Gillian smiled as she walked out of her office. She had just signed the divorce papers and was oddly happy. She saw Cal standing outside of the break room staring at Emily as she sat at a table sipping a chocolate shake and flipping through a magazine.
"So why is Emily in there and why are you studying her?" Gillian asked softly
"She called me bawling after school. Asked me to come pick her up" Cal began "I did and when I asked her what was wrong she told me that her mother had to leave suddenly on business and started crying again"
"And that chocolate shake?"
"It used to make her talk when she was little and it solved all problems"
"Cal, Emily is not 7 anymore. Let me talk to her"
Cal nodded and walked away. Gillian smiled as she walked into the break room and sat down across from Emily. The girl looked up and Gillian handed her a tissue.
"Hey kiddo" Gillian said "Why won't you tell your dad what's wrong?"
"He wouldn't understand" Emily replied "He's not a girl"
"Ok, you want to talk to me"
"Mom was supposed to take me shopping for my homecoming dress, and help me with my hair and makeup and now she's out of town until Monday"
"Oh Emily. Your right dads don't understand dresses and shoes and makeup and hair"
"I can't wear the dress I wore last year and it sucks"
"Well I have the afternoon free. Why don't we take your dad's credit card and go shopping?"
"Really? You would do that?"
"Emily, you are a very special young woman. I love you kid, I want to help. Lets go talk to your dad and then head to the mall"
Emily smiled and hugged Gillian before throwing away her shake and running to her dads office.