Broken

Chapter 3

Chris pov...

It took a few minutes for the door to open, but it might as well be hours... I anxiously wait, having no idea what i will find behind it besides Sammie and the little girl... I took a deep breath my heart pounding in my chest as the door opened. "Hi." I said as i saw Sammie standing there. She still looked as beautiful as ever.  I dont know why but i immediately checked her hand but to my relief there was no ring... She stepped aside and let me in. She looked anxious, nervous and uncomfortable... The close connection we once had was gone... It feels just awkward and i dont like it. I heard Disney music and i looked to where it was coming from to see the little girl dancing with a song on the TV. I smile as she is giggling having the time of her life...

I heard the door close, and Sammie stood there her arms crossed in front of her chest. I look at her as she looks so stern and the soft sweet woman i once called mine is nowhere to be found... "One thing..." She said looking at me all serious and i look at her curious.... "No yelling i will not have Sophie exposed to that." She said with a look that says she is not to be messed with. I nodded. "Her name is Sophie?" I ask and i could feel myself get emotional. "Yes" Sammie says her voice now softer.... "Sophie Christina" She mumbles blushing. I looked at her shocked. "Christina?" I whispered shocked and Sammie nodded again.  "Yes" she said, "Christina... You named her after me?" I was now fully fighting my tears. 

Sophie came walking up to us and looks at me curiously..."Sad?" She said pointing at me. I look at Sammie and she gives me a quick nod... I crouched down to Sophie's level. "No sweetheart" i say taking her little hand in mine. She is beautiful... A delicate little girl who looks like a princess in her dress... As i study her a little i see myself... I see the resemblance... But i also see her mother... She is perfect... A perfect mix from me and her mother... I smile..."I am not sad sweetheart. These are happy tears."  I whisper trying my best to stop crying. She puts her free hand on my face. She giggles. 

"Tickles..." She says as she stroked my beard. I smiled. "Look i have a present for you."  I say smiling giving her the stuffed animal. She grabbed it with her little hand holding it close hugging it. "Thank you..." She says in her sweet voice. "Come on sweetheart let's get you down for your nap" Sammie says and i feel a wave of sadness wash over me... Even though i am sad she has to go to bed i understand... From seeing Carly and friends with kids i learned a schedule is important.  "Can i help?" I ask pushing my luck, holding my breath hoping i didn't push to far... She sighs and stays silent for a moment... "It is okay if you dont..." I start to say not wanting to push and get kicked out... Sammie holds up her hand...

"Do you want mama's friend to read you a story before bedtime?" Sophie's eyes light up as she looked at me and ran with that adorable toddler run to what i presume was her bedroom. "She is getting her favorite book" Sammie says smiling awkwardly. I wish it would not feel this awkward... But i guess that is going to take time... If it ever going to happen at all... At least she called me her friend...

Sophie came running back with a book. I smiled as i see what book it is. "The little mermaid?" I say smiling at Sophie who eagerly nods her little head. I look up at Sammie... "Yep" Sammie says. Sammie picks up Sophie. "Let's get you in your pajamas and ready for bed, then Chris can read to you from the book." Sammie says signaling for me to follow. "Okay!" Sophie squeals and i wonder if she is even tired as she is smiling giving her mother a kiss. You could see their bond was strong. 

I watched as Sammie change her in a little mermaid pajama and as i look around the room i can see it was all little mermaid themed. The stuffed animal i got her had been thrown in her bed next to her pillow. "You can sit over there to read to her. If you dont mind i will go to clean up the living room. Just close the door behind you as soon as she is asleep." Sammie says and i nod. Sammie tucks Sophie in and kisses her forehead. "Sleeping... Not playing..." She says smiling to Sophie who was holding on to the stuffed animal and giggles nodding her little head.