Page 30 of Absolution

"You might just be the oddest, coolest person I know."

"I think you might be right." She tilts her head in thought.

Gena, another tech here, pops her head in the door. "Scar... a German Shepard was just brought in; I think he's gotten into a bee's nest."

"Amy--" By the time I'm out of my chair, she's out the door. She can practically read my mind, except when it comes to men. She's utterly daft in that arena.

"I've got you...go!"

Afternoon turns into evening, and once again, I'm dragging my ass home as the sun falls into the ocean. The pinks and blues play so well with the purple sky at night.

Like every other day, my mood completely changes once my home comes into view just ahead of me. I smile, knowing my safe harbor is close, my beacon in the storm awaits me.

A low murmur welcomes me as I walk down the hall. I pause at the door, hoping to eavesdrop on the private conversation. When I can't make anything out, I slowly push the door open.

"Well, hello there." A smile breaks across her face, filling my heart with so much joy. Three steps later, I lean over and pull her into my arms.

She lays her hand on my face, gazing into my eyes. "Momma."

"How are you, beauty?" I nestle her into my arms, sitting in the rocker beside her bed. "How was your day? I missed you."

"She's a dream, the best baby ever." Michelle leans against the frame, smiling at us. She's been a lifesaver from the moment she started working for me, I'd be lost without her.

"Thank you." I kiss the top of my daughter's head. "I'm sorry I'm so late; today was insane."

"It happens, I'm glad she stayed awake until you could get here." Michelle bends, grabbing her purse from the floor. "I'll see you two tomorrow."

I run my finger over my baby's cheek, missing her from the mere thought of leaving again. "Actually, I'm taking the day off. We're going to spend the day together and let someone else carry the weight of the world."

"Good for you! It's about time you make the others work as hard as you do. What's the point of owning the place if you never get to enjoy life?" Michelle beams at me, reassuring me of my decision.

"They'll have to tomorrow because we're going to have some fun." I stand and follow Michelle to the door. "I'll be here Wednesday unless you need me sooner."

"Sounds nice. Be careful." We wait for her to pull out, waving goodbye to her as she goes. We shut and lock the door before heading back into the bedroom.

I place her in the pack-n-play and jump into the shower. After a quick wash, I hop out and dry off quickly. The babbling from the other room cracks me up as I hurry back.

"Hello, doll." I tiptoe over, picking her up before slipping into bed. "Let's break all the rules for a little while, I need all the good you can give me."

She snuggles close to me, twirling my hair around her finger. This is my happy place, my comfort zone, and I don't want to ever leave it. The world is cruel, and there's no love like that of a child.

"I love you, Emmie Kate," I whisper into her hair as we fall fast asleep.

Morning rolls around, and we decide to have a play date. I can't remember the last time I was able to take her, I miss it. Emmie is the light of my life, my best friend.

Until she's a teen anyway.

I pile her long, wavy red hair on top of her head, showcasing her blue eyes. White tee shirt and denim shorts with a plaid bandanna, and I dress to match. Because what's better than two redheads?

I send a quick text as we're about to leave the driveway. Emmie has family here, and it's been far too long since she's seen them. When I was younger, life was perfect when my cousins came over to play.

Scarlet: Hey! Can we be pests today?

Reese: WHAT? You have the day off?

Scarlet: I played hooky.

Reese: The door is always open.