34

Marie

It's been a week since Karter left for Spain. It feels so strange not to see him everyday. I'm pretty bored at work as well. As Karter isn't around I don't have much to do.

Today is Friday and work was pretty boring. I had very little work to do, Karter actually told me to take the day off but I don't like to sit around and do nothing. Plus I don't want anyone to think that Karter's treating me differently because we're dating. At least not when it comes to work matters.

I reach home at around 4 and immediately hop into the shower. The warm water running down my body soothes me and relaxes my muscles. God I really need a spa day with Nina. How long as it been?

After my long shower, I wrap myself in a comfy robe and indulge myself in several movies. It was around 7:00 I think when my phone started to buzz. I picked it up and saw that Ellie was calling.

"Hello." I say.

"Hey Marie! How are you? I haven't seen you in almost a month!"

"I know. I've been kind of busy. I'm sorry. How are you? And Liam? And how's Millie?" I ask.

"Oh no worries. They're all good. Millie misses you alot. It's been almost two weeks since she saw you and has been asking if you can come over. So I was wondering if you're free tomorrow? The two of us can have tea and spend time together and Millie will be delighted to see you." She says.

I smile, even though she can't see it. "I'd love too. That'd be very nice."

"Good then. Come by 2 ish?"

"Sure." I say.

"Will see you tomorrow Marie Bye!"

"Bye!" I say and hang up.

The next day came by pretty fast. I got dressed in blue floral pattern dress that reached my knees. I pull my hair in a side braid and my favorite pair of white heels. After one last look at myself in the mirror, I head out of the apartment. It was about 1:45, Ellie and Liam don't live very far away so I'll reach by 2.

I knock on the door and it was opened by a smiling Liam.

"Marie Hey!" He says and embraces me in a hug.

"Hi. How are you?" I ask with a smile once he pulls away.

"Oh I'm good. How are you? Hopefully not missing Karter too much?" He smirks.

"Maybe just a little." I say sheepishly.

"Well I'm actually heading out with the boys so you have fun with El and Millie." He says.

I smile, "Okay."

"Make yourself at home. El is just in the restroom. She'll be down." Liam smiles and heads out of the door.

I take a seat in the living room and soon I heard footsteps descending down the stairs.

"Marie!" Ellie says smiling at me.

I get up and walk to her, "Hey." I say as I hug.

"I'm so glad you could make. Someone's been anxious since yesterday." She chuckles.

I smile. "Millie! Honey someone is here to see you!" Ellie yells so that Millie can hear her.

Almost immediately Millie comes running down the stairs. Her smile widens as she sees me. She runs to me and I bend down so I can give her a hug.

"Hi Millie." I say and place a kiss on her cheek.

"I have so much things to tell you Marie!" She sequels and before I know it she's dragging me across the living room.

"Why don't the two of you get acquainted while I get the tea and snacks ready?" Ellie suggests.

"Are you sure you don't need help? I really don't want to be a burden" I say.

Ellie smiles at me, "Oh nonsense. You just relax. I'll be fine." I smile at her as she heads to the kitchen.

"What does acquainted mean?" Millie asks scrunching her nose in confusion.

I chuckle at how adorable she looks, "Well it means, being friends." I say.

"Oh." She says were lips forming a 'o' shape.

Until Ellie came from the Kitchen Millie was telling me about her school and how her favorite teacher is Miss Berry, who made me think of Strawberry Shortcake for some reason so I chuckled. She told me she made a new friend who's also British and her name is Rebecca, Becca for short. I love the fact that she tells me about everything as if I'm someone very important in her life. I never wanted her to get too attached to me as the future is unpredictable but, she's an angel I honestly can't help myself.

Ellie and I sat on the couch with Millie on the floor too focused on the cartoons. She was occasionally talking to us but she was to busy in her cartoons.

"These brownies are amazing!" I compliment Ellie.

"Thank you. I'm actually known for being quite the baker." Ellie smiles.

"I am too. I have quite the sweet tooth so I love baking for myself especially." I say and Ellie chuckles.

Ellie glances at Millie and speaks, "You know she's quite fond of you. Karter had told me she is but I recently realized how much she likes you and adores you."

"She's an angel. I've grown quite fond of her as well." I say.

"It's pretty strange as she's not one to enjoy the company of many adults. She get's pretty shy around strangers but she seems to be fine with you." Ellie says and I smile.

"Karter told you about Amber didn't he?" Ellie asks.

"He did. He told me she was your best friend. I'm sorry for your loss." I say.

"I miss her, I really do but I know she's in a better place." Ellie flashes me a weak smile.

"However it's Millie and Karter I worry about. He needs a woman in his life and she needs a mother. I tired to convince Karter all these years that he needs to move as this life of his was not what Amber wanted but he wouldn't budge. Until you that is. What I'm trying to say is I'm happy you're in their lives. You're good for them." Ellie smiles at me and she places a hand on my knee.

I open my mouth to speak but my phone beats me to it. I pick it up and see Karter calling, "Speak of the devil" I joke and Ellie chuckles.

"Take it." Ellie says.

"No it's alright I can call him back." I say.

"It's fine Marie. Just talk to him. I'll clear these dishes." She smiles and walks to the kitchen.

I answer and press the phone to my ear.

"Hello." I say.

"Hey, how is my favorite girl doing it?" Karter asks.

"Favorite girl aye? I'm with someone who might get very offended if she hears that." I joke.

"You're with Millie?" He asks.

"Yup. Ellie invited me to tea and spend time with Millie." I says.

"I'm happy my two favorite girls are bonding." He says and I smile.

I can get used to the favorite girl thing. "Do you want to talk to her?" I ask.

"Sure. I haven't spoken to her all day." He says.

I bend down and look at Millie, "Millie it's your dad!" I say.

Millie's face lights up and she takes the phone from my hand, "Hello Daddy!"

"When are you coming back? I miss you Daddy Aunt El and Uncle Li always give me ice-cream. I love them. I spent my day with Marie and we ate brownies that Aunt El made!"

I just sat next to her and smiled at her as she talked to her dad. Ellie walked out of the kitchen and smiles at me.