Chapter 8

Christian

When Max told me they were going to the graveyard, I had to come and see them. I feel like an intruder looking in on their private moment. I am relieved when they both smile and walk away from the grave hand in hand. This is going to be an uphill battle that I have fully prepared for. She will not get an option to say no to me because I intend to play dirty.

The grandparents have been taken care of. The legalities of the probate and insurance funds will be done by the end of next week.I want her sole focus on us and not the other shit that has been plaguing her all these months.

I discreetly follow them from a safe distance and watch as they sit on the benches at the entrance. With all the flower displays, it looks more like a park than a graveyard. I don’t want them travelling on the Tube. I give them one last look before I make my way towards the side entrance.

It isn’t long before I see them coming out onto the street. I stand up straight and walk towards them.

Jasmine sees me first, and she pulls Bella a little closer towards her.

“Mr Hayes.”

I smile at her before smiling at Bella.

“Hello.”

She looks at the flowers in my hand, and she relaxes her stance slightly.

“Are you going inside?”

“Yes. Just a quick visit. Are you going home?”

“Yes. We were just leaving.”

“Why don’t I give you a lift? It’s on route and I was going to call you regarding the building. I’ve just been busy this week.”

“Um. Sure. We can wait by the entrance for you.”

“Oh good. I won’t be long.”

We walk through to the entrance and I can see Bella peeking at me with curiosity. She looks exactly like her mother. Her nose, the shape of her chin and her hair. Her eyes are a bright green like her fathers.

“How was your day, Bella?” I ask her.

She hides her face against her mother’s legs.

“It’s okay, baby. You can speak to Mr Hayes.”

“Please, call me Christian.”

“Why are you so big?” She pokes her head out and looks up at me.

“My grandfather was tall. My dad is tall, too.So that made me tall. But why are you so short?”

She giggles, making me smile.

“I’m only three, silly.” She said while sticking four fingers up before she turns one down with her other hand.

Jasmine smiles down at Bella.

“I won’t be long. Just stay here.” I said as we reach the benches I saw them on earlier.

“No. Take your time.”

Yeah, not happening.

I rush off to find a flowerless grave. I find an ancient looking one that doesn’t look as if it has been visited for a while.

“I’m sorry for lying. But if you’re in heaven, then please send me some good luck.” I look around me to see if there is anyone around before laying the flowers on the ground.

I look up at the sun shining in the sky.

My eyes go towards the entrance. It’s taken me a while to lay everything out. I can only hope my mother doesn’t mess this up for me. This is a good start to the weekend. I stride towards the entrance, where I find my girls waiting for me.

Like a stage three clinger, I stayed at her home until she invited me to stay for dinner. As the hours went by, she eventually relaxed.

Jasmine made spaghetti bolognaise for Bella. It’s her favourite. I could tell why. Her hair, face, hands and mouth were covered in the tomato sauce.

“Do you like farm animals, Bella?” I ask as she demolishes her dinner.

She nods excitedly.

“We went to a farm with the entire class. It smelled a little poopy.”

I can feel Jasmine’s eyes on me. She has been doing a lot of that. I know she is wary of me.

“My parents have lots of animals like they do on a farm. Would you like to meet them?”

Her eyes widen as if I told her the greatest thing in the world.

“Your mum and dad live on a farm?”

“It’s not quite a farm, but they have lots of animals.”

“Mummy, can we go?”

“Baby, I don’t thi…”

“My parents would love to have you over, especially Bella.” I cut her off. “We can go tomorrow if you don’t have any plans.”

“Oh. Yes! Mum, can we? Please?”

Jasmine glares at me for a moment before looking at Bella. Her face softens as she sees Bella’s excitement.

“Sure, baby. As long as it’s no trouble for your parents, Mr Hayes.” She said to Bella before looking over at me.

“Christian. It’s no problem at all. I can pick you both up tomorrow morning.” I grin at her.

“I need to give Bella a bath and get her ready for bed.” She said before staring at me.

I look at her innocently.

“I can wait. I’ve just realised I forgot to tell you about the building situation. Can I say goodnight to her before she goes to bed?”

She looks slightly surprised before she slowly nods her head. She looks slightly flustered as she picks Bella up and rushes out of the kitchen.

Bella waves her small red hand at me. I give her a small wave back.

She is definitely on my side now. I just have to thaw her mother out a little more.