Adorn • Jamie Redknapp

eleven

A few weeks later my parents still aren't happy I'm with Jamie. They still think the age gap is too much and they still think I shouldn't be involved with his kids, however I'm the happiest I've ever been and I'm feeling good about myself and my future. My brothers have got over the fact my relationship is in the public eye but we can't avoid that at all. That's just how it is. At some point I might feel ready to introduce Jamie to my family but that definitely isn't yet.

Watching the evening news with Jamie I'm shocked at what I'm watching. Countries are closing their borders to stop the spread of covid, it's obvious it's something to take seriously but it's not something I thought would ground the majority of planes and crew. I haven't heard from work but I just know my rostered flights next week are going to get cancelled. Until this is over it's becoming apart that I need to get myself comfortable at home.

"It hasn't been announced publicly yet but there's talk of the football being postponed as well as all of this going on" Jamie says playing with my hair as I rest my head on his chest.

"I know it's serious but it seems like it's getting more serious by the day. This is something we've never seen before.  The kids are being homeschooled and I'll try my hardest with them but I don't know if I can teach them"

"Ellie you don't have to do that. I'll be around and when I'm around I can do that. I wouldn't ever put that on you" looking up at Jamie I go to protest but before I get a chance he stops me "my kids are my responsibility El, I appreciate you doing everything you do for me and the boys but we'll deal with everything as it's thrown at us. Who knows it could only be a matter of time before I'm stuck at home as well"

I know there's no point arguing with Jamie so for now I leave it. I don't want to argue over something like this but I'm sure Jamie knows I'll do what I can to support him and the boys over the coming weeks when everything seems so unpredictable.

"Ellie can I talk to you while my dad isn't here?" Seeing Charley walk into the living room I put my phone down.

"Of course you can. What's up?" Giving Charley my full attention I wonder what he could want me for without Jamie being around.

"Do you think my dad would be angry if I told him I want to go and stay with mum while we're in lockdown?" I can see Charley is nervous but I'm sure he has no reason to be.

"Of course I don't think he'll be angry. Charley she's your mum and you know your dad would never stop you going to see her if that's what you want. You had me worried for a second there!" I had no idea what to expect from Charley but knowing what it is I feel so much more relieved. We've been in a national lockdown of around a month now and everyone is feeling the effects of it.

"It just makes sense. You and Beau are here with dad and mum's at her house alone. I'll still come to see you all but I'm going to spend most of my time with mum" Charley explains. I know he's sixteen but he's mature. Something Jamie and Louise should be proud of. After Lauren decided to go back to her parents house for lockdown I knew I didn't want to be in our apartment by myself so when Jamie suggested me staying with him and the boys I didn't think twice about it.

"Charley you don't have to justify yourself to me, she's your mum you don't need a reason to want to see her. Not that I'm trying to kick you out but I think it's a good idea. Your dad should be home soon, go and get whatever you need together and we'll talk to him when he gets back and that doesn't mean you can leave the homeschooling stuff here" the least I can do is be on Charley's side if this is something he wants to do. I have a feeling Jamie will understand but there's always a chance he won't.

When Jamie arrives home, Charley asks me to be there while he talks to his dad. Of course I agree, when I got with Jamie I knew being there for his kids was part of the deal. I'm stood in the kitchen watching them talk ready to play mediator if need be.

"Is everything okay mate?" Jamie asks looking between me and Charley and from the look on his face I know he feels as caught off guard as I did.

"Yeah it's fine. I was talking to Ellie and I've decided I'm going to stay with mum for lockdown but if you want me to stay here I will. I just think it's fair for me to go there when you have Ellie and Beau here but I just want to make sure it's okay with you" Charley's nervous I can tell the way he's rambling but I can see from the look on Jamie's face he doesn't need to be.

"Charley you don't even need to ask! You can go to mums any time you want! You had me nervous there for a second!" Jamie says looking at me "did you know about this?"

"Yeah Charley asked me if I thought you'd be angry. I knew you wouldn't be but I kind of get why he might think that as well" I say with a shrug "looks like you're stuck with me babe"

"God help me" Jamie says rolling his eyes "in all seriousness you aren't going because El's staying here are you? I'd hate to think you felt pushed out and uncomfortable"

"No dad. I actually like Ellie I just don't want mum to feel alone"

"You're being really mature about this. I'm proud of you" Jamie says hugging Charley "let me know when you're ready to go and I'll take you. You can go any time"

Once Jamie gets home from dropping Charley at Louise's house we sat on the sofa chilled and I rest my legs across Jamie's lap. After a month of lockdown I'm surprised we aren't sick of the sight of each other yet but I'm enjoying the time we get to spend together. Deciding to watch Benidorm for something light hearted I get myself comfy.

"What would you say if I turned around and said I'd booked the four of us a holiday to Benidorm?" I ask with a laugh looking at the horror on Jamie's face.

"I'd ask you if you've lost your mind! Saying that we're not going anywhere for the foreseeable but I think the kids would be horrified"

"You look horrified never mind the kids. Anyway posh boy what's wrong with Benidorm? Are you too posh now with your Miami and Barbados holidays?" I can't stop laughing at the look on Jamie's face.

"Posh boy? Who are you kidding? Maybe when I was eighteen it might've been a good idea but I can't imagine it now"

"It's actually a really good holiday. I was there twice last year once for a girls weekend and once for a hen party. Hope you don't think too low of me now Jay" I say trying to be serious but there's no way I can keep this act up.

"Disgusted El. You should be ashamed of yourself" Jamie says going along with my act.

"Sorry but get me on an all inclusive holiday and I'm your stereotypical British holidaymaker in Spain. The shame is worth it. Fighting for the best sun bed at the crack of dawn so I can bake all day with cocktails and cheap lager" I say bursting out laughing.

"You're joking but I can picture you doing that. Arguing with the first person who dares to try and move your towel or god forbid someone moves your sun bed slightly into the shade"

"Coming from you? Jamie I have a tan all year round Redknapp? You'd fit right in. That's it I'm looking for us a holiday" I say picking my phone up. "We need something to look forward to after lockdown why not have a laugh while we're at it?"

"Don't you dare book Benidorm Ellie!" Jamie says laughing even though he's trying to be serious.

"Don't worry we could go four or five star so we're not completely blending with the stereotype" I'm going to have so much fun letting Jamie believe I've booked us a holiday to Benidorm and I'm going to drag it out for as long as I can "how close are you to sending me back to my flat?"

"I reckon you've got about a week left" Jamie says laughing. When Lauren decided to go back to her parents Jamie thought it was best for me to stay with him rather than being alone in my flat and so far it's been perfect for us. Neither one of us having to be anywhere for work and we've had more than a few days together at once. The nice weather definitely helps, we've spent so much time in the garden and the pool making the most of being at Jamie's home. I feel like this whole experience has given me the chance to get to know the real Jamie and it's made me do nothing but fall in love with him more.