Tumgik
#chris bought the bow on Claire’s hair
americangirldoll · 20 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
cg!nick sturniolo ♡︎
🦴 the absolute softest softie ever, will probably cry if he ever makes his little upset
゚.✧˖ firm believer in time out :(( if his baby ever does something wrong they’re getting sat on a chair in the corner alone to “think about what they did” which means pout and whine
🦴 so good at recognising triggers and when his baby is about to cry, one singular teardrop and he’s worried and cooing at them
゚.✧˖ loves arts and crafts!! if his little one is bored he instantly suggests finger painting or making something with glitter glue that ends up in a bubble bath
🦴 so good at doing hair, if his tiny has long hair he’s doing bows and fun hairclips he bought from claire’s
゚.✧˖ he is the best at reading bedtime stories and can do all different voices to keep you giggling
🦴 lets you help him pick new space camp flavours because you have a lot of ✨creativity✨
゚.✧˖ calls you “angel” “princess” “kiddo” 24/7 365 days a year
🦴 has chris and matt babysit when hes busy but they just dont play barbies the same and dont seem as interested in barbie princess charm school :c
10 notes · View notes
bre-meister · 4 years
Text
Grandpa Barry
a not so short fluffy one-shot based off of an old offhanded comment by @onehelluvafirstdate that kinda just stuck with me
Holidays for the Butron’s had become more than just family affairs. For several years prior to the events at the Spencer Mansion, the Redfield siblings had begun to join them for these types of events after their parent’s deaths. However, after the mansion incident, the large scale outbreak that was Racoon City, and the countless other BOW incidents that had occurred since family holidays had extended well past just the family.
Thanksgivings and Christmases and Fourth of July’s had become celebrations of more than just that particular holiday. They were a celebration of another year lived, another attack survived, and sometimes, celebrations of another survivor added to their small but growing group of what they considered to be extended family.
This particular Thanksgiving was no different and so, the Burtons found themselves preparing to host their extended family for dinner, drinks, and overall good times. Not everyone was always able to attend - their common line of work never really took holidays into consideration - but this year they’re gearing up for an unusually good turnout.
Chris arrives first, as always. Early in order to help set up. The man can’t cook for shit so he brings drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic - for his contribution to the large meal. Rebecca is next along with Sherry and Jake. Quite frankly, Barry was surprised they’ ed convinced the kid to come but, at the same time, the older man was fairly sure Jake would do anything for Sherry if she just asked. The three had brought different desserts that were most probably store-bought. Barry could already see Rebecca’s hand slowly drifting up to the pair of dog tags that hung around her neck - it would become more evident as the night wore on.
Next are Jill and Carlos, the latter of which has just been a recent addition to these types of celebrations despite having known Jill since Racoon. They arrive with a dish that smells heavenly and was most definitely prepared by Carlos. Jill, like Chris, was poorly adept in the kitchen. 
Last to arrive was Leon and Claire along with their ever-growing brood. Isabelle seemed to be barley restraining herself, a ball of excitement ready to burst at the seams.
“Hi, Grandpa Barry!” 
Barry smiled at the little girl.  She had been calling him ‘Grandpa” for as long as he could remember and, seeing as the kid had no real grandparents in her life, he and his wife had taken on the pseudo roll eagerly. 
“Hey kid,” Barry ruffled her hair, “how’s it going?”
“Great!” she giggled. Pleasantries out of the way, Isabelle moved on to her main prerogative,
“Are Sherry and Jake here yet?” 
For some reason, Izzy had taken quite the shining to her older sister’s new boy toy. Jake, for his part, seemed to have begrudgingly accepted his newfound role as ‘big brother’ to the Kennedy kid. Barry supposed that Izzy had never really given him a choice.
“They are. In fact, you guys are the last to get here.”
Isabelle pouted before turning to her mother who had been hanging up their coats by the door.
“I told you, Mamma, we’re always late.”
“We’re not late Izzy. Dinner isn’t anywhere near ready yet so you have plenty of time to play with Sherry and Jake.”
Izzy harrumphed before running off to the living room where she assumed everyone else would be. Claire sighed before turning to their host.
“Hey, Barry.” She smiled and accepted the hug that Barry was offering her. She registered Leon scolding Izzy for not taking her shoes off before running further into the house.
“Leon.” Barry moved on to the younger man, waving at little Olivia who was snuggled up in her Daddy’s arms.
“Barry.”
This was usually how things were. The two would act aloof until Claire has moved out of earshot and Barry could well and truly find out how Leon was doing.
“Kathy is in the kitchen, said to send you in once you got here.”
“Oh, of course.” Claire looked between the two men and pretended not to know what was going on. She pecked Leon on the lips and tickled Olivia’s belly before heading towards the kitchen to help Kathy with the dinner. 
“Sorry, we didn’t bring anything this year. Claire’s had her hands full with her job and the girls while I was gone and since I got back a few days ago things have been a little out of whack.” Leon chuckled.
“Don’t worry about it kid.” God, Barry thought, am I really so old that I’m calling everyone kid?
“Anyway,” Barry said, “how’s the family life treating ya?” 
Leon knew Barry wasn’t really asking about the ‘family life’. But it was just easier sometimes to talk in innuendos and code words what with little ears around. In this case, the family life really meant the sober life. The special agent looked down at a specific pair of little ears before answering. Liv was currently clinging to Leon like her life depended on it. Both girls were always a little clingy when he returned from long missions but Liv tended to take the term ‘Daddy’s girl’ to a new level.
The three-year-old had only let go of the man long enough for both of them to take their coats off.  What Barry noticed though, was that Leon seemed to be holding on to Olivia just as desperately.
“Family life is... It’s ah, a little hard sometimes. But I’d never go back.”
Barry smiled but nodded. Motioning for Leon to follow, he made his way into the living room to join everyone else.
“Hi, Livy!” Moira said, waving enthusiastically at the little girl.
“Hi,” Liv said in a small, quiet voice
“Come play with us!” Natalia called from where she and Moira were stationed in front of a dollhouse.
Barry’s adopted daughter loved playing with Olivia whenever she got the chance. She once told him that it was because she had fun playing with ‘babies’ which, Barry thought was a little funny considering that, at only eleven, Barry still very much saw Natalia as barely more than a baby himself. He supposed he should work on that, the girls as growing up every day - thriving, even, in a stable environment with what is probably the closest to a normal life she’d ever had.
Olivia shook her head at Natalia’s invitation to play. Instead, she buried her head even further in her father’s shoulder. 
“Common Liv, we have a special doll just for you.” This time it was Moira trying to do the convincing, even going as far as to use a sing-song voice.
All she garnered was another head shake. 
“I’m sure your sister is having a lot of fun with Sherry and Jake,” Barry motioned to where the three were making various buildings and figures out of Leggos, “I think you’d have a lot of fun.”
“Jake could use some help over here Liv, I think you should come show him how its done.” Sherry chimed in.
“What? No I -” Jake’s cry of indignation was cut off by Sherry’s elbow to his side. “ I’m real lost here, Oliva. Sherry’s right.”
“ I stay with Daddy.”
A round of soft laughter went through the room at that. Barry shared a knowing look with his wife before holding his arms out to the little girl who looked at him skeptically,
“Common sweetie. I’m sure you’ve been attached your Daddy since he’s been back. Why don’t you spend some time with Grandpa for a bit? I feel like I haven’t seen your cute little face in ages!”
Olivia didn’t say anything. Instead, she just looked at Barry in that way kids were so good at like he was spewing a load of fresh bullshit.
“It’s fine Barry.”  Leon’s response saw Olivia snuggles back into her father, content to be in his arms.
“Well, she can’t stay with you forever kid, gotta learn sometime - both of you. Why not now when you won’t be any further than a room away.”
“I’m with you Barry, I tell Leon all the time he coddles her too much,” Claire said. From her spot in the kitchen, she had a clear view of what was going on in the living room.
“Is it really coddling though? I was gone for almost two weeks.” Leon’s defense was weak sounding.
“And we both know you could be gone longer at the drop of a hat. That’s just the life we live and when she refuses to be put down and you refuse to put her down, you make my life harder when Daddy inevitably has to leave again. Barry’s still got my vote. She’s gotta learn.” 
“Common, Chris, Carlos, if you guys were in my situation you’re telling me you guys wouldn’t do the same thing.”
“ Sorry bro, as much as I love to disagree with my sister, she’s kinda right.” Chris’s reply was definitely not what Leon was looking for so the blonde man turned to Carlos for his support.
“Look man, I’d be the first to admit that if I ever had kids it would be hard for me to ever deny them anything.” Leon lit up at that and everyone else pretended to ignore the quick look Carlos shot Jill as he finished his statement.
“But,” Leon seemed to visibly deflate as Carlos continued, already knowing where this was going - not in his favor “ that doesn’t mean they aren’t right.”
“Thank you!” Claire interjected.
“Well, I think it’s cute.” Rebecca proudly stated.
At that Caire stepped fully out of the kitchen and pointed a pair of tongs at Rebecca who had been nursing a glass of something strong by the fireplace.
“You say that now. Wait until you find someone and have a few kids of your own. As cute as it is, your tune will change real quick.”
Rebecca let out a little laugh as Claire returned to the kitchen but it sounded a little forced, hand drifting back up to the dog tags around her neck.
“Hand her over, Leon. She’ll be fine.”
Reluctantly, Leon did as he was told. Olivia did not go quietly, the beginnings of a tantrum becoming evident as she was handed off to her ‘grandpa’.
“Oh stop acting up baby girl, you’re just fine!” Claire’s voice carried sweet but stern from the kitchen.
Olivia quieted at her mother’s words but still hadn’t silenced her whimpers. Leon looked about ready to cave.
“I have three kids Leon and more years of experience. Trust me, I’ve got this. Now, Livy and I are gonna go read a nice story and I’m sure Kathy and Claire could use some help.” Barry said with a smile. 
“ Leon, could be a dear and go bring the cooler in from the garage?” 
“Of course Kathy.”
“Oh, you might need some help. It’s not exactly small and Barry already put the ice and some drinks in.”
“I got you.” Carlos squeezed Leon’s shoulder as he passed, effectively turning the man away from Olivia and punching him in the direction of the garage.
“Thanks, boys!” Kathy called after them.
Olivia got a little angsty once Leon was out of her sights but soon Barry had her thoughts away from her missing Daddy and onto The Cat in the Hat. They got through three more books - Olivia entranced by the pictures in on each page - before eventually going off to color with Polly who had brought out some of her colored pencils, crayons, and old coloring books. 
Olivia even convinced her Uncle Chris to come color with her ( and he’d never admit it to Leon but, when those large blue eyes were turned on him Chris knew he wouldn’t be able to say no).
When Claire and Kathy called that dinner was ready to be served Leon took that as his cue that ‘separation’ time was over. He collected Izzy first, watching to make sure to washed-up properly before helping her to make a plate.
“ Do you want ham or turkey, Princess?”
“ Ham, please. Daddy, I don’t want green beans.” Isabelle made a face as Leon scooped some onto the plate, ignoring her protest.
“ I know, but remember what we talked about?”
Isabelle sighed, “No green beans, no desert.” The girl had a sweet tooth that could rival her mother’s and her parents tended to use that to their advantage.
Leon chuckled, bringing the plate over to the smaller table just to the side of the main one in the dining room. Their found family was getting too big for everyone to sit at the dining table, so they had resorted to setting up a table for the youngest of the group to sit.
Izzy seemed to accept her fate as she sat Jake at the table, giggling as he too joked about being forced to eat his vegetables in return for dessert. Sherry always volunteered to sit with the kiddos along with Moira and Polly and wherever Sherry went, Jake went. Leon shot the kid a look, it seemed that two of his girls had taken quite a shining to him and it was safe to say that he wasn’t too pleased with it. Rationally, he knew that Sherry was old enough to make her own decisions and Izzy most likely just had a silly schoolgirl crush that would go away with time. But Leon didn’t want to think rationally right now.
He was interrupted from his thoughts as he heard Claire playfully inspecting Olivia’s hands.
“Did you get ‘em all clean, baby?”
“Uh-huh. Uncle Chris help me!”
“Did he sing you your song?” Claire asked teasingly. Olivia just giggled while nodding her head yes.
“He did, did he?” Claire sent a shit-eating grin to her brother who quickly excused himself to the table.
“You do it better, Mommy.” Claire laughed before kissing her little girl’s bleach blonde hair. Leon was convinced it would darken over time, just like his had.
“Come here little bug, let’s get you something to eat.”
Leon helped Liv just as he had with Izzy. Once she’d had all she wanted on her plate, as well as some vegetables she didn’t, he made to set her up next to her sister at the other table.
“Daddy, no!”
Leon was prepared for this, it happened every time. Liv wouldn’t want to sit with the other kids, no, she always much rather stay with her Daddy. So, safe to say he was more than taken aback by Livy’s next words.
“ I sit with Grandpa.” 
It was as if the whole room went silent at Olivia’s request, even Izzy stopped her laughing and was looking at her little sister with a shocked expression.
“ I - um… you’d have to ask Grandpa.”
Olivia wasted no time running over to Barry where he sat at the head of the table.
“Grandpa, I sit with you?”
“Sure, sweetheart.”
Barry lifted the little girl onto her lap. She settled in with a little giggle and Leon felt his heart both swell and break at the sound. This was what they were trying to achieve the whole night, right? He voiced such out loud when Claire came over to ask if he was ok.
“Ya but, it doesn’t mean it would hurt any less. That was a hard reject, Kennedy.” Jill said. 
“Jill.” Carlos gently admonished.
“What? Are we all just supposed to sit here and pretend like that didn’t just happen? I mean, no offense to you Leon but that was the funniest thing I’ve seen all night.” Jill laughed again.
“You know Jill, I never took you as one to languish in someone else’s pain. Hats off to you.” 
Jill raised her wine glass to Jake in acknowledgment of his comment. Claire took Liv’s plate out of Leon’s hand and placed it in front of the little girl. She then began to make up another one with all of Leon’s favorites.
Putting down the plate in front of an empty chair she motioned for Leon to come and sit.
“Why don’t you come eat something, honey.” 
Leon could tell that even Claire felt a little bad for him - she only calls him ‘honey’ when she does. She even kissed his cheek as he pulled a chair out for her before sitting down like she’d suggested.
“It’s fine,” he lied, “I don’t get why you guys are making such a big deal out of this.”
“If he’s acting this way now imagine how he’ll act once they start dating.” Rebecca whisper yelled to Chris who was seated next to her.
Chris almost choked on his drink, laughing at the image of Leon’s suffering.
“Hey, he hasn’t said anything about Jake yet!” Sherry’s attempt at defending Leon was not appreciated by Jake who shot her a scathing look.
“Only because I haven’t had the chance yet. It’s coming, Shelly.” Leon turned to look at the two adults in question as he said it.
Sherry blushed - whether, from the use of his old nickname for her or from the thinly veiled threat, he wasn’t exactly sure. Jake let out a withered sigh before turning back to his food. Eventually, everyone else took pity on Leon’s poor soul and did the same. That, or they just got tired of making fun of him - with people like these for family one never could be too sure. 
Dinner continued with much merriment; teasing abounded but not all at the expense of Leon. Once the word was out that Rebeca had been curbing advances from several men she had met at her new job the table was divided - some teasing and encouraging her to go for it, others defending that she didn’t have to. By the end of it, the dog tags had ended back up in her hands. Rebecca then flipped it on the perpetually single Chris who, in turn, threw Jill and Carlos under the bus. The friendly banter then shifted to their undefined relationship status. All the while laughter continuously flowed from the table along with the occasional interjection from Moira, Polly, or Sherry. Jake mainly sticking to entertaining the kids.
By the end of the night, Leon found himself with an arm around Claire’s shoulders and Livy sitting in his lap - two out of three of his girls snuggled up against his chest, still seated at the table. Olivia had migrated back to her Daddy when she had started to get tired and Leon would be lying if he said it hadn’t made him feel miles better. Number three wasn’t far behind.
“Daddy, are we going home soon?”
Leon could see the tiredness almost radiating off of his daughter. Izzy had run off her sugar high from dessert and looked like she was ready to drop right there in front of him.
“Soon, Princess.” he shifted Livy in his lap to make room for Izzy.
It always took a little finagling to fit both Isabelle and Olivia on his lap but, somehow, they always seemed to make a way. Izzy climbed up and Leon felt content - belly full of good food, surrounded by family and good conversation, and most importantly, his little family wrapped safely in his arms.
They stayed like that for a while. Eventually, Chris, Carlos, and Jill began to clear the table. They made their way to the kitchen with the intent to clean up and give Kathy a break since she and Claire were the main ones who set everything up.
Leon could hear his wife sigh,
“It’s late. We should get the girls home.” except she made no move to do that, instead she buried her face in his neck and took in a deep breath letting out an even deeper sigh.
Eventually, Izzy began softly snoring. Leon and Claire knew they couldn’t put off heading home any longer - the drive wasn’t long but it wasn’t exactly short either and the girls should be sleeping in their own beds where it was more comfortable.
Between the two of them, they were able to get the girls into their shoes and jackets and then into their car seats with minimal trouble. They said their goodbyes outside by the car. Promises to do it again for Christmas were made but they were all taken with a grain of salt. One never knew when Leon would be called away on a mission or when Claire would be needed for some Terrasave function or clean-up job. 
“I hope you enjoy being ‘grandpa’ to those cute little girls ‘cause you sure aren’t getting any grandkids from me anytime soon.”
“Good.”
Barry turned away from watching Claire and Leon drive away to look down at his oldest daughter. She looked back up at him. All was silent for a moment until the two broke out into easy laughter. He guided her back into the house, closing the door and effectively blocking the cold out.
As Barry held his own daughter close he looked around at everyone left. Natalia sleeping on the couch, Sherry and Jake whispering in a not-so secluded corner. Rebecca had joined the cleanup crew in the kitchen after having seen off the Kennedy clan. His eyes met his wife’s who was still seated at the table enjoying a slice of pie with Polly.
Barry knew that in the world they lived in, one couldn’t be certain of many things. But, he also knew that he could be certain of this - family wasn’t just defined by blood. Barry didn’t know what the future held, no one did. What they did know, however, was that their family was always changing - in size and look. But, they would always be there, especially on holidays like this, to remind one another that they were alive, that they had all made it through another year. They would be there to remind each other that there was still love and kindness in this dark world worth fighting for, and they did it in what seemed like the easiest, most simple way - by loving each other.
26 notes · View notes
andiestories · 3 years
Text
Chapter 3A - Izzie
Aimee rides her cousin's bicycle, following her instructions to precision, to find the route to Eva Forsythe's home. Eva's phone call enquiring if she would still be meeting her and her daughter, was unexpected given the events that unfolded the night before. 
The road is uphill which causes Aimee to strain her legs. She curses, under her breath, the decision to take the pedal vehicle, rather than the car. The closer she gets to the road the more greenery surrounds her. In the backdrop is the beach where she met Liam and in front of her eyes the most beautiful set of green she's ever seen.
The white mansion is on top of a hill that overlooks the bay in all its glory. She rings the bell at the grey gates and is greeted by an English voice on the other side, "Hello?" 
She clears her throat, "Hi. I'm here to see Eva. I'm Aimee." 
The buzzer makes the distinct unlocking sound and the gates open. A tall gentleman, in his mid-fifties, greets her at the entrance and frowns at her choice of transportation mode. "Good morning, Ma'am" Aimee chuckles, no one has ever called her a ma'am before, "May I take your vehicle?" 
Aimee looks down at the bicycle and the fact the pompous man just referred to it as a vehicle. "Sure.", she climbs from the bike amusedly. The gentleman passes the cycle to someone else and indicates her in a silent gesture to follow him.
The house is as magnificent on the inside as it is on the outside. There's a grand hall that leads to a massive courtyard garden that doubles as a lounge area. The room is minimalistic in style but luxurious in its opulence. The walls are adorned with paintings and at the center of the room lays in black and gold, a model O, Steinway grand piano. Aimee's eyes widen in anticipation of playing a Steinway once again. "Wait here" the gentleman announces before disappearing. Aimee's legs draw her to the piano and instinctively she grazes its features. She starts playing with its keyboards, taunting the beast with each note.
"Aimee, I'm so glad you made it." Eva's voice startles her. "Oh, I'm so sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
Aimee takes two steps back away from the piano. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be playing around."
"If a piano is not meant to play, then what is?" Eva's smile is warm and comforting. "Isabella is coming down shortly. How are you?"
Aimee gulps. "I'm terribly sorry about last night."
Eva places her right hand over Aimee's clasping her slender fingers in between her palms. "Jack told us all about it. He shouldn't have pushed you, and if I was in your situation, I would have done exactly the same. Probably worst." The two women chuckle. Aimee relaxes in Eva's warm presence.
"Who is us?" Aimee's curiosity indicates she wants to know if the blonde-haired rebel is also included in her sorrowful backstory.
Eva points to the white sofa on the right. "Just me, and Chris, we are old friends, your uncle and us." Aimee sits down and Eva sits just across her. "Would you like something to drink?" Aimee shakes her head. "Please, don't be so formal. What about some iced tea?" Eva rings a little bell and a woman in her late-forties appears, "Sarah, will you be a dear and get us some iced tea, please?" 
Aimee observes Eva's poise and grace. You can tell that she comes from a wealthy background by the way she holds herself. "May I ask, do you play?"
"Oh, I used to when I was small. My daddy imposed it on me but he knew I had absolutely no talent for the thing." She smiles, "The piano actually belonged to him. He was the musician of the family. Maybe you've heard of him, Devon Stidolph?" 
Aimee's eyes widen, "Your father was Devon Stidolph? I had one masterclass with him during my second year. He was amazing.", her face falters, "I'm really sorry to hear of his passing." 
"Thank you", Eva's right-hand lands on her lips while she observes Aimee, "Did he hear you play?" 
"No, he was teaching us some piano variations he used to play. He didn't listen to anyone playing."
"I think he would have enjoyed hearing you play." 
Aimee smiles shyly at the compliment. "I'm not that good."
"But, you are." The lady re-enters the room and puts down the lemonades before leaving the room again. Eva gets up, "Would you like to play something while I check on Isabella?"
Aimee's eyes widen, "You don't mind?"
Eva gestures to the piano, "It's all yours.", she says and climbs the stairs. 
Aimee gets up and sits at the piano. She glances around the room. The room is full of natural light that shines through the garden and lays on the grand piano. Unlike the piano, everything in that room is white in its decor, minimalistic, simple, and elegant as its owner. Aimee smiles at a picture of Eva and Charlie on the coffee table. Charlie with a navy blue suit, and Eva wearing a white dress. Eva's charm and poise inspire Aimee and she plays Clair de Lune to her graceful host. 
Each note brings her closer to London, where Justin would sit across her, with a glass of brandy, listening to her for hours. Her hands were playing Clair de Lune, but her heart was playing the longing for her absent father, and the revived memory of him with each stroke in the piano. Her composition is flawless and her form is exemplary. Aimee's focus makes her omit her surroundings and she neglects the footsteps that came back inside the living room. 
Eva glances at Aimee playing, her hands cover her mouth, her eyes prickled with tears, while she stands mesmerized at her talent. Besides her stands a girl, thirteen years old, that has the same crystal blue eyes as her father but has long light brown hair. She holds a book to her chest as if she is holding a treasure. The last few notes bring Aimee back to the land of the living and her eyes take sight of the two occupants that observe her intently. Aimee gets up and smiles warmly at the girl in front of her. "This is Aimee, she's going to be your piano tutor.", Eva says. "That was beautiful. Clair de Lune was one of my favorite compositions growing up." 
"My pleasure", Aimee stands closer to Isabella. " Wonderful to meet you, Isabella. That is a great book you are reading there." Aimee points to the book Isabella holds dearly in her hands. 
"You've read it?" 
Aimee smiles warmly, "How could I not? Those women were the reason we went to space in the first place." Isabella's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "So you like the piano?"
"Grandpa used to teach me.", she says. 
Aimee's eyes jump to Eva that smiles sadly at the mention of his name. "Well, I hope I'll be able to do him some justice." 
"I'm sure you will do.", Eva says. "Do you want to show what you know to Aimee?", she asks Isabella that jumps in excitement and runs to the instrument. "She doesn't remember much, just a heads up.", Eva whispers to Aimee. 
"That is fine. She has time to learn." and remembers when Justin bought her own piano as a Christmas present. It was nothing compared with the one she played thereafter, but the small synthesizer was still her favorite thing in the world. Aimee spent the rest of the afternoon getting acquainted with her new tutee. Within the first twenty minutes, she announced that she preferred to be called Izzie. In the next forty minutes, she spent most of the time talking about space exploration. Aimee liked her immediately, and that was a sentiment that was returned in kind by Izzie. The sunset on the horizon advised Aimee to make her way back home. "I should really get going."
Izzie gets up and embraces Aimee. "Nice to meet you, and I can't wait for our next lesson."
"Me too."
Eva gets up from the sofa and walks Aimee out of the house. "Thank you. She seems to have taken a liking to you. That's exactly what she needs, a positive youthful presence in her life. Do you want to come by tomorrow in the morning? I can show you around the house, introduce you to everyone and we can discuss Izzie's schedule and your pay?" 
"Yes, of course."
"Great, shall we say around 8 am?"
"I'll see you then.", Aimee says and exits the main door. 
Outside, the gentleman is already standing with her bicycle waiting for her departure from the house as if he had any insight into what was happening behind the closed doors.  "Thank you." The man bows slightly. "You're from England?" 
He straightens his cufflinks, "Liverpool, Ma'am." 
Aimee climbs on her cycle, "London."
"I could tell, Ma'am."
"What's your name?"
He stands upright and presents her with his hand, "Potter, Benjamin."
Aimee shakes his hand in return. "Pleasure, Mr. Benjamin Potter. I'll see you tomorrow." and she pedals away returning to the farmhouse. 
0 notes