Page 231 of Unravelling The Beast

After a long soak in Arlo’s tub and changing into an orange dress with my white sneakers and my hair in a long ponytail, I hurry downstairs to see if Arlo and Cree have returned home yet.

The front door opens just as I reach the foot of the stairs, and I stop to watch as Arlo enters with Cree in his arms.

Cree and I exchange big smiles, and as Arlo takes him towards the living room area, he motions with his head for me to follow.

I’m confused, but I follow anyway, and as we enter, Arlo sits on the couch with Cree on his knee, and I take a seat opposite nearby.

Arlo gives Cree a tender grin and Cree returns it, and I just stare between them both as Arlo begins to speak.

“Wren told me you asked her if she was my girlfriend today."

I straighten up and fidget a little, now well aware of where this is heading. Cree gives his dad a shy smile with his finger in his mouth but remains mute so Arlo continues.

“Do you know what a girlfriend is?”

Cree pauses for a moment, searching his dad’s eyes, before answering.

“Aunt Sara said it’s when you love someone lots and they are your girlfriend.”

Arlo smiles at him, and I’m in awe of both of them.

“That’s exactly what it is. You only offer your heart and love to someone who offers the same back, and this means you will love each other for the rest of your lives. Through the good and the bad times, they will love you no matter what.”

Cree gives him a small nod before he looks my way.

“So, Wren is your girlfriend?”

I give him a closed smile and then glance at Arlo as he responds, his eyes peering into the depths of my soul.

“She is, but she’s so much more than a girlfriend to me. She not only helps and looks after you, Cree, but she also helps me too.”

Cree’s eyes meet Arlo’s and I have to stop a sob from forming in my throat.

“You don’t need help, daddy! You’re big and strong!”

Arlo pulls his eyes away from me and returns to Cree as he responds, now speaking seriously.

“Even the strongest of us cannot always be strong, Cree. We try to act it out, but it only makes us weaker in the end. Having and allowing someone you love and trust into your life to help you during times of struggle is what makes you strong. Accepting love when you don’t want it makes you strong, and returning it in the darkest of times makes you invincible.”

I look down at my hands on my lap as my eyes well up with tears when I hear Cree speak.

“You love her, Daddy?”

I lift my wet eyes to see them looking at each other and Arlo gives him a soft smile.

“A lot.”

“She helps you be stronger?"

Arlo inhales deeply before nodding to him.

“Everyday.”

Cree’s eyes meet mine and I give him a soft smile while he continues to question Arlo.

“Does that mean she is my mommy now?”

My eyes meet Arlo’s quickly and he is already looking at me.

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