Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

After Brandon left, I took a shower before laying down on the bed. Then, I picked up my phone.

Lisa had sent me a message with a photo attached. The photo showed Ellie sleeping soundly, and the message read, "Ellie is fine."

As expected of a close friend. I knew I could trust her to take good care of things.

I replied, "Thanks for your help."

Right after I hit the send button, Lisa's video call came through almost immediately. Had she been waiting for my reply?

Considering that she had just established a relationship with her crush, I figured that she was just eager to share the news with me. I answered the video call.

Lisa was lounging in her office chair, and her face was glowing with joy that was almost palpable through the screen. I teased her, "You can't hide that glow. It's written all over your face!" "Mrs. Howell, you're so poetic," Lisa said with a thumbs up.

I didn't play along. Thinking about her and Keith's progress, I couldn't help but tease, "Dr. Carline, you really know how to handle people."

"Do I?" Lisa replied with a faint smile.

I laughed. "Just agree to that statement."

else. I recalled the earlier scene and said, "Lisa, you have no idea how

you'd definitely throw yourself into

right?" she

so excited that you lost your mind back then?"

definitely excited, but I wasn't

"So, you

that." She sighed softly. "Maddie, I've liked him and been infatuated with him for years, but I've also told you that while I love him, I can't let it make me forget myself or make him think that his response is

advice. She had once said that my breakup with Chris was ultimately due to my

Lisa was new to

said

being a pro?" she

speaking to Keith and mimicked her, "Keith, I'm

laughed. "Wasn't

knees. That's why I say that you're smart. You know how

what

embarrassed. I had ten years of unrequited love and four years of a