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Twenty Five

"Mommy!" Aurelia squeals as she runs to me. I had barely stepped in the door when she spotted me. The relief I feel at the sight of her is enough to bring me down on my knees to hold her. I envelop her in my arms as a few tears escape my eyes. I wipe them away quickly so Aurelia doesn't see them.

"Hi, baby girl." I breathe as I hold her. I feel like my lungs had been empty until she was back in my arms.

"I got to spend the night with Boo!" She giggles as she pulls away to look at me.

"Did you have so much fun?" I ask, trying to seem excited for her even though my heart breaks knowing she isn't coming back to the apartment with us.

"Yeah! And daddy even said I can stay again tonight!" She giggles again before noticing Sebastian walking in the door behind us. "Daddy!"

Sebastian drops Aurelia's bag beside the door and grabs her up in his arms, holding her tightly to his chest.

"There you two are. I was wondering when you would get here." Sebastian's mom, Georgeta, says as she comes out of the kitchen. I offer her a small smile as Sebastian crosses the floor to hug his mom. When they release each other, Georgeta crosses the floor to me and wraps her arms around me too. I'm a bit shocked for a moment, but I manage to wrap my arms around her.

"Don't let that evil woman hurt you anymore." Georgeta whispers in my ear before pulling away and holding me at arms length. I smile shyly and nod.

"We can't stay long. I just wanted to let Madelaine see Aurelia and bring her some extra clothes and toys." Sebastian says.

"She doesn't need more toys. She needs to help me in the kitchen." Georgeta says, grinning when Aurelia jumps with excitement.

"We're making cookies!" She squeals.

"Well, you'll have extra clothes and toys if you need them." Sebastian tells Aurelia before pulling her into another hug. "Now, go hug your mom."

Aurelia runs over to me again and I pick her up, holding her to my chest as I try to soak her in. We don't know just how long this shit storm will take to blow over so I'm not sure how long it will be before I get to hold her again.

"Momma, I can't breathe." She pants and I set her back on her feet, watching as she runs into the kitchen.

"Thanks again, mom." Sebastian sighs as he give his mom another hug.

"It's no trouble. We will have a great time. Besides, I'm just going to sugar her up before you come to get her. It'll be fun." Georgeta laughs as Sebastian rolls his eyes. I laugh a little as well. Georgeta reminds me so much of my own mother sometimes.

"Not too much sugar, please." Sebastian groans and now it is Georgeta's turn to roll her eyes.

"Fine. Only a necessary amount of sugar. Now, you two go on and figure this mess out. I heard Alexia's little confession and something about it doesn't set right with me." Georgeta says.

After saying our goodbyes, Sebastian and I hit the road back to the apartment. We ride in silence for a while. I guess we are both lost in our thoughts.

Was Alexia's apology sincere?

What will happen if it was?

"Madelaine."

What will she try to pull next if she wasn't serious in her apology?

"Madelaine."

How long until this is all over?

"Madelaine!" I jump when Sebastian says my name loudly.

"What? Why are you yelling?"

"You were spaced out." He sighs.