The Boy She Illegally Brought To The Lavender Field (bwwm)

Chapter 19: A New Beginning

Annie was first to wake up this morning. She saw Daniel sleeping peacefully beside her and she got up to brush her teeth. Her maneuvering was as quiet as a mouse to ensure she wouldn't wake him.

She got ready for the day and kissed Daniel's resting face before leaving the bedroom to head downstairs. She decided it was time for her to fix breakfast.

While in the kitchen, Annie noticed few ingredients left but it was nothing she couldn't work with. She washed her hands before she'd start.

•~~~•

Daniel woke up and noticed the bed was empty beside him. He got up and opened his bedroom door, the sound of clanking kitchen supplies let him know where his woman was. He snickered to himself before he went to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Daniel finished his morning duties and curiously walked into the kitchen. He was floored by the wonderful aroma filling the air.

He watched Annie float around as she made the sweet smelling pancakes and savory bacon.
He leaned against the wall with arms crossed and listened to the sizzle of the grease and the beginning of her hums.

His eyes watched her hips sway and he smiled each time she'd lose control and sing the lyrics to her gospel tunes out loud rather than keeping them to herself.

She finished the last pancake and put it on the rest of the stack.

He got off of the wall and relaxed his arms only to approach her and wrap her in them. She took the last three bits of bacon and set them on the plate with the rest.
"Good morning." Daniel greeted and kissed her cheek.
Annie smiled. "Good morning. You seem awfully happy." She turned off the stove.
"Well...I used to imagine this a lot and it's finally happening."
"What is?"
"You're here. I went to bed next to you. I woke up, came to the kitchen, and there you were. Singin' all pretty, lookin' good, and makin' breakfast." He smiled and Annie giggled. "When are you gonna move in and make this a permanent thing?"
Annie turned to face him. "Well...I don't know. I guess when my mama comes back."
"Annie..." Daniel called.
"Yea?"
"Don't you get it?"
"Get what?" she asked with a curious smile.
"They aren't comin' back."

Annie's smile faded. "What?"

"My daddy and your mama aren't comin' back. I thought you knew that."
"Why aren't they?"
"I don't know. Because they don't want to, I guess."
She didn't respond.
"Think about it, Annie. They both went missin' the same day and haven't called or come back yet. Both of 'em cleaned out their closets. And they left after your daddy was taken to jail."
Annie scoffed and moved away from Daniel. His eyes followed her. "My mama wouldn't do that. Not without a word. Not after my daddy was arrested. She loves him. She wouldn't just move on so easily."
"Well she loved my daddy first." Daniel argued.
Annie stared at Daniel.
He stared back. "Come on, Annie. Don't tell me you didn't know."
Annie stared at the floor instead.

She sniffed as the tears rose in her eyes. "How could she do that to him?"
She lifted her head to look at Daniel. "Loved your daddy or not, she made a promise to mine."
"What if she made a promise to mine too?"
Annie's eyes found the floor again.
"They're adults, Annie." Daniel scoffed. "Ain't much we can do..."
"But..." she sniffed. "They're breaking up my family. That ain't fair, Daniel. It ain't..."
"Annie...your daddy's gone."
Annie broke out into tears.

Daniel wrapped her in his arms and she cried into his chest. "I'm sorry but...we both know they aren't lettin' him out soon. I wish I could do something about it. But I honestly can't."
Annie shoved him away. "This would'a neva happened if your bitch of a mother didn't lie to those damned policemen!" she shouted angrily.
Daniel just stared at her. "I know you're mad..."
"No. Mad don't even cover it." she sniffed. "I could harm that woman and not lose a blink a sleep. Why would she do that?" She sniffed again.
"Because she hated your mama."
"WHY?!"
"...You know why."
Annie cried softly.

"Baby, I'm sorry..." Daniel stated.
"What do I do now?"
"Well...you can live here. With me. I'll take care of you. I promise you I won't leave you."
Annie sniffed.
"I'll pack your things and move you in as soon as possible. I'll just tell them you're the housekeeper. That alright?"
Annie wiped her tear-stained cheeks. She nodded.
"You know they aren't the only ones that deserve a happy ending." Daniel added.

Annie looked at him. "Will it be your happy ending?"
"Anything with you in it."
"I sometimes forget you want to marry me..." she snickered.
"I don't." he snickered back. "Haven't forgotten since I decided."
"Will we move?"
"If it's too uncomfortable here. We will. Wherever you want is where I'll take you."
"Daniel..."
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. She looked up as he looked down and the two stood only centimeters away.

"I love you." he promised.
Annie sniffed. "I love you."