Moving On [H.S]

Chapter 31

They walk back to the apartment as the sun begins to set and Isabella giggles as Maya gives her a piggyback ride.

"I'm so tall!"

"A very tall marshmallow."

Maya says and Isabella laughs, her puffy jacket giving her the appearance of the sugary snack.

"A very cute tall marshmallow."

Harry says as they walk into the apartment, closing the door behind them.

"What do you want for dinner kiddo?"

Maya asks and Isabella takes a moment to think.

"Chicken nuggets!"

she cheers and Harry nods, walking over to the freezer.

"Let's get that jacket off of you so you don't roast."

Maya says, helping the toddler take off her jacket, hat and mittens. Harry glances over and a warm feeling spreads through his chest as the sight of them together. A small smile pulls at his lips as he arranges the Dino nuggets on a metal tray and preheats the oven.

"Can we watch Nightmare Before Christmas?"

Isabella says, running over to get the DVD.

"Sure, go put it on, we'll be right over."

Maya says and Isabella nods, putting the DVD in the player. Maya and Harry walk over after filling a sip cup with juice for Isabella and they sit on either side of her. Harry doesn't mind Isabella's fixation on Tim Burton claymation films, but he refuses to watch Coraline ever again.

"Daddy is afraid of Coraline."

She says to Maya who covers her mouth to stop a laugh.

"Scared of the Other Mother?"

She asks Harry and he rolls his eyes.

"Only when she turns into a spider thing...it's a scary movie ok?"

He says and Maya and Isabella laugh. Halfway through the movie Harry gets up to put the chicken nuggets in, and when he walks back over he sees Isabella now sat on Maya's lap, her head back against Maya's chest as they intently watch the screen. He smiles and sits down beside Maya, putting his arm around her shoulder.

"I want to be sally. She's pretty."

Isabella says and Maya smiles.

"I like Emily, Frome corpse Bride."

Maya says and Isabella's face lights up.

"She's so pretty!"

"She's a corpse."

Harry says in confusion and Isabella huffs.

"She's still prettier than Victoria."

She says and he chuckles, running his hand through her hair.

"I want to fall in love with Jack Skellington."

She says, as the animated skeleton walks on the screen and Harry chuckles.

"I'd prefer you to find someone who's a little more alive."

He says and she giggles. The movie ends and Maya carries Isabella over to the kitchen island where they eat, before getting ready for bed. Maya and Harry peacefully sleep, but Maya slowly wakes up and carefully gets out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

Harry asks, half asleep but woken up by her absence.

"Just going to get some water."