Little Angel

Chapter:30

Vivian Flammery.
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The aroma of garlic and onions swirled around the kitchen, mingling with the scent of fresh rosemary and bay leaves. Hannah and Daisy were perched on stools by the island, their eyes wide with anticipation as they watched me sauté the vegetables.

"What are we making?" Hannah asked, her voice a hushed whisper in the symphony of sizzling spices.

"We're making something special, Hannah. Today, we're cooking lunch for the guards," I said, my smile reflecting the warmth of the oven.

Hannah's eyebrows shot up. "The guards? Why?"

"Because they've been working hard to keep our little family safe," I answered, my eyes softening as I glanced at Daisy, her tiny fingers tracing the pattern of the tiled island. "And because they deserve a home-cooked meal."

As we worked together, I couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led to this moment. Just a few days prior, I discovered the guards outside huddled around greasy takeout boxes. My heart sank as I realized they had been subsisting on processed meals.

They stay out there to protect us every day, so we can stay safe inside. They deserve much more than that.

Since then, I have had chefs cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for them with the help of helpers. I would never condone such lackluster meals for those who ensure our safety. It's unhealthy to eat takeout food every day.

Of course, I have asked Gabriel about the matter, and all he has said is, 'You can do whatever you want around here as long as you are happy. There's no need to ask me.' So here we are.

I help cook as much as I can, but they hardly let me do anything around here. So I always make dessert in the living room kitchen.

After I am done with the vegetables, I move to the other kitchen in the living room with Hannah and Daisy following me around like they always do and start making cake while both of them are playing around. When I was almost done, I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Hannah and Daisy giggle, their laughter echoing through the kitchen.

"What is so funny?" I asked, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips as I turned just to meet the sight that made me sigh.

Both of them were sitting on the floor with a big bowl of flour between them that was sitting on the breakfast bar. Daisy had flour in her small fists, and they were both covered in it, head to toe.

"It's like snow!" Daisy laughed, waving her hands in the air and sending a cloud of flour into the air. It caused Hannah to laugh and shake her head as it got some in her hair.

"No, no, no, not on the floor." I shook my head as Daisy picked up more flour from the floor. I walked toward them, picked Daisy up, and held out my hand for Hannah.

"What did you both do?" I said this after I looked at the mess they created on the floor. Hannah stood up and dashed her dress that had flour on it.

"Mommy, you need to taste." She said, and before I could stop her, she put her flour-filled hands on my face and rubbed the flour all over my cheeks.

I sigh, accepting my fate, and I don't fight her after she has done her masterpiece on my face. I kiss her forehead.

"It's very funny, angel." I give her the look.

"Yay." She clapped her hands and giggled.
I rub my cheek on her, so her cheek is also covered in flour, causing her to squeal and twitch in my arms.

I set her back on her feet.

"Hannah." I look toward Hannah, and her eyes widen when she sees what I am pointing at.

"It's your turn to get a taste." She shook her head.