Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Thinking that my parents' car accident had happened over a decade ago, I let out a mocking laugh. "Is this necessary?"

"In case anything comes up, it'll be easier to contact you," he replied. His response was unexpected.

What could possibly come up after all this time? Still, I left my phone number as he had requested and then left.

With the death confirmation certificate in hand, I still needed the cremation certificate. I could only turn to Zack, but he was still ill, so I had to go to Bree instead.

"Maddie, what brings you here?" Bree was more surprised than pleased to see me.

"Bree, I have something to discuss. Let's talk inside," I said. I didn't know if it was from running around so much lately because of Ellie or my period, but I felt weak and a bit dizzy today. "Oh, sure. Let's sit over in the gazebo; it's stuffy inside," Bree said while linking her arm with mine.

I went along without thinking much of it. She had already called the housekeeper. "Xena, bring some fruit and the oatmeal I just made over to the gazebo."

Xena acknowledged, and Bree turned to me. "Maddie, you don't look well. Are you sick?"

"It's my period." I used that as an excuse.

cramps? The oatmeal will warm you up nicely. I'll ask Xena to add some sugar to

stood up.

chat, so I stood up as well. "Bree, I have something to take care

out of my bag. "Bree, I need to close my parents' records, but I still need the

records?" A flash of shock crossed Bree's eyes, followed by a look of sympathy.

"My parents' house is going to be demolished. I can only sign off on it once

Zack's drawer. I'll go get it for you.

with her and grab the document before leaving immediately. But now, it felt awkward to insist on

to the porridge. It will make it taste better. Maddie's not feeling well because of her period." The housekeeper nodded and brought over the oatmeal first. She told me to wait a moment while she went to get the brown sugar, but I stopped her and said, "No need,

be upset. She

the housekeeper was afraid of being scolded by Bree, so I didn't stop her

2/2

waited, Xena returned with the brown sugar, added it to

sugar tasted great. I had plenty of it