Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 14

"I’m really full," I insisted, throwing in a fake burp for good measure.

Jonah's gaze was like a deep, endless pool that I found myself staring into. His eyes were dark and steady, unwavering. "As long as you're here, this place is your home. You don’t need to feel like a guest," he said. I didn't overthink it, just nodded quickly to reassure him I was definitely stuffed. Then, I made a quick excuse about needing to do homework and headed upstairs.

Behind me, Jonah and his mother exchanged looks until she let out a soft sigh.

No shock there. Eating only half my fill meant waking up in the middle of the night, stomach growling like a beast. It hurt, all fiery and uncomfortable. I rubbed my belly, curling up like a shrimp, waiting for it to pass.

I tried to distract myself, thinking about how today was Saturday and tomorrow was Sunday. We've got a whole week off for fall break, and school doesn't start again until Monday after next. But honestly? I dreaded going back. The thought of facing those people, and especially Ms. Costa, filled me with anxiety.

The blanket beneath me was soft and cozy. I absentmindedly smoothed out the wrinkles, breathing in its clean scent. No smoke or booze smell, no damp mildew—just the fresh smell of sunshine. I couldn't help but smile.

Earlier, Jonah’s mother had hugged me tight. She told me she liked me the moment she saw me, thought I was just the cutest. She apologized for this morning, said she wasn't mean, just a bit jumpy and scared of ghosts. She mentioned how it seemed like fate that I ended up with them. She'd always wanted a daughter named Lana. But she never had that chance.

Her words carried a gentle sadness, and I didn't dare to pry further. Everyone has their own hidden struggles, after all.

My face went beet red, burning hot. All my efforts to hide my hunger had been for nothing, my embarrassment laid bare. I gripped the edge of my shirt, unsure how to salvage the situation. I'd never slipped up like this before. I didn't even notice my lips were trembling.

Fear crept in, fear that they'd think I was fake or insincere, that I wasn't worth their affection. My eyes fell to the floor. I felt like everything was slipping away. Jonah's big hand gently lifted my chin, making me look up. Tears streamed down my face, leaving tracks on my cheeks. He brushed them away with his thumb, sighing softly.

"Why are you crying again? I've been waiting downstairs forever. Any other kid would've come down for a snack. But you, you just stick it out. You're nothing like your dad. One of you is scared of causing trouble, the other is scared of not causing enough."