Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"The milkshakes are here," Brandon said as he entered, holding some fruits.

He didn't ask any questions, but I could tell that he knew something was wrong.

I was too upset to explain, so I just followed him into the room.

Ellie's face brightened when she saw me. "Mae, the milkshakes are here! I've been waiting for you to try them."

Brandon went straight to the kitchen with the fruits, and I watched him for a moment before going over to Ellie.

"Mae, I've got everything ready. I was just waiting for you to help with the milkshakes," Ellie said, putting several cups on the table.

I wasn't in the mood for milkshakes. "You don't have to share them. You can have them all to yourself."

"Really?" Ellie's eyes sparkled. "But I don't have that big of a belly."

"Mae, where were you? Bran got worried and went looking for you after he finished with

a friend on my

a milkshake and said, "You have so many friends. I want to make

replied, "You're so friendly. You'll

good! There are so many flavors. I want to try them all. Mae..." "Mae?" Ellie waved her hand in front of my face. "What's wrong? You look like

Ellie called out to the kitchen. "Bran,

with a bowl of cherries and a plate of strawberries. He looked worried as he set the fruit down and

pulling him to sit beside me. I leaned on him and rested my head on his shoulder. "I just went to see Emma Finnegan, Charles's mentor." Brandon knew about Emma from before, so

that upset you?" he

on her, and Charles is really upset.

ever be given up on," I thought, feeling the heaviness of the situation. But with Emma's condition, it seemed like holding on might

arm tighter and glancing at

out my other hand, and Ellie took it. "Mae,

me, "She's very ill and