The Moosehead Tavern [2]

Joey

I smile at them and chuckle a little, Carli clapping, "More! More!" I shake my head again and take her back in my arms, covering her mouth.

"No," I smile, "Jackie's coming her soon to pick you up and I don't want you to be all hyper when she does, love."

She pouts and buries her face in my shirt, giggling a little.

Spoiler

Major Time Lapse...

Haven

I slip into the tavern and over to a table, glancing around from underneath my hood. This place is one of the few around here that reminds me of home. Perhaps the dream hides here then... I catch no sight of the face I've been searching for, ordering a water once I give up.

Ruby

Holding my teddy bear tight, I wabble into the resteraunt-thingy, hoping my daddy was going to keep his promise.

Daddy promised he'd meet me here once he was done with work.

My blue eyes glancing around at all the grown-ups, I swallow before plopping down underneath a table, my black hair covering one of my eyes. I look at my teddy bear.

It's alright Mr. Loveydoveykins. He'll come soon.

Haven

Something moves beneath my table and I open my eyes. Confused, I glance beneath it and find a little girl sitting there with a teddy bear clutched close to her chest. I study her before cautiously moving across from her.

"Hey, sweetheart," I whisper, moving my hood back enough not to scare her, "What are you doing under here?"

Ruby

Someone speaks to me and I jump, looking up at the man, "Daddy taught me and Mr. Loveydoveykins not to talk to strangers," I whisper, blinking, "We are waiting for him. Daddy says that he'll come after work. Too much big kids here."

Haven

I flash a smile at her and nod slowly, wondering what father would send his small child to a bar.

"I'm Haven," I point to myself, "Not a stranger anymore. What do you like to be called?"

Ruby

I flash a smile, my two front teeth missing, "Ruby. This is Mr.Loveydoveykins," I snuggle my teddy bear, "Mommy gave him to me before she left."

Haven

"Nice to meet you, Ruby," I smile, "Would you mind if I wait with you until your father gets here? I don't want you getting lost or hurt."

Ruby

I shrug, flashing another smile, "Okay."

The big kids look at me with a smile and I start to get scared, holding my stuffed animal tight.

Haven

I look around and shield her from view of the few she appears frightened of, "It's alright. Wanna play a game?"

Ruby

I study him, "A game?"

Haven

I flash a smile, "I say a word, and you say the next thing that pops into your head."

Ruby

I nod, "Okay," I flash a smile.

Haven

I flash another smile and nod, "Ready?"

Ruby

I nod but don't say anything more, waiting.