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I took a quick glance at Gracie who was still asleep peacefully back to my little girl who was now speaking to me..

"Mommy still asleep ?"

I straightened up to my feet from the couch carefully not to awaken her.

"Yes princess do you need something?"

I must say she was very friendly, it didn't matter what she addressed me as, I couldn't care less about that as long as both she and her mother are here with me.

" I'm fine uncle Hayden , I'm..just a little hungry" she spoke in such a low tone, like she wasn't supposed to be telling it to me, I was right because she peered another quick look at Gracie.

" That's fine, What do you want to eat, I'll make it for you"

The way her eyes widened in delight made my heart clenched, I should have been there when she was born...Or even before that..I should have been there to experience her first smile...her first words and all...But she is here with me now, so I pushed those thoughts aside.

"I would love some pancakes, mommy makes the best pancakes in the world!"

I smiled at that, it wasn't hard picturing Gracie in the kitchen making pancakes every morning..

" Pancakes it is, let's go make you some "

She nodded her head slowly following after my, she suddenly clasped my hand taking me by surprise for a moment...I stared at the spot she held my hand with such child-like trust and innocence.

I knew then that I would do anything to protect them both...Even if it meant dying a thousand times.

*

GRACIE

I opened my eyes slowly, my ears picking up distant voices...Both voices were unmistakable.

Hazel!

My heart skipped twice as I lunged out of the couch swiftly, how did I manage to wake up so late, thinking of the fact that Hazel was all alone with him sent my legs sprinting towards the direction of their combined voices.

My feet came to a sudden pause at the sight before me.

They were both in the kitchen , I could no longer hear what they conversed about, the expression on His face held me rooted where I stood.

He was laughing..

An actual one, not one of those dark scary ones he threw my way....Usually when he was about to hurt me.

I would admit that laughter suited him, making him look normal...Human even, not the man that promised to give everything to me...All of his darkness

My gaze directed back to Hazel.

She was happy with him, it made my heart clenched tight, all I ever wanted was for her to be happy, but with Hayden ?How long would it last?

What if he hurts her ?But the expression on his face told me he wouldn't...He wouldn't hurt something so precious and innocent.

But why couldn't he be the same with me...Light and carefree...

The thought sent a wave of longing through me..

I've never had a real family...They didn't want me, not even felt the slightest regret for what they did to me.

But now I have a family, Hazel adores me and Hayden.....He wants me....Just not in a way that is normal..