Her Sempiternal (Sequel to Oliver's Smile)

Epilogue: Is This Really the End?

Three years later...

"CB, you take that crayon out of your mouth right now, or Mommy will take them all away," I snapped. Chelsea Brook instantly dropped the yellow crayon and stuck her big pouty lip out, quivering it slightly. Her big eyes got all watery, and I felt my heart clentch. She had the same eyes as Oli, which I swear she knew was the key to getting out of trouble. 

"Mama, no," she sad, crossing her arms in front of her and glaring. 

"Then don't eat it. It's not food. If you're hungry I'll fix you a snack. Besides, you're three now. You know better than to eat crayons," I said. The frown instantly disappeared, replaced with a huge, toothy grin.

"Yes, mummy. 'Nacks," she said. She quickly jumped up and waddled over, forgetting the crayons and Scooby Doo coloring book. I couldn't help but to smile as I bent down to pick her up. 

"Wuv you, mummy," she said. I kissed the tip of her nose. 

"I love you too, CB," I whispered. She wrapped her little arms around my neck and squeezed as tightly as she could. I caried her into the kicten and set her on the floor. She toddled over to the window and looked outside. I knew she was waiting for Oli, who would be returning home today from a three month tour.

"Mummy, when tan I dive daddy's 'oat?" she asked, still staring outside. I rolled my eyes.

"CB, you're three. When your 40, you can drive daddy's boat," I said. She gave that huffy little sigh I knew she got from me and crossed her arms.

"Tine," she said, waddling over. She climbed up on the bar stool and sat down, watching me make her snack. I loved the way she talked. She didn't quite pick up on a Brittish accent, yet she didn't have an American one either. It was like a mix of both, almost to proper for her age. 

"Daddy home 'oon?" she said. I nodded and slid her peanut butter sandwich over to her. She grinned widely again and started chowing down. I leaned against my hands and watched her eat. She ate just like Oli, closing her eyes and smiling while she chewed. It always made me laugh, which would make her angry that I was laughing at her. 

Oskar barked loudly, making both Chelsea Brook and I jump.

"Stupid dog," I muttered. Chelsea Brook hopped down from her perch and waddled over to me. 

"Yeah, 'oopid dog," she said, wagging her finger at Oskar. He only wagged his little tail as he trotted over to the door. I swear he could smell Oli coming home three miles away. But, as usual, the dog was right. Oli was walking up the front sidewalk, smiling widely. I quickly opened the door to meet him. Oskar ran out, barking loudly.

"Skar! Shou!" Chelsea Brook said. Oskar quit barking, understandig that 'shou' was her way of telling him to 'shut up.'

"She gets more and more like you every day," Oli said. trotting up the stairs. I rolled my eyes and handed CB off to Oli so I could get ahold of Oskar, who was still running around like crazy.

"Until she starts eating," I said. He smiled and kissed the side of my face. 

"Daddy, no kiss mummy. Me kiss," Chelsea Brook said, frowing at Oli. Both of us laughed as Oli kissed Chelsea Brook. She threw her little arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. 

"Wuv you, Daddy," she said. Oli threw a smil my direction as he hugged Chelsea Brook.

"I love you too, little girl," he said. Chelsea Brook instantly pulled away, demanding to be put down. She toddled inside and went back to her sandwich and crayons, coloring furiously. Oli's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me in for a tight hug.