The Game

Ninety-two

Four weeks it's been since me and Darren have decided to give it another go, we've taken it slowly as to not put too much pressure on ourselves.

It's Saturday and today is a me and Grace day, we went out to the shops this morning and brought things for us to make cookies, we also treated ourselves to some new pajamas for a film night tonight. I managed to pick up some new work clothes in Zara with the help of Grace.

Work is going really well, after my first shift they were so impressed with my knowledge that they offered me the supervisor job they've been trying to recruit for. I'm taking it by the balls and really digging myself into my new role. I have a small team to lead and I feel this is my calling card.

Darrens been doing well, in fact he decided to start his own business. He has offered me a job there but of course right now I think it's best we have separate personal and work lives. His business has kicked off and he's already got a team of counsellors working in his London based office. I couldn't be more proud of him or me for that fact.

"Mummy can we watch Mulan?" Grace mixes the cookie dough.

"Yes. That's a great idea. That's my favourite" I smile.

"I know that's why I picked it" She dips her finger in the mixture and licks it.

"I hope you washed your hands" I frown at her.

"Mhmm i did" she sweetly smiles.

I narrow my eyes at her.

"I promise"

"OK. I was thinking maybe Darren would like to watch Mulan with us?"

I haven't mentioned me and Darren to Grace since everything kicked off. She hasn't seen him but is always asking to see him.

"Yes! Mummy please. He could have some cookies too and wear his pajamas like us. I've missed Darren" she looks up at me. Her wavy hair sticking to her face where she has left some cookie dough on her cheek.

Her green eyes light up at his name, the hair, the eyes I will always remember who she is and her journey into this world.

Yes Harry is long gone but I'll always see him in my curly haired, green eyed princess. I sigh, "I've missed him too. I'll ring him and ask" I smile as I leave the kitchen to call Darren.

He answers after one ring, "Hey Baby"

"You answered quick"

"I was reading an email on my phone, what's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me and Grace tonight watching a movie?" I pace up and down the hall. Not sure why I feel so nervous.

"Erm, yes of course!" he beams.

"I was thinking tonight we could talk to Grace?" again the butterflies flying around my stomach for some reason.

"Oh right. OK. Yes. I mean if that's what you want? You said to take it slow, do you reckon this is a good idea for Grace?" I love how concerned he is about her.

"I think so, she's doing so well in school, her therapist said she's excelling every session. And I've seen a change in her, the old Grace who we loved. The five year old that was so incredible brave is finally letting her guard down and is being.. Well.. A five year old again. I think this is the right time" I smile as I poke my head around the corner to check on Grace, I watch as she takes a handful of cookie dough out of the bowl and shoves it in her mouth.

"OK well I'm happy if your happy. What time?"

"Shall we say four? We can have dinner, movie and then Grace can go to bed and we can chill?"