When I'm Gone

Kate's POV

Tomorrow was a big day for Olivia and I. I wasn't quite prepared for it, but to be honest I never am ready for it. This will be the first time that we will be doing by ourselves. I always hated those days. So today, was going to be a fun day. I was taking Olivia to the park close to our house to play.

It was a crisp autumn day so we just needed pants and a warm sweater.

Of course we had a foot race.

Of course I let Olivia win.

We dance along the sidewalk, holding hands, me spinning her around. Spinning is her favorite thing. We kick leaves together. We laugh.

We separate once we get to the park. It's like all the sudden she's embarrassed to be around her mom, she's all the sudden a 13 year old. I laugh to myself and sit on an open park bench watching her play with the other little kids.

I thought about Louis. I've never connected so quickly to someone since James. I kept reminding myself that we would never meet, he was happy with his girlfriend, and I wasn't the type of girl to break up a relationship, that just wasn't me. But I found myself smiling when I thought about him. Thinking of his smile and the things he said to make me laugh, I wish I could re-connect with him again but this was how it was suppose to be.

Soon a mom and young daughter who looks to be around Olivia's age arrives at the park. Olivia comes running to me, asking me to fix her hat and the mom sits on the same bench as I do. Olivia instantly turns to her daughter and asks her to play. They run off holding hands, it's great to be three and to hit it off with someone so easily.

The mom and I start laughing as I turn to her, “I'm Kate, that's my daughter Olivia.” I hold my hand out for her to shake.

“Lou, that's my daughter Lux. Seems like they're the best of friends already.” We laugh and look at the girls.

“I'm afraid that's how Olivia always has been, eager to make friends with new people.”

“So you new in London?” She asks.

“Did my non accent give it away?”

“Just a bit. What do you do here?” We continue to look at the girls, occasionally glancing at each other.

“I actually just stay with Olivia, I used to be a cosmetologist back in the states but I'm not up for that anymore.”

“No way. I'm a cosmetologist.” She laughs. She seems super easy to get along with.

“Small world!”

“Mommy!!” Olivia comes running to me. “Lux wants to play Marco Polo!” She laughs.

“She does?” I ask standing up. “Well then we should play! Shall I be it?”

“Yes mommy!” She laughs and runs grabbing Lux's hand.

“You want to play?” I turn to Lou and she hops right up and agrees. I close my eyes and start yelling “Marco!” waiting to hear Polo and chasing after the girls.

“Mommy I'm so tired of walking.” Olivia complains and I pick her up without her asking, I know sometimes it's hard for little legs to keep up.

“Never fear, mommy is here.” I spin her around.

“I like Lux and her mommy.” She whispers in my ear, she can't really whisper but she's at least trying.

“I like them too.” So much so that Lou and I exchanged numbers and plan to meet up sometime next week for dinner, grown up time that I've been slacking for a long time. She has a friend who will be able to watch the girls. “Lets go home and have soup. Sound good?” Olivia nods her head. “Then we have to get lots of rest before tomorrow.”

“Are you all ready to go stinky butt?” I bend over to kiss Olivia's nose.

“Stinky butt!” She giggles and covers her mouth.

I help her put her sparkly red Mary Jane's on, she's always wanting to dress up, I guess like me. These are her favorite shoes, thankfully it's still autumn, no snow yet so she can wear them with her skinny jeans and cream polka dot sweater. We kind of match, Olivia picked out for me to wear my favorite brown flats so I paired them with my mint skinny jeans and sheer white top.

I throw my go to tan coat on and get her red peacoat on.

“Ready fredy?” I smile. She's too much fun to tease sometimes.

“Yes mommy.” She rolls her eyes, already starting with that.

I grab our bags and carry them to the back of the SUV, toss them in and strap Olivia into her carseat. Sooner then I'd like to think, we're off.

“You want to stop at McDonalds and get a cheseburger?” I ask, her favorite. Cheesy burger, fries, and juice.

“With apple juice?” Her eyes light up.

“Yes ma'am!” These are the times I wish James was here. Well, I wish he was here all the time. But for some odd reason McDonalds was his favorite place, I've never been a fan so at least someone could take Olivia for me. I smile at the memory and turn up the radio as we drive. Olivia always likes to sing along.

“Are you ready for this?” Dottie asks looking up at me, gripping onto my hand.

“I guess this is nothing new for me.” I shrug my shoulders, trying to stop my knees from bouncing.

“She'll be in good hands! Don't worry. I'll be with her the whole time!” She pulls me in for a side hug as I wipe a tear away from my eye.

“I know, it just never gets any easier.” I choke out.

“I understand. But she'll be back before you know it.” Dottie smiles at me and takes Olivia away not before I kiss her on the forehead. Leaving me to my thoughts and ideas. All alone.

Notes

All will be explained soon.

And Lou and Lux will npt be added to the list of characters...just because Kate is a cosmotologist doesn't mean she'll be suddenly working with Lou and the boys. Not happening.

FRIDAY!!!

xoxxo