Chapter 16

Kay Carl holds me tightly to himself, and I bury my head in his chest, inhaling deeply. I don't know why his touch doesn't irk me; maybe it's because I trust him. My body and mind know he can't hurt me. That's why I am calm under his strong arms, which are holding me protectively. He uses the other hand to run his fingers through my hair like grandpa did, and I close my eyes, sighing contentedly. How come someone never did that to me before? It has always been my father and I, so I am guessing I still have a lot to learn. I wrap my arms around him and hug him back. It feels good to hug someone. Carl smells so good, and he's so big compared to me. I don't know for how long we have been standing here, but my talking father forces us apart. "I will just leave you guys to it," I look at my dad, who's giving me a knowing smile, and roll my eyes. He just won't stop pushing. Other fathers would be threatening the man for even looking at their daughters, while my father is busy setting up his