Kara's POV
I stop midway up the stairs to catch my breath. I'm doubled over, coughing when Allison comes out of her room and scurries down the steps to me. She reaches up and rests her hands on my back. When I finish coughing, I straighten up and look at her. She's a tear in her eye as she looks up at me. I smile at her.
"It's okay baby." I tell her.
I stroke her hair and shush her. She doesn't say anything but I figure she must be scared. I'm sure I would be if I were her.
Just then George joins us on the stairs. An uncomfortable silence falls over us.
"How about a walk?" I offer.
George looks at me with worry.
"But it's cold outside K."
I shrug him off.
"It's only fall! Come on! We'll bundle up and walk for some hot chocolate!"
Allison jumps when she heard there will be treats involved. She runs up the stairs and to the left to her room.
The media has found out about the Beatle children. It was only a matter of time. And seeing as how Allison is almost five, she was going to be found out eventually. We've done a great job of protecting her though.
She really lives the good life. She gets everything she wants. And while she's definitely spoiled by George, who's all too happy to have another person to spend his money on, we keep her attitude in check so she never acts spoiled and remembers to always be grateful for every gift she does receive.
She bounds down the stairs as George is wrapping a scarf around my neck. He adjusts my hat and makes sure my coat buttons are done before opening the door. I really don't enjoy him babying me this way but I know it helps him, so I let him.
We walk in silence, Allison running up ahead with George and I lagging behind hand in hand. Soon we reach the nearby small town and Allison waits for us. She reaches up and grabs my other hand before looking both ways. We make our way across the street towards the cafe. A small bell sings overhead as the door opens. We wave to the cafe manager, Michael, as we walk in.
"Hey gang!" He says.
"What'll it be today?" He rubs his hands together as if preparing for something big.
"Chocolate!" Allison yells.
"Alli!" George and I say at the same time.
She turns to us.
"Inside voice young lady." George warns.
She nods and repeats once more in a much quieter voice.
"Would you like to help me make it?" Michael offers.
Allison perks up and turns to us, anxiously. We both nod and she runs behind the counter. Michael lifts her up and together they make her a steaming cup of cocoa. George helps me unravel and then we sit at one of the tables. Surprisingly no one else is in the cafe today. Once Allison has her cocoa, she leads the way to us, carefully carrying her cup, as Michael follows with two cups of tea for George and I. We sip our drinks slowly and let the heat warm our bodies.
Once we are finished, we pay an thank Michael on our way out. We walk home the same way we walked in; Allison running happily in front with George and I strolling hand in hand, bringing up the rear.
