Once Again

"Cassia Grey?!?" Louis' frantic outburst caused two identical sets of eyes to travel our way, game of Barbie's temporarily paused as their heads cocked sideways in confusion.

"Everything alright Uncle Lou?" Livi questioned, head traveling between the two of us.

"Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you, love. I am fine. Just hearing things." He did his best to give them a reassuring smile, before being brushed off as their game continued. He looked back at me, storm grey eyes wide with confusion and disbelief.

"Let's go to the kitchen." I left our current arragement on the den couch and let Louis match my pace as we traveled down the small hallway. Running my hands along the pictures on the wall I couldn't help but choke up.

Small ivory frames of the infant girls, and first steps. First day of pre-school. Pictures Laila had help put up, and all things that Cassia had missed out on.

"Did she tell you she was coming back?" His quiet voice shattered my thoughts, and I faced him shaking my head.

"No. I just ran into her two days ago at the coffeeshop. I don't even know why she'd bother coming back here. The whole town knows what she did." I grumbled, longing for the once familiar stress relief of a cigarette between my lips.

"Well El hasn't said anything. And I'm pretty sure Cassia would hit her up first since they were friends all through highschool. Unless she knows we're married now."

I shuffled my feet as I paced around the center island, a million thoughts running through my head before I collapsed onto the barstools.

"What if she tries to take the girls away mate? They don't even know her. All they know is Laila and- ugh Laila! I haven't even told her yet." I internally sent a fist to my face as Louis rested a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Look at me Harry. No, really. There is no way Cassia could take away the girls. She signed away her right to them in 2010, okay?"

"Yeah. Trust me I remember."

"And as for Laila; you should probably tell her. This isn't a secret you should keep from your fiancee. It isn't like you've done anything wrong, and I know Laila will understand."

"You're right. But how should I tell the girls?" I tried to picture how hard it would be to explain to them why their mommy left us.

" You don't have to. Not yet. Not unless it goes deeper then it is now. For all we know Cassia just stopped into town for a coffee and headed back out after she saw you."

The emotional weight somewhat was removed from my chest and allowed myself a small exhale, combing my hand through the chocolate curls falling into my face. Louis stared at me, concerned no doubt.

"I think I'm good. I'll probably talk to Laila when she gets home. Hopefully I have enough time to think of what to-" I was interrupted by the front door opening and the girls excitedly chattering Laila's name.

I fumbled with my hair, hurriedly shoving and retrieving my hands from my pockets. The clips of her high heeled shoes on the hardwood floor signaled her approaching and I bit my finger.

"Harry? You in here with Louis? I saw his car in the driveway." She grinned when she entered the room, wrapping Louis in a big hug before sliding over to me and tucking an arm around my waist.

"Hey Lai! How was work?" Louis smiled, peering over to me while her back was turned into the fridge, giving me a subtle thumbs-up.

"Ughh. My boss decided to be a bitc-umm...meanie today. I don't know if I can take much more for this day. But are you staying for dinner? We're gonna make pizzas...." She wriggled her eyebrows, motioning to the bag of mozzarella.

"Sorry. Eleanor and I were gonna go out for dinner. Already made the reservations and everything. Actually, I should probably be heading out now."

Laila pretended to be hurt, clinging to his shirt as he hugged her goodbye. When he came to me and we did our man shake, he leaned in a bit to whisper "Good Luck" in my ear.

When the front door closed, my chest tightened and I uneasily slid into one of the kitchen chairs.

"Oh man. I may need a foot massage later Harry. " Laila giggled as I half heartedly laughed along. She turned to face me reclining on the island with her elbows.

"Babe...I ummm....have something to tell you....."

Notes