eyes don't lie

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The building we pull up to resembles a hospital, the plain white building being littered with windows and glass doors for the entrance. Security stand either side of the doors, their heads bowing slightly at the sight of Sean who is guiding us into the building. I stay close to him, feeling Orpheus staying by my right side, his eyes scanning everything as we walk.

"Phil is asking for us to go to his office. Elevator is out of order, so I hope you like the stairs." Sean says, the last bit being in a sing-song voice. I can't help the giggle that escapes me, his eyes lighting up when he hears it, the smile already in place widening. I smile back, looking in front of us and around, seeing the different nurses and doctors walking around either with files, food or a patient. I focus back on Sean, following him as he takes us to a door that leads to a stairwell.

"How many floors up are we going? I'm getting old." Orpheus says, making me laugh again, my eyes going to him for a moment before to Sean, also waiting for the answer. The blond looks at us and then up, most likely calculating how many flights we need to climb.

"It's four flights. Are you going to be alright?" He asks, his eyes returning to us. I nod, as does Orpheus who starts to climb before either Sean or I can move. Quickly, we follow suit, taking each step as it comes. The echoes of our footfalls travel through the stairwell, traveling up towards the top floor. Other noises join us; the opening of one of the doors along with other sets of footsteps, muttering from nurses or doctors, paper being flicked through - it all creates a symphony of sorts.

After the first two flights, I see Orpheus slowing slightly, his eyes traveling back to me and Sean before he continues up. I grab a hold of the stair rail, continuing with our ascension and glancing at Sean in the corner of my eye as he matches my pace. I can't help the small smile making its way onto my lips at the thought. His eyes meet mine and I see his demeanor soften, his shoulders loosening underneath the shirt. I go to say something when a laugh echoes from further up the stairs. I scrunch my eyebrows, shaking my head slightly as we reach the top of the third flight. Orpheus is sitting on a chair that is there, another man around his age sitting next to him, the two of them speaking quietly and stopping as we approach.

Blue eyes look back at me, a friendly deposition on his face. He sits there with a doctor coat on his lap, his badge and credentials clipped onto a pocket. I glance at Orpheus who stands, the other man joining him as he sticks a hand out towards me.

"My name is Phil Roberts, I am your connection to your church during your stay here in Charleston." He explains, the smile never wavering from his face. I put my own hand into his and shake it firmly, giving my own smile back to him.

"It's nice to meet you. Are we still going to your office?" I ask, gaining a nod from him and Orpheus. With that, we continue with our final flight of stairs, Orpheus and Phil staying behind me and Sean this time. The blond smiles at me, taking the lead, and once again, becomes our guide to the office we will be discussing my stay in.

We reach the second floor and Sean opens the door, stepping to the side slightly to allow room for the three of us to go through. I smile my thanks once more to him, waiting for Orpheus and Phil to follow through as well. As they continue down the hall, their heads close as they speak in hushed tones, I feel myself falling into step with Sean, us being side by side as we walk towards the office.

"Charleston isn't so bad once you get used to it. Trust me, we will make sure you have a home from home." Sean says, my eyes darting to him. His green eyes with that hint of hazel look at me with such care and comfort that I find my heart skipping a beat or two - it is such security that I haven't allowed myself to feel in such a long time, and he seems so sure in himself and his words. I smile and nod, feeling my eyes checking on the older men before turning back to Sean, his eyes doing the same.