My Soldier - Missing Home

Choices

A/N ~~ More Lizzie & Maisie bonding time! But poor Harley.. Really feeling for her right now. What we thinking..?


~~Wednesday Afternoon, London~~

Normal POV

As I'm walking home from the gym, I can feel the ache already spreading through my body. Every muscle is on fire, but I deffinently needed it. I know I have pushed myself way too far, considering I've been in there for hours, and I will be regretting it for days. But I feel a lot less angry than I did when I left. My head is still spiralling with thoughts of what I can do, so many options but none of them seem to be the better choice right now. I can't risk my job, but at the same time, I know he won't give up easily. He gets a kick out of hurting people, so I know I need to do something sooner rather than later. I finally make it back home, kicking off the snow from my trainers before I let myself into the kitchen, something smelling amazing when I do. Deffinently Lizzie's cooking. I take off my shoes and jacket then head into the living room to try and find anyone since no one is in the kitchen. I push the door open gently and walk into the cosy room, seeing the fire on low as the TV is playing a film. I turn to see Dad sitting in his chair with his feet up before turning to see Lizzie and Maisie huddled up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket and a bowl of popcorn infront of them. All the negative thoughts disappearing instantly when I catch Lizzie look up to meet my gaze, a gorgeous smile already on her face as she does. "Everyone looks very cosy in here.." I tease as Maisie looks up towards where I am standing. "Hey Kiddo." Dad greets, so I turn and say a quick hello before turning back towards where Lizzie and Maisie are on the sofa. "Comfortable?" I tease them both as I lean down, leaving a kiss on Maisie's forehead then moving to leave a kiss on Lizzie's cheek before quickly stealing a handful of popcorn as I push myself back up to my feet again. "Hey!" "Hands off!" They both whine adorably as I pick my bag back up off the floor with my free hand, laughing at both of them before excusing myself to go and shower.

I make sure to have a hot shower, hoping it will help my aching muscles, my thoughts now shifting to seeing how much happier Maisie seems with Lizzie. She really is too good to be true. I come out the shower, slipping into some clean joggers and a t-shirt before heading back downstairs to join everyone in the living room. I head into the kitchen, catching Lizzie's eyes on my overly tense arms as I walk past making me grin to myself, going straight to the fridge for a drink and something to snack on before dinner. My body needing something to try and recover from the heavy session I just had. I end up in Maisie's chair when I come back since Maisie and Lizzie are stretched out on the sofa, which I don't mind one bit seeing how content they both are. "Good session?" Lizzie asks, a subtle grin on her face as she does. "Yeah it was good, paying for it now though." I reply, catching a glimpse of worry behind her eyes before she tries to cover it up. "It has been a while." She returns and I nod in reply before Maisie begins to tell me about their little shopping trip. I can't contain my smile at hearing how upbeat she is compared to how she has been recently as she goes on to tell me about cooking with Lizzie. My eyes flickering between them both as I catch Lizzie's smile growing behind her. How did I get so lucky with that girl? I will never know. But she is a literal Angel. Too good for this Earth. Once Maisie finishes telling me about her day, we all fall into a comfortable silence as we watch the rest of the film together before heading into the kitchen for some food. Dad offers to dish everything up but Maisie quickly jumps up to help him so I take the opportunity as we sit down together at the table together to thank Lizzie for today. I grab her hand under the table, pulling her closer as I lean in towards her ear. "Your amazing, thank you." I whisper before leaving a kiss on her temple, causing her cheeks to blush instantly as she just smiles and gets all shy in reply.

After dinner, we all move back into the living room, Maisie stealing my seat and girlfriend again as she chooses another film for us to watch. It's nice, being so calm again, but the thoughts soon start to creep back into my head again as I try to focus on the TV. I need to talk to Maisie and find out what Steven wants, so I know what I am dealing with. But for now, it can wait. I don't want to ruin her good mood. We end up watching two films together before Dad calls it a night, all of us agreeing and following behind him. Maisie made sure to thank Lizzie for today before we all went our sperate ways. I slumped down on the bed as Lizzie went off into the bathroom to do her nightly routine, I turn on the TV to try and keep my mind busy but nothing seems to be working. Not even a hellish gym session. I catch Lizzie coming out the bathroom in some shorts and one of my t-shirts she wears for bed, a small smile on her face as she comes over and climbs onto the bed, quickly moving over so she is practically lying on top of me. "Talk to me Harley." She says softly, resting her arm on my chest so she is looking up at me, her other hand running her fingers through my hair. "I don't know what to do for the best.." I whisper into the small space between us, not knowing how to explain my spiralling thoughts. "We just have to be there for her, and hope he gives up trying to contact her." Lizzie replies just as quietly, but I can't just sit back and do nothing. "What happens when he doesn't? I can't just not do anything.." I begin to spiral, but before I can, Lizzie moves her thumb from my hair to cover my lips gently. "Baby.. I know you want to protect her, but right now, your angry and not thinking straight. Why don't you go and talk to her before she goes to sleep and make sure she is okay." I nod my head softly, knowing she is right deep down. "Good idea." I reply quietly, leaning up to kiss her before she lets me get up from the bed.

"Maisie? You awake?" I ask quietly after knocking on Maisie's bedroom door. "Yeah.." She replies from inside, so I push the door open slowly and let myself in. I catch Maisie lying in bed in one of my old training t-shirts on, making me smile as I close the door behind me and walk towards her bed. "Can I sit?" I ask, making her smile and nod her head as she moves over and lets me sit beside her on her bed. "How you feeling?" I ask, hoping she might open up on her own. "Better. Today has been nice." She returns with a small smile. I need to just get this out. No point dragging it out. "I spoke with Dad earlier.." I begin and instantly I see her smile fade as she tenses up slightly. "He told me about the messages Maize." I explain as gently as I can, already her eyes begin to tear up. "I'm not mad, I know why you didn't want me to know. I just want you to know I am here, when your ready to talk about it." I say carefully, and instantly I see her relax slightly before she pushes her self up and sits against the headboard. "I can't remember when it started, I deleted all the messages to begin with, but as they got more and more I told Dad straight away." She begins to tell me so I just stay quiet and let her explain. "Dad told me to just block him, so I did, but then he would make different accounts, or use his friends to send more messages. To begin with, he was asking about you and Lizzie. But then they changed to threats over money." I can see her getting more and more uncomfortable the longer she talks for, my blood boiling again seeing her like this. Maybe this wasn't a good idea tonight. "What did he say about money?" I question, wanting to know exactly what he wants. "He wants you to give him money. Telling me you owe him for what you put him through." She explains, I can barely breathe with how much my chest is burning. "Can I see some of the messages?" I ask through gritted teeth. "Yeah." She agrees without hesitation, reaching for her phone to show me. I wait for her to find them before she hands me her phone so I can read through them myself.

@Steve009
I will come to London Maisie. I know Harley has money and she
owes me big time! So tell her or else I will come find you all!

I have people who will find out where you live and what
School you go to within the hour! Don't try me Maisie!

@Ste0909
You can keep trying to get rid of me, but I'm not going
anywhere Maisie. £10,000. I'm sure your Sisters' new bitch
can spare that much from her bank!

@SteveNUFC09
I'm not going to stop Maisie! So tell Harley to get my
fucking money before I come down and get it myself!


I have to stop reading before I end up crushing Maisie's phone in my hand. I am beyond angry. I'm ready to go to Newcastle right now. "He will never hurt you Maisie. I promise you. You will never have to see him." I comfort her, making sure she knows she is safe. "Even if I am half way across the World, I will always protect you. He will never get close to you." I add and she nods her head as she wipes her tears away. "Come here." I move closer, opening my arms for her. She quickly climbs into my arms and grips onto my t-shirt as I just hold her. "Your safe Maisie. Your always safe, I promise." I repeat softly as she cries into my chest. Seeing her like this only making me so much more angry, but I know I can't leave right now or everyone will know where I am going and will stop me. Maisie eventually calms down and moves back, wiping her eyes again. "I love you Harley. Thank you for always being there for me and looking after me." She whispers and my own eyes begin to tear up. "I love you too Maisie. I'll always be here. Always." I assure her, kissing her head before she moves back to get comfortable in bed. I tuck her in, making her laugh as I do. "Get some sleep okay." I tell her softly, kissing her head again. "I will. Goodnight Sis." She replies, her eyes already falling heavy. "Sweet dreams Maisie." I say as I leave her to sleep, closing the door behind me before letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding onto. My mind going a million miles per hour as I slowly walk back to my room, wiping my eyes before letting myself in, being met by Lizzie already in bed waiting for me. "Hey you.." I whisper just enough for her to hear me. "Hi Soldier." She whispers back, smiling softly as I walk over to where she is lying. "How is she?" She asks as I lean down and kiss her forehead. "Better." I reply before standing back up and heading into the bathroom, splashing my face with cold water to try and help the stinging in my eyes. I hate angry tears. I let myself calm down as much as I can then walk back out into the bedroom, slipping out of my joggers then climbing into bed, Lizzie turning over to face me once I am lying down.

"Do you feel better after talking to her?" Lizzie asks as she runs her fingers over my chest and neck as I stay lying on my back, my arm wrapped around her to hold her close. "I do. She showed me the messages.." I reply softly into the small space between us. "So you know exactly what he said now?" She questions and I just nod my head, trying not to let my temper rise again. "He wants money from me." I barely say above a whisper as I keep my stare on the ceiling for now. "What's going through your head Harley?" She asks calmly, but I don't want to tell her. "I want to go and stop him myself.." I whisper, finally looking back to meet Lizzie's gaze that is already focused on me. "You have more to lose than him baby.." She says with so much worry behind her eyes. "I know." I catch her searching my face, something she does when she knows my emotions are haywire. "How about we sleep on it, then see how you feel tomorrow? We can try and come up with something that doesn't involve you losing your job." She says with a hint of humour, making me smile and nod my head in reply. "I love you baby.. You have been amazing with Maisie today, I can never thank you enough." I begin to ramble but she just leans up, connecting our lips to shut me up. I lift her body up by her waist, her body pretty much in top of mine as I put all my emotions into her lips as my hands grip at her body. We both become breathless really quickly, so we pull apart slightly, Lizzie leaving her forehead resting down onto mine as her eyes slowly flicker open. "I love you Harley." She whispers against my lips, leaving a few feather like pecks against them before she rolls over slightly, lying beside me and pulling my arms back around her. The TV is still playing quietly into the room as we just lay together, but I can feel Lizzie's body relaxing more and more as her breathing gets deeper. "Sweet dreams baby." I whisper next to her ear, leaving a kiss on her head as she nuzzles back into my body. "Good night Soldier." She whispers back in a soft, tired voice, letting me know she will be asleep any second.

As hard as I try, I can't settle my thoughts down enough to try and get any sleep, so after a couple of hours of trying, I give up. My mind is running wild with what those messages said and what I should do about it. I know I can't leave it, I can't sit back and do nothing. Should I just give him what he wants? I carefully reach behind me and grab my phone, being careful not to disturb Lizzie as I open my phone and open my online banking. I have always been careful with my money, ever since I was young. Dad always taught us to be smart with what money we have, and seeing him do exactly that everyday growing up, I listened to all the advice he gave me. And since he always refuses to take any money from me for living here when I am not on Tour, I have been able to put my money into a savings account I opened when I was 18. I go straight to my savings account online, checking the balance in there. It's safe to say, I can deffinently afford to give Steven what he is asking for, after nearly 10 years I have a decent amount saved up, even after buying my Bike a few years ago. The only people that know about my savings are Dad and Maisie, but even then they don't know how much is there so no one would know if I did give it to him. Is this the only way to get him to stop? I know I am risking him just asking for more down the line, but I have to try. Maybe if I go and give it to him face to face, I can warn him off.. But how do I do it without anyone finding out? I close down my phone, putting it back on the table behind me. I try and shut off again, holding Lizzie as I try and sleep but it never comes. At most I seem to doze off for 10 minutes before I am woken back up by my restlessness. Eventually daylight slowly begins to make an appearence through the window, so I give up all hope of getting any sleep and decide to just get up and go for a run. Maybe that will help settle everything back down..


~~Thursday Afternoon, London~~

Normal POV

"How you feeling Angel?" Lizzie's soft voice brings me back from the countless dazes I have fallen into today. No matter what I do, I can't shake these heavy thoughts constantly running through my mind every second. "A little restless, I was thinking of going to the gym to try and shake it off." I tell her as calmly as I can, hoping she doesn't worry too much about it. "If you think it will help..? But please don't push yourself too much." She says gently, her hands running up and down my arms soothingly. "I won't, I promise." I lean forward, kissing Lizzie before leaving her in the kitchen to head upstairs and get changed to go to the gym. We have spent the morning with Dad and Maisie, having breakfast, then we got a surprise visit from Emily so we moved to the living room and Maisie convinced us to play some board games together after we had all caught up with Emily properly. It was nice seeing Maisie more relaxed and in happier spirits, she deffinently got a good nights sleep last night, but I can still see the worry and fear behind her eyes. Which only makes my anger bubble over and over again. We ended up in a very competitive game of Disney Trivial Pursuit, which ended in a draw between me and Lizzie. And I was more than happy to share a win with her seeing how proud she was of herself. I can't believe how competitive she can be, it's a little scary sometimes. Dad then brought out Monopoly so we ended up in a 2 hour game of that before calling it a draw between Maisie and Emily to end with. We all decided on a McDonalds for dinner, so Dad took the car since the snow has stopped and the roads are a lot clearer today. We got comfortable in the living room waiting for him to come back, deciding on watching a film together after the hectic board games. I can tell Lizzie knows I am not feeling myself today, especially when she woke up and noticed how tired my eyes look. Knowing straight away I hadn't slept much last night. But after some morning cuddles in bed, she seemed to calm down her concerns about me, for now at least.

I got my bag ready for the gym, got myself changed then made sure my bedroom door is closed before going into my desk draw. I move some papers around, going to the back of the draw to find my old College notebook. As soon as I find it, I open the pages and take out my Savings Account Bank Card that is hidden away. I quickly put the notebook back and close the draw before anyone can come in, putting the card into my wallet then grab my bag and phone. I head back downstairs, seeing everyone sitting around the table since they decided on playing Cluedo. Lizzie quickly notices me and jumps up off the floor and comes over to where I am as everyone else notices I am heading out. "Where you off Kiddo?" Dad asks and I smile as Lizzie snakes her arms around my waist. "Going for a quick gym session." I tell him and he gives me a look before letting it go as he turns back to Maisie and Emily. "Don't have too much fun without me.." I joke as I begin to head towards the kitchen. "Don't hurt yourself Sis.." Maisie shoots back, making us all laugh at her, thankful for her being back to herself. I walk over and get a water from the fridge as Lizzie seems to be watching my every move. "You sure your okay Harley?" She asks, a slight sternness to her voice. "I'm just a little rattled still from yesterday that's all, I just need to burn it off baby." I assure her as best I can as I walk over and pull her into my arms, lifting her up slightly making her giggle. "Plus, I need to get back into shape after all the food I have been eating since getting home." I joke, making her laugh lightly as she hugs her arms around my neck. "I'm not complaining about that part.." She teases quietly, making me laugh as I feel her leaving small kisses against my neck. "I'll not be long, keep an eye on Maisie for me whilst I'm gone please." I say as I lower her back to her feet. "Of course I will. Be careful please?" She returns, running her hand through my hair. "I will. I love you." I say quietly as I lean into her lips. "I love you too Soldier."

Lizzie waves me off at the door as I head towards the gym before I am out of view and she heads back inside. As soon as I know she can't see me, I change direction, hating myself already for doing this. It doesn't take long for me to get to the Bank, so I head inside and wait for someone to call me over. As soon as I am at a desk, I get out all the paperwork I brought with me and ask for how much money I need to take out of my Savings Account. They go through the normal questions before heading off to get what I asked for. My body is beyond restless at this point, I haven't told anyone what I am doing, knowing they will try and stop me. But I need to do this. Not just for me, but so that Maisie is left alone to feel safe again. "Here you go Miss Lane. Is there anything else I can do for you today?" I'm handed a brown envelope with the money in and instantly I feel nervous. "No, that is everything, thank you." I get my paperwork and place it in my gym bag with the money all hidden within my towels and gym gear before leaving and actually going to the gym, needing a distraction from all of this. I can't help but doubt myself as soon as I leave the Bank, wondering if I am doing the right thing. But I also know if I don't do anything, it will eat away at me until I explode. Especially since I am due to go back to L.A soon with Lizzie. I get to the gym and put my bag away into a locker before heading straight to the treadmill for a quick warm up, then over to the weight benches. I see a couple of regulars and have a few chats as I am on different weight machines, my mind being able to switch off as long as I am burning off energy. But after a couple of hours, my body begins to scream at me that it has had enough, especially after yesterday, so I call it a day and start heading home. I walk into the kitchen, being met by loud, excited voices in the living room as I slip off my trainers and jacket. I say a quick hello before going up for a shower, leaving them to finish their game, thankfully giving me the chance to put everything away without someone walking in before I head back down and join them after a hot shower.

The rest of the day was filled with board games until Emily had to head home ready for work tomorrow. We didn't realise how late it was when she got ready to leave so I made us all something quick and easy for dinner then we moved to watch some TV before everyone called it a night. But just like last night, my body was not letting me sleep. My mind too busy thinking about the day ahead of me tomorrow. So once I know Lizzie is in a deep sleep, I carefully get out of bed and made my way downstairs, getting my laptop and heading into the kitchen. I made myself a coffee then sat down at the kitchen table, opening up my laptop and booking myself a train ticket. I looked up the Train Times for Newcastle, hoping for an early train so I can be there and back in one day. Thankfully, there is a train leaving London at 6:00am. So I book my seat and choose an open return, not knowing how tomorrow will plan out until I get there. I hesitate on paying for the ticket, my mind racing with so many thoughts. I need this done as soon as possible, but I know keeping it from everyone will hurt people. I don't want to lie to everyone, but I also know if they knew what I was planning, they would try and stop me. I rub my face with the palms of my hands, feeling awful without any sleep. Eventually, I go ahead with it, paying for the ticket and opting for an online receipt so I can keep it on my phone. Once it is all done, I close my laptop and put it back in the living room, just in case anyone comes down during the night. I go back to my coffee, the silent kitchen not helping my thoughts but my body is running on empty right now so I stay where I am and let my thoughts take over. And after what feels like days, I check my phone and see it is nearing 4:00am so I decide to go upstairs and get myself ready for the long day ahead of me. I make sure Lizzie is still asleep before I quietly get some clothes from my wardrobe and take them into the bathroom so I can get ready, hopefully without disturbing Lizzie.

I slowly get changed and ready for the day, my eyes stinging and already a little bloodshot from the lack of sleep. Once I am ready, I carefully go back into the bedroom, grabbing my rucksack and filling it with what I need to take with me. I triple check I have everything before checking the time on my phone, seeing it is already gone 5:00am. I need to go. I leave my bag at the door and walk over to where Lizzie is sleeping soundly in bed, my chest tightening knowing I hate even the thought of lying to her about where I am going. I hate this. I wish I could just tell her, but there is no way she would let me go. And I need to do this. I kneel down beside the bed and gently shake her awake, just enough so I can tell her I am leaving. It takes a couple of times before she rubs her eyes as they open slowly, a soft smile on her lips when she sees it is me but it quickly fades when she realises I am fully dressed. And not in my running clothes. "Hey you.." I whisper and she pulls the blanket around her tightly in her half asleep state. "Hi baby.. Where are you going?" She asks in a sleepy voice, forcing her eyes to stay open. "I have to go to Catterick for a meeting with the Brig. It's nothing serious and I'll be back later today, I promise." I force myself to say, hating myself with every word I say. "Okay Angel, Stay safe.. And text me please." I smile through my guilt, running my fingers through her hair. "I will. Can you keep an eye on Maisie for me whilst I'm not here?" I ask, hoping if she is busy with Maisie, she won't worry about me today. "Mhm, we can go into Town for a girly day." She tells me with her eyes nearly closed. She is so cute. Why am I doing this to her.. Fuck sake. "Thank you baby. I have to go catch my train. I love you so much, text me when your awake." I leave a kiss on her forehead. "I love you too Soldier." She whispers, pouting her lips so I kiss her again before forcing myself to leave her to sleep, knowing I have a train to catch..


~~Friday Morning, London~~

Lizzie POV

I slowly begin to feel my body waking up, a few rays of winter sun peeking through the window lighting up Harley's bedroom as I let my eyes adjust to being awake. I stretch out my arms and legs, yawning as I do before I reach over to find Harley, hoping she is still in bed. When I feel a cold spot beside me, my mind suddenly remembers earlier this morning. Instantly I feel my body deflate knowing she is probably in Catterick by now and I won't see her until later today. I wonder why she was needed so urgently? When did they even ring her? I start to let my thoughts get the better of me before I snap myself out of it, remembering my sleepy idea of taking Maisie for a girly day. So I reach over, grabbing my phone to see the time. 09:27am. I see a text from Harley to let me know she is on the train so I reply to her, letting her know I am awake before I get up out of bed slowly so I can go and ask Maisie if she wants to come with me into Town. "Maisie? Are you awake?" I ask after knocking, recieving a quick reply. I let myself in, seeing Maisie sitting in bed on her phone. "Morning Lizzie." She greets as I walk in and sit on the edge of her bed. "Morning Maize. Do you have any plans for today?" I ask, still feeling sleepy. "Nope. Why? What do you have in mind?" She asks sweetly, far more awake than I am. "I was thinking we could go into Town and have a girly day? Just the two of us?" I suggest and her eyes widen as her lips pull into a huge smile. "Really? I'd love that!" She cheers excitedly making me smile as I nod my head. "Yep. So get yourself ready and we'll go for brunch?" I offer and she nods excitedly. "Okay!" I laugh at her excitement before leaving her to get ready as I go and do the same. I tie my hair up, put on some light make up then get changed into some jeans and a jumper. I can hear Maisie singing along with her music as she gets ready, making me smile hearing her so happy as I decide to go downstairs and make a coffee, hoping Stuart is down there so I can let him know I am stealing Maisie for the day.

"Morning Lizzie, coffee?" Stuart offers as I walk into the kitchen. "Morning Stuart, only if your making yourself one." I reply making him chuckle and nod his head in reply. I take a seat at the table as he gets up to make two coffees. "I hope you don't mind, but I am going to steal Maisie for the day." I tell him as he makes some coffee for us both. "I don't mind at all. Where you both off too?" Stuart asks as he carries my cup back and hands it over before sitting back down in his seat as I thank him then tell him my plans for the day. "I was thinking taking her for a girly day. Starting with brunch somewhere then getting our hair and nails done." I explain, seeing his face light up at the idea. "Sounds perfect. Just don't let her get anything crazy done to her hair before School next week." He jokes making us both laugh as I shake my head. "I won't, don't worry." He smiles and takes a sip of his coffee before asking about Harley. "Is Harley going with you both?" I feel my smile fade, instantly wondering why he doesn't know about her being in Catterick today. "She's at a meeting in Catterick today." I tell him, catching a slight surprise in his expression before he shakes it off. "She woke me up really early this morning to tell me before she left for her train, it must have been around 5 this morning." I add and he smiles and nods his head softly, maybe it was too early for her to tell him? "Wonder what she is needed for..?" He questions a little unsurely. "She said it was with the Brig I think.." I explain further and he nods a little more confidently this time. "Probably some paperwork from Nepal.." He decides and I smile at the thought of it being something like that rather than something worse. "I best go get ready before Maisie comes down." I say finishing my coffee. "Good idea, she'll be raring to go as soon as she is ready." I laugh as I take my cup over and wash it out before heading back upstairs to grab my phone and bag, seeing a text from Harley letting me know she is at Catterick so I decide to give her a quick ring before she gets to the Barracks.

Harley - "Good Morning."

Lizzie - "Morning Soldier.."

Harley - "You okay?"

Lizzie - "Yeah just getting ready to take Maisie into Town."

Harley - "Oh yeah, girly day. Is she excited?"

Lizzie ~ "Very. How are you? You sound tired?"

Harley - "I'm alright, just a really early start."

Lizzie - "I hate not waking up next to you.."

Harley - "I know baby, I'm sorry.. I promise I'll make it up to you."


I can't help the smile on my face hearing Harley's words. She is so sweet. "You don't have too, I understand. Are you on your way to the Barracks?" I ask, hearing cars in the background. "I'm grabbing a coffee first. Then I will be." I smile hearing her slightly tired tone. "Make sure you have something to eat too, it will help." I tell her, making her laugh lightly down the phone. She asks about my plans for today with Maisie before we say our goodbyes so she can go get her coffee and I can get my things ready. "Do you want me to send some money for Maisie's stuff today?" She asks, surprising me a little at the offer. "As much as I appreciate the offer. This is my treat for Maisie, so thank you, but no thank you." I say playfully, making her laugh. It's nice not having someone who expects me to pay for everything just because I make the money I do, it's just another thing I love about Harley. Money has never been made an issue between us. We both pay our way, sometimes we have a playful disagreement on who is paying for what, but it is never a real issue. Which I appreciate so much considering it has been a massive issue in past relationships. We finally come off the phone after a long goodbye, so I make sure I have everything with me I will need for today then head back downstairs to see is Maisie is ready to go. As soon as I reach the kitchen, I see her practically bouncing in her seat waiting for me. "Hey, ready to go?" I ask, seeing her excitedly jump up from her seat and rush past me to get her shoes. "I'll take that as a yes." I joke, seeing Stuart laugh at my comment. "I can take you both into Town if you'd like?" Stuart offers and I go to say no, but then think against it with how Maisie has been lately. "Only if your sure?" I reply, a small smile on his face. "More than sure." I smile and nod in reply, grabbing my jacket from behind the door before Maisie rushes out the door with Stuart's car keys in hand. "Before I forget Lizzie, do you want any money for Maisie's-" I gently cute Stuart off. "No thank you Stuart, this is my treat for us today. Plus, I've just told Harley no for the same thing." I joke and he quickly nods his head laughing lightly. "That's very sweet of you Lizzie, Thank you."

We make it into Town and Stuart parks up outside where we are going for Brunch so we don't have far to walk. "Thanks Dad!" Maisie shouts as she impatiently gets ready to leave the car. "Make sure to stick with Lizzie today okay? And behave yourself." He says light heartedly making me smile as she leans between the front seats to kiss his cheek. "I will, I promise. Bye!" She says excitedly before getting out the car. "Thank you Stuart, I'll look after her, don't worry." I assure him. "I know you will. Don't spoil her too much though!" He tells me but we both know that's not happening. "I can't promise anything." I reply making him just laugh and shake his head. "Get Maisie to ring me and I'll come collect you both when your done." I smile and nod in reply. "Thank you Stuart, wish me luck." I joke as I get out the car, making him just laugh as I close the door behind me and join Maisie as he drives off. "Ready for some food?" I ask and she quickly latches onto my arm and nods her head. "Very ready." We head inside and get shown to a table. Maisie's eyes lighting up as she looks over the menu, she's so much like Harley, loves her food. We order some food and drinks before we start to talk about what she is going to get done to her hair today. I booked us into somewhere already this morning, somewhere I have been too before. Our food arrives and Maisie doesn't wait around, making me laugh at how alike she is to Harley. I let myself think about her as we fall into a small, comfortable silence as we eat. Remembering how tired she looked this morning when she woke me up. Her eyes give her away so easily and I could see how red and sore they looked. I don't think she has managed to get much sleep the past two days, which is worrying. I know she is still aggitated about her Brother, and I know she wants to find a solution as soon as she can, but I don't want her doing something she will regret..

After we finished our food, we make our way further into Town. We had some time to kill before our appointment so we ended up going into a few stores, Maisie's smile only growing as we looked around. I can't help but spoil her already, so we both ended up with some bags to take with us. We even ended up buying Harley another hoodie, carrying on the joke we have going from her Birthday and Christmas. We then managed to buy something for Stuart so we didn't leave anyone out before we finally made it for our appointment. Maisie's face dropped as we entered. "Lizzie this place is so posh!" She whisper-yells as someone comes over to take our coats from us. "Your not paying, I am. I told you, my treat today." I whisper back with a huge smile seeing her reaction as she looks around. "I feel so out of place." She jokes making me nudge her arm playfully. "Me too." I tease back, making her laugh before someone shows us to a seat. Maisie decides on what she wants, nothing extreme, but she does want a new style which I am very excited to see. I tell my stylist what I need doing, already knowing I can't do too much since I am still filming for Sorry For Your Loss when I get back to L.A next week. We fall into conversation, Maisie with a constantly beaming smile on her face as she gets pampered. I make sure to take some pictures to show Harley and Stuart, knowing they will love seeing how happy she is right now. When we get done with our hair, Maisie is blown away with her new style and is gushing about it. I get some pictures before we leave, thanking the staff as we do. Maisie is on cloud 9 as we make our way further down the street, ready for our next appointment. Maisie goes through the same astonishment as we walk inside the nail salon before we are shown to a seat and they ask us what we want. Maisie surprises me with how sensible she with her choice, but a part of me also knows she's not your typical teenager. Not with the family she has around her.

We get done pretty quickly and we thank everyone as we leave, Maisie's smile impossibly wider as we decide to go for a coffee across the street. Maisie wants to treat me to a coffee so I don't argue and grab a table as she orders them, my eyes following her every move until she joins me again. Scaring myself a little at how protective I am of her. "So, how about we go to a couple of more shops before we get your Dad to come get us?" I suggest as we wait for our drinks to arrive. "Really?" She asks, a shocked expression on her face. "Yeah! I want to make the most of our day together." I tell her easily, catching a glimpse of tears in her eyes before she quickly blinks them away. "It's so weird, everyone finds out I have an older Sister and think that I do this every weekend with her. And don't get me wrong, Harley has done her fair share of girly days like this with me, but it's so different. I joke with her all the time that she is more like an older Brother, but we both agree since we are so different." She explains and I can see exactly what she means. Having someone as unique as Harley, who would do anything to make her happy, but at the same time for her it won't be the same with Harley not enjoying what she does. "I would never change Harley. I feel so lucky to have her for my Sister, but at the same time, I always thought how different it would be if we were more alike." She adds and I can see how much love she has for Harley behind her eyes. And it almost brings me to tears. "You would probably fight and argue, and not have the special bond that you and Harley have because you are both so different in so many ways." I reply and she smiles and nods in agreement. "I have two older Sisters, and we used to all fight so much. Trust me, I would have took having Harley as a Sister over my two any day." I joke, making us both laugh as we drink our coffees. "I have the best of both Worlds.. And now I have you to do the girly things with. How did I get so lucky!" I can't help the genuine, heart-filled laugh that escapes my mouth. God I love this kid. Well, this teenager.

I'm deffinently the lucky one, being able to call her my family..