Second Chances

Shacking up

I've been enjoying Mildred's presence in the house, a lot actually. She goes to work and comes home everyday and it's a nice little routine I've gotten used to. It has been an adjustment however, as I've had to get used to cooking for two again, but I'm not complaining. She's always so appreciative and she makes breakfast, also cooking on the weekends when she has more free time.

Today has been pretty relaxed, Felix behaved all day and I'm thinking he's getting used to her being here too. She sleeps in my bed now as well, so I'm currently waiting on her to come out the bathroom. I search through Netflix for a good movie and end up on some cheesy romantic comedy.

It's more comedy than romance, considering it has Melissa McCarthy, so I'm pretty excited about it. I click on it and then put it on pause, wanting the wait for the redhead. After a few minutes, she exits the bathroom and walks over to her side of the bed. I watch as she pulls back the covers, sitting down a bit awkwardly. "Everything alright, my love?" I ask softly, "mhm" she hums and I decide not to push her on it just yet.

I press play and the movie begins but it doesn't take me long to notice she's not watching it so I pause it once more. "Lissie..." she sighs before I can say anything and her tone alone makes me not feel so good. "Yes?" I prompt, "what exactly are we doing?" she asks and I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

"I don't know what you mean... we're watching a movie?" I question innocently, "not literally—I mean... what are we doing? Because... well it feels like we're playing house or something and I- that's not what I want" she says and it takes me aback I can't lie. She sees the look of shock on my face and looks away towards her hands.

"Well I-I thought you were my girlfriend... I just guess I assumed that was clear but I see it wasn't" I whisper, "you want me to be your girlfriend?" she questions in the same tone. "If that's something you want too... of course" I answer, "are you sure?" she asks uncertainly. "Millie, what kinda question is that? Of course I'm sure!" I giggle and see her blush a bit.

"I was just checking..." she mumbles, "and would you want me to be your girlfriend? Just so we're clear" I tease and she nods quickly whilst chuckling. "Good, that's settled then. Now come cuddle with me please" I pout and she scoots closer to wrap me in her arms. "I love you, Felicity" she whispers and hugs me that extra bit tighter as she sighs deeply in content.

"I love you too" I confess into her chest, my voice muffled by the fabric covering her. "Do I have to ask Felix for permission?" she asks and I giggle at the seriousness with which she says it, "babe... he can't talk" I remind her. "I know that, of course. But he can still kind of... gesture if he doesn't approve" she reasons and I guess she's right.

"Trust me. He's more than ok with it" I assure her, "did he tell you that himself?" she asks and I lean up on my elbow so I can be face to face with her. "Haven't you seen the way he looks at you? It's like how I do... well not the exact same..." I whisper and she blushes, "but he loves you too" I promise her.

"You think so?" she questions softly, "I know so" I state and a smile grows on her face which eventually reaches her eyes. I start hearing babbles, speak of the devil I think to myself. I get up to go get him and based on the way he clings to me, I know he's not letting me leave him. I enter the bedroom again and Mildred is waiting for me, looking surprised to see Felix as well.

"Little man isn't going back down" I warn her and she pulls back the covers telling me silently to get in. I smile softly and lay down, setting him in between us. I position myself and go to grab him, only to see he's latched onto the redhead. "Ok, Feli, come on" I giggle as I gently try to pry him off but he won't budge. Mildred opens her mouth to speak, most likely to tell me it's fine, but is cut off by none other than the man himself.

"Ma-ma" he stutters out and my eyes widen in shock. He's on very rare occasions said words but most were unintelligible, though I got the gist. This is the first solid word he's said and I'm shocked by that alone. Then I realize what he's said and most importantly who he's said it to. My eyes dart to Mildred who looks down at him with tears in her eyes as she strokes his hair.

She looks at me and we both just look surprised in all honesty. Her eyes begging me to tell her what to do but I just shrug, disbelief preventing me from knowing what to say. "Well... mama it is I guess" she chuckles and I bite my lip to prevent the grin spreading on my face but it's unsuccessful. "That's his first word" I whisper as I hear him begin to drift off and she smiles widely.

"I'm... honored" she sighs softly, "I guess you're stuck with us now" I tease shyly. "There's no place I'd rather be" she whispers dreamily as she stares into my eyes. I lay down and scoot a bit closer, Felix still being in between us of course. "I have a little family" she breathes out, "yeah... you do" I mumble uncertainly as I wait for her to process it.

"I have a little family" she repeats more confidently, biting her lip as tears appear on her cheeks. I carefully wipe them away and she takes my hand with her free one and kiss the back, placing another on the little one's head. "Thank you... both of you" she glances down to Felix and giggles, "for showing me what love really is" she continues as she stares back at me.

She leans over to place a short but sweet kiss on my lips and then repositions so both her and Felix are comfortable. "I love you two... more than anything" she whispers into the dark, "we love you too, Millie" I say and hear her sigh contently before we both drift off.

The End