Seven

Haven must have fallen asleep at some point as the next thing she remembered was being startled awake by Clementine grunting. Worried she would crush her, Haven gently set Clementine back in her cradle, tucking the blanket around her tiny body and making sure she would be okay by herself for the next few minutes. Moving to the bathroom, Haven washed her face and patted it dry.

Stepping back out into the elegantly decorated living room, Haven picked Clementine up again and held her, doing her best to mimic the way Sarah so easily and confidently cradled her. With Clementine completely relaxed in her arms, she felt… happy. Happier than she'd ever felt in her entire life and certainly happier than she ever thought she'd be.

Clementine's little eyes flickered open. She stretched her arms up, her fingers spreading apart and her mouth opening in a small O as she yawned.

Haven's smile deepened. She kissed her soft hand and took a deep breath of her sweet skin.

Per Sarah's order, she spent the rest of the day in her room—forcing herself to relax and take it easy. She watched TV, slept off and on, and held Clementine. The little one was asleep most of the day, waking up every few hours to eat. Haven was content to hold her the majority of the time.

Sarah called her a few times on the room's private phone, just checking upon her and making sure she was alright.

Around four-thirty, after waking up from another wonderful nap, Haven started to get hungry again. Sarah told her to order room service when she was ready to eat, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She felt like she was pretending to be something she wasn't, or taking advantage of Sarah's generosity. Room service was expensive! And if Sarah wasn't making Haven pay for it, then someone else was paying for it. Or not getting paid for it.

Haven stood up and looked herself up and down in the mirror. She took a quick shower, changing into some of the lounge pants she'd bought for herself. Her hoodie was gone—Sarah must have taken it and either put it in the wash or thrown it away—so she put Sarah's sweater back on.

She combed through her hair, waiting until it dried and realizing how pale she looked. Lightly shaking her head, she stepped back out into the bedroom area and checked on Clementine.

"Its okay, no one downstairs knows either of our names so we're safe," Haven murmured as she gently scooped Clementine from her cradle, tucking the blanket around her tiny body.

Clementine exhaled, her little eyes slowly beginning to close.

Cautiously walking down the end of the hall, Haven made her way down the carpeted staircase into the dining room. A few people were sitting at tables; others were in line for the buffet.

Haven stopped short, not sure what to do. She was hoping the place would be empty, being almost three in the afternoon.

No one so much as looked up when she walked in.

Phew.

Haven tried to quickly fill her plate with one hand, but found it to be a bit of a challenge. Just as she started to panic and make a made dash back upstairs, she heard her familiar voice.

"Good afternoon miss, how is our guest of honor doing?" Sarah asked quietly, stepping up beside Haven and smiling as she slipped her arm around her shoulder.

Haven, startled, smiled in relief. She blinked her eyes clear. "Sorry, I just got hungry and knew everyone would be really busy so I thought I'd come down… but I didn't realize guests were still eating. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," Sarah said, squeezing her in a quick pulse. "You're always free to come down and eat whenever you want."

Haven forced herself to nod. She wanted to ask Sarah to eat with her—or at least sit with her while she ate, but didn't want to annoy her.

"How's Clementine?" Sarah asked, her softening as she stroked the infant's cheek with her thumb.

Haven nibbled at her lip, smiling. "She's good."

"Mind if I eat with you? I haven't had my lunch yet and I'm starving."

Haven nodded eagerly.

Sarah filled two bowls with hot potato and cheese soup and grabbed a few slices of buttered toast before she and Haven then took a small table together by the window. Haven cast another glance outside.

"It's so beautiful here," Haven sighed.

"It know, it really is."

Clementine gave a little cry.

Haven, startled, dropped her fork. Her face reddened when it clattered to her plate and she tried to get Clementine to quiet down as quickly as possible, looking up and hoping no one was paying attention to her. Her heart leapt to her throat when a young man craned his neck towards her.

"It's okay, don't panic," Sarah said gently.

Haven nodded, already starting to panic. She started to eat again, but Clementine squirmed, waking up and getting fussy as her arms started to flail. It took her a few minutes, but Haven managed to get a handle on Clementine, helping her find her thumb before she quieted.

"Do you think you'll want to go to the store with me later today?" Sarah asked.

Haven hesitated. She screamed "no" in her mind, knowing someone would suspect something was amiss. She couldn't bring Clementine out in public. It was bad enough to bring her down in front of guests at the inn, let alone outside in front of stranger strangers. Someone would try and hurt her. Or take her.

But she couldn't bear to stay alone in her room with Sarah gone. She wanted to go with her… but she wanted to stay behind at the same time.

"It'll be perfectly safe. I won't leave either of you for a minute and if you get uncomfortable we'll come back and I'll go get the things by myself," Sarah added.

"I… um, I'm not sure. If… I—will she get to cold? I don't have anything warmer to put her in," she murmured, nervously biting the inside of her cheek and glancing down at Clementine.

"We can bundle her up in more blankets and she'll be fine."

"And it'll be safe for her and… everything?"

"Perfectly safe."

Haven nodded slowly. "Then yeah. Can… uh, can I go with you?"

"Of course! Finish eating, and we'll leave. You're sure you're up to it?"

Haven nodded, not wanting to be left alone without Sarah. She finished her lunch and then changed Clementine again, wrapping her a bit more strategically with several blankets. The little one looked like a butterfly in a cocoon.

Sarah gave Haven the hoodie she'd taken and washed—thankfully it was black and didn't show any blood stains—and the two climbed into her car. They could have easily walked, everything in Maple Valley was in easy walking distance, but Haven was still a little sore and weak, Sarah said they'd drive.

The rain was coming down in torrents and as they drove down the street Haven couldn't help feeling glad at how few people were out and about. Hopefully whatever store they were going to would also be empty.

As Haven stepped from the car, she held tightly on to Clementine. She followed Sarah inside and toward the back of the store where all the baby things were. She cast a glance around the fine items on display, her eyes widening. All the clothes and socks and shoes and blankets were so pretty!

Sarah picked up a warm jumper and held it over Clementine's bulky form. Pulling the price tags off, she handed the garment to Haven.

"Go to the bathroom and put her in this, I'll go pay for it."

Haven tensed, her feet staying rooted to the ground.

Sarah took two steps before she abruptly paused and turned around. "On second thought, we'll go pay and then put her in it."

Haven nodded, relief making her weak. "Oh, wait." Before Sarah reached the register, she pulled some money from her pocket—all the money she had been saving since she started working. It wouldn't last very long, she realized given the prices of newborn supplies, but at least Clementine would have something. And Sarah seamed to know exactly what she needed.

"Whatever she needs is on me, Haven," Sarah said, resting her hand over Haven's.

"Please take it. You've done so much for me already." Haven whispered, afraid to raise her voice for fear of it breaking. Besides, she couldn't bear to annoy Sarah in any way or take advantage of her. And how was it fair for Sarah to pay for what Clementine needed? "It… it's not much, I know, but whatever you think she needs, use this. And when I run out—"

"Haven. Save your money. Use it for something you want or need, or Clementine's first birthday present, okay? Or Christmas, even!"

Haven's throat tightened. She nodded.

Sarah hugged her and paid for the jumper. They then made their way to the ladies restroom. Almost nervously, Haven unwrapped Clementine from her blankets and dressed her in the cozy jumper. A pulse of pride fluttered through her mind, not only because she had dressed Clementine all by herself but because she was getting to see Clementine dressed in an actual jumper for the first time!

"It's a little big," she noticed, scooping Clementine up and cradling her.

"That's fine; she'll grow into it. Okay, come on, you pick some things out now," Sarah said, taking the blankets from Haven and folding them up as they walked back outside into the store.

Haven followed Sarah back out into the store, critically studying the array of infant clothing. She scanned over the prices and only picked out the simplest, least expensive, and most practical things.

"You can get more than two of everything," Sarah said with a smirk.

"I don't need more than two of everything, though. She can wear one while I wash the other."

"Well yeah, but what if she spits up twice in one day? And are you gonna do an entire load of laundry with one jumper and pair of socks?"

Haven hedged. "Yeah, that's true..."

"I have an idea," Sarah murmured, scanning over everything. She was silent for a long time. "Okay, I'm gonna give you a one-hundred dollar budget for clothes. So not counting diapers and wipes and formula and that kind of stuff."

Haven blinked. Shook her head. "That's too much," she murmured.

"Trust me, it's really not. Keep in mind though that she's gonna be growing, so maybe get a few things that are two big for her. Although we can always come back if she needs more," she added as an afterthought.

Haven started to say something else but Sarah cut her off.

"That's your assignment. Find as many clothes as you want for that much, got it?"

Haven nodded.

"And you have to spend it all."

Haven nodded again, excitement beginning to bubble in her stomach. She'd never had anywhere close to a hundred dollars to spend and now she got to spend it all on cute baby clothes?!

She picked up a few more jumpers—all different colors, and some even with flowers. She thought for a second to get a more detailed outfit like pants and a sweater but immediately realized she would actually have to dress Clementine and she wanted to get a handle on putting the simple jumpers.

After she accumulated a generous array of clothes and socks and hats, Sarah grabbed the diapers, wipes, washcloths, socks, and formula. Sarah paid for their purchases and the duo drove back to the inn.

"Alright, let's get you all unpacked and 'settled' and then what do you say we take tea together out on the balcony while Clementine sleeps?" Sarah said as they got out of the car.

Haven nodded. "Should I… move back up to the attic? I know you said to take the month, but I don't want to get all settled in here in case there's a mad rush of guests or something." she asked, looking around self-consciously. The idea of moving back to her old room made her want to cry. It was far from Sarah and pretty isolated.

"Do you want to go back to the attic?" Sarah asked, starting up the stairs.

Haven shook her head. "No. But, I know that this room is really expensive and it doesn't seem right that you've literally paid for everything and let me take the most expensive room."

Sarah waved a hand in the air. "Haven, I don't want you back upstairs in the attic," she added softly.

Haven swallowed, relieved. "You don't?"

"No. It's too far." Sarah pushed the suite room door open. "Tell you what, why don't you move down here, permanently, and keep the room busy. I'd rather have you here right across the hall from me. Besides, then if you need something, I'm three feet away!"

"You… you mean, stay here… forever?" Haven asked quietly, her eyebrows rising in surprise.

Sarah laughed. "Forever is a long time, but yes. Or until you get tired of it, or want to leave the inn all together—"

"I never want to leave the inn," Haven interjected, trying to keep her voice from wobbling and hoping she sounded firm.

Sarah nodded once. "Good. Then this is now your suite. So do you want help getting settled?"

Haven nodded eagerly. "Yes please." She rubbed the end of her nose with her hand. "Um, could I just take a minute and rest for a little bit? I'm sorry, I just got really tired all of a sudden."

"Yes, of course." Sarah set the bags down on the floor in front of the wardrobe. "You'll be tired for a while; your body's been through a lot. Let's take a break for a few minutes. Do you want a snack? Are you hungry?"

Haven hesitated. She reluctantly nodded.

"Okay, let's order up a second lunch and we'll unpack later."

Haven relaxed into a thankful smile. She sank down onto the bed—no, her bed—and smiled. She loved the little room she had been staying in up in the attic, but even it didn't feel like hers. Maybe because all the time she'd spent up there had been in fear and worry.

As much as she didn't want to put Clementine down, Haven felt herself growing weak. Gently laying her baby down in the cradle, Haven sank down on the bed beside Sarah again and heaved a tired, but happy, sigh.

Sarah placed a room service order for popcorn chicken, French fries, warm drinks, and salad. Haven's mouth watered just listening to her rattle off the food. She hadn't ever tried the chicken either—that was never left over at the end of the day.

Sarah stood up and walked into the bathroom, coming out a moment later with a hairbrush in her hand. She sank down behind Haven and started working the brush through her hair, gently working the tangles free and smoothing them down.

Initially tense, Haven almost immediately relaxed. Getting her hair brushed made her want to fall sleep even more. It was such a contrast from the way Damien used to grab her hair to hold her down or yank her back when she tried to run.

"I used to love getting my hair brushed," Sarah said, almost laughing.

Haven managed a small nod. "I understand why."

"You've got great hair, kiddo."

Haven chewed her lip. "Really?"

"It's thick and strong and soft… and dark, against your pale skin and blue eyes."

Haven faintly smiled, her eyes starting to close.

Sarah finally put the brush down after tying Haven's hair back in an elaborate braid. Their lunch came up only a few minutes later, and Haven ate with a little less reservation.

"Can you help me with like… where to put everything?" she asked after they finished eating.

"Of course."

Sarah and Haven started unloading the clothes and other purchases from their bags, Haven pausing to take in the tiny clothing articles once again. She smiled to herself. They were so cute. She bit her lip, the smallest hint of a smile creeping onto her face. She neatly folded the garments and tucked them in the top dresser drawer, per Sarah's suggestion, while Sarah stashed the box of diapers, wipes, and washcloths in the second drawer and left the third drawer for the blankets and formula.

Haven smiled when they were finished, pleased with their work—however small and insignificant it was. One step at a time, she kept reminding herself. One step at a time.

"Do you want to wait here while I bring your things down from upstairs?" Sarah asked.

Haven shook her head. "Can I help?"

"If you're up for it." Sarah nodded eagerly. She put her arm around Haven's shoulders as they slipped through the door.

Together, the two started moving the few things she had from up in the attic to down in her new room. The girl didn't own much in the way of clothes, but she didn't mind. Once she was back to work, she'd go back to wearing whatever and letting the apron cover up her less than fashionable clothes and wouldn't need to worry about it.

Just as they were finishing up, Clementine let out a little grunt, which turned into a cry. Worry immediately flooded Haven's mind as she leapt toward her. She didn't like it one bit when Clementine displayed any sign of being in discomfort.

"I—I think she's hungry again," Haven said quietly, her voice beginning to tremble.

"She's still got another half hour before she eats again."

Haven chewed her lip.

"Give her a second to calm herself down."

Clementine fussed for the entire half hour. Sarah had Haven pick her up and get her to stop crying before feeding her.

"Leave her in her cradle while you make her bottle. She'll be fine."

Haven nodded. She pulled out one of the containers of formula and read over the instructions before making a bottle.

"She's an eater. Wonder where she gets that from." Sarah smirked, nudging Haven playfully.

Haven laughed.

After she'd been fed, Haven held her in her arms and just looked at her.

"You like holding her?" Sarah asked, smiling.

Haven nodded. She stifled a yawn.

"Tired?"

Haven shrugged. She was tired. But she didn't want to sleep. She didn't want Sarah to leave and she didn't want to put Clementine down.

"Come on; lay down, rest for a bit." Sarah nodded Haven towards the bed.

"Are you—do you have more things to do today?" Haven asked. As soon as the words left her mouth, she cringed at how pathetic she knew she must have sounded.

Sarah tucked the thick blanket around Haven's slim frame, helping her adjust her hold on Clementine.

"Well, I always have things to do, but I actually wanted to catch up on one of the sermons from a few weeks ago, mind if I do it in here?"

Haven nodded eagerly. "Yeah. Yeah. Can I listen too?"

"Of course. If you want me to turn it off so you can sleep, let me know and I'll use ear buds."

Haven nodded again.

Sarah smiled, disappearing to her room for a few moments to grab her Bible and notebook before settling in the bed beside Haven and pulling up the sermon on her tablet.

Haven relaxed and leaned back in bed. She managed to follow along for a good 15 minutes or so before her eyes began to close and she drifted off to sleep.