We talk about Delilah.

“We need to talk about Delilah,” you tell Arabella.

Her expression becomes tight. “What about Delilah?”

“I agreed to…become steady with her today,” you explain. “I think she has real issues, and I intend to help her with them.”

Arabella nods again. Her eyes narrow slightly, and she scoots closer to the edge. “I’m sure you know she doesn’t like me or the other two. So, I’m assuming you have something in mind?”

“I know you’ve been through a lot, too,” you tell Arabella. “I think you could intentionally become Delilah’s friend. She needs to open up to someone about her feelings and problems.”

The tightness in Arabella’s features returns. “She’ll never talk to me.”

“Since you’re roped in with me, Delilah has to find a way to get used to being around you and the twins. I can’t abandon you three because my girlfriend thinks you don’t deserve help,” you pause and laugh slightly. “How did I go from your average contractor to taking care of four abused girls?”

“I think that’s very honorable of you,” Arabella’s eyes leave your eyes and trace the floor. “You haven’t touched the twins or me. You’ve been firm but not mean. After being used and treated like garbage my entire life, I didn’t think it was possible for someone actually to care.”

You shrug. “I have no idea what I’m doing. What happens if I fuck this all up and I make it worse for not just me but the 4 of you?”

Arabella makes a face. “I can’t answer that. But, as you said…We’re roped in with you, so you'll have us three even if things go south for Delilah.”

You scoff. “I wish I knew what to do.”

“You’re human,” Arabella tries for a smile. “You’re also a good man.”

“Better men have tried greater things,” you sigh. “I just really don’t want to make things worse for Delilah, but how can I do that when I’ve got such a shitty background?”

Arabella grunts. “Right now…That isn’t worth the thought. So let’s take one thing at a time. What could we do for Delilah right now to make her feel better?”

“We?”

“Yeeahh…” Arabella says. “I… I want to help you. You’re clearly not ready to do anything normal alone.”

“You’re ready for normal things?”

She snorts. “I’m more capable than you may think. So, what can we do?”