Break the ice

Chapter 21: I can't just unfeel everything I feel for him

Estelle's POV

I'm standing next to a hospital bed.

Charlene went into labour two days after Huxley's goodbye party. Since Charlene and her husband's family live far away I decided to visit her in the hospital. Daniel her husband's family also live a few hours away. So here I am on a February morning looking at the baby girl Charlene gave birth to. She's beautiful, definitely got her mother's green eyes.

''What's her name?'' I ask curiously.

Charlene smiles at me before answering. ''It's Josephine.''

''Hello Josephine, lovely to meet you.'' I say smiling sweetly at the newborn.

''How are you doing?'' I ask Charlene.

Her tired eyes still have a sparkle in them. ''My daughter is alive and well, I couldn't be happier.''

''Our daughter is lucky to have you as a mother.'' Daniel says, admiring his girls.

After being in this room for awhile I take it as my cue to leave. Feels like I'm intruding on their family time.

''Alright. I'll head out. Enjoy your time together.'' I wave them bye.

''Wait Estelle, before you go. Aah there he is.''

But before I have the chance to leave I see Huxley walk through the door. Charlene must have noticed my perplexed expression since she starts to speak. ''I had Daniel text him. You've been so helpful this morning Estelle and I know that you have a shift today, so I figured you could use some help. And Huxley nicely agreed to work one last time.''

''It's no problem Charlene. And congratulations.'' He says sounding genuinely happy.

She smiles back at him. ''Thanks. I'm glad that you got a chance to meet Josephine before you leave.''

''Me too.'' He voices. Huxley walks over to Charlene who's holding her baby. He lowers himself to greet the newborn.

Huxley speaks softly. ''You must be so happy.''

''I'm over the moon.'' Charlene says.

''Alright we'll leave you to it. Thank you for being such a chill boss. Don't think other people would've let me work anywhere with my hockey schedule. And good luck with everything. I left a gift for you at your office.'' Huxley speaks.

Charlene laughs. ''Huxley you shouldn't have. But thanks anyways. When do you leave again?''

''I leave in three days.'' He says.

Charlene's eyes widen. ''Oh so soon! Well then good luck and make sure to remember me when you make it.''

Huxley laughs at that. ''Will do!''

''Alright, bye Charlene, bye Daniel.'' Huxley speaks.

''Bye guys!'' I say waving the new family goodbye.

—

''So, let's get started then. What do you want to do, register or stacking the books and handle the orders?'' I ask Huxley.