Unexpected

Part 18: I Don't Want You

She made sure to be up and out of bed before anyone came in or the children woke up. In fact- she hardly slept, she was so anxious about being caught sleeping with Max wrapped around her...again...

She's dog arse tired and hungry- but at least no one came in on them.

She managed to run home and get changed- as well as pick up breakfast for everyone from Pan's Bakery- all before any of them woke up.

"Well, don't you look like Mom of the year." Lauren teases her on her way up to see Max and Daphne as well.

"It's just breakfast. They've been living off cafeteria food for a while now. They need something more nutritional." Lauren pokes her head in the bag and laughs.

"And you think creme filled donuts, beignets, and pastry sandwich's is nutritional?" She asks with a heavy smirk on her face. Lauren has personally found this whole Max and Helen thing to be the most entertaining thing since Kapoor trying not to look like he was asking Ella out on a date to the Gala. She's rooting for her friends- she expected this when she first met Max because, though they are opposites at times, Helen and Max are truly perfect.

"I also have fruit and juice!" She exclaims and Lauren just snickers gleefully.

"Calm down, Mommy. What'd you bring for Hubby besides your sexy ass in that skintight leopard skirt?" She looks back at Helen's rear before they continue on. Helen blushes like mad at the comment.

"Piss off, Lauren. I wear this all the time."

"For his gaze. Honey, dress homely once in a while. You make it too easy for him. You just give him it for free!"

"You act like I've only started dressing like this since Max started working here."

"Well...they've gotten tighter. Was that on purpose?"

"Will you go?" Helen pleads just as she reaches for the sliding door to Max's room.

"I dare you to dress completely down one of these days. I want to see his reactions. You've only ever worn leggings or tight ass jeans around him. Be homely. Be not you! Please!"

"What is wrong with you?! He's seen me in a baggy t-shirt and pajama pants."

"When?" Looking Helen over, Lauren is very curious as to when this whole thing happened?

"A few days ago. When Daphne was missing- she ended up following Max home and when I got there it was late and she was asleep. Max and I discussed a few unnerving things and he told me to just stay the night instead of waking her up." She goes to open the door again and Lauren once more stops her with her inquiries.

"Oooo. Where did you sleep?"

"In his bed...AND before you go gossiping, he slept on the floor. Nothing happened." Her frown is a sign of content, so Lauren pulls the door open and they enter to find Daphne sitting up- her shirt still removed and her bandages still taped to her properly. "Hi, darling! How are you feeling?"

Helen asks sweetly as she sets the food down on the counter and goes over to her.

"Okay. My tummy still hurts." Lauren goes over and smiles warmly at her.

"Morning! Can I take a look? I gotta clean them again and change your dressing." Lauren says and the girl quickly looks to Max- who's asleep.

"I want Max." Helen sighs slightly. The girl bonded with Max- not her. That kind of hurts. She wanted to be Daphne's go to person. It's almost like she doesn't care for Helen at all.

"Max is sleeping sweetie...but I'm here." Helen offers herself to the girl, but Daphne is determined to have Max instead.

"I don't want you- I want Max." Feeling frustrated and upset, Helen shakes her head and simply leaves the room. Lauren can see her friend is crushed and broken hearted.