Chapter Six: Make A Decision

"Hi, Harry. Is everything alright?"

"Of course it is, little brother. I was just wondering if you wanted to come round. Caden wants to see you."

"Oh, sure. What time?"

"Can you be round in an hour?"

"Sure. I'll let Kate know I'm going out for lunch."

"See ya then."

"Bye, Harry."

"Is everything alright, John?" Kate asks cautiously, looking John over carefully.

"Yeah, um, Harry wants me to go round for lunch. She says that Caden wants to see me."

"Aww, well isn't that lovely. Don't worry about the children, you just go and spend some time with your family. I'm sure you'll be back later anyway." Kate smiles, patting his shoulder.

"Um, Kate, I know it's probably not allowed but … would I be able to take Harriet with me? I think it would be nice for her to see Caden again."

"Well, we shouldn't but, we can sign a day release form for her. But she will be your responsibility, John. If anything happens ..."

"I understand. I'll take good care of her, I promise."

"Alright, I'll let the other carers know. Come to my office in … twenty minutes." Kate replies, checking her watch before walking back to the staff room.

x..x

"Where are we going, John?" Harriet asks nervously, fiddling with her bear's ears.

"We're going to see my sister Harry. She and her girlfriend adopted Caden." John replies with a smile.

Harriet's eyes light up at the mention of Caden and she jumps into John's arms, hugging him tight.

"Thank you, John."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." John grins, squeezing Harriet tightly. "Come on then, we're here."

Harriet bounces in her seat as John opens the cab door and climbs out, before the little girl runs up the steps to Harry's flat.

John smiles as he knocks on the door, his sister opening it a few moments later with a smile to match her brother's.

"Well, who's this, John?" Harry asks sweetly, looking down at the little girl.

"This is your name sake Harriet." John grins at his sister.

"Oh, so you're Harriet then. Caden's been talking non-stop about you. He's missed you so much."

"Please can I see him?" Little Harriet asks softly.

"Of course you can, sweetie. He's just through there." Harry replies, pointing behind her at the living room.

"Thank you." Harriet beams, running past Harry and straight to Caden.

"So?"

"So what, Harry?"

"She's sweet."

"And?"

"And are you going to adopt her?" Harry drops her voice to a whisper as John walks in.

"I don't know yet, Harry."

"Come on, she's sweet. And you wouldn't have brought her if you didn't really like her."

"Of course I like her, Harry. She's a good kid ..."

"No, I mean, you like her more than any volunteer should like a child they're caring for. I can see that look you give her. It's the same look you gave me time and time again, John. Just consider it, please."

"You're the second person who's told me to do that."

"Well then, maybe you should."

"I will."

"Good boy."

x..x

"So, how did you enjoy your day out, Harriet?" John asks, as the taxi takes them back to the orphanage.

"It was great! Thank you, Daddy!" Harriet exclaims, throwing her arms around John tightly.

"Oh. Um." John stammers, trying to gather his thoughts.

"What's wrong?" Harriet asks sadly, "Did I do something wrong?" She starts to whimper, gripping her bear tightly.

"N-no. No. Harriet, you haven't done anything wrong. Come here." John replies softly, pulling the little girl back into his arms. "It's okay. Everything's okay."

"You don't want me, do you?" Harriet sobs into John's shoulder.

"Honestly, Harriet, I don't know what I want right now." John replies sadly, feeling that it's better to be honest than lie to the little girl.

"Okay."

"It's not that I don't want you, Harriet. It's just that I'm not the best person for you, right now."

"You are to me."

John feels tears well up in his eyes at Harriet's honesty and it only serves to prove how much her needs this little girl.

"We're here, Harry." John replies softly, balancing the little girl on his hip and climbing out of the taxi.

"Ah, you're back. Did you have a good day, Harriet?" Kate asks with a big smile.

"It was fun. Um, can I go play now?" Harriet asks softly.

"Of course, dear. Go right ahead."

John puts the little girl down carefully and watches as she sadly walks away.

"Is everything alright, John? Did anything happen?"

John's almost considering lying to the Governess but decides against it, taking a deep breath before replying.

"She called me Daddy."

"Oh." Kate gasps in surprise, looking over at the little girl.

"Kate, if it's alright, I think I'm gonna call it a day for today. I need to think."

"Oh, of course, John. Take as long as you need."

"Thanks, Kate." John nods, turning around and walking through the door.

You were right.

I need her, probably more

than she needs me.

What do I do?

MESSAGE SENT

Only you can decide that, John.

I'm here if you need me.

H

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