FIRE | H.S.

Chapter 4

Leilani helps me wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen once we finish eating. I made sure to save spaghetti in a container to give to Mr. Styles when he comes to pick her up.

I give Leilani an apron and bring her a stool so she can reach the island, then I measure all the ingredients for the cake and place them in front of Leilani, along with a large bowl so she can start mixing.

We watch Tangled on my laptop while making the cake mix. Leilani stirs while I pour the ingredients into the bowl and she loudly sings along to every song in the movie.

Once the cake is in the oven, I start making the frosting. Leilani helps me incorporate the powdered sugar and tells me she will let me know if the frosting is approved or we have to start over. I'm amazed at how witty and clever she is, at just four years of age.

When the cake has cooled down, I start frosting it, making sure every part of the cake is thickly covered with the sweet frosting. Leilani added chocolate and rainbow sprinkles and once satisfied with the appearance of the cake, she gives an approving nod.

I cut two slices and serve two glasses of milk, then we go to the living room to eat the cake and watch The Little Mermaid this time. I must admit this movie is my favorite and as Leilani sings along to the songs, I do the same in my head.

At 8:45 p.m., the doorbell rings, startling me. I peek through the window and see Mr. Styles standing outside.

"Your dad's here, sweetie," I say, standing up and walking over to the door. I look through the peephole, just to make sure it is Leilani's dad, and open the door.

"Mr. Styles, hi," I smile.

"Daddyyyyyyyyyyy!" Leilani screams, running to her dad with open arms. Her dad bends down and picks her up, hugging her tightly to his chest and sprinkling kisses on her cheek.

"Hey, Monkey!" his lips break into a dimpled smile and I can't help but smile as well at the sight before me. The adoration he has for his daughter radiates off of him. "Hello, Miss. Van Allen," he says, turning his attention to me.

"You can call me Ava," I say. "Uh, come in, Mr. Styles." I step aside and he walks in with Leilani in his arms.

"Call me Harry," he smiles. "Thank you so much for picking Leilani up from school today. I'm so embarrassed, I know we don't know each other that well, I just didn't have anyone else to call. You were my last hope."

"It really was no trouble. I'm more than happy to help," I tell him.

"Daddy, Ava is so amazing, she cooked me spaghetti and meatballs and we baked a cake and watched Disney movies and she said she could cut our hair anytime and she said my colouring is very pretty because I colour inside the lines," Leilani rushes out, moving her hands animatedly as she speaks.

"That's amazing, love! I hope she didn't cause any trouble," he says.

"No, she was great. She did her homework and helped me with the dishes even though I told her it wasn't necessary. Leilani is a great kid," I smile at her, and she giggles.

"Ava and I are best friends now, daddy."

"I'm so happy to hear that, love. And I'm very happy to hear you behaved well, too. Go get your backpack, it's time to go and let Ava rest," he says, putting down Leilani, who nods and skips off to get her belongings. "Thank you so much, again, Ava. We had a call and I usually ring my aunt but she's gone to London to visit my mum and I didn't know who else to ask."

"Anytime, Harry. I had a great time with her, she's quite bubbly," I smile at him. "So, if you ever need help again, don't hesitate to call me. As I said, I'm more than happy to help."