Broken

Broken Chapter 19: Trying

GABRIELLA'S P. O. V
         "Even though you know it's a good thing, you're scared it will take a turn for the worst."
As a parent, especially a single parent, we are all terrified of the safety of our child. Even if they are placed in the best hands, you still have that urge to protect them. Even if you knew that person for such a long time and you let your child go with them, you never know what might happen.

It's been a week since Troy and I talked. He knows that Lilly is his, however Lilly still doesn't know that Troy is her real father. Troy has accepted and agreed to follow my conditions, and as of now he is content to where his connection stands. I still don't agree with the whole situation but by the looks on my daughters face, she seems really content and happy. That's all I care about, her happiness.

         Today was a short shift, 7am-1pm. It was one minute to 1pm and I was gathering my stuff ready to head home. As I said goodbye to Elizabeth and the rest of the crew I heard Lilly's giggles and voice.

"Troy!", Lilly called out happily.

As I got closer to them I slowly got numb. What is he doing here?

I watched as they interacted with one another. Then his blue eyes connected to mine.

"Hey", He said.
"Hi, what are you doing here?", I asked.
"I just came by to see how you and Lilly were doing, but it looks like you're getting ready to leave?", He said kinda hesitating in the end of his sentence.
"Uh, ya I had a short shift today so Lilly and I were just going to head home", I explained.
"Oh, well then since it is still early why don't we do something... All three of us?", He suggested.

I stared at him. All three of us?

"Uhm, I don't----", I started to say but got cut off.
"Oh come on its still 1pm, I am sure Lilly would like to hang out for a bit, don't you Lilly?", He stated.

Lilly nodded her head and smiled with delight.

"I'm not sure", I said hesitant.
"Come on Gabs, your done work and I was done practice at 11:30 it will be fun, gives you and Lilly a time for relaxation and fun time", He persuaded.
"You can take Lilly if you want, I have things I want to get done", I said.
"Oh come on Gabs, just for today", He stated.

I haven't heard that in a while, Gabs.

"Ya come on mommy! Just for today please!", My daughter pleaded.
"Ya Gabs! Please how can you say no to this face", Troy said.

What should I do?

"Gabriella why don't you just go, you need to have some fun once and a while", Elizabeth said smiling.
"And look at their faces, how can you say no to that?", She continued.

I love Elizabeth and all, she is like a second mother to me but only if she knew the situation. Urgh! I clearly don't have a choice.

"Fine but just this once, only this time", I emphasized.

"Yay! Thanks mommy!", My little girl said happily.

"Have fun you three!", Elizabeth said while winking at me.

I said my last goodbyes for the day and followed him and Lilly to his car.

"How do we do this if Lilly doesn't have a booster seat", I asked him.
"Not to worry, I got it", He said confidently.

I watched him as he pulled out a booster seat from the trunk of his car. Planned this? Or Prepared?

"So is this planned or prepared?", I asked seriously.
"Prepared...I bought it a couple of days ago", He stated.
"I see", I said.