Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I didn't have any big problems with Brandon, just felt a bit uncomfortable about his secrets. But I couldn't tell Ellie about that. Her heart was delicate, and she was quick to worry. "No, everything's fine," I said with a smile. "You see how things are between Brandon and me."

Her eyes were so clear and bright that I almost felt like I would dirty them just by looking.

I put my hand up to gently cover her eyes. "Really, there's nothing wrong. If you're still worried, you can talk to Brandon when you get back."

"Mae," Ellie said, hugging my arm and resting her head on my shoulder, "if Bran ever does something wrong, just scold him or give him a hard time. But don't leave him." She spoke like she was pleading. I nudged her gently with my head. "Okay, I won't."

Ellie nodded and said, "Mae, I'll always support you."

Her worry was surprising. I didn't realize how much I meant to her until now. It was the first time I felt so important to someone.

"Mae," Ellie said suddenly, "if something bad happens to me, and you leave Bran too, he'll be really sad."

"Don't say that," I reassured her. "Nothing's going to happen to you."

could tell she was

placing obstacles in their path that they had no choice but to confront. I talked about the concert to change the subject from Ellie's sad mood. Just

still at your sister-in-law's room?" she

Carline. What do you

them up for Ellie," Lisa said.

come by," I said, happy for an excuse to

to Lisa's office, she had already packed the strawberries, plus some cherries and blueberries. Since Lisa was busy in the operating room, her assistant gave me the fruit. As I

and saw Charles. Before I could say anything, he took the bags from

help. I can manage," I said, though it was clear I was

something but stopped. Then,

ward on the 12th floor," I

there," Charles said, and he started walking

followed Charles for a moment, then asked, "How's your

tightened his grip on the fruit. "Still the