Marry the Night

Chapter 3

I glanced at the clock in the corner of the lecture room. Fifteen minutes left. Dr Sochiwitz had already started his final lecture on cognitive development when I'd walked in, flustered and dressed in my Granule uniform. I had planted myself next to Finn McGee one of my first friends from when I started here at Chicago.

Now, I was itching to leave and also very hungry.

"I'll photocopy my notes for you shall I?"

I smiled gratefully at Finn as we packed away after the lecture "You're a star". We walked out to the parking lot in silence, watching the bustle of students making their way around the campus.

"Want a ride?"

I shook my head "Thanks but I could so do with the exercise"

He laughed "You sure could"

I hit him across the top of his head but was stopped replying as I heard a small squeal "Daddy!"

I glanced up and smiled to see Finn's three year old daughter Amelia, bounding towards him.

His eyes lit up "Hey gorgeous" he swung her around and looked around the parking lot confused "Where's your mummy?"

Amelia twisted around in his arms "Fighting with granny on the phone". Finn sighed, arguing with her parents wasn't new. Shelley Ann was Finn's high school sweetheart and they both had Amelia in senior year. In freshman year of college, they started having problems and at moment they were on a break. Shelley Ann's parents were strong Catholics who couldn't condone that their daughter had a baby at 17, hence their constant arguing.

"Hey Millie" I cooed stroking her cheek as she rested her head on her dad's chest.

"Hello" she giggled "Aura"

"It's Aurora darling" I smiled even brighter "But you can call me Aura".

Jut then Shelley Ann sauntered over "Hey" she kissed Finn's cheeks and leant over to hug me.

"How you been?" You could tell they still loved each other a great deal, but could never put aside their differences.

"Mum suddenly wants to be in Millie's life" Shelley Ann said obviously displeased "When I first had her she called her a bastard!"

Finn looked angry "She's our daughter!"

Shelley Ann's features softened "I know darling"

I grinned as I cooked up a small plan in my head "Hey, how about I watch Millie whilst you to go and discuss this over lunch". It was a few minutes past twelve and my shift started at half past. I was sure I could convince Randy to let Millie play by the counter whilst Finn and Shelley Ann got a shot at fixing their relationship.

"Are you sure?" Finn sounded rather eager and I could see the reddening of Shelley's cheeks.

"Of course" I giggled "Maybe you'll have time to work on giving Millie here a little brother or sister!"

Finn coughed uncomfortably as his face turned crimson. They'd been together 4 years and they still acted like love struck teens.

"Well thank you" Shelley managed when she'd stopped blushing "We could pay you?"

I shook my head quickly "I quite enjoy my quality time will Millie over here, you two enjoy your date!" I took Millie out of Finn's arms and she looked quite content and happy to leave her parents, waving her small fingers as I let her down, took her hand and speed walked towards the cafe before either of them changed their minds.

*

"Ice tea to table twelve please Ror!"

"On it" I called to Randy whilst preparing the drink. I flitted my eyes upwards in just enough time to spot Millie, happily sitting on a booth with Grandma Meryl who'd come in looking for my famous chocolate tarts. They were both laughing over something and I smiled softly as I picked up the iced tea and headed to the private booth in the corner. Occupying it was a good looking young man, probably a few years older than me. He had ash blonde hair and a very approachable look to him. He was typing rapidly on his iPhone when I came over.