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Advice Confessions and Vulnerable Hearts - (10)

Advice, Confessions and Vulernerable Hearts.

'What's this, Mommy?'

I turn around to see Oliver looking curiously in the cupboard - right at my alcohol stash. Groaning, I walk quickly over to him and scoop him into my arms. 'Nothing for you, little man,' I say, placing him on the kitchen counter, letting out a large breath. 'Man, you're heavy.'

He grins at me like a cheshire cat. 'That's because I'm a big boy now, Mommy.'

I laugh, ruffling his hair affectionately. 'That you are, Oliver, that you are.'

It's exhausting having such a smart six year old, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't have us any other way.

'When are the girls coming round?' he asks, his eyes glinting. He's always loved my friends and they've always loved him, something I'll forever be grateful for.

I glance at the clock hung up on the wall behind him. 'Half an hour.'

'Can I stay up and see them? Please? Please?' he begs, his adorable expression hopeful.

I groan, lowering my head. His puppy dog eyes have always been my biggest weakness. 'Half an hour, okay? That's all,' I tell him seriously. 'I'm not letting you stay up too late tonight.'

He sighs, but nods in agreement. 'Okay. Thank you, Mommy!' he reaches out and wraps his arms around my neck tightly, placing a slobbery kiss on my cheek. 'You're the best.'

'I know,' I laugh lightly. 'I know.'

Oliver smiles cheekily at me. 'Do I get some of that?' he points to the cupboard full of alcohol that I forgot to shut.

I scowl, crossing the kitchen and slamming it shut. 'No, you don't,' I respond sternly. 'You can have some orange juice or some milk.'

Of course, he pouts and shoots me the most adorable look he can muster. He'll definitely be a ladies' man when he's older. 'Why not?'

I sigh, closing my eyes. 'Because it's bad for you, Oliver.'

'Why do you have it, then?'

I pause. 'Because I'm an adult, and it's okay for adults. Not for children, though. When you're my age, you can have some.'

He looks at me pensively - far too pensively for a six year old. 'Okay,' he eventually responds.

I smile in relief.

Not long later, my door swings open and Maddie enters, with a big grin on her face. She's never bothered to knock, not for the longest time. 'Hey,' she greets me cheerily, bringing me in for a hug and planting a kiss on my cheek.

She quickly hands me a bag containing some alcohol and food, before turning to my son, scooping him up. 'Hello,' she croons, before quickly putting him on the floor, evidently noticing his weight, too. 'How are you, Oliver?'

He grins. 'I'm good thank you,' he responds politely. 'How are you?'

She laughs. 'I'm great! Are you coming through to the lounge?' she asks, shooting me a quick glance, to which I nod in response.

'Yes!' he yells, rushing ahead of her. 'Come on!'

The two of us laugh again and follow him. 'I swear, he gets cuter every time I see him,' Maddie murmurs fondly.

I laugh lightly. 'Tell me about it,' I agree. 'You should have seen his face earlier when I told him he couldn't have any of the alcohol in the cupboard.'

She snorts. 'I bet that was a fun conversation.'

I make a face as I sit down on the couch. 'Definitely not. Are the others coming soon?'