Pulling the door open with enough force to unsteady her, Adaline glared at Elliot. He stood, worry written over his face, hands by his side. It was then Adaline's expression softened. Hiding behind his legs, clasping on the hem of his shirt with tears in her large brown eyes was Bonnielola. She was silent for the first time since Adaline had met her. Eyes darting between the two, Adaline opened the door further as she ushered them in. Their movements were slow and mindless. It was clear to her they were anywhere but present with her. Guiding Elliot and the whimpering child into the kitchen Adaline helped them sit at the dining table before switching on the kettle. Tea fixed everything she'd learned over the years. The mugs sat in front of them, neither making of them making a move for the hot beverages. Leaning forward Adaline took Elliots hand in her own, smiling at Bonnielola hoping for one in return. She received nothing. The young girl stared at her hot chocolate bottom lip quivering.
"What's happened?"
Elliot glanced quickly at his daughter, an obvious concern to discuss anything in front of her. Taking the hint Adaline scooped the little girl in her arms. She flailed reaching for her dad, head butting Adaline in her desperation. With no sound, Elliot held her close rocking back and forth.
"It's Laura," he said simply. Bonnielola sobbed loudly calling for her mother. Fear pricked at Adaline. She'd never seen a child so worked up. So terrified and confused. She wanted to take her pain, make things better with a magical kiss like she'd had herself as a child. She couldn't imagine where her innocent mind was taking her. The chair scraped loudly on the laminate flooring as she pulled herself closer. Held them both in her arms. Stroked Bonnielola's hair and kissed Elliots forehead. They sat in near silence other than Bonnielola's whimpering and hiccups. She knew whatever had happened was bad. Their obvious state of shock made it predominantly clear. Then it hit her. The baby. It would have been impossible not to notice the sizeable bump Laura carried even through her thick winter coat.
"Is she okay? Is the baby okay? What happened"
"I don't know. I just don't know," Elliot sobbed.

Adaline didn't know what to do. How to react. How to help. She worried for Laura. For Elliot and Bonnielola. Bonnielola's face was dirty apart from two streaks down her cheeks where her tears had fallen. The remnants of her dinner orange against her pale skin. She needs a nice bath. I bet she'd love a bubble bath. Cradling Bonnielola's tiny hands in her own she squeezed gently.
"How about I run you a nice warm bath. You can pick a bath bomb if you'd like. Then how about we all climb into my bed and watch a movie. Do you like sweets Bonnielola?"
The toddler nodded, a smile on her face much to Adaline's relief. Elliot handed her over, a much easier transition than a few moments ago. Holding her closed Adaline sung to her softly as they headed to the bathroom.
"You are my sunshine. My only sunshine,"

Bonnielola's giggles filled the room as she blew bubbles at Adaline. The smell of blueberries tickled her nostrils. Leaning against the doorframe Elliot watched the pair, worry still creasing his brow. Water splashed onto the floor soaking Adaline as Bonnielola proudly announced she was Ariel the mermaid. Pyjamas! She needs something warm to wear. Letting Elliot take over Adaline rushed to the spare room, rooting in her drawers to find something that would be of use. That will have to do. A black Guns n Roses T-shirt gently placed over the radiator to add warmth and a pair of white fluffy socks that would, she hoped, cover Bonnielola's knees was all she could find.
"Uh oh. Grandad fingers," Bonnielola's voice floated towards her followed by the gurgle of the plug and Elliot's footsteps. Holding up her hands beneath the much too big towel, Bonnielola proudly showed Adaline what she had meant by her earlier statement to her dad. Wrinkled fingers. That makes sense. Quickly drying her off, Elliot pulled the T-shirt over her head. Untangling the cord of her hairdryer Adaline sat cross legged with Bonnielola in front of her. The hair brush glided smoothly through her brunette hair, any tangles easily eradicated. The hairdryer roared to life, taking mere minutes to dry what little hair she had.

The trio climbed into Adaline's bed, Bonnielola tucked into the centre. She curled into her dad, thumb in her mouth as Adaline booted up Netflix. Scrolling to the children's section she was introduced to an array of options. Bonnielola's chubby finger pointed at Pokémon, her excitment causing the bed to bounce beneath her. Hitting play, the theme song sounded for them. Bonnielola sung along, though most of the words she belted were wrong.
"Raising her right I see," Adaline grinned looking at Elliot. He smiled. A small smile but the first he's mustered since arriving. Shrugging his shoulders he joined his daughter. Soon the trio sang loudly, earning a knock on the door from Dottie. Three became four, packed into the bed like sardines, Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu undertaking adventure after adventure before Bonnielola's snores caused the adults to laugh loudly.

"I'll leave you two to it. Thank you for letting me watch with you. It's been such a long time since I've watched a children's programme," turning to Elliot Dottie kissed his forehead before kissing the sleeping child's cheek. "You really must bring her more often. She's an absolute pleasure."
Blushing, Elliot agreed. The door closed softly, leaving he and Adaline alone in the darkness, the soft glow of the television barely illuminating the floor in front of them. Circling a thumb on his daughter's back, Elliot sighed.
"I'm sorry tonight wasn't what you were expecting,"
Adaline's head snapped towards him. His face was still, tears pricking his eyes. She could see the fear was still very strong. He's been checking his phone regularly throughout the evening, anxiously awaiting news.
"I had a better night than I could have asked for. You've nothing to apologise for. I'm here for you. For both of you,"
He smiled at her, squeezing her hand gently. He opened his mouth to say something. A loud ping from his phone interrupted the moment. Grabbing it quickly he sobbed, leaning his head against the head board.
"Oh thank god," he breathed deeply, showing Adaline the text. Baby is okay, they got them to move finally. I've got a scan tomorrow. Thanx for watchin her. Appreciate it x
Adaline's chest eased. She couldn't bare the thought of something happening to either of them, Laura had been nothing but kind and welcoming. So accepting of, whatever this was between her and Elliot. She already considered her a friend and cared about her. Passing the PlayStation controller to Elliot she smiled broadly. His face had relaxed significantly since receiving the text and his aura was certainly more positive.
"You pick something,"
The controller clicked as he scanned the various shows and movies Netflix had to offer them. Pausing on a horror, Wrong Turn, he looked at Adaline quizzically. She wasn't much of a horror fan, finding them too gory and scary for her liking. She much preferred a classical romance like The Notebook. However, she didn't want to appear a coward in front of him. Besides, after what he'd experienced she was willing to watch anything that brought him pleasure. Within reason of course.

She spent the majority of the movie watching through her fingers, much to Elliot's amusement. Watching the three inbred villains eat a dead girl's corpse while the three young characters watched in horror made Adaline's stomach turn. How could people enjoy this? She was relieved to see the end credits only to realise the movie hadn't quite finished. Elliot chuckled at her as she shivered in disgust and fright, handing her the controller so she could choose something more light hearted. Smiling wickedly at him she searched for Dear John, the best Nicholas Spark's film Netflix had to offer that wasn't The Notebook. Plus she had a soft spot for Channing Tatum, enjoying his presence on her screen. Though she admired Amanda Seyfried and her talent, she hated the character she played in the film. Elliot groaned loudly, winking at her before mock sleeping. They watched the film in silence, Adaline crying quietly to herself as the credits rolled. Furiously wiping her face, she hoped Elliot hadn't noticed. To her dismay he sat watching her, huge grin on his face.
"You're a sap you know that right?" He laughed.
Swatting at him she sulked playfully. Leaving Netflix running in the background, she scooted down until she was more comfortable.
"I should go," Elliot cleared his throat, starting to stand up.
"Don't. I er, I mean you don't have to. You can both stay, saves waking her up bless her,"
Elliot stood for a second contemplating. His eyes fell to Bonnielola, deep in her sleep cuddled up to Adaline's pillow.
"If you're sure you don't mind, that would be lovely. Thank you"
He climbed back in, kissing Bonnielola's cheek and moved a lock of hair out of her face. Dottie's loud cough shook the room. The sound of her trying to catch her breath brought tears to Adaline's eyes.
"She's getting worse," she whispered. Elliot nodded. He'd known for a while. He also knew there was nothing Adaline could do, nor would Dottie allow it. She'd made herself perfectly clear on multiple occasions. He watched Adaline as she drifted to sleep, arm wrapped around Bonnielola. They looked so calm, so peaceful together. Not wanting to disturb either, yet not able to sleep himself, he grabbed a pillow and the throw dangling off the chair and headed to the living room; careful not to wake Dottie in his exit. He lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Before he realised what was happening, sunlight was streaking into the room, birds were chirping and he hadn't slept a wink. Too worried about Laura. Too concerned with Dottie. Too scared to fall in love with Adaline to do much of anything.