My lovely Daisy

Chapter 12

I was sitting on the couch watching TV alone when I heard a knock on the door. I lazily got up, dragging my feet toward the hallway. Why does everybody need to disturb me when I just want to relax? I already dealt with Ethan's panic attack, the gluten-free lady, a very assumption-making Evie, and trying to convince Dylan to negotiate a spot for Maddie with his dad today. I don't think I can manage anything else. I think I need like two weeks only to bear the thought of coping with anything of this sort. I opened the door half-asleep and moody only to find Will standing outside with a bouquet of roses.

"Oh, hey! Ella's not home."

"Oh...," he said, disappointed. "I-I can go. I'll return later..."

"Dude! Come in, don't be silly," I encouraged him, waving my hand toward the inside of the house. "Why you so tense William?"

"Jesus, you sound like Ethan. I gotta talk to Ella about something," he responded, fidgeting continuously.

"First of all, that's the worst possible compliment you could ever give me. And second of all, it sounds serious, everything okay?"

"Uh... I... guess not? My visa expires soon, so..."

"You're leaving? And you brought flowers to what? Hopefully, attenuate the effect of the news on my sister?"

"You know this isn't easy for me at all. I love her, Daisy. But if I don't leave in a week, I won't be able to return to my family. An expired visa means I'm illegally in this country and can't return to mine either."

"But you have a new family... Here. And Ella. You really want to throw that out the window?"

"I don't really have a choice here. Even if I were to apply for a new visa, I'm not allowed to until next year," he complained, sorrowfully.

"That's not fair! Ella is happy! What you're not allowed to do is break her heart and take that away from her!"

"Just-" he raised his voice to stop me. "Take care of her for me, will you?"

"No-" I shouted at Will who was now headed for the door. "You don't get to walk away like that! She needs you in her life! You can't-"

"Promise me, Daisy. Please," he asked me, tears forming at the corner of his eyes. When I realized that there was nothing I could do anymore, all I could respond with was a nod.

I sat on the couch for a few hours, trying to come up with a plan to tell my sister that her boyfriend was leaving before he got the chance to tell her himself. I'm only trying to save her a heartbreak. After some long moments, I told myself that the one thing I have control over is being there for my sister. Maybe it was for the best if Will told her.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Helen asking me to come as fast as I can because she has to go to work urgently. I didn't want to disappoint her, especially since I love Maddie, so I made my way to their house.

"Daisy!" Maddie squealed, running toward the door to hug me.

"Muffin!" I exclaimed with the same tone, picking her up and spinning her around. I put her down and lowered myself to her level. "You know, I have some news that will make you the happiest little girl on this Earth. Are you ready?"

Her eyes lit up as I told her all about the ballet scholarship. Maddie screamed with excitement and hugged me once again. I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"But, Muffin, you're going to have to promise me something too."

"What?" she asked, still grinning from ear to ear.

"You're going to have to promise me that you'll work your absolute hardest. This scholarship isn't just handed to anyone, and I know you have what it takes to succeed."