HIRAETH

Three

The following morning was a late one. After driving all the way here and staying up past midnight, I slept until 11am. Oops.

I woke up to my phone ringing.

"Hello?" my voice came out rough and I didn't even bother opening my eyes to see who was calling.

"Well, good morning sleepy head." Sebastian laughed on the other side of the phone and my eyes flew open. "Did I wake you?"

"Oh. No I've been up for a little bit."

"Lying to me already?" He laughed.

"Guilty." I say as I also let out a small laugh.

"Do you have any plans for today?" He asks.

"You are literally the only person I know here, Sebastian." I throw my covers off my legs and place my feet on the floor.

"You know my daughter too." He's got me there.

Sebastian invites me over for breakfa- well, I guess it would be considered lunch at this point. I should've set an alarm.

I told him I would be over in about 30 minutes, which gives me enough time for a quick shower. I let the hot water roll over my shoulders and down my back for a while just enjoying the warmth. New York is much colder and while I usually enjoy the cold, I wasn't prepared for it this morning.

After my shower, I dry my hair just enough that it isn't dripping water and brush it out. It reaches just to wear my breasts begin and I'm starting to wish I had never cut it. Typical.

I have to dig through my dresser to find clothes and settle for flare cut jeans and a white knit sweater.

I check the clock and I realize I don't have time to put on makeup. My skin is pretty clear thankfully.

While I'm waiting for Sebastian to open his door, my phone rings.

"Hey, mom." I say smiling. I missed her already.

"Hey! How is everything?" She sounds so happy.

"Everything is good. Sebastian and his daughter are very nice and have been very welcoming."

"Good." She says and Sebastian's door swings open and he motions me in.

"I will call you later though okay? I love you." I tell her as I walk in to his apartment.

"Okay, Love you. Be safe." She says and we hang up.

As soon as my phone is in my pocket, Aurelia runs from her room and wraps her little arms around my right leg.

"Mimi!" she says excitedly.

"Hello, beautiful girl!" I smile and laugh as I run my fingers through her still wild hair. "Has your daddy not fixed your hair today?"

"Nope." She pops her lips.

"Well, lets do something about that. Would you like for me to braid it?" I ask as I crouch down to her level.

"YES!" She says as she bounces up and down which makes both Sebastian and I laugh.

"Okay. Okay. Come on." I say walking towards her bedroom.

I sat on the edge of her bed with her hairbrush and two elastics. Aurelia sat in the floor in front of me and I gave her two French braids on the top of her head and leave the rest down so that her ears don't get cold.

When I finish, she runs to her little vanity in the corner and squeals at her reflection.

"Thanks!" She says as she flings her arms around me and runs out of her room to show Sebastian.