eternity// 5SOS

28

cw/ mentions weight
Michael

"Good morning," Paul said quietly, answering the door, "They're still asleep. Coffee?"

"That would be great thanks, but I am gonna have to wake Poppy up so that she gets ready. Thanks for letting her stay,"

"Go ahead. Do you have sugar and milk?"

"Milk, please,"

I headed down to the basement and was startled to find Alfie with his arms round Poppy, whose body was tightly tucked into his.

They had a fan blasting over at them, and a cover draped across them, Poppy's bear being the only thing to stop their faces touching.

"Good morning," I said quietly, shaking them both, "Wakey wakey,"

She woke up and scrunched her face up, looking up at me. She seemed to panic, but checked to her side and saw Alfie, sighing of relief.

He also began to wake up slowly, but his heart jumped out of his chest when he sat me and he let go of Poppy, moving away.

"We need to go sweet pea,"

"I'm hungry,"

"Okay, I will tell mum to eat at home and we can eat somewhere else,"

"I will go and make breakfast," Alfie said, "For everyone,"

He slid past me and ran upstairs, so I pulled Poppy up to sitting and gave her a cuddle.

My mind was racing a bit about all of this, but she was probably even more worried because I had just walked in on them sleeping in each others arms- I didn't mention it.

We made boundaries with what our kids could do, and had the kids make their own boundaries for what others could do. However this was a grey area, and Crystal and I often disagreed.

Poppy knew herself. She knew when she didn't want someone near her, and she knew exactly who she wanted cuddles from. If she felt safe, and happy, then I saw no problem with her building a healthy relationship with someone that she was clearly exploring feelings with and reciprocating.

It was actually kind of a relief to see her able to form this kind of bond- she had really grown in the last couple of months, even if she claimed she hadn't.

"Where are your clothes then?" I asked, getting her back, "Joggers and a tank top?"

"Yes,"

"Okay. I will go up to the kitchen,"

I kissed her head and then excused myself to call Crystal, stepping outside again.

"Hello?"

"Hey, are you okay to eat at home? Poppy is eating here, she just woke up,"

"Yeah, no problem. I've just given the kids their chores and I had to bribe them with secret santa later,"

"Sounds good. I um... I walked into Poppy and Alfie asleep, cuddling,"

"Oh? I told her not to sleep in the same bed,"

"It's just a cuddle,"

"I mean I am kind of surprised, but have you seen the way she talks about him?"

"Yeah," I chuckled, "I'm just gonna leave her to it, she will talk to us when she's ready,"

"Hopefully. We need to hurry up though, the appointment starts soon,"

"I love you,"

"I love you too. Now eat,"

She ended the call and I went back inside, Paul handing me a coffee and some toast. We sat at their table and watched Alfie take two plates downstairs, then Paul cleared his throat and sighed.