Rushing week for Giselle

The marathon of events from celebrating Christmas wore out Giselle. After several years, she finally gets to spend it with her parents along with Lia and Ethan. Both of her parents seemed to have taken a liking to Ethan, which relieved Giselle from her needless worrying. Ethan's Christmas present for his daughter became the bridge that connected Giselle's parents with him. In the end, Ethan was able to surprise Lia with his special Christmas gift. Just as the little girl played in her princess tent, Giselle received a call from Lillian Grey.

Lillian surprised Giselle with her words that night. Giselle couldn't forget what she had heard towards the end of their conversation.

Lillian outwardly expressed her wish to spend the holidays next year together with Giselle and Lia. She also went on to add more context to express her heart. This could only mean that they come closer than before. The thought ran within Giselle's head in an endless loop until she faced the crisis situation. Ethan had to break Lia's heart by parting the following day after Christmas. Although his flight was scheduled for late evening, Lia couldn't accept her father leaving so soon.

Giselle kept consoling Lia, who had to witness the scene at the airport. The child cried heavily on the way back home. The wailing started as soon as Ethan had to board the flight. He couldn't bring himself to leave his daughter in such a state. Ethan made sure to pour out his love to his daughter before saying goodbye again. At times like this, Ethan hated agreeing to let Giselle leave him alone in another country. He had it pictured in his mind a million times, yet the reality of facing his daughter's tears every time he leaves made him sadder. Nonetheless, his life thrived back there, and he needed to accept this bitter truth.

To not entirely destroy his daughter's happiness, Ethan made a promise to extend his vacation for future trips. Lia knew it was his way of consoling her since it was the same thing he had said when he left before. Regardless, the little girl held onto its hope and agreed to wait patiently. Both Ethan and Giselle saw a little smile bloom on Lia's face.

The tears eventually stopped.

Lia spent the rest of the evening sitting inside her new princess castle, playing with her dolls to cheer herself up. Giselle kept a close eye on her and often camped outside the little tent to chat with her daughter, making sure she was doing fine.

Soon, Ethan's departure became a memory as days passed with Giselle staying close with her daughter. The two often went out to eat and had fun exploring the city in its winter glamor. With only fewer days left for the New Year, Giselle had all the time to be there with Lia and spend it together.

It only lasted for a while before a daunting call came to crush her happiness.

Jayce called his editor to let her know of a major change in his schedule for the upcoming book release. The author had decided to rush his deadlines to publish his new novel as soon as possible.

Giselle had not expected this turn of events. However, she did manage to work from home without leaving her daughter alone. Jayce was considerate enough to understand. Therefore, the week between Christmas and the upcoming New year, Giselle had gone through another rush of events, which kept her engaged.

***

Ms. Hazel arrived on time, just as she promised. Giselle heard the knocking and raced to let her in.

"I am so sorry to disturb you once again, Ms. Hazel!" she answered the door with an apology.

Giselle had called the babysitter in the dead of night to ask for an emergency favor once again. This time it even had cruel timing.

Jayce, her editor, called last night and summoned Giselle to be present the next day on time at his place for an urgent meeting. His voice sounded desperate and exhausted at the same time. Giselle agreed since it is her job as Jayce's editor and as an employee of KeyLine publication. However, she can't leave Lia alone, especially since the child is still recovering from missing her father dearly.

Giselle fought so hard to bring back her daughter's smile, only to see it disappear again. She had no choice but to approach Ms. Hazel, the only person she could think of at the moment, hoping that she would be available to babysit Lia. And yes, she was.

Ms. Hazel understood Giselle's request and agreed to babysit her daughter. They spoke around midnight, and yet, Ms. Hazel appeared sharp on time. Seeing the wrinkles under her eyes, Giselle can't help but feel remorseful.

"Ms. Hazel!" she called.

"Thank you very much for doing this. I know it's the holidays- And I'm sorry for burdening you unexpectedly," Giselle confessed again.

On the other hand, Ms. Hazel casually replied to soothe her employer's guilt. She understood Giselle's circumstance and thus, agreed to the job.

"I like Lia. She is a gentle child. Honestly, it is easy for me as well, watching over her. That is why I agreed without a doubt. You shouldn't worry about me and get going, Ms. Giselle," Ms. Hazel replied with a reassuring smile.

Relieved to hear, Giselle gathered her things to get ready to leave when a random thought crossed her mind.

"Ah- Ms. Hazel, did you have breakfast?" she asked.

"I made enough for all of us," Giselle inquired while rushing back and forth from her room to the living room.

"No! I usually just have coffee in the morning. I'm more of the brunch type," Ms. Hazel answered, looking around to drop her coat and bag.

"Alright. Well, I also made coffee for you, so please have it. But if you're feeling hungry, feel free to dig in anytime."

Touched by Giselle's kindness, Ms. Hazel agreed to help herself out in the kitchen if desired.

Giselle has finally calmed down and was ready to leave. However, there were few things she needed to pass on to the babysitter before actually leaving the house.

"Lia is still sleeping. She will wake up around-" Giselle paused to check the time and then spoke,

"Around nine."

Ms. Hazel was quick to catch on and promised to make sure that Lia eats her breakfast fully.

"Thank you very much!"

Giselle felt grateful for having Ms. Hazel to help around. She promised to call as soon as her work gets done, which should be quick.

"Got it!"

"Then, I'll be leaving my daughter in your care, Ms. Hazel. Thank you so much for helping me out!" Giselle moved to express her gratitude for the last time.

"Giselle- I told you it's fine. Now, go on- you don't want to be late to your meeting!"

Giselle listened to leave the place after making a quick stop at Lia's room and giving her a goodbye kiss.

***

Outside, it was still dark. There was no trace of the morning to be seen, yet the roads were busy getting ready for New Year's Eve, which is tomorrow.

Giselle planned to walk to the nearest subway station and catch her ride. Despite wearing layers of clothes underneath, it was rather freezing to move around. The temperature was below minus, and Giselle struggled to walk faster. There was no time to pause and take a break until she gets to the station and get on the train.

Giselle kept walking under the crisp cold morning. Shortly before reaching the subway, she heard her phone ringing. Giselle groaned in pain physically and fished out her phone from the coat pocket. Looking at the screen, she sighed aloud in fatigue.

Lillian Grey's name displayed brightly on the screen.