Hooked - James Sirirus Potter.

Chapter Fourteen

Paige was walking between the two women, a hand holding one each as the cardigan Ellis had produced from her handbag, swung around her ankles. The sleeves had been rolled back to their elbows, allowing her hands to peer through the end. Glancing over at Ellis, Claudia saw the direct look between her and the department store and nodded.

“Hey Paige, would you like to try on some dresses with us?” Claudia asked; “I’ve got to buy one for a works party, but I bet there are some that would look pretty on you too.”

Her eyes lit up before she shrugged, not answering. “I think there’s a princess dress in there with your name on.” Ellis said, tugging gently at her arm. “Let’s see if we can find it!”

An hour later saw the two women having a fashion show from Paige as she jumped in and out of the dresses they’d found for her while “looking” for Claudia. “Which do you like the best?” She asked as Ellis laid out all the different dresses on the small bench.

“I like the green sleeves.” Ellis said, pointing towards at the dress with little balloon sleeves and yellow and white flowers all over it. “But the black one with the bow was very pretty too.”

“I liked the stars.” Paige said, running her hands down the long sleeves of the blue dress. “It was comfiest too.”

“Do you want to wear it out?” Claudia asked, earning a surprised look from Ellis. “She was cold.”

“You’re a rebel Dr Cross.” She giggled. “Let’s go find her a cardigan as well.”

“And tights.” Claudia said, tickling the back of her bare knee. “Your shoes, are they comfy?”

“Yes.” Paige said, “Nana bought them for me.”

“Good.” Ellis grinned, jumping up with the no pile in her hands. “I’ll meet you outside with the tights!”

It was almost five hours later when Claudia pulled up in front of James’ house; it was strange stopping in the drive that never had a car in. Before she’d even turned the engine off, James was opening the back door and pulling Paige into his arms. Waving him back into the house, she reached around the back seat and grabbed the bags with Paige’s old clothes in.

“Claudia and Ellis bought it for me.” Paige said as Claudia shut the front door. “It’s very pretty isn’t it?”

“Hmmhmm.” She heard him say softly. “You go and get ready for bed; I just need to talk to Claudia first.”

“Who’s Ellis?” he asked, narrowing his eyes down on her as she entered the kitchen. “Are you introducing my daughter to strange men?”

“Ellis has been my friend since we were sixteen; SHE, is an air hostess.” Claudia said, putting the plastic bag on the table. “James, I’m sorry I couldn’t get hold of you, but Paige looked so sad, I felt the need to make her forget the morning.”

“You didn’t need to buy her new clothes, how much was it all?” he snapped, walking towards a desk and ruffling through the papers.

“Here.” She said, passing him the bundle of clothes. “This is what she was wearing when she found me.”

Claudia watched as he stopped and stared at the items in her hand. The thin pink teeshirt and blue shorts; it had been sunny and probably in the sun she’d been okay… but it was still April. “I sent her in dungarees.”

“James.” She sighed, taking his wrists. “Paige seems to have forgotten this morning; she spent most of the afternoon eating cakes and having cups of tea between shops and trying on dresses.”

“She sent me a howler, saying you saw them in the street and demanded Paige come with you; I didn’t believe it, but…”

“We’ve barely known each other a year James.” Claudia laughed, nodding. “Don’t worry, I’m not offended… can I just say goodnight to Paige?”

Nodding, he led the way up the stairs and stopping in the doorway as Claudia stepped through. Paige’s new dress had been laid out neatly over one of the larger teddy’s ready for tomorrow and however long she could get away with. Claudia sat on the side of her bed and leant over whispering to her about something and making her laugh.

“Kiss?” Paige asked as Claudia went to stand up.

James heart lurched in his chest as she leant over and kissed the top of her nose. It was something that his mum had always done to them; even now she’ll do it if she’s feeling really soppy. “Sweet dreams Paige; I’ll see you soon.”

“Claudia.” He whispered, not being able to produce much more than that. She turned up and smiled gently at him as she went to pass. “Thank you.”

With a smile, she leant up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Any time James.”

He felt strangely like crying as he settled himself on top of Paige’s duvet, picking up the book they’d started to read two days ago and kissing the top of her head as she snuggled up against him. “Did you have a nice time with Claudia?”

“Yes; Mummy was rude to her but she was good and didn’t shout back.” She yawned, reaching a hand up and cradling his head. “I love you Daddy… what did I miss?”

James grinned; he loved his daughter’s strange phrases. “Nothing, I had to wait for you; the words only appear when you’re here.”

“Oh good.” She yawned, taking her little teddy and tucking it underneath her free arm. “Tell me.”

“Today Bernie mouse is going to go on an adventure to the sea side!” he gasped, grabbing her attention instantly. “Can you see here; he’s going to take a boat!”

---

Claudia sat on the edge of her bathtub in silence.

Today had been mentally and physically exhausting.

Gripping her phone, she slowly tapped out a quick message to her mum. “Had a rough day and made me realise all you did. Thank you.”

Less than a minute later the phone rang and she answered. “Do you want to talk about it?” Her mother’s voice asked down the phone.

“Not really, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you.”

Claudia could hear her mum’s lip begin to wobble. “Oh darling, I love you too.” She whispered emotionally. “Don’t you ever forget how proud I am of you, don’t you ever forget it.”

“I won’t.” she promised, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. “Works going well; how are you?”

“I’m the same as always.” She sighed, “Torn between two worlds; I hope you don’t fall for a man as stubborn as your father.”

“I think I’ll end up being dominated by cats at this rate.” Claudia laughed; “You know that if you ever ask I’ll do anything for you.”

“I know darling; I wish I was strong enough to annoy your father to do the same.” Evie said gently.

“I know what he’s like mum, don’t worry… despite it all I understand.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ve got to go now; I’ve been in Birmingham with Ellis all day and I’m half dead.”  She explained. “I love you.”

“I love you too my Claudia.” She said, blowing kisses down the phone. “Sleep well.”