An Unexpected Knight (Parallel NurseryVerse Series)

Chapter 5: "Heartbeat Changes."

Marjorie opened her eyes that Wednesday morning with an entirely new hope. The sun was bleeding through her sheer curtains, creating the most warm and welcoming glow. Next to her was a sleeping Autumn, still completely unaware that the alarm had sounded. As much as Marjorie wanted to stay there forever, they had a nursery to run. They couldn't rely on Sorscha and Char to run it forever.

Marjorie rolled over, placing her arm over Autumn's stomach. She took a moment to just admire the way that even sleeping, Autumn was perfect. Her mouth was just barely agape, hair draped over her closed eyes. Marjorie smiled as she leaned close to Autumn.

"Aut.. Autumn you've got to get up.." She whispered with a kiss to Autumn's temple. She stirred, bringing her hands up to rub her eyes.

"Mmm.." She mumbled. Marjorie pulled the blankets up to Autumn's chest.

"Coffee?" She smirked.

"Strong." Autumn replied, slamming her arms back down on the bed. Marjorie giggled as she got out of bed. As she made her way to the kitchen, she found herself paying attention to every small detail she never had before. The way her bare feet felt against the wood floor, the lines of sun against the walls, the sound of birds chirping in the crisp fall morning air- even the way her heart was beating. Everything seemed so different, while also being the same.

She reached into her cupboards for two coffee cups, only to realize she had grabbed the one Autumn had given her for Boss Appreciation earlier that year. She wondered how long the two of them had gone on unknowingly like this, feelings they had played off or ignored. How much longer could they have gone like that if Marjorie had just gone home instead of out for drinks that night?

"I don't think I have slept that well in years." Autumn's voice floated through the room. Marjorie smiled as Autumn inhaled the steam from her cup that she had handed her.

"Me either, if I'm being honest." She sat down at her small kitchen table, holding her hand out for Autumn to follow. "Today has the potential to be really bad, Aut. We should be prepared for it. ." Marjorie sighed, an unfortunate reality had hit her that they had to face.

"I will handle it." Autumn didn't miss a beat. Marjorie forced a small smile, but the daunting idea of facing not only Winter and Reece, but the whole staff of the nursery, was making her nauseous. Autumn picked up on the disposition. She stood up from her seat to crouch down in front of Marjorie. "I won't let anything happen, okay?" She set her hands over Marjorie's in her lap.

"I don't think even my guard dog could stop what's coming.." Marjorie laughed sadly, glancing down at their joined hands. Autumn knew that realistically, Marjorie was right. She could try as hard as she could to protect her, but there would be words and actions even she couldn't prevent.

That alone killed her inside.

*****

They had opted to drive separately. If no one said a word, neither would they. If they could get through the day with no questions, Autumn had said she'd be forced to believe in God. It had made Marjorie giggle, which was enough for Autumn. Marjorie had agreed to go in before Autumn, even if only by a few moments. She put the code into the door, making sure it closed tightly behind her. As she was pulling on the door, she caught a flash of Autumn smiling from the front seat of her car. Even if it was just for a moment, Marjorie felt peace wash over her. It was time for her to face the day, and she knew it.

Marjorie sighed at the pile of paperwork on her desk, how did one day absent result in so much crap? She began to stack the papers up, organizing them lazily as Autumn entered the office. Marjorie didn't acknowledge the presence, which proved to be a good response.