I looked up at the tall building. It was beautiful and it seemed to touch the sky. I smiled to myself. I’d always wanted to know what the sky felt like. If the clouds were puffy like pillows. I knew it was a silly thought though. I shook it from my head.

As I stood in front of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, I felt odd. Like I didn’t belong. I watched some older women walking inside the warm church, dressed in fancy dresses, the men in their best suits. I looked down at myself in my plain skirt and blouse. I bit my lip. I wasn’t fit to go to church.

I folded my cold hands behind my back, smiling politely at the faces that passed me to go inside. I wanted to go inside with them. I needed to. I had always heard of people going to church when they were in need of help or a caring person to talk to. In my case, I just wanted to listen. Something about it made me feel better.

I glanced around a little and quietly made my way to the back of the church. I softly opened the back door, putting a stick between the door and the doorway. I sat down on the steps, bringing my knees to my chest. As the choir began to sing, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I put my head in my hands.

It felt good to cry. To let everything out. I didn’t want to cry at the lodging house. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. They have more important things to worry about than me and I understand that. I continued to cry well into the night, listening to the priest speak to the people and the choir sing their songs of praise. I was here because of DJ, although I would never tell anyone that. Being at the church made me feel safe. It comforted me.

“DJ…”

I shivered slightly as the cold wind brushed past me and down the street. I blew on my hands and rocked back and forth, praying for it to warm up. It only got colder as the night went on. I figured the priest had no way of knowing that it was cold outside and that I couldn’t sit out here much longer, as much as I wanted to. I was feeling better though, so I stood quickly and started my way home.

“Tiptoe!”

I turned quickly as I heard Smudge McDoyal calling my name down the street. I sighed as I realized he had little Mellie with him wrapped in a blanket. I knew he wanted me to watch her. “Yes Smudge?” I smiled.

“Will you watch Mellie while I sell?”

I didn’t want to upset him or make him mad. Although I did have my own papers to sell, I nodded. “Yes, of course.” I carefully took the baby from his arms and held her close.

“Thanks Tiptoe. I owe you.” the seventeen year old flashed a smile and continued on his way down the street, his papers under his arm.

“Great…” I looked at Mellie’s small form in the blanket. Smudge wasn’t ready for fatherhood and I knew it. He wasn’t ready for the responsibility of taking care of another human being. Being a father meant he had to put Mellie first. I would never tell him that though because I didn’t want to hurt him. He cared for Mellie a lot, I know that.

At some points, I think he only takes the time to be nice to me so I will watch Mellie during the day. “Stop it…” I whispered. I was thinking the worst again. Smudge was my friend. One of my good friends. He told me I was a good friend that he could come to when he needed to talk. It was silly of me to think that. I shifted Mellie in my arms and continued selling the rest of my newspapers.

It was Sunday. I was going back to church tonight, like I had every other night of the week. But Sunday was the big church day. Everyone went on Sunday, or it seemed that way. I stopped by the house to drop Mellie off and to get an extra blanket to keep warm.

As I made my way down the street towards the church, I began thinking. I hated when I began to think. It made me upset. I saw the church ahead of me and people already filing inside. They looked happy. So happy. I walked up to the entrance of the church, blushing at the looks I got. I knew I wasn’t dressed appropriately for this. I kept my eyes down and followed an older couple inside the church.

I tightened the blanket around my shoulders I looked around inside. It was wonderful. Beautiful. There were stain glass windows that lined the walls. The wooden bench rows lined up behind each other, facing the front. The crucifix hanging on the wall made me swallow. Church was much different on the inside than it was on the outside. I saw some people kneeling in the front of the church, praying. I bit my lip and turned away. I looked to one side of me where two people were waiting outside a door. I wasn’t sure what they were waiting for. I knew it was none of my business. To the left of me was a display of candles. Some were lit and some were not. I watched as a young lady walked over and lit a candle before bowing her head.

I moved to the corner as more people entered. I felt out of place. I didn’t want to be in their way. As the last few people trickled in, the choir began singing. They were magnificent. The sound was more beautiful inside than it was outside and I thought that was pretty hard to beat. It made me smile. I looked around the lobby, realizing I was alone. I bit my lip and walked over to the display of candles. I looked at them a moment, choosing the best one I could find before lighting it. I lit it for DJ. I bowed my head as I had seen the woman do earlier.

I couldn’t continue. It was harder than I had thought it would be. As soon as I started, the tears filled my ears. I shook my head and quickly left the church.

I walked back to the lodging house and up the fire escape on the side of the building. I sat on the edge of the roof, holding the thin blanket around me. Was I being silly about all of this? DJ’s death. Was I taking it too seriously? Did I have a reason to be upset because he was gone? He was caring and sweet. And he actually had interest in me. Me. Boring, shy, quiet me. We had went to dinner and I loved it. I knew I wanted to be with him. He had enjoyed it as well. He gave me a flower. I fell for him. I really liked him and Gears had told me he really liked me as well. He had a lot of friends here though, but it seemed like I was the only one that couldn’t get past it. Of course. I felt stupid.

It’s not like it controls my life or anything, that’s not what I mean. I’m upset yes, but I push through the day, looking forward to the next. I’m trying to get past DJ’s death like the others here have. I even went to dinner with Cal the night before.

Dinner with Cal had been different. Different in a good way though. He had asked me and I accepted. He took me to a nice restaurant In Graves’ End. After a short walk though, he took me to a small hotel. I started worrying when I noticed there was only one bed in the room. The night had gone so well, I really didn’t want it to end the way I thought it would. He had kissed me and the thought that popped in my head was Brendan. But Cal stopped. He knew I was uncomfortable and he stopped. He let me take the bed while he slept on the floor. The night had still been amazing. The best part, I didn’t have nightmares about DJ that night. I wasn’t sure what that meant.

I shut my eyes, letting a tear fall. There I go again. Getting upset at the thought of DJ. What was wrong with me? I tried so hard everyday to not think about. Even Hummer seemed to be doing better. I sighed softly and bit my lip. I pulled my legs back over the ledge and stood up. I tightened my grip on the blanket and went back down the fire escape and to the bunkroom.

“Thanks Tiptoe. If I’m not home, you can just put her in my bunk or something.” Smudge smiled and hurried down the street.

I watched him for a moment before looking back down at Mellie. I brushed the snow away from her blanket and pulled it over her head. I had only sold fifteen papers or so and now I couldn’t finish. He didn’t understand how hard it was to sell papers when you had to watch a baby and deal with people looking at you. The girl with the baby and no husband, selling papers. It humiliated me the way the upper class women walked by me. But I couldn’t say anything. Smudge was my friend and so was Charity. I was doing it for them. I shut my eyes for a moment and shifted Mellie in my arms as I picked up the rest of the papers I had to sell.

As I passed the church, I watched some of the choir boys walk in. Choir practice. They had it every day at the same time. I loved listening to them. They were very good. Especially because it was the Christmas season. I held Mellie closer as a gust of wind pasted by. It was getting late and since I got Melanie, I had only sold about twenty more. It wasn’t a lot. I wasn’t making a lot of money lately with watching Mellie. I set the rest of the papers against the wall of the church and made my way around to the back. I sat on the steps with Mellie in my lap and listened to the choir warm up before they started singing.

I looked in a cabinet for a pot to make hot chocolate in. It was a rare night where I didn’t have Mellie. Smudge had kept her all day. I think it’s because I tried to sell in a different place today. It made me feel horrible though.

I heard someone walk into the kitchen and glanced over. It was Charity. I smiled at her. “Good evening Charity.”

“Hey Tiptoe. What’re you up to?”

“Nothing really. How are you doing?”

“Pretty good I guess. Sold with Smudge, still gotta talk to him though. Did you hear he got another job?”

“He did? That’s great. I know he was hoping to get one.”

Charity nodded a bit. “And he did. At a bookstore.”

“He should like that. So he can take care of you and Mellie.”

“Yeah I made the mistake of telling him I wanted to leave this place last night though.” She shrugged. “He’s gonna be needing us to watch Mellie when he’s working…”

“Oh.” I figured he would. “Well, I don’t mind watching her.” I got a pot out and filled it with water. “Does he know it was a mistake?”

I saw her shake her head. “No. Wanted to tell him while we were selling but I just forgot I guess.

“Did he seem excited about it?”

“Very…”

I looked at her and bit my lip. “I um,” I didn’t know how to say it without being mean. “I-I think you three should stay here longer..”

“I want to. Why do you want us to?”

I shook my head. “Nothing. I don’t know.”

“No, come on…tell me.”

“No, it’s nothing.” I smiled some. “I just think you should. For a little bit.”

Charity nodded and ran her hand through her hair. “Yeah…”

I bit my lip slightly, hoping I didn’t make her mad. “Would you like some hot chocolate?”

“I don’t really like hot chocolate.”

“Really? Oh, sorry. Would you like something else?”

“No, I’m fine,” she said and searched the cabinets for her flask.

“All right. Are you going to watch Mellie for Smudge anytime?”

She nodded. “He said I could if I wanted to, yeah. That way you don’t always have to do it.” she smiled. Charity was so kind. I appreciated it a lot.

“Oh, I don’t mind watching her. But, you’ll like it.”

“I hope so. Only ever watched her once by myself before and that…didn’t go too well.”

I glanced at her. “Really?”

“Yeah…Got any tips for me?”

I smiled. “Mm, just listen to her. If she starts getting cranky or anything, she’s usually tired. Starts crying, she’s probably cold or hungry. She likes to be played with too.”

“How am I suppose to do all that stuff and sell too?”

I looked at her a moment. She didn’t realize how hard it actually was. “Mm, it’s hard sometimes. Usually she stays quiet though. Sometimes.”

“Oh..all right. Guess I can handle it, right?”

“I’m sure you can. Just don’t give up on it. Don’t get discouraged.”

“If I do though, will you mind taking her?”

“I don’t mind,” I shook my head. I wouldn’t tell her the truth.

“Thanks, Tiptoe.”

“You’re welcome.” I smiled a little and poured myself some hot chocolate.

“She’s getting big. Mellie.”

“She is. Almost crawling around a little.”

“Looks like Promise.”

I bit the inside of my cheek at the mention of Promise’s name. “She does. Does it bother you?” I knew how close Charity and Promise were.

“A little,” she nodded slightly.

“Don’t let it bother you too much. I suppose it’s like a little part of her stayed.”

“Yeah, so this way I get reminded of her everyday.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that…”

“Yeah, I know.”

Smudge was getting job. And as much as Charity meant to me, I knew she wouldn’t be able to watch Mellie. Not everyday. And I would be watching. Now it would be everyday with Smudge working. I felt like crying. I had barely made any money the past week when I watched her. I didn’t have enough saved up. I shut my eyes tightly and shook my head. They needed me to watch her and I was only thinking about myself. I was being selfish.

I smiled as I sat in the corner of the lobby in the church, listening to the choir. They were practicing the Christmas songs they sang on Christmas Eve. I pulled my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I tucked my hair behind my ear and leaned my head against the wall. The church was empty except for the boys singing.

“We will practice again Saturday and after mass on Sunday. Thank you boys.”

“Thank you Mr. Henderson.”

I slid farther into the corner and watched as they filed outside into the snow. I was glad they didn’t see me. I was probably not allowed to be in there when mass wasn’t going on. After a few minutes I got up and quickly made my way back home.

“You can come inside.”

I didn’t look up. If I didn’t look at him, maybe he would leave. I watched his brown shoes as they walked to the trash and put a bag in it. I wasn’t suppose to be here and now he was going to bring me inside so someone can yell at me for being here.

“You don’t have to sit out here. It’s rather cold.”

“I’m fine…” I whispered.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

“All right. Just, if you get too cold, you can come inside. We don’t mind. We’re just practicing.”

I nodded and looked away a little. “All right.” He didn’t move for a few seconds. But he finally went inside. I let out the breath I was holding and rubbed my face. I brushed the snow off of my shoes. He said I could come inside. Was he lying? Or just joking? I didn’t know. I bit my lip and stood up. I took a deep breath before opening the door and walking inside. I quietly walked along the side of the church, watching the choir. I sat down on the edge of the seat and folded my hands in my lap.

An hour later, they were finished. And I was warmer. You’d be surprised at how much warmer wood and a roof can make you. I fixed my hair a little and smoothed my skirt as I stood up. I made my way towards the door.

“Do you need someone to walk you home? It’s late.”

I stopped, but didn’t turn around. “No, it’s all right.”

“I don’t mind. Just give me a minute and I’ll walk you back.”

I was being trouble now. I was making him take me home. I did as he said though and I waited. He came back a few minutes later with his jacket, scarf and gloves. I stood up and smiled some at him. “You really don’t have to.”

“No, it’s fine,” he smiled as he draped the scarf over his shoulders. “My parents won’t mind if I walk you home,” he said as he walked out.

“It’s nice of you.” I followed him and folded my hands behind my back. “You’re very good.” I blushed. “I mean, the choir is…very good.”

“Thank you. We practice a lot. The Christmas Eve mass is usually the most important. Are you going?”

“I might, yes.” I smiled and nodded.

“Great. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Matthew by the way.”

“Kalandra.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Do you come to the church a lot?”

“Usually, yes,” I nodded.

“Do you always sit outside?”

I felt myself blush lightly. “Sometimes.”

“You don’t have to do that. Inside is much warmer,” he smiled. “It’s silly to sit outside when you can be inside.”

“I didn’t want to bother anyone.”

“Who would you bother?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Next time sit inside, all right?”

I nodded. “I will.” I looked up the street and saw the lodging house. “It’s right up ahead.”

Matthew nodded. “Well I hope you have a nice night. Hope to see you again Kalandra.”

I smiled and nodded as I opened the door. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Good night.”

“Good night.” I smiled more and shut the door, walking inside. I stopped when I saw people were in the lobby. Then I noticed the tree. “We got a tree…” I smiled.

Charity raised an eyebrow. “Who was that?”

I bit my lip and blushed more. “No one. When did we get a tree?”

“Just now. Frog got it,” she answered. I felt her watching me. “Come on, tell us.”

Empire grinned slightly. “Tiptoe and someone sitting in a tree…k-I-s-s-I-n-g…”

I felt blood rush to my face so quick, I couldn’t hide it. “He was just walking me home.”

“Well come on, tell us his name and what he looks like and all,” Charity pressed.

“Aw, come on Tiptoe. We gotta look out for you! Ya know! So if he hurts you…he has to deal with me!” Charity and myself laughed as Empire stood up and puffed out his chest, trying to look big and tall.

I rubbed my hands together to get them warm. “He um, his name is Matthew.”

“Matthew, all right. Looks?”

I smiled and shrugged slightly. “He has blonde hair and um, he’s a little taller than me..”

Empire smirked. “Ohh..a blondie!”

“Best kind.” Charity agreed.

As they started debating Empire’s hair, I quietly slipped into the kitchen for a drink. I was glad the attention was off of me. As I walked back out, I sat against the wall with my drink. “It was nice of Frog to get us a tree.”

“I know. And string all this popcorn for it.” Charity shook her head a little then looked back at me. “Tell us more about this guy.”

I blushed a little. “What do you want to know?”

“How’d you meet?” She bit her lip slightly and hesitated a moment. “He anything like…Brendan?”

I looked at her when she mentioned Brendan. I shook my head. “Oh, not at all. He seems very nice. I actually just met him tonight.” I blushed and shook my head at the way that sounded. “That’s so silly of me…”

“What’s so silly of you? Meeting a guy?”

“I don’t know…I was at the church and he offered to walk me home.”

Charity raised an eyebrow at the statement. “Church?” She watched me nod and look down to the ground. “Church guys are good. Right?”

“He seems nice.” I smiled at the thought. “He’s in the choir.”

Charity laughed. “He sings?!” she shook her head. “You gotta bring this guy over.”

I looked at her, not really knowing why she was laughing. Was it bad? Should I not see him? “Is that bad?”

“Oh, course not.”

“If I see him again, I’ll bring him over.”

“Good,” Charity grinned. “I’m sure you’ll be happy together. Two church-goers…probably have a lot in common.”

Suddenly, I felt bad. What was I doing? “I don’t know. Is it wrong of me? With Matthew? I mean, with DJ and Cal…”

Charity frowned a little and shrugged. “Are you and Cal a couple?”

I shook my head a little. “No, I don’t think so. But he took me to dinner and all.”

“Dinner’s nothing.”

“Oh, right…” I nodded a little. Of course she was right. Charity would know. “So you don’t think he’ll mind? I don’t want to upset him.”

“No, I don’t think he’ll mind at all.”

“Good.” I smiled some and nodded. Charity always knew what to say. She knew more about relationships than I did. I’m glad I could ask her about those things so I could know more as well.

I shifted the child in her arms. I brushed her damp hair out of my eyes and glanced up and down the street. When I was sure it was clear, I quickly crossed the street. I passed a street vendor selling fruit and sighed. I was hungry and could feel my stomach begging me for food. But I was hardly selling any papers. I was making no money and couldn’t afford to spend it on me. Besides, it would soon be time for Mellie to have lunch and I would have to get that for her. She was more important. I had to make sure she ate or Smudge would be upset with me. Him and Charity. Mellie came first and I fully knew that.

I turned around and went make the fruit vendor. I pulled out some change and paid for two apples. I shifted Mellie as I took the apples and headed back towards the lodging house.

I walked into the kitchen and set Mellie on the floor. I peeled the apple and cut it into small slices. I mashed the apple until it was in all right for Mellie to eat it without choking. I picked her up and sat down at the table with her in my lap as I began to feed her.

I looked up as Hummer entered the kitchen. I smiled at him. “Good afternoon.”

“Hi Tiptoe,” he smiled and began looking through the cabinet for something to munch on. He took notice of the second apple I had bought, sitting on the counter. He picked it up and wiped it off with a towel before taking a bite. I put on a smile, not letting him know I had bought it in the intention that I was going to eat it.

“Are you already finished selling?” I asked him politely. I looked back at Mellie and smiled some, playing with her hair.

“Not yet. I just stopped by for a quick snack. I should be heading back. I’ll see later maybe. Maybe tonight.”

I nodded and smiled. “Tonight. Good luck Hummer.”

“Thanks,” he smiled and left out the back door of the kitchen. I sighed a little to myself and finished feeding the child.

“Come on Mellie. We have to sell some more.”

I quietly sat down and smoothed the wrinkles from my skirt. I looked up at the choir as they were practicing. He glanced over at me and flashed a smile. I blushed slightly and looked at my lap.

Matthew shrugged his coat over his shoulders and smiled. “Enjoy it?”

I smiled and nodded politely. “I did, yes. You sound very ready for Christmas.”

“We are, or I think so,” he smiled. “May I walk you home?”

He always asked me if he could. I always accepted. I thought it was sweet of him to offer when he did not have to. I nodded. “Yes, thank you. I mean, if you want to…”

“I do. My parents won’t mind,” Matthew told me. He offered his arm to me, which I politely took.

Matthew was different than any of the other guys I had known. Of course, the first difference was that he lived with his parents. But that was only the beginning. He was very big in church activities. He went to everything possible. I am not use to going to church all the time and participating in things of the topic, but lately, I find myself at the church doors wanting to go inside. He is smart too. He goes to school, which is more than I can say for myself. My mother was never able to send me to school. I don’t think she really cared though. He has big plan for the future. He wants to go to an university. He told me his parents want him to be a priest, but he is leaning more towards being a lawyer. His parents are supporting him on that idea though. I find that wonderful. I think he would be very good at either one of those occupations.

He has been a big difference in my life this past month. He is a gentleman and does not expect things from me, like Brendan had. I really am not use to it, to tell the truth. I appreciate it though. He has not tried to kiss me yet either, which is very different. He simply walks me home, bids me goodnight as he tips his hat, and walks back to his home. Sometimes there is a small kiss on the cheek. I think I really like him though and the feeling is mutual. I have not met his parents yet, but they obviously did a very good job on raising their son. They must be wonderful people. I really wanted to thank them.

“Kalandra? Are you feeling all right?”

I looked to Matthew and smiled. I nodded and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “I am, yes.” The truth was, I was not feeling too well. I had been feeling tired and frail the whole week. It was partly due to the fact that I had not been eating as much. I was too busy feeding Mellie during the day and making sure she was taken care of. I was responsible for watching her for Smudge and Charity and I wanted them to trust me with her. Her needs came before mine and I was aware of that.

It was Christmas Eve and Matthew was walking me home from midnight mass. It had been just delightful. Matthew had done a wonderful job in the choir, and so had the other boys. They had practiced so hard that they deserved it. The priest did an excellent mass and I was happy that I went. It made me feel better.

Matthew had offered to walk me home again after it was over. I briefly had the opportunity to see his parents. He had went to tell them that he would be home later and that he was walking me home.

They seemed so happy. They were the perfect image of the family life that I had imagined for so long. His mother was slipping on her coat, with the help of her husband. She straightened his scarf and his tie for him afterwards. They both had smiles on their faces. They looked at each other with love for one another, as if nothing could break them apart. It was probably true. No one could. They looked at Matthew as if he was the son they had always wanted. It reminded me in pictures I saw in the windows of stores. The happy family standing inside of their warm, cozy home. I never had that warm, welcoming family that I had dreamt about.

“I’m glad that you could make it tonight,” he told me.

“So am I. Everything was so beautiful.”

Matthew nodded and smiled. “Every year it’s different. Last year was not as good though. In my opinion.”

I smiled and stood my the steps to the lodging house. I shivered slightly and closed my eyes for a moment.

“Kalandra? Are you sure you are feeling all right?”

“Mmhmm.,” I nodded. “I’m just fine, thank you though. And thank you for the walk home.”

It was my pleasure, really. Will I be able to see you at some other time?”

“Of course.”

“I am not sure I can see you tomorrow. My parents and I are going to my grandparents. They live east of here, in Midwood. But maybe the next day we can get together.”

“That sounds lovely. I hope you have a nice time.”

“Thank you. I wish the same for you. Good night.”

“Good night.” He waited until I got inside and he knew I was safe before heading back to his home.

For the next two days, I began feeling worse. I did not tell anyone though because I didn’t want them to worry. They have more important things to do, I know that.

Matthew was worried though. I saw him the day after Christmas. He greeted me with a flower, which I gratefully accepted. I thought it was very sweet of him. I was taking care of Mellie that day as well. Smudge had to work, which I can understand. I did not mind. Matthew and I had taken a walk in the park and he was no walking me back home.

“Kalandra, you don’t seem any better,” he mentioned.

“Oh?” I smiled and shook my head. “It must be the cold weather. I’m fine, really. Please don’t worry.”

“All right. If you are not feeling well, tell me. We can sit down someone and rest for a little bit.”

I shifted the young child in my arms and smiled at him. “Thank you, but I’m fine.” I blinked a few times, trying to get my vision back to normal. My head was aching, but I tried to forget about it. I pulled Mellie’s hands away from my shirt and it was the last thing I remembered.

I stirred at the coldness I felt on my forehead. I shut my eyes tight and shivered some.

“Dear?”

The voice was soothing, yet unfamiliar. I swallowed some and opened my eyes.

The woman smiled at me. “Here, I’ll help you sit up. I made you some soup. It’s still warm.” She reached over next to the bed and grabbed a bowl, holding it in her hand with a rag. I pushed myself up a little.

“You didn’t have to.” I told her quietly.

“Nonsense, dear.” she smiled. “We brought you back here in order to get better and that’s what we will do.”

“We?” I looked at her. Who was ‘we’? Where was I? Someone kidnapped me, I know it. Why were they being so nice? Mellie… where was Mellie? I looked around the room, not seeing the child anywhere. I am so irresponsible. Smudge and Charity trusted me with her and look what I do. I felt terrible.

“Matthew and my husband,” the lady smiled and held the spoon full of soup out to me.

I relaxed some, knowing Matthew had brought me back to his house. I obediently ate the soup and sat back a little. I bit my lap. “Mellie. I had a baby with me. Is she…”

Matthew’s mother interrupted me with a cheerful laugh. “Oh, she’s here. Of course she is, dear. She is in the living room with Matthew and Mr. Alder. You do not have to worry about that.”

“Oh, thank you.” I smiled and took another sip of the soup.

“May I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” I nodded.

“The child. Is she yours?”

I looked up at her and shook my head. “Oh, no. I was only watching her today for my friends.”

“Ah, I see.” She seemed more relaxed at the fact I was not the mother. I was not sure why though. Maybe because I was not married. Or that I was becoming involved with her son. Would you call it being involved? I was not sure. I smiled and finished the soup, hoping the topic had ended there.

“Thank you for the soup.”

“Well, you’re quite welcome, dear. You haven’t eaten in a while. You were weak. I could tell.”

“I guess I just forgot…” I told her quietly.

“Well, try not to forget anymore, all right? It’s not good for you.”

I nodded. “I know.” I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s quite all right, dear. You need your rest as well. I will ask Matthew to bring Mellie back to the place you are staying. I don’t want them to worry about you or the child.”

“Thank you.”

She leaned over and kissed my forehead after I laid back down. I watched her walk out and smiled to myself. She was so caring. Matthew was lucky to have a loving, caring mother like her. I liked her. I liked her whole family. I knew things would be all right. Never give up. I could trust them all and I feel content with that.