Fading

~T h i r t y - f o u r~

Amara POV

I slowly munched on my apple as we all snuggled in to watch the movie. I could tell the boys were watching me eat out of the corner of their eyes but I couldn't be bothered much. I remember watching Disney movies as a young child but I hadn't been able to watch one in a very long time.

I relaxed fully watching the movie, giggling at the chicken Hay Hay. Greyson sung along to all of the songs, making me realize they weren't kidding--he loves his Disney movies.

About two hours later the movie had finished and it was dark out. I could barely keep my eyes open but I didn't want to fall asleep until I was up in my own bed. My eyelids were drooping and my limbs felt like cement, but I attempted to straighten up when Hayden glanced over at me.

"I think its time for bed, anyone else?" Hayden had asked, letting out a yawn that made everyone else yawn.

I absentmindedly nodded and snuggled back into the blanket that had been thrown on me halfway through the movie. I could hear a chuckle from next to me but I was too tired to care. It had been a long day and I really didn't feel like moving. Today was the most fun I've had in a long time, but it was exhausting and my social energy was running on empty.

"Amara, baby, can I carry you up to bed?" Hayden asked as he pulled the blanket up further on my shoulders, almost tucking me in. I looked away, avoiding eye contact.

The thought of Hayden carrying me forced me awake. It wasn't as much as the carrying aspect of it as much as it was the touching aspect of it. And the fact that someone had that much control over me. It brought back memories that I had pushed down deep in my mind.

"I'm okay, thanks" I muttered, pushing myself into an upright position. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I stood up, leaving the blanket on the couch.

The boys stood around me and I noticed the pity on their faces. I didn't want their pity. I didn't need it.

"Do you want any of us to tuck you in?" Hudson asked, offering just in case I had suddenly become comfortable with the thought. It was almost comical. I wish I could be comfortable enough with them to allow them to tuck me in but I wasn't sure.

I shook my head, adding a, "no thanks" because I didn't want to seem rude to the people who were graciously taking me in.

I had so desperately wanted someone to give me a hug or offer to tuck me in when I was a child, but when I realized I was never going to get it, I stopped wishing. It made my heart hurt to remember those nights I would cry and wish for some sort of human comfort. I wanted to say yes with all of my heart.

They made me want to trust them fully so badly, but my doubts were holding me back. The what if's were plaguing me mind to the point of utter destruction.

I began my walk to my room but paused before entering the hallway. "Thank you e-everything. I know it may not s-seem like it, but I'm starting to t-trust all of you" I said, my back still turned so I couldn't see their reactions.

I didn't wait for a reply and walked away to my room. I wouldn't be able to handle it if they said they didn't care. I know deep in my mind they wouldn't, but my subconscious still says they could hate me for trusting them.

I could only hear their hushed voices from my room but I fell asleep with a hopeful feeling. I had spent the entire night near the boys and none of them had hurt me, nor did they say anything horrible to me. My trust for them was growing, and I could feel it.

Hayden POV

It broke my heart how she couldn't trust us but I also know that it takes time and patience. I wanted her to be able to call me dad and not be afraid that I was going to do something to her.

"Just give her some time, she'll come around" my brother said, bringing me out of staring at the hallway Amara had just walked out of.

"I know Hud but it hurts" I turned to him to see the look of pity on his face. He stood up from the couch and pulled me into a hug, patting me on the back.

"It just takes time. Have patience Hay" He reassured.

Greyson, who had been watching us the entire time, came over and joined our mini group hug. "Think about it. She sat near us the entire movie and never once had a panic attack. A couple days ago, she would have never been able to do that. She's making progress, it's just small progress" Grey said.

"Yeah, and we even got her to eat some food. Honestly we should be proud of ourselves and her" Hud added.

"Thanks guys. And thanks for having my back with this whole thing. I'm way out of my element and you guys are helping a lot" I told them as we all pulled away from the hug.

"Of course, I see her as my daughter too, you know that" Hud replied.

My lips pulled into a smile. "I am proud of her, our....our daughter."

They both grinned, relaxing back onto the couch for another movie.

My daughter. I never thought this day would come.

AWWW!! Anyone else? Get ready for some action next chapter!