Hidden Depths
Amber

When he came back out Dalton winked at me before going to sit on the grass next to where Maddison was picking wild flowers. I watched as Maddy glanced over at him and shifted her weight awkwardly. Dalton started picking the weeds as well and when he had a handful of them he held them out to her as an offering.

“What’s that for?” Maddy spoke so quietly I barely heard her.

“All pretty girls deserve flowers.” Dalton smiled kindly, still holding out the flowers.

Slowly Maddison reached out and took them, “Thank you.” She said timidly.

“Of course princess.” He replied gently before continuing to pick flowers.

A shiny red Camaro pulled into my driveway behind Dalton’s SUV. I watched as a petite woman with long blonde hair and honey colored eyes climbed out. Amber, of course I recognized her. What were the chances she was Dalton’s sister?

“Hey!” Amber said excitedly, “I met you at the mall a couple weeks ago, right? With that horrible daycare director.”

“Oh yeah, that was me.” I smiled awkwardly. “Your Amber right? Dalton’s sister?”

“Yeah, I brought the stuff he asked for.” Amber smiled widely, holding up a warmer and small stack of clothes.

“Thank you, come on in. We should all head in actually. Maddy, it’s time to get cleaned up.” I called out towards where Maddison and Dalton were now playing, albeit timidly, with the bubble machine.

“Yes mommy.” Maddy said, running towards the door.

By now I knew Blake would be on the warpath. I wondered when he would come by and shivered. Part of me hoped it was now when Dalton was here. I wondered how he would react. On the other hand it would probably be better, and more likely, that he came at night after Maddy was asleep and I was alone. I didn’t like that idea though.

“You okay?” Dalton asked.

“What? Oh, yeah. Why?” I responded, jumping a little.

“You’re just staring. Amber and Maddy already went in.” He looked concerned.

“Oh,” I said, blushing. “I’m sorry. I’m fine, let’s go.”

He looked at me skeptical but I just forced a smile and walked into the house. Dalton walked behind me placing his hand on my lower back. I had a sudden idea, and felt blood rush to my cheeks. No way was I asking him to stay the night in what he rightly called a mold farm.

The thought mortified me, and even if it did work I knew it would only prolong the inevitable. Blake would come, and he would be mad. There was nothing Dalton could do about it. The more I thought about it I doubted there was anything anyone could do.

He may as manager of some shit Café, but Blakes dad was chief of police. Nobody would believe some screwup with a sketchy past and nobody to vouch for me. I had picked the wrong guy to piss off.

Dinner was amazing. Lasagna and garlic bread both made fresh by Dalton and salad thrown together by Amber. I was shocked to learn that Dalton could cook. He was actually a really good cook.

“Well when our parents left us with nothing, someone had to learn.” Amber said pleasantly, “after I set the kitchen on fire twice and flooded it four times, Dalton took over.”

Dalton just stared out the window as if wishing he could escape. I couldn’t believe that with all the talking we had never talked about his family. I had avoided the subject worried he would turn it around too mine. Now I wondered if he had had the same thoughts.

“I didn’t know. How old were you?” I asked cautiously.

“I was twelve, he was seventeen.” Amber responded happily. “That first several months was awful.”

“What changed?”

“I met Seth, he had just moved here. He found out what was going on and offered me a job. We have been working together ever since.” Dalton stated, matter-of-factly.

“I thought you guys went to college together.” I questioned.

“We did. His dad helped put me though so that I could help Seth take over when he retired. He was a good man, took us in and treated us like family.” Dalton responded.

“Mommy, who is Seth? Can I meet his dad? I want a family.” Maddison spoke up innocently.

“I think it’s bedtime, baby.” I changed the subject quickly.

As I rushed her off towards the bathroom I heard Amber saying that Maddy actually looks exactly like Seth. I wondered what Dalton’s response would be. It didn’t matter as long as Seth didn’t replace out. Though, I suddenly thought, maybe with the situation with Blake she would be safer somewhere else.

My heart lurched at the thought as I kissed my daughter’s forehead. Could I really let her go? If I had to I knew I would, but Blake hadn’t threatened her at all. He only attacked me, for now. I knew I had a lot to think over, and I fought back tears as I headed back to the living room.

Amber left shortly after Maddy went to bed. Dalton stayed another couple hours but eventually he stood to leave as well. I fought to squelch the fear and anticipation building in my gut but I was afraid I was going to be sick.

“Are you going to ask me to stay?” Dalton asked, but to my surprise it didn’t seem suggestive.

“Why?” I asked quickly.

“You seem scared.” He noted with a frown. “What’s wrong?”

I forced a laugh, smiling as brightly as I could manage. “Oh, no I’m just tired. I have been told I look scared or mad when I get too tired.”

I hated lying to him, but was unsure what else to do. This wasn’t his battle to fight, and I wouldn’t drag him into it unless I had to. So instead I waved as he reluctantly climbed into his car and drove away.

I locked the door and curled up on the couch with a book. If the door was locked he couldn’t get in. I was safe, it would be okay. I told myself this while I sobbed listening to him banging on my door yelling. He knew as well as I did in this neighborhood, nobody would get involved.

The next morning I went out and found a bow on the hood of my car. Sure enough it started and ran perfectly. I couldn’t believe Dalton, but I was grateful.