Those Green Eyes

Chapter Thirty One

Billie:

I knocked on Melanie's apartment door quietly. It was late but she promised me I could stop over to read Lilly a bed time story. This would be the first time i had seen her face to face in what seemed like forever. I knocked one more time, no answer. I gently turned the knob and let myself in closing the door behind me.

I could hear giggling coming from down the hall, following the noise until I reached Lilly's bedroom. She was sitting in Melanie's lap holding a photo album while Melanie brushed Lilly's long dark hair, it was like a scene from a movie. I stood behind the wall hoping they wouldn't notice just yet that I was there.

"Mommy is that you and daddy?" She asked pointing down at one of the photos. Melanie smiled. "It sure is, when we were just kids ourselves." "But where was I?" Lilly asked. "You weren't born yet silly." She laughed a little. "Mama can I tell you a secret?" She whispered staring up at Mel wide eyed. Melanie put the hairbrush down, "of course you can baby, what's your secret?" Lilly looked hesitant. "I don't like daddy's wife." She said slowly. "Adrienne?" Melanie asked interested now. "Is there a reason why you don't like her?" Lilly took a long deep breath. "Not really.. I just.. I wish you and daddy could be married." I had never heard her sound so sad before, it nearly broke my heart. "I see.." A small smile crept across Melanie's face. "I have a secret too." She looked down at Lilly. "You do! What is it? Can I know?" She yelled excited. "Well okay.. But you can't tell anyone okay? Pinky promise?" They locked fingers. "Cross my heart hope to die stick a needle in my eye!" I placed a hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh. I couldn't help but adore the excitement my little girl always had for the world. "I know somebody whose really really good at making the saddest of people happy.." Melanie began. "Wanna know his name?" She whispered to Lilly. "Yes." Lilly whispered back. "His name is... Is.. Tickle monster!!!" She put her hands out. "Noooooo!" Lilly was now in a fit of hysterical laughter as Melanie tickled her relentlessly.

I smiled to myself, wondering if now would be a good opportunity to jump in. "Two tickle monsters are better then one!" I yelled jumping on the bed and joining Melanie. It wasn't long before we were all sprawled out and exhausted. Lilly fell asleep with her head on my stomach and princess comforter pulled up around her arms. Melanie was passed out on my chest. I didn't mind being used as a human pillow... It was the happiest I had been in a long time..