Ray Of Sunshine

Chapter 36: You're A Stranger

TWO DAYS LATER

Me and Jessie are sat on her bed, looking through her Disney Princess book. I read some of the stories out to her and help her place some of the Princess stickers on the pages. Jessie sticks down Tiana and I start to read The Princess and The Frog, but stop when I glance up and see Michael standing in the doorway looking at us. I wonder how long he's been there? He shows a little smile and clears his throat.

"I have to go in to work."

"Oh, ok." I nod.

"I'm not sure how long I'll be, but ill try not to be too long."

"It's fine Michael. I'll be ok looking after Jessie. Take as long as you need."

"Are you sure you'll be ok?"

I give him a look.

"Yes." I smile. "We'll be fine, won't we?" I say, looking at Jessica.

She's too preoccupied with her stickers.

"Yep! Go to work daddy."

Michael raises his eyebrows and laughs.

"Thanks Jessie. Sounds like you've had enough of me being home this week."

"No..." She giggles and shakes her head.

I definitely haven't had enough. I laugh softly and make a face.

"Mmm, I know when I'm not wanted." He chuckles.

I want you.

"Call me if you need me."

"I will." I nod.

"Love you Jessie."

She quickly glances up from the book and smiles.

"Love you too daddy."

Michael smiles and looks at me.

"See you later."

"Bye." I smile and watch him walk off.

I go back to reading Jessie the story and then take a little break.

"Are you hungry?" I ask her.

"No." She shakes her head.

I sigh and look around her room.

"What else do you want to do?"

"Umm..." She puts her finger to her lips, thinking of something to do.

Seeing her do that makes me smile. She looks just like Michael doing that.

"I don't know?" She shrugs. "What do you want to do?"

"Hmm..." I seal my lips together.

Michael has kept me on house arrest since the car accident... I've barely been outside this week, apart from when I saw my mom.

"Remember I said I'd take us shopping?" I smile.

Jessie gasps and grins widely.

"Yeah!"

"You want to get some new clothes?"

"Yeah, and a McDonalds!" She nods.

Of course she would remember the McDonald's.

"Ok." I chuckle. "Then let's go."

"Are you well enough now?" She asks.

I smile and rub her back. She is exactly like Michael and it melts my heart.

"Yeah, I'm better now."

"Good!" She smiles and jumps off the bed. "I'll get my shoes!"

****
I hold Jessie's hand while we look around at the children's clothes.