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."

the milkshakes while chatting. "Mae, where were you? Bran got worried and went looking for you after he finished with the

ran into a friend on my

have so many friends. I

so friendly. You'll make lots of

all. Mae..." "Mae?" Ellie waved her hand in front of my face. "What's wrong? You look like you're not

Ellie called out to the kitchen. "Bran, come

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

his hand 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

that upset you?" he

family is giving up on her, and Charles is really upset. It's tough

with Emma's condition, it seemed like holding on might not make a difference. Brandon didn't say anything,

look after ourselves, too," I said, holding his arm tighter and glancing

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

"She's very