I slowly open my eyes, getting greeted immediately by the smell of bacon. I try to stand up, but notice two arms holding me back. I start to panic but relax when I see Lizzie fast asleep behind me.

I cuddle a bit more into her, giving my body the time to wake up as I look at the kitchen. Scarlett and Rose are running around, talking and laughing as they appear to be making breakfast.

I close my eyes, taking in the scent that has filled the room. When I open my eyes, Rose is standing next to me. I can't help but squeak as I hide in Lizzie's arms. I immediately feel bad for Rose, who just smiles kindly at me.

"Goodmorning, we made breakfast!" She says with a lot of enthusiasm. "That sounds really nice, thank you, Rose." A familiar voice says behind me. I turn around to look at Lizzie who is already looking sheepishly at me.

"Goodmorning Casey." She smiles widely. I wrap my arms around her neck as I hug her, not letting go as I enjoy the company. "It's already 33 pm why are you all wishing each other a good morning?" Scarlett chuckle as she sets up the table.

"No, it isn't." Lizzie mumbles, followed by a gasp once she looked at the clock. "Why didn't you wake me Scar?" Lizzie asks as she stands up, making her way to Scarlett while I'm still clinging onto her.

"I considered doing so... But you two looked so peaceful. Besides, Rose helped me." Scarlett smiles genuinely as she takes two plates from the counter. I gently squeeze Lizzie her shoulders who puts me back down on the floor in response.

I try to grab the plates from the counter, but it's a bit too high. I huff out in frustration as I move to stand on my toes, suddenly becoming a lot taller. I'm easily able to grab the plates but am surprised when I look beside me and see Rose.

She carefully places me down on the floor while sticking out her tongue to focus. I nod to her in gratitude for lifting me up, earning me a wide smile. I carry the two plates to the living room, where the two women are still arguing.

They immediately stop when Scarlett nods at me, making Lizzie turn around. She runs up to me and takes the plates out of my hands, placing them down on the table. "Please be careful, I don't want you to hurt yourself." She mumbles before picking me up, carrying me to a chair and setting me down.

Rose is walking past me, making her way to the other side of the table. So I pat the chair beside me, hoping she gets the hint.

I watch as Rose her smile lights up the room when she sits down next to Casey. Casey reaches out her hand for Rose to shake, who happily does so. Without even acknowledging me or Scarlett, they dig into their food.

I slowly take place next to Scarlett who is looking at the two with a proud smile. I'm not sure what changed her mind, but I'm glad that she decided to let Rose in. It will be good for her to have a friend of her own age.

"So what would you two like to do today?" Scarlett asks between mouths full.

"Sleeping." Rose giggles, making us all laugh.

"Besides sleeping?" Scarlett asks with a big smile.

Rose seems to hum in thought, but Casey her hand flies up into the sky. "We're not in a classroom sweetheart, you don't have to raise your hand." I chuckle making her nod in understanding.

She looks behind her and then back at me. Then behind her again, back to me. After she repeats this a couple more times, Rose stands up from the table, walking to Casey her backpack. "Rose, you weren't excused." Scarlett says sternly.

"Sorry, mom" Rose says with an innocent smile as she hands Casey her backpack. Casey smiles widely, taking out a book and handing it to me. I'm a bit confused as to what it would mean, showing it to Scarlett who doesn't get the clue either.

Casey huffs in frustration, pushing the chair away from the table. She almost stands on the floor before looking at me with pleading eyes. "Yes, you're excused, Casey." I smile, making her smile back. She stands up and walks up to me, tapping my legs.

I lift her up and set her down on my lap. I try to hide the happy feeling when she shoves closer into my body, clearly feeling safe. She reaches for the book and turns it around, pointing at the back.

"Mark of the Book."

There's a sticker on the back of the book, containing the name of a local bookstore. "Do you want to go to the bookstore?" I ask Casey who nods rapidly. I look over at Scarlett who seems to agree. "How about you Rose?" I ask, making her shrug.

"I don't like books." She mumbles softly.

"They probably also have movies." Scarlett answers, making Rose squeak in excitement. The bookstore it is.

"Two ground rules. No running away and no stealing." Scarlett says sternly as I park the car. "If one of you misbehaves, we're going back right away." She continues, making Rose nod in agreement.

"Casey?" Scarlett asks, noticing Casey hasn't responded. She rapidly nods her head with wide eyes, probably feeling a bit intimidated. And to be honest, I'd feel the same.

Scarlett and I both step out of the car, opening the doors so the kids can get out. We all walk to the entrance, but Casey runs off the second the door opens. "Mommy she just broke ground rule number one!" Rose says in shock.

Scarlett and I both look confused at each other as we follow Casey inside. We're just in time to see her flying into the arms of a stranger. I run up to him and pull her out of his arms. She just looks at me with a pout, crossing her arms.

I hold her tight as she tries to struggle out of my grip. "I'm really sorry, I don't know why she did that." I state a bit confused, apologizing to the stranger.

He looks even more confused at me before gently taking Casey out of my arms. "Are these women bothering you?" He asks Casey sweetly.

I gasp when she nods her head. "Ma'am you should leave this store." He states seriously. I'm lost for words, but Scarlett quickly steps in.

She explains the situation to the guy who introduces himself as Dylan. After we catch each other up on everything, Dylan puts Casey down. She takes Rose her hands before they both run off to God knows where.

"I wouldn't worry about them, Casey probably knows this plays better than I do." He chuckles before motioning for us to sit down at a table. "Would you two like some coffee?"

Scarlett and I both order ourselves some drinks. It doesn't take long before he brings them over, also handing us both a book.

"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to choose a book for you two. I'm sure you will enjoy it." He smiles genuinely before walking off to serve other customers.

"Mommy mommy!" Rose cheers as she runs over to us, having two movies in her hands starring Scarlett. "Look it's you!" She smiles. But my smile drops, knowing she was with Casey.

Does that mean that Casey saw them too?

Scarlett seems to be thinking the same thing as me and nods for me to check up on Casey. I excuse myself as I stand up, asking Dylan if he knows where Casey is. He chuckles as he points upstairs.

I take the stairs, ending up in another part of the store. I smile when I see Casey peacefully sitting in the corner, reading a book. She doesn't seem to notice me, but I also don't want to startle her. So I clear my throat, gaining her attention.

Her smile lights up the room as she makes room on the beanbag, patting it. I walk over to her and sit down next to her. She leans her head on my shoulder while continuing to 'read' the book. I chuckle when I barely see any words since it's a book about drawing.

"You really like drawing, don't you?" I smile making her giggle as she nods. "Well, you're really good at it too." I say genuinely, earning me a shy smile.

We continue to sit like this, Casey looking through every book from the pile next to her until Rose comes to get us. "Mommy says we need to get going." She says before running off again. Casey pouts as she holds her current book close to her.

"Do you want to bring it back with you?" I question her, making her nod. "Well let's go then." I state before lifting her up over my shoulder, making her giggle uncontrollably. I gently put her back down when we reach the counter.

She hands the book to Dylan who quickly hands it back. "Alright then, see you next week." He winks. She smiles widely as she dances around with the book in her hand.

"She would like to take that book with her." I state to Dylan who just looks confused at me. "I know, she usually chooses one. She can bring it back next week." He smiles genuinely.

"Are you sure? I'm happy to pay for it." I smile as I take out my card. "It's fine really, she always brings them back in great shape and I enjoy her company." He says as he returns my smile.

"Thank you." I say genuinely as I put back my card, taking out some cash and putting it into the tip jar. "See you next week then." I smile before we all make our way out of the bookstore.