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Chapter 30


Tatum's POV:

Brandon left early for work. We're meeting up for lunch later on today.

I am now solely because of boredom going through my clothes.
I lift up my magenta colored dress,which is tight around the torso but shoots out at the skirt.It sits just on top of my knees.To think that I won't be able to fit in this in a matter of weeks.

I take my robe off and start getting dressed. I was thinking that maybe I could take Mia out for shopping today,she is a teenager after all and what teenager doesn't like to go shopping.She's the only teenager at the orphanage, so I think that she could get out a little.

Okay, I got my phone, keys, wallet. What else?Oh yeah the butterflies. I walk out into the living room and grab the origami butterflies off the coffee table. I carefully put it into my bag making sure I don't crush it.Okay now I'm ready to go. I make sure everything in the apartment is turned off and I lock up.

I wait impatiently as the elevator makes it's way to this floor.

The elevator finally stops and the doors open. I look up to walk in, but instead I freeze in place.

"Grace?" His voice rings into my ears making me completely stunned with his presence.I shake my head so that I can escape my daze. God I forgot how attractive he is.

"Uh...Samuel."I say bringing myself back to reality.His name coming from my mouth seems so strange.

"It's nice to see you again." He says smiling brightly. Two guys walk past him out of the elevator and down the hall.They both look veritably familiar.

"Yeah, what a surprise."I say trying to play it cool and not burst out that I am who I am.

"Yeah it is." He says. Wow, this is awkward.

"So what are you doing here?Do you have a room in the building?"I ask. Yes, my curiosity is killing me.

"No, I'm just here to meet up with a few friends. What about you?" He asks, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.

"Oh okay. Yeah, I have a room here."I say.

"Bro, you coming?" One of the guys call out to Samuel.

"Yeah. I'll be right there." He yells back.

"Seems like you have to go."I state the obvious and walk into the elevator.

"Wait_"

I cut him off before he can say anything else:"Look Samuel it was nice seeing you, but I really have to go and we'll probably run into each other again another time.So it was really great seeing you, but I'm already late. Goodbye."I say and nod. God forbid we ever see each other again. It would be better if we stay away and out of each other's lives.

"O-okay goodbye." He says as the elevator doors close. Once the elevator starts moving to the first floor I release a drawn out breath that I didn't know I was holding.

What a coincidence that he's friend happens to stay in the same building on the exact same floor that I'm staying and we just happened to run into each other. It was so difficult to see him again after knowing the complete truth. After knowing how important he was in my life. It's hard to act like nothing happened. Like we don't know each other. It was really a series of jumbled up emotions once I saw him again. I don't know what to feel. I don't know how to feel about it.

Samuel's POV:

"O-okay goodbye."I say as the elevator doors close. Well that was... Strange.

I walk up to Bash and Reece.

"About time."Reece says.

"Whatever."I say and roll my eyes at him.

"Who was that huh?"Bash asks.

"Uh...Nobody."I shrug.

"Nobody, well can you hook me up with that hot nobody?"Bash asks raising his eyebrows.I don't know why, but I tense up thinking about Grace and Bash together.I let out a breath sighing.

"Dude no. That's Grace."I sigh.

"Grace?The Grace that sounds like Tatum?"He asks stunned.

"Yeah,that Grace."

"Woah,she looks nothing like Tatum."

"Yeah, but I heard her speak and she does sound like Tatum."Reece comments.

"I know."I say.

"It's freakish bro."Reece says and Bash nods.I choose not to reply on that and I knock on Joe's suites door.

He greets us at the door and we all head inside and plop onto the chestnut-coloured couches.Ash is already here,he's sleeping on the couch.

"What's up with him." Reece asks referring to Ash.

"He came in here last night drunk and upset, because he finally told Lauren how he feels about her, but turns out she doesn't feel the same way."Joe explains.Lauren is one of Ash's clients at the gym.I'm actually surprised, Lauren was always flirting with him.

"Really?"Bash asks sharing the same surprised look as the rest of us.

"Yeah, I'm stunned too bro. She was always throwing herself at him."Joe says.

"Well maybe we were wrong."I say.

"Or she's playing hard to get."Reece says.

"Wake him up."I say and Reece looks as if an idea popped into his head with a mischievous smile plastered on his face.

"You still have that airhorn Joe?"Reece asks. Joe smirks at him and says:"In my room."

Reece makes his way upstairs and comes back down with the red airhorn in his hand.

He holds it close to Ashton's face and I smirk. We all wait silently as we prepare ourselves for Ashton's reaction.

"Wait."I say and take out my phone.

"I gotta get this on video."I grin.I press the record button and give Reece the thumbs up.

I focus the camera on Ashton's sleeping state. Reece squeezes the airhorn and it's loud ruthless noise causes Ashton to wake up in sudden shock:"Ahhhhhhh I'm awake, I'm awake."

He rubs his eyes adjusting to the light and his surroundings. I swear this place has more glass windows than walls.

We all burst out laughing at his reaction and I stop recording. Got it.

"You guys suck."Ashton says holding up a middle finger at us.

Tatum's POV:

"Everyone look who's here."Mia calls out to the rest of the kids.

They all start running towards me, but Katherine stops them:"Whoa,hold on. There is no more attack hugging Tatum okay?"

"Why not?" One of the kids ask looking up at her. If I remember correctly his name is Mathew.Yes it's Mathew and he's about 7.

"Because Tatum is very fragile now. She has a baby in her tummy."Katherine smiles brightly and a few sweetly smiles at me, but then we heard this sudden scream.

"Ahhhhhhh, she ate a baby!"

"Sean come here. Don't be silly. Tatum didn't eat a baby. She's going to be a mommy."Katherine explains and takes Sean away from his hiding spot behind the couch.

"Really?" He asks and I nod.

"Can I still get a hug?" Mathew asks sweetly opening his arms.

"Of course."I say and open my arms then scoop him up into a hug.

"Just be gentle, we wouldn't want to hurt the baby, now would we?"Katherine asks. She's really exaggerating. How harmful can hugs be?

"We understand."They all say simultaneously.

Afterwards everyone came hugging me. They were so careful and gentle, they made my heart melt. They are so sweet. It's overwhelming.

"Tatum!" Cassie exclaims and runs into my arms. I pick her up and pull her into a warm hug.

"Cassie I've missed you so much."I say and plant a kiss on her cheek,making her giggle.

"I miss you too." She says sweetly.

"I brought the butterflies you made with Brandon." I say then put her down and take the butterflies out of my bag.I hand them too her and her face lights up, but then suddenly she frowns.

"Brandon?" She asks looking at me then looking around the living room.

"Oh sweety.Brandon couldn't come today, he had to go to work." I explain.

"Work?"

"Yeah,but he'll come visit another time."

"Oh." She says sadly playing with the butterflies.Aww she misses him.

"Tell you what,you go show the other kids your butterflies and then we can call Brandon on my phone later." I say and yep. There it is. There's that smile.

"Okay." She says and runs off.

I leave my bag on the couch and head into the kitchen where I assume Katherine is.

"How have you been Tatum?" Katherine asks as she takes out a few ingredients from the fridge.

"I'm great. Is there anything I can help with?"

"No it's okay. I've got it all covered."

"You sure?"I ask offering my help again.

"Yes I'm sure."

"Katherine I was thinking that maybe I could take Mia out for some shopping."

"You sure you can handle her." She asks raising an eyebrow.

"Of course I can."

"Okay then."

"Thanks. We'll bring snacks too."I say and walk out of the kitchen.

I poke my head back in the kitchen to ask:"Where's Mia now?"

"Uh I think she's in the backyard."

I make my way back into the living room then down the hall that leads to the backdoor.

Mia is laying with her back on the green grass just staring up at the sky undisturbed.

I look up and the sky is a peaceful blue colour with just a few white clouds passing by. I could see why her mind would get lost in the clouds. It's so calming.

I walk towards her and hover over her.

"Hey wanna come with me to grocery shopping for the orphanage?"I ask smiling brightly.

"Yeah sure."

I lend my hand out to her to help her up. She takes it without any struggle and I pull her up.

"Let's go." I say.

...

"Hey, we could go clothes shopping too and I was thinking of buying you a new cell phone."I say as we walk into Bayside shopping mall.

"Wait really?"

"Yeah. Why not?"

"Thank you."She says and hugs me tightly.

"My pleasure, but first let's go grocery shopping and leave the fun for last okay?"

"Okay." She nods excitedly.

...

"Do you think this is enough?"

"This is more than enough Tatum."Mia says with wide eyes.

"Okay, let's go get snacks."I say.

"So mind me asking, but what is it that you do exactly?"Mia asks.

"Well I don't do anything actually. My dad is the founder of a famous architectural company and 10 percent of the shares belong to me as of right now.I was supposed to join the business, but I didn't."I explain.

"Really why didn't you?" She asks and I point to the lays ships on the shelves than she throws it into the cart. I throw in a few chocolate bars as well.

"Well my dad and I aren't really talking anymore because we had a huge fight."

"Oh, you'd think that he would stop putting money into you bank account." She says.

"Yeah, only because I was the right one." I say.

"How come?"

"Well It's a long and sad story,that no one should ever go through, but long story short. I was betrayed by my whole family and Brandon was and is the only one that I can trust.So I confronted them about it and decided that I'm going to move away with Brandon to raise our baby away from all the lies."

"Wow, sounds intense."

"Yeah it is."

"Do you miss them?"She asks.

I sigh:"Yeah I do."

"Then why don't you go back to them?If they still want to be in your life then I don't see a problem." She says.

"Well unfortunately it's not that simple. Do you? "I say.

"What?"

"Do you miss your parents?"

"Well of course I do, but to be honest I think that I'm happier here with Katherine and the orphans." She says as we walk down the snacks ile.

"Can we get these?" She asks pointing to a pack of marshmallows.

"Yeah.Take anything."I say and she puts 3 packs of marshmallows into the cart.

"Hey take more.Don't be shy. I have a lot of money and it needs to be spent."I joke and we both laugh.

"But seriously take a few more."I say.

"I'm happy that you're happy, but you won't be an orphan forever. Katherine told me that you have an interview tomorrow."I say.

"Yeah.It's a Latin couple who originally came from Spain and they have a big family,they came to Miami to live with them."

"How are you feeling about it?"I ask.

"Well I'm excited to meet them, but I am a bit nervous."

"It's okay to be nervous, but don't let it take over. Just relax and be yourself.Katherine loves you for you. I'm sure that they will too."

"You think so?"

"Yeah, you're a pretty smart kid."

"I'm not a kid, I'm a teenager."

"Oh, sorry teenager."I say holding my hands up in defense.We both laugh.

"Okay now let's go pay for these,put it in the car and then we can do some real shopping."I say.

...

We walk into forever 21.

"Wait, this place is expensive we can't shopping here."Mia says and I give her a come on look.

"You're just being silly now. You know I can afford it."

"Oh yeah." She says laughing nervously and I hook my arm into hers and walk into the store.

"So what type of girl are you?Do you like skirts and shirts, jeans and crop tops, or dresses and heels?"I ask.

"Well I don't know."She says thinking about her style.

"Well we're about to find out."I say and grab a few things off the racks.

"You take a look around and see what you like. I'll grab a few things that I think would suit you and then we'll meet up at the dressing rooms."I say.

"Okay sounds good."She says and walks off.

I grab a light blue denim skirt that has buttons going all the way down.I grabbed a few skinny jeans too in a variety of colours, black, light blue, dark blue, faded blue and white. I took two more skirts too, one in black and a checkered one in black and white. I took a few spaghetti tops and long sleeved turtle neck tops. I got a pair of black leggings too with a dragon on the right leg. I threw in a few crop tops too. Oh I think she'll like this. I grab a plain white hoodie that says sorry I'm late, I didn't want to come and another one in pink that says Everyday, brunch club. I got a few jean shorts and denim jackets. I had to call one of the workers over to help me carry all these clothes.

"Tanya do you think a thirteen year old would like this?"I ask holding up the black and yellow checkered jumpsuit.

"It looks great mam, but maybe in a different colour."She says.

"Yeah maybe royal blue and black. Hey and don't call me mam. I'm not that old. Call me Tatum."I say.

"Sure Tatum."She says.

"Well,I think this is enough."I say and look at all the clothes Tanya is holding and the rest in my hands.

We make our way to the dressing rooms and coincidentally Mia comes out with an icy blue coloured spring dress,that has flowers of many colours on it.

"Wow. Look at you."I say and sit on one of the comfy cream coloured seats in front of the dressing room. I gesture for Tanya to put the other clothes on the seat next to me.She does so and I pat on a spot next to me on the sofa for her to sit down.

"I really shouldn't.My boss will get mad." Tanya says.

"Oh come on.The shop is basically empty today and I need you to render your services of a second opinion."I say and she nods then sits down next to me.

"It really looks good on you."Tanya compliments Mia.

"Thank you, but I don't feel like it's me." She says.

"Well, here's a lot more.So you'll figure it out."I say pointing to the huge pile of clothing next to me.Her eyes go wide.

"Woah that's a lot."

"Now go on.Here's a lot of clothes to be tried on."I shoo her to go change.

After a few minutes she comes back in a black tight fitted dress that is strapless and heart shaped at the top and a black and silver waist belt. It looks like it's made out of a leathery material.

"Interesting."I say.

"I'm not really feeling this one."I add.

"Are you feeling this one Tanya?"I ask.

"No." She says.

"Me neither."Mia says.

"It's the dress. You rock, but the dress don't."I say.

"Yeah I'm definitely not a dress person."She says.

"Well let's see if you're a skirt person."I say and shove a few skirts and tops into her hands.

She then comes out with a few skirts and tops put together to make different outfits, but we like none of it.We're just not feeling it.

"Next."I say and she turns back around.

"Yeah when I saw it I wasn't feeling it."Tanya says and I laugh quietly.Turns out that jumpsuits weren't a good idea.

She came out with a few other outfits. There were a few nice ones, but damn I didn't know that Mia could be so god damn picky. Can't blame her though. I am too.

"I give up."Mia says and I immediately jump up from my seat.

"What? No you're not."I say and take more clothes and shove it into her hands and I lightly push her back into the dressing room.

She then comes out with a maroon coloured long sleeve turtle neck and a grey shorts.I have to say it does suit her. She looks really good.

"I'm definitely feeling it."I say and Tanya nods excitedly.

"I'm feeling it too."Mia screeches. Finally.

"It really does suit you."Tanya says and Mia smiles brightly.

"I found my style."Mia says excitedly.

"Warm and sweet. I like it."I nod in approval.

"Thanks."

"Now let's get all the things you want and we still need to get shoes and accessories then we'll be on our way."I say.

We rang up everything and took the bags to the car.

"Hey, why didn't you get anything for yourself?"Mia asks.

"Well I don't think that I'm ready for shopping yet. What's the use I buy clothes that's going to fit now, but not in a few weeks time?" I say and touch my belly. I wonder when I'll start showing.

"Oh, yeah you make a good point."She says.

"Wanna go to the hairdresser?"I ask referring to the salon just opposite from where we're standing.

"Why not?" She says and we make our way to the salon.

"We can go to Starbucks afterwards. I'm craving a Java chip frappechino right now."I suggest and she nods. I love putting smiles on people's faces, especially when there aren't so much good things in their lives that you make them smile on a daily basis. It feels good.

Once we enter the doors of Stephanie's Salon a young girl about 16 comes to our service.

"Welcome to Stephanie's Salon. What can we help you with today?" The girl asks cheerfully.

"What do you wanna do with your hair Mia?" I ask.

"Well, I actually like my natural curls. So I just want a natural curly look."She says.

"Well I have the perfect hairdresser for you and lucky for you she's available. Follow me." The girl says and we do so.

"Girls this is Paula and she'll be at your service today.Paula this is Mia and she wants a natural curly look."She informs Paula.

"Hi."Mia says greeting Paula.

"Hi, you're really beautiful and the curls will definitely compliment your face structure."Paula says and Mia sits in the seat.

"Hey, you'll be okay here right? There's something that I forgot to buy."I say and Mia nods.

"Yeah, I'm great."She says happily.

I make my way out the doors and faintly hear Mia telling Paula in more detail about how she wants her curls.

I head into a baby store and buy a baby car seat. I was thinking that since I'm going to see Brandon for lunch anyways that I could bring Cassie with me to see him. It would be stupid to call him and let her speak to him over the phone when I am going to see him right after. I put the baby seat in the back seats of the car and make sure I did it correctly.

I go back to the salon and Cassie is all done and Wow she looks amazing. Her hair is done nicely in natural loose curls falling just over her shoulders. The tips of her hair are dark brown and the colour becomes lighter as you go up to her roots. It really compliments her face shape and soft olive skin. Purely gorgeous. I wish I looked like this at that age. I went through a major awkward phase. I get chills thinking about it.

"Three words. You look amazing!"I say.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, you really look great."I say honestly.

"Thank you,but it was all Paula."Mia screeches.

"Oh honey no, it was all you.I just did a few things here and there, but it is all you."Paula says.

I then paid for there services and gave Paula a reasonable tip. She really did good. I wanna be next but on another day. We then went to buy Mia a new phone and then we headed to Starbucks. I let her take my, Brandon and Katherine's phone numbers. For emergencies and in case she needs anything.

We then went to Starbucks.Fucking finally. Sorry my cravings are making me moody.
Mia got a strawberry smoothie. Lame,but who am I to judge her choices in drinks.I on the other hand got my favourite Java chip frappechino. I know what Brandon said and I get it,but it's just one drink.I've been having cravings for it and I guess that I can have dairy now,because it doesn't make me want to gag anymore.Hey, maybe I can eat red meat again.

I take a quick sip of my deliciousness savoring the lovely taste as it dancing on my tongue before starting the car and pulling out of our parking spot and making our way back to Katherine's. How I've missed this.

We made our way back and Katherine helped us carry the grocery bags into the kitchen. Once we got everything in side Mia and I took all her shopping bags upstairs. Katherine and the kids admired Mia's look too.

"So I'll be on my way now. I'm meeting Brandon for lunch and I'm taking Cassie with me."I inform Katherine.

"Of course you are."Katherine says and I nod smiling brightly.

"The three of you really get along well."Katherine says.

"We do. There's something I want to speak to you about, but when we come back."I say.

"Okay then. Now go, you wouldn't want to leave Brandon waiting."Katherine says to Cassie and she jumps up and down excitedly.

I pick Cassie up and rest her on my hip.

"We'll be back later."

Before I went out the door Mia thanked me again.

I put Cassie into the new baby seat and buckled her up. Nice and safe.
I got into the drivers seat and we were on our way to meet Brandon for lunch.

So it turns out that I still can't eat meat. Really disappointing,but I'll deal with it. Brandon was so happy to see Cassie. It looked as if he was more excited to see her then me, but I'm totally fine with it.

"So what have you been up to?"Brandon asks as he takes a bite out of his pizza.

"Nothing much. I went shopping with Mia and we really enjoyed it. I bought the baby car seat too."I say and start eating on my fries.

"Tatum is something wrong?" He asks.

"What, why would you think so?"

"I don't know, you look bothered." He says.

"Well I saw_" I get cut off by Cassie. She's lending out her food covered hands to me, so that I could clean them. I take a baby wipe out and clean her face and her hands.

"Here drink this." I say and put the straw into the juice box for her to drink.

"Thank you."She says and I wink at her then face Brandon again.

"You were saying..."

"I ran into Samuel this morning."

"Really? Where?"

"At the hotel."

"What happ_You've got to be kidding me."Brandon cuts himself off and looks pass me. I turn around to see what he is looking at and I see Samuel and a bunch of friends coming into the cafe. Yeah, you've got to be kidding me.

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