The Favor

Part 1

Natasha

I step out of the car and waved at Bruce as he drove off.

It was a peaceful day, my work went smooth, and our date was uneventful, even romantic to a point.

I struggled to find my keys, but then recalled having the nanny over already, since Daisy was arriving today, finally.

I wanted to cancel the date with Bruce. Having my daughter back home after almost a month was something I shouldn't be missing. But, I didn't want her father to get the impression I was still not over him. Because I was. And he didn't even tell me what time they'll make it. I don't have to prove my love for my only daughter to anyone by staying home and waiting anxiously, biting my nails off.

Stepping forward, I rang the bell. Oh, Daisy. Please be home, baby.

The door opened with Raven, the nanny's wide smile.

"Mommy!! " I heard my princess's scream and soon, she was running towards me, her red hair flying on her back, her eyes sparkling.

"Princess! " I sat down, spreading my arms for her and she ran into them, embracing me desperately. Relief coursed through my system. My baby was finally home, where she belonged, with me.

A tear escaped my eye. The long, painful, custody battle was over and I finally had the custody to my precious princess.

"Was he the reason of our broken marriage? I don't think so" Alexei's voice snapped me out of my happy bubble.

"Don't you already know what broke it? " I looked up, and then trying to ignore him, I cupped Daisy's cheeks and kissed her face, everywhere I could.

"Say goodbye to your daddy" I said. I know this was difficult, it was horrible for her to be living so far from her father, but I was helpless. He made it clear, we couldn't stay in New York, where my career was, and I couldn't go back to Russia.

Daisy turned to face her father, and he embraced her tightly, kissing her cheeks, and then pulled away, "I'll see you soon" he said, and then walked towards the door.

"I still care, Natasha" he said, "Don't make a third mistake. Our marriage wasn't complete, because your heart always belonged somewhere else"

I huffed, he can make ridiculous excuses but that wasn't why our marriage broke. He has nothing to do with this. But Alexei would always blame him.

He left and I took a breath of relief, rushing back to my girl to love her, hold her, feel her. Compensate, somehow, for the previous month.

I threw my bag on the couch, picked Daisy, and then we both crashed on the couch together, cuddling.

"Mommy, daddy and I missed you so much, and I saw many movies, no one sang to me, mommy. We'll watch my favorite movie again and you sing, okay? " she spoke without taking a breath, and I kissed her forehead, almost teary again.

"Yes, we would. We surely would" I said. Just then my phone buzzed. I took it out and stared at the screen. It was a text.

Is she home? Is he gone? Can I come? Gosh, I miss her so much.

I smiled. He missed her as much. And I was so glad he was here when I was going through the mess, and he was still in the city, now that Daisy was home.

She is. Come over.

I, instantly replied. I need to tell him about Bruce too. I was sure he must have heard, but he needs to know from my mouth.

"Who was that? " Daisy asked with a curious smile.

"Your favorite person" I said.

"Stevie? Was that him? Mommy, is he here? Is he coming? " she bombarded me with her questions.

On the way. I read his reply out loud for her. She was so happy, it felt weird.

Sure, Steve is my best friend, we know each other for 14 years, and he has been with me during my first divorce and now my second. And he was the person I stayed more during my pregnancy then I did with my husband, because our work needs us to be together at times. But, the bond Daisy and he have is, beyond a bond a child has with his/her parent's friend.

Steve adores her like his own daughter. He was genuinely happy when I told him I was expecting, though I expected him to feel bad, a little, especially after we.. He was the first person I told. He took care of me like a husband during those days. And now, Daisy loves him so much, despite their interactions limited.

"Will he bring Bruno? " she asked. Another reason to love him, his dog Bruno.

"I don't know, sweety. He might not, if he is returning from work" I replied.

Her smile faded a bit, but returned soon. I am sure she was thinking of the gifts he would get her. The chocolates, candies, toys, clothes, hairbands. He must have it all planned out for her arrival. When I didn't get to prepare much, I am sure he must have.

The door bell rang and she rushed to the door.

"Careful" I yell, rushing behind her and opening the door.

"Bruno!! " she screamed again, as the dog jumped in her arms and she hugged it. While Steve stood with his face hidden behind a large teddy bear and some balloons, many shopping bags in his hand.

"A little help, please" his tired voice said.

"Raven!! " I called out, and stepped in. Sorry, mister. Am not helping you spoil my daughter. I sat back on the couch, Bruno getting on my lap. While staring at Steve unloading his stuff, and embracing Daisy like a long lost father.

My heart skipped a beat. This wasn't right. The blame game would start again. I didn't want Daisy to think he was the reason her father and I broke up. I didn't want anyone to think our friendship was something else. When, it clearly was, and I was bad at hiding it.

******
I guess all might have guessed what this story is about.
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