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M A D I S O N
[PRESENT TIME]
Anne and Derek left after a couple of hours. The four of us had a nice catch-up and it was nice to see them both again.
As Brad closed the front door after seeing them out, I made my way upstairs with a sleepy Jake in my arms. His red onesie unbuttoned at the top, his chest gently moved up and down the slightest bit as he breathed steadily. I turned around when I got to the bottom of the stairs and saw a sleeping Lily who lay limp in Brad's arms. I giggled at the sight of her, seeing her fast asleep in the weirdest position.
We put the tired children to bed, knowing they wouldn't wake up tonight from how tired they are. Myself and Brad silently cheered that tonight was easy for putting them to bed. It never normally is easy, either one is crying or the other isn't tired - or both.
The two of us made our way to our bedroom, whispering to each other so we wouldn't wake the children. The bedroom door closed with a quiet slam, and we both let out a sigh of relief. We smiled at each other, laughing at how relieved we are that Lily and Jake are asleep already.
My mind fogs about what happened today. The phone call, specifically.
It still hasn't sunk in that neither of my parents will be here for me. Normally, I can just drive 10 minutes in the car to their house, but now I can't. I would say they won't be gone for long, but knowing my dad's job - that isn't the case. Goodness knows how long they'll be gone.
Brad noticed the sudden sadness that washed over my face. He can read me like a book. He knows I'm upset about my parents leaving, and he knows how much will miss them, but sadly - there's nothing he can do. Brad wishes he could do something. You see, he's so caring and he's always concerned about my happiness. He's told me many times before that he hates seeing me sad. That when I'm sad, he's sad too.
I glanced around the slightly dim room as the two of us sat on the edge of our shared bed. Brad's hand rested softly on my thigh in effort to comfort me. His gentle eyes never left me.
"Do you have something of your mum's of dad's that you can keep? You know, to remind you of them?" Brad asked, just above a whisper. His voice was soft and warming, as if I was break if he raised his voice.
"I have a pendent my dad gave me for my twelfth birthday." I mumbled, pointing to the small dresser where I kept it when I wasn't wearing it. Brad shuffled away from me and looked at the dresser, but he didn't move to pick the pendent up.
"It's not here." Brad said, slightly panicked.
"What?" I questioned, feeling my heart drop.
I can't have lost it. It's the only thing I have of my dad. It was the most precious gift he got me - the time he came home for the first time in years, he gave that pendent to me. Now it's gone.
I looked on the dresser to see for myself, moving around any items that it could be hidden under - nothing. I felt my eyes begin to sting, and a wet sensation on my cheeks. Brad turned around again to me and didn't say a word. Instead, he just engulfed me in a warm hug.
My head lay on his chest as I cried. I feel stupid for crying, but I can't stop.
"We'll find it, okay? I'm sure you just forgot you left it somewhere." Brad reassured me, yet I knew that wasn't the case.
"No. I know I put it there. I wouldn't have left it anywhere else." I spoke through my cries, feeling like the world is beginning to slowly fall all around me. First, my parents tell me they're leaving for goodness knows how long.. secondly, I've lost the pendent my dad gave me when I was a child. I feel bad for losing that, my dad spent so much time and money on that gift - just for me.
Brad didn't say anything else. Instead he just sighed and wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into his body. His small gesture made me feel a bit more at ease, but I still felt somewhat guilty for 'losing' the only thing I have of my dad.
••
As the days went by, there was no sign of the pendant anywhere. I felt disappointed, but I knew it wouldn't just appear out of the blue. Either I'd miss placed it or I accidentally picked it up one day without noticing I did.
Today we had arranged to meet Shawn and Em so we can have a day together. Lily and Lena always get on well when they're together, so they should be happy. Brad and Shawn talk about guy things while Em and I talk about whatever is the latest gossip.
Em told me that her and Shawn have been discussing moving house and having another baby - which is fantastic news! She also said Shawn loves being a dad to Lena, so he'd like to have his own with Em.
Brad and Shawn walked in front of Em and I with the two little girls who skipped beside them. Lily and Lena might as well be sisters because of how close they are. I walked slowly behind Brad and Shawn with Em beside me, I have Jake in a harness that was strapped to my chest, wrapped in warm clothes and a blanket so he was protected from the cold December air.
"He's so adorable." Em said quietly as she smiled at Jake who's eyes were half open.
"Isn't he? He's always sleepy." I replied with a small giggled. Em nodded her head.
"Did you hear about my parents?" I ask Em, knowing that if she doesn't already know, I should tell her. Seeing as my parents have done a lot for her, she has a right to know.
Em didn't reply verbally - she only nodded sadly and frowned slightly. Everything my parents have done for her, as a child and as an adult - Em has been able to rely on my parents as if they were her own, seeing as hers died when she was younger; she lived in a foster care system until she was 18 - then she met Daniel.
"It's sad, you know - I'm going to miss them being around." Em eventually replied.
"Yeah.. me too." I frowned, trying to think of more positive things. This is our day out - it shouldn't be spent on getting upset over things.
"Come on, let's catch up with the others."
••
sorry for the shitty chapter. i hate this one so im sorry!!
who would like a theo p.o.v??👀 let me know!! i think it'll be really interesting
