Loving Courtney

36

"it seems you chose the right day to go make them. Was it on purpose?" "The bracelet making? It was an idea I thought she may like" "EMERSON" Courtney stood up and walked to the counter. "Thank you" "you are welcome. Have a good day" "you too sir".
Courtney walked back to the table. "Your card" "have you finished for the day?" "No but.." "then keep it. What time does Casey finish?" "Three" Garrett looked between ivy and Courtney "are you not eating?" "We are going to go to the park" "then I will join you" "what about work?" "I own it. I can do what I like" "food?" "I have eaten" "okay. Ready ivy?" "Yes" all three exiting the store, Garrett put his hand on Courtneys lower back. 'it seems those rumours weren't true. He hadn't cleared anything up but by the look of that, they are still together' arriving at the closest park, ivy, Garrett and Courtney sat down at the table. 'so many germs' Garrett inhaled a deep breath "are you not happy here?" "What made you ask that?" "You don't look happy" "germs" "we need germs to keep our immune system high" Courtney grinned "where did you learn that?" "My cousin doesn't have an immune system. He's very sick" Garrett's eyes widened "oh, how old is your cousin?" "Five. He can't play much outside. If he gets sick, he goes to hospital" 'thats sad' "does that upset you?" "Yes. Every kid should be able to play" "you are right. They should. Here you go miss. And your milkshake. Now you can get off mommy's case" "argh" Garrett grinned 'she idolizes my beautiful wife' both eating their meals, Courtney chuckled as ivy slurped her milkshake "how did you drink all of that already" "food and dessert tummy" "is that right?" "Sort of. So what my food doesn't fill, the dessert does" Garrett grinned "it fills the gaps?" "Yes. It's better to be full. It lasts longer. Argh you should see the small meals they give at that holiday program. It's like half of what I just had" "that can't be enough" "not for me. I like lots of food" "it means you are healthy. You are also growing and need that food" "yes. Mommy said some kids don't get what I do and I need to be grateful" "she's right. Some aren't as lucky to have meals all the time" "but that would mean they are hungry" "it's not fair. everyone should be able to. I was volunteering at a homeless shelter for kids.." ivy immediately stood up "can we go there?" "You don't want to go to the fairy garden?" "Maybe another day. Oh I should've saved my food.." Courtney showed a gentle grin "they have food sweetie. A lady by the name of Ingrid takes them in and cares for them. She does what she can to help them. If you wish to go there instead, we can do that" Garretts mind wandered 'this kid is already seeing the bad in this world' "can we?. Maybe I can play with them" "they would love that" "I will join both of you" cleaning up all of their rubbish, Courtney placed the rubbish in the bin. "It's not too far from here. Are you feeling okay to walk?" "I like being outside. Do you?" "I do" "Garrett, do you like to be outside?" "I'm mainly indoors. I work a lot" "oh. Okay".

Standing out the front of the shelter, ivys eyes widened "this is the place?" "It is" "but it's so old" "I know. Just remember these kids are grateful for what they have" "okay".
Entering the shelter, ivy kept her eyes peeled. "Courtney and mister Emerson.." "Garrett is fine" "it's good to see you Ingrid" "and you. How are you feeling?" "I'm fine. You?" "Doing well. And who are you?" "I'm ivy. Do you look after lots of kids?" "I do. They are playing. Would you like to see them?" "Yes. Courtney told me they dont have homes. That's sad" "it can be but here, they are safe. Come on".
Entering the large back yard, Ivy's eyes lit up. "COURTNEY" James ran straight to Courtney and jumped at her. Catching him, Courtney grinned "James this is ivy" "will you be staying?" "Oh, no I wanted to meet the kids and play" "oh I can show you" Courtney grinned as James jumped down and ran with ivy. 'she is such a sweet kid' "you felt like coming here?" "Actually, ivy wanted to. I mentioned this place and it was her idea" Ingrid grinned "a very sweet kid" "she is. I originally planned to take her to the fairy garden but I think she chose right for her. How have you been?" "Flat out. As you can see, a lot has been done. We received an anonymous donation. We have put what we can into fixing this place. Four years of food too" Courtney's eyes lit up "four years?" Ingrid grinned "it was quite a lot of money. I wanted to secure it so I know these guys and if more come in, have plenty of food" "prior to my distance I did some research" "what did you pick up?" "Funding for their schooling" "who is it through?" "Rnsa" "hmm what are they offering?" "Free education for kids in need" Ingrid grinned "I will look into it. Thank you. What have you been doing?" "Nothing" Ingrid shook her head "don't listen to those people. Or your own mind. Terrible things happen to people all of the time. The paparazzi can be ruthless" "all day they have followed" "that sounds fun. Have you read the magazines?" 'dont mention those' "no. They are no doubt full of lies" "well considering he is here with you, I'd say you are right" Courtney nodded "WEE" Ingrid chuckled "that's Ellie. A live wire that one" "it's good to hear the happiness" "I do agree" 'she has used the money wisely. Before meeting Courtney, I never even thought about looking at places like this'.
Dropping ivy off with Casey, garrett looked at Courtney. "I'd like you to come with me" "okay" Garrett sighed 'its always okay lately. I just want her back to her usual self. I know it won't be easy. I'm the one that did that to her. I hate myself for it' entering his work, Garrett looked at everyone as they stared at him and Courtney. "IM NOT PAYING YOU TO STAND AROUND" everyone rushing to their jobs, Garrett walked with Courtney to Naomi's room. Entering the room, Garrett internally grinned 'always so neat' "mister.. COURTNEY" Naomi immediately stood up from her desk and hugged Courtney. "It's good to see you. It's been way too long. How are you feeling?" "I'm fine. How have you been?" "Slaving away for your husband. Fun times" "is everything working out here?" "It's been great" 'shes not the same as she was. She's hating the way she looks' "glad to hear that. No more crap?" "Nuh. I wouldn't put up with it anyway. Surprisingly Jamieson has been really sweet" "that's a change. Joshua?" "He's good. Loving school" "it's an experience.. sorry it must be important" "that's fine" Naomi looked at Garrett as he looked down. 'fuck' "hey Casey.." "a beautiful bracelet, lunch and she spent time at the shelter?" "Sorry, she.." "I know how it happened. She told me she wanted to go. Thank you. With everything that has been happening, she has needed a day like this" "you are more than welcome. I'm actually in the company of Naomi.." "just wanted to thank you. See you soon?" "Okay. Bye Casey" "bye".
"Sorry. It wasn't important. Casey just called to thank me" "did you do something?" "Took ivy out for the day. I owed her a milkshake" "an entire day for a milkshake?" 'why is she questioning me?' "no. Made bracelets at a little trinket shop. Had lunch at the park then she wanted to go to the shelter" "well that's good. It's got you out" 'thats why she was questioning me...' "it was fine. Ivy enjoyed herself" "not you?" "I stated it was fine. The reporters were very invasive. It's better to be away from them" "they have wanted to see you" "I'm not a celebrity. It was good to see you Naomi" "leaving already?" "Just a quick stop in. Have fun" "tons" 'i never stated we were leaving' Courtney walked out as Naomi felt defeated. "I'm sorry. I tried" Garrett nodded. "thanks" Garrett closed the door. "You brought me here so she can question me?" "She's a friend" "that didn't answer my question" "no. I was hoping with you seeing her, it would bring the old Courtney back. I don't like this. I want the old you back. The happy Courtney, even the playful side" "you don't even like to mess around" Courtney walked off with her head down. "Courtney, wait. I will drive you home".