"The sea is very calm today," Catherine told Steve as they hugged on the couch.

"It would be nice to take a dip now, wouldn't it? Dating on the beach..."

Catherine smiled at his idea. "Yes, but we can't do that because Lyla is upstairs sleeping alone."

"You're already thinking like a mother," Steve replied.

"We can't go swimming, but we can take a shower together," she suggested and he agreed at the same time.

The next day...

The children's uncle left Caroline and Don at the gate. "Are you sure Steve's home?"

"Yes, Uncle. I spoke to him today," Caroline replied.

"Okay. Until next time, kids."

"Bye, Uncle," Caroline and Don answered.

There's no other car here besides Dad's car. That means she's already gone," Caroline told Don.

"It's great not to have to look at her face," Don replied and they walked towards the house.

Don and Caroline entered the house and became mute when they saw Catherine sitting on the living room floor while playing with Lyla. Lyla laughed because she thought Catherine was funny.

Catherine looked at them when they came in. "Hi," she got up and approached Caroline and Don. "I'm Catherine. I'm glad I got to meet you two today, since yesterday you weren't here." She hugged Don and complimented him saying that he was very handsome and that he was very similar to Steve when Steve was young.

"You really are a very handsome boy. You must succeed with the girls."

Don didn't have the courage to mistreat her and went toward the stairs.

"Wait, Don!" She went to the Christmas tree and got the present she had bought for him. " I hope you like it. If you don't like it or if it doesn't fit you, let me know so I can change."

Don looked at her and took the package from her hands. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Catherine answered and smiled. "Not even a smile, but at least he didn't call me names. It was worth reading those articles on psychology," she thought. She had neutralized Don's fury with kindness and sympathy.

"Hi, Caroline. I also have a present for you," Catherine took the package and handed it to the girl. " I loved your hair. I know how to do braids that would look great on you. When you want me to do it, just talk to me."

"Thank you. That's very kind of you," Caroline answered and looked around. "Where's my dad?"

"He went out to help Danny. Danny's car crashed on the road and your father went there to try to help him."

"In the middle of Christmas?"

"That's right. Danny can be pretty unlucky sometimes," Catherine answered.

"But Dad's car is outside," Caroline said to Catherine.

"Yes, he went in my car," Catherine replied without further explanation.

"Carol, Cath gave me this book and a new doll and I called my doll Mabel," Lyla said to her sister enthusiastically.

"Cool, Lyla," Caroline replied. "I'll keep my backpack in my room," she said to Catherine.

"Sure, honey. Feel free. I made a dessert that I learned in Holland and your father and Lyla loved it, try some of it later."

"Okay," Caroline answered and went to her room.

Catherine breathed relieved. "Great psychological tips," she thought and sat on the floor again to play with Lyla.