A/N: Another random chapter.

Chapter 9

"So, how soon are you moving?" Livvie asked as she put a tray of blueberry muffins into the display case.

"In about two weeks. We need to have enough time to get things packed and ready for the move."

Livvie walked over to Alison and took a look at the pink trim of icing she was putting around a white frosted cake. "Mmm, that looks good."

"Thank you."

"Well I can't wait to see the house. I know I've drove past it like a hundred times but I've never really seen it, you know?"

"It's just perfect, really. There's so much room."

"Jack and I decided that if we ever need a bigger place, we'll just add on to the house. We couldn't imagine living anywhere else that wasn't near the river."

"Well I can't blame you for that. And hey, I'll be able to walk to your house once we move!"

"I know!"

The phone then rang, and Livvie grabbed it since she was closer. "Alison's Heavenly Delights….Yes, she is. Who's calling?…Hold on." Livvie turned to Alison, handing over the phone. "It's Katrina's daycare."

Alison took the phone, worried with all of the possibilities running through her mind. Usually they only called whenever there was a problem.

"Hello?…Hey, Laurie. What's going on?…Oh no…I'll be right there to pick her up. Tell her Mommy's on her way….Thanks for calling….Bye."

"What's wrong?"

"Katrina's sick. I got to go pick her up."

"Oh, go ahead. I'll finish this up for you."

"Thanks so much, Livvie. If you could, just write 'Happy Birthday, Janet' on it and make some balloons. It doesn't matter what color of icing. Someone is supposed to pick that cake up later today."

"Sure. No problem. Go take care of your little girl."

"I will. Thanks, sweetie!"

"Bye."

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Katrina hated being sick. But she especially hated being sick here. If you were sick at school, then everyone else knew, and that was embarrassing. She thought back to earlier when she threw up, and how Chelsea made sure to tell everyone in the room.

Eww! Katrina threw up! She threw up all over the floor! Oh gross!

Every time the door opened, Katrina looked up hopefully, only to be disappointed when it wasn't Mommy.

Miss Laurie walked over to the beanbag Katrina rested on. "Katrina, would you like something to drink? Some juice? Or some water?"

"I want my mommy!" she sobbed.

"Your mommy will be here soon. Would you like for me to stay with you until she gets here?"

Katrina shook her head.

"Alice, you can take the other children outside," Laurie said to the assistant. "I'll stay with Katrina until her mother arrives."

Katrina watched as the other children formed a line and went outside to the playground. Normally she'd be upset that she was missing her playtime, but she was so sick and wanted her mother so bad that she didn't care.

"When's Mommy gonna be here?" Katrina asked.

"Soon. Very soon," Laurie said in a soothing tone.

Katrina didn't have to wait too much longer, because as soon as all of the children were outside, she saw her mother walking in.

"Mommy!" she cried.

"Hey, sweetie, I'm here! I'm here, baby." Alison knelt down, pulling her daughter into her arms.

"I wanna go home!"

"We're going home." Alison rose to her feet, picking up Katrina and letting her rest her head on her shoulder. "Laurie, thanks for calling me."

"You're welcome. Katrina, I hope you get to feeling better soon."

"Bye, Laurie," Alison said.

"Bye."

Katrina waved to her teacher, then closed her eyes. She held on to her mother tightly. If anyone could make her feel better, it was Mommy.

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Alison looked over to the couch where Katrina slept. The blanket covering her had fallen to the floor. She picked it up and covered up the child again.

Just then, she heard the door open and looked up as Rafe walked in.

"Hey, I'm so glad you're home."

"I got home as soon as I could. I stopped by the pharmacy and picked up some more children's upset stomach medicine in case we needed it."

"Oh good. We were almost out."

Rafe knelt down beside Katrina, stroking her head gently. "How's she doing?"

"She threw up again when we got home but that was a few hours ago and she's been sleeping since."

"Did you call Dr. Burke?"

"Yeah. He said it's probably just one of those 24-hour bugs but that if she gets worse or if she isn't better by morning, bring her in. He wants us to make sure she stays hydrated, too. I should have known she wasn't feeling good when she hardly touched her breakfast this morning. Yet I rushed her to school anyway."

"No, don't blame yourself. She looked fine to me, just a little tired I thought."

"Daddy?" Katrina said in a very low voice as she looked up at her father.

"Hey there, Princess. I heard you weren't feeling too good."

"I threw up."

"I know. But I think you'll feel better soon. Just rest, okay? Oh, and I bought something for you." Rafe held up a plastic bag, and he reached inside to take out something. "When I was in the store, I saw some puzzles for only a dollar. I got this one for you. Look, it's the Little Mermaid, your favorite."

Katrina looked on with curiosity, but felt too weak to show any excitement.

"I know you're feeling too sick to play with it now, but when you feel all better, it'll be right here, okay?"

"Okay."

"Get some sleep, alright? I want me little angel to be feeling better soon." Rafe kissed Katrina on her forehead, stroking her head as she closed her eyes again.

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The next morning, Rafe heard the familiar sounds of cartoons as he walked into the living room. With relief, he saw Katrina on the couch, happily eating a cup of yogurt and laughing at the TV.

"Hey, Princess!"

"Hey, Daddy! Look!" Katrina dipped her spoon into her yogurt and spooned out a glob of it, then spread it all over her mouth. "I got pink lipstick!"

Rafe laughed, rubbing the top of her head. "Now I know you're feeling better!"

"Drink your juice, Katrina," Alison said as she walked into the living room and began picking up a few toys on the floor.

"Looks like she's back to her old self," Rafe said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm so relieved. I spent the whole night worrying about her."

"I know. You tossed and turned all night." Rafe kissed her softly on the forehead.

"Mommy, can I stay home today?"

"Well…you are feeling much better, but yeah, I want you to stay home today. Just in case."

"Yay!"

"Katrina, how in the world do you manage to make such a mess with yogurt?" Alison laughed as she took a napkin and wiped her mouth.

"Do you need me to stay with her? Because I can always go later," Rafe asked.

"Oh no, that's fine. I'll stay. Livvie's watching the bakery for me."

"Alright. Well in that case, I'm going to head on out and get some work done."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

"Love you," Rafe said and then kissed her. "Call me if you need me."

"I will."

"Princess?"

"What, Daddy?"

Rafe sat down on the couch beside her. "I'm going to work now. I'm so glad you're feeling better! You take it easy now, okay? Do everything your mother says, and don't argue about taking a nap." He leaned forward, giving her a kiss on his cheek.

"Okay, Daddy. I'm gonna watch cartoons all day!"

"I love you, Princess."

"Love you too, Daddy!"

Rafe smiled. He was so glad Katrina was feeling like herself again.