grinned.
At exactly eleven the following morning, Sarah and Haven walked down the street toward the small little store. Haven held Clementine upright, letting her get a better look at their surroundings. The air was cool, but not freezing, and the light exercise was refreshing.
As they stepped into the store, Sarah nudged Haven to take the lead in picking out what she needed or wanted. She helped her with comparing various items in terms of quantity, quality, and price. Haven made mental notes of everything Sarah said and showed her as they made their way around and through the isles.
As she passed a display of fancier children's clothes, Haven's eyes caught a little dress. Midnight blue with a full, bouncy skirt and a bow at the cinched waist. She didn't buy it, knowing it wasn't necessary and would probably be too big for Clementine anyway.
Haven paused, looking at several of the baby toys and more fun things. One thing that caught her attention was a floor mat with a type of suspended, hanging thing with various toys attached to the ends, one of them a stuffed tiger.
Haven smiled, running her fingers over it. She could easily picture Clementine laying underneath it, laughing and giggling as she reached her hands up to touch it.
As soon as they were finished, Sarah and Haven got in line at the register. Sarah, again, covered the cost of everything. It didn't amount to much, Haven being smart and picking only what was absolutely necessary, but it still made her chest swell with gratitude. Haven had been setting aside the money she would have spent, she'd make a special "Clementine collection" for fun things.
"Alright, what are you in the mood for to eat?" Sarah asked as they stepped back outside. It wasn't snowing, unlike Chicago where Haven knew it would be snowing hard, but the crisp air was cool and slightly damp and promised rain.
Haven shrugged. "I'm down for whatever."
Sarah picked a small cafe and they were seated after only a short wait. Haven expertly held Clementine in her arms, the little ones bright eyes looking around. Every once in a while her face would light up in a smile.
After a waitress came around and gave them two cups of tea, promising to return in a short while for their lunch orders.
Haven glanced at Sarah and bit her lip. "Um, Sarah?"
Sarah looked up from her menu.
"Can I um… can I buy you lunch?"
"Haven, you don't have to—"
"I know, but… I want to. Really."
Sarah smiled. "Then I would absolutely love that. Thank you."
Haven's face brightened. She opened her menu, and studied it for several minutes. Clementine looked at Haven.
"Hi princess." Haven smiled, kissing Clementine's forehead. The little one grinned and a moment later her eyes started to slowly close and she lay her head down against Haven.
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