An hour or so later Sean was sitting on the side of Katie's bed trying to wake her up. Katie… Katie… Katie wake up. Katie woke up. where am I she asked? You are in your room said Sean. Oh no did I fall asleep? Yes sweetie you did. I wanted to stay up for midnight. I know said Sean. It is almost midnight now. I thought you might want to enjoy the countdown. I would said Katie. Ok well put on your robe and we will go to the top of the stairs and listen.
Katie put on her robe and they sat at the top of the stairs and waited for midnight to come.
Four.. three.. two.. one…HAPPY NEW YEAR……
Katie looked at Sean and called out Happy New Year. Sean looked at her and said Happy New Year. He then leaned down and gave her a kiss. Oh I wanted to do that said Katie after the kiss was done. Well go ahead said Sean. So Katie leaned up and gave Sean a kiss. There now we each have kissed someone at midnight said Sean. Yes we have said Katie smiling.
Come down and have a toast to the New Year and then we both will go to bed ok? Ok said Katie.
They went downstairs and they each got a very small glass of champagne and toasted the New Year. Katie gave Mr and Mrs Sullivan a kiss and both Katie and Sean went up stairs to bed.
Katie looked at Sean with a sad expression. What is wrong he asked? I am sad said Katie. Why are you sad he asked? Because I have to go home and I don't want to. Oh but don't you want to see your mommy and daddy? Yes but I want to stay here with you. Oh Katie I would love for you to stay here but I won't even be here in a couple of days. I have to go back to school. I know that is part of the problem. I am going to miss you so much. I have had such a good time here and I don't know if I can wait until the summer to see you again. It is so hard.
Sean gathered her into a hug. How about this I will promise to write to you more. I will write so much you will get sick of hearing from me. Katie smiled. I could never get sick of your letters. Sean smiled. I know it is hard when I am at school but maybe I can come home for the spring break and we can see each other then. I will have to see. I will write to you and let you know. Would you like that? I would I hope that your spring break is at the same time that mine is. So do I said Sean. Please don't be sad. I can't help it, I am sad that I won't see you for so long. To tell you the truth I am a little sad too. I have had a really good time with you this week. Really said Katie. Of course I usually don't get to do all of these things with anyone else. It usually is me and mom going to the movies or to the library or most every thing else. I had fun just sitting and reading with you. It was nice not being the only kid around. And it doesn't hurt that you are so cute he said smiling. Katie laughed. There we go no more sad face. You know what I would have to do if you stayed sad? Katie thought for a moment and put on a really sad face. Sean smiled and leaned down and gave her a little kiss. There you go no more sadness.
Now off to bed with you said Sean. Katie went off to her room and got into bed. After she settled into bed she began to think about going home. She couldn't help it she started to cry. A few minutes later Sean stopped by her door to see if she was ok when he heard her crying. He opened the door and walked over to her and gathered her into a hug. He just let her cry until she fell asleep. While he was in Katie's room his mother came by to check on both of them.
When Sean saw her he told her he would be out in a few minutes. When he left Katie's room he found his mother waiting for him.
What is wrong she asked? Katie is just sad about going home. She wants to stay here with us. I thought she was ok until I came by and found her crying. I can't stand when she cries. It hurts me. Tears came to his eyes. Sean what are your feelings for Katie asked his mother? Sean looked up into his mother's eyes. I know it may sound strange but I think I may love her. How I can she is only seven years old and I am only eleven but I just feel this connection between us. It seems it has always been there ever since we met. It is as if we were meant to meet. I look at her and I want to protect her. I want to touch her, I want to kiss her. How can I be feeling these things for a little girl.
Sean you can't control who you love. And I guess you can't control when you fall in love with them. I know that there is a special connection between the two of you. It shows when ever you are together. You figure how would she be able to get here if there wasn't a connection. Did you know that she can't come here unless you are here? Her mother wrote to me about that. She tried to come and see me but wasn't able to. She can only come here when you are actually in or around the house. Didn't you ever wonder how she only ever showed up when you were at home. How you never found her waiting for you sitting on the door step? That is why.
I think you have strong feelings for her because you both have felt alone. You because you are an only child and her because her brother is so much older than her and also because she doesn't have any other friends. Sean you can love her if you want. You just have to always remember that she is younger than you. It is fine now but as you both get older you will have feelings and urges that Katie may not be ready for. Try to remember that when the time comes. The best advise I can give you is always show her respect and you should be fine. Mrs Sullivan gave Sean a hug. Things will be ok. Katie will not be seven for ever. Think of it this way in a few years you both will be going to Hogwarts together. Instead of spending only the holidays together, you can spend almost the entire year together. I guess said Sean as he thanked his mother for listening and went off to bed.
Sean in love oh my thought Mrs. Sullivan.
Then next morning Sean got up early and made his way to Katie's room. Are you ok this morning he asked? Katie looked at him and had tears in her eyes. No not really she said. I am still so sad. I didn't know I would be this sad. I know that I don't have a choice ,I have to go home I just don't want to. Sean took her into his arms and held her. It won't be that long until we see each other again. The time will go by fast. I hope so said Katie.
How about you get dressed and we will find something fun to do today. alright said Katie. I will meet you at the top of the stairs said Sean. Katie got up and got dressed. When she left her room she found Sean waiting for her at the top of the stairs. Let's go down for breakfast he said. They walked down the stairs hand in hand. When they got down to the dining room they found Twinkle waiting for them.
What would you like Master Sean she asked? I am not sure he said. What would you like Katie? I loved the strawberry pancakes she said. That would be wonderful said Sean. Could we have strawberry pancakes? Yes I have some strawberries left so yes I can make you some strawberry pancakes. They should be ready shortly. I will bring you out some juice if you like she said. Yes that would be nice said Katie. Please could I have orange juice? Of course Miss Katie. Would you like pumpkin juice Master Sean? Yes please. Right away.
Twinkle brought out the juice and shortly after she brought out the pancakes. Thank you so much Twinkle I really love these said Katie. I am glad said Twinkle. The two of them sat and ate their breakfast very quietly. They both were thinking that they did not want to mention the fact that Katie was going home so that neither one would get upset.
A few minutes later Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan came downstairs. Well look what we have here two early risers said Mr. Sullivan. Have you both had breakfast already? Yes we have said Katie. Why didn't you wait for us he asked? We were hungry said Katie looking sort of scared. Should we have she asked? Mrs Sullivan saw this and spoke with her husband. No Katie I was just joking it is fine. Oh alright she said. We had strawberry pancakes and they were really good. that sounds good said Mr. Sullivan I think I will have them too. When Twinkle came out of the kitchen he asked for strawberry pancakes. I am sorry sir but I used all of the strawberries for Miss Katie and Master Sean's pancakes. Oh ok. I'm sorry said Katie. I didn't know you would want them. It is fine said Mr. Sullivan. Do we have any blueberries he asked? Yes we do would you like those in your pancakes asked Twinkle? Yes that would be wonderful. What about you Madam? I will have the same thing thank you. Right away said Twinkle.
What are the two of you going to do today asked Mr. Sullivan? You should make it good as Katie will be going home tomorrow. With that Katie started to cry. Mrs Sullivan gave him a very nasty glare. What did I say he asked her? I told you that she was upset about going home. oh yeah I forgot. I am sorry. While this was going on Sean gave Katie a big hug. It will be ok Katie. I know she said I am just so sad. I know he said.
I think we will go for a walk and maybe go to the park. It seems like a really nice day today. How about I take the two of you to a movie this afternoon said Mrs. Sullivan. That would be lot of fun said Katie. Thank you. So it is settled the two of you will go out to the park and this afternoon we will go to the movies.
Would it be ok if we went out now asked Sean? Sure if you are done with breakfast go ahead said Mrs. Sullivan. We will see you for lunch alright. Yes mom we will be home for lunch. See you later he said as he lead Katie out of the dining room.
They put on their coats and were off for their walk. They walked down the street hand in hand. As they were walking they met up with Mrs Smith. Happy New Year Mrs Smith said Katie. Happy New Year Katie. I wanted to tell you that Sean's parents loved the wine you chose. I think they are going to save it for a special occasion. I really appreciate what you did for me. You are very welcome it was not a problem. I was happy to help you.
Katie and Sean walked for quite a while. While they were walking they talked about how Katie was feeling. I just feel happy here is what Katie had to say when Sean asked why she wanted to stay. Everyone here likes me. People at home like you said Sean. I guess but here everyone does. At home I get teased and tormented at school. I don't have any friends there. I know and I don't really understand why people will not be your friend but the thing is even if you stayed here I have to go back to school. You would be in the same situation that you are in now. I know it seems a long time but I will try to come home for spring break and if not I will be home all summer. We can see each other everyday if we want. I am going to miss you so much too said Sean as he gave Katie a hug. I promise that I will write more often. I know that I can't stay I just want to. This is the longest I have ever spent with you or with any friend I have ever had. I guess I have just gotten used to being with you. I will try not to get too upset about going home. I have had such a good time. I am glad that you did. I have had a really good time myself.
On the way home they went by the park. Would you like to go for one last swing on the swings he asked? Yes I would. So they played on the swings for a while and then headed home.
When they got home Mrs. Sullivan was waiting for them. Lunch is almost ready I am glad you got home when you did. Why don't you wash your hands and sit down and we can have lunch. Ok they said and did as she asked.
After lunch they all got into a taxi and went to the movie theatre. Are you going to see the same movie as us asked Katie? No said Mr. Sullivan. We are going to see a more grown up movie. Oh ok should we meet at the same place asked Katie? Yes that is a good idea said Mrs. Sullivan. They picked up their snacks and headed off to their respective theatres.
When Sean and Katie found a seat in the theatre Katie decided to look around. What are they doing she asked pointing out a couple in the back row of the theatre? Sean looked and blushed. They are kissing he said. Why are they kissing here she asked? I don't know I guess they didn't have any other place to do it. Katie smiled. Sean do you think we should kiss too she asked? What do you mean he asked? Well those two are boyfriend and girlfriend aren't they she asked? Yes I guess so responded Sean. We are boyfriend and girlfriend aren't we she asked? Yes I guess we are. So then we should be kissing she said smiling. Sean could not believe what he was hearing. She wanted him to kiss her. She is only seven years old I can't kiss her. Sean decided that the best idea was to just give her a kiss on the cheek and then she would be happy. So he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. There we are we have just kissed. No we haven't you kissed me I haven't kissed anyone. Ok do you want to kiss me he asked? Yes I would. She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. There we are now I have kissed you. Did you like it she asked? He had. Yes it was very nice he said. You know what Katie said. What he responded? I liked kissing you. Oh you did, that's good said Sean. They sat back and waited for the movie to start.
When the movie was over the two of them got up and made their way into the lobby to wait for Sean's parents.
As they were walking a lady walked by and commented on how cute it was that they were walking hand in hand.
After a few minutes Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan made their way to the lobby after their movie.
How did you enjoy the movie asked Mrs. Sullivan? It was good said Sean. How was yours he asked? It was a sappy romance said Mr. Sullivan. Upon hearing this Mrs. Sullivan slapped him in the arm. You agreed on that movie she said. I know but I didn't realize that it was so sappy. Mrs Sullivan just made a face and smiled.
I guess it is time to head on home said Mr. Sullivan. They walked out into the street to find a cab that would take them home.