Her two loves

It's been four years since Ruby died.

Charlotte worked her ass off to take care of her cousins like they were her own. She worked tables all through high school and got impeccable grades so that she didn't have to pay tuition. The rest of the money went to the kid's education. Charlotte managed to get Matthias and Emilie into the best primary school that she could afford, and feels that she's done well in these four years on her own.

But today is a special day that truly marks her success. She officially has the kid's adoption papers. Charlotte is now their legal guardian as their older sister.

Charlotte looks at the papers with a face full of satisfaction as she sips her morning coffee. It was tranquil, the kids were still asleep due to it being the weekend.

"If only it could stay like this," Charlotte whispered to not break the tranquil atmosphere she had managed to create. And like this, she watched the sunrise. Time seemed to have stopped as Charlotte wished, up until her phone vibrated disturbing her peace. With a slight frown, she left her comfortable position by the window and went to answer the phone. Without checking the called ID Charlotte picked up.

"Hello?"Her soft voice echoed through the quiet kitchen.

"Good morning Miss Roma it's Scott, we talked on the phone yesterday around noon?" Charlotte's eyes widened, she remembered the man. He was the boss' assistant at the music school she'll be working at. Nervousness filled her as she listened to him speak, but it was for naught because he had good news.

"Yes, well due to some troublesome circumstances there is a shortage of tutors for Monday morning. Will you be able to start then instead of what was discussed earlier?" Although Scott phrased it in the form of a question, it didn't feel like he was asking her at all.

What Charlotte heard through her distorted hearing was "Come in on Monday or you'll be fired before you even start." So of course she readily agreed, and Scott hung up after she gave her response.

Not long after she got off the phone Charlotte heard the familiar sound of soft footsteps. When she turned to look, Charlotte saw him. Matthias was standing there on wobbly feet looking at her blearily. He waddled towards her and grabbed Charlotte's thigh. "Morn Sis," Matthias mumbled a greeting. He made grabby hands at Charlotte so that she would pick him up. And with a doting smile, she did and carried him to the couch. Where they snuggled together, soon they both started to doze off.

Charlotte was almost asleep when she felt someone else snuggling into her side. She opened her eyes and saw her little angel, Emilie. Her heart swelled with love as she looked at the two kids sleeping in her arms. After giving them both kisses on their heads, Charlotte closed her eyes to sleep the morning away with her two loves.