Chapter 18: Eighteen
Haven stretched her arms beneath her pillow, craning her neck to glance at the clock and worried for a split second she'd overslept. It was only seven, so she was fine. Fumbling for her phone on the night stand she checked her email for any school updates.
Nothing.
Haven sighed, raking her hands through the top of her head.
"Oh you're awake—can I wear my new dress today?" Clementine asked quietly, yawning as she inched closer to Haven.
Haven smoothed the hair away from her forehead, kissing her face. "Mm-hm, but it's not time to get up yet."
Clementine dramatically sighed. "It always takes so long to get up."
"I know."
Clementine snuggled against Haven. "Can I play with your hair?"
Haven hesitated, though she doubted at this point Clementine would go back to sleep. "Sure," she finally murmured, turning onto her stomach as Clementine inched closer.
"Can I get the hairbrush? Your hair's all messy."
Haven nodded, reaching onto her nightstand for the hairbrush and passing it back to Clementine. "Be gentle, okay?"
"Okay, Momma. Can we have roundellos with breakfast?"
Haven nodded, her eyelids growing heavy as Clementine brushed her hair.
"Can we get up now?" Clementine asked after what felt like only a few seconds. She started to slide out of bed.
"Not yet, it's too early."
"Why do we have to stay in bed so long on Sundays?"
"Cause mommy wants to sleep in a little."
"Oh."
Haven blinked her eyes slowly closed, surprised that Clementine didn't try to get up or start wiggling. She went back to brushing Haven's hair. She wasn't expecting to get much more sleep but she must have as the next time she opened her eyes there was pale light streaming in through the windows. She glanced over her shoulder and almost laughed at seeing Clementine sitting up and playing with her doll.
"Are you awake?"
Haven nodded.
"Is it time to get up?"
Haven sighed dramatically. "Apparently. Come on, let's take a bath really quick and then we'll go get some breakfast."
"Okay!" Clementine darted out of bed and into the bathroom.
Haven followed, pulling a hoodie over her head. She drew Clementine a bath and then washed her face and brushed her teeth while waiting for the tub to fill.
While Clementine was playing on her own, Haven got herself dressed. She didn't feel like actually doing her hair so she gathered it all up on the top of her head in a messy knot.
It was only another ten minutes or so before Clementine asked if she could get out. Haven helped her from the tub, wrapping a towel around her and scooping her up in her arms like a baby.
"Hey, we made a deal. Remember?"
Clementine shook her head, a worried look clouding her face. "Uh-uh."
"You promised you wouldn't get any bigger."
Clementine giggled, wrinkling her nose up in a smile.
Haven kissed her wet head. "And you're breaking your promise, little miss." She lightly tickled Clementine's side.
Clementine let out a squeal. "No, I can't help it!"
"Are you sure?"
Clementine nodded.
"Well, okay, then I guess you're off the hook." Haven kissed her head again before setting her down. "Go get dressed!"
Clementine darted out into the bedroom and while she was busy Haven sank down at her desk and tried to get in at least a few minutes of Bible reading. She didn't get very far when Clementine needed help. As soon as she was dressed, Haven gathered her bag, Bible, and notebook and started down the stairs toward the dinning room.
Clementine grinned. "Can I get my food all by myself?" she asked, tugging at Haven's hand.
"Please—?"
"Please?"
Haven nodded, handing a plate to Clementine as they approached the buffet. Clementine gasped at seeing the plates of roundellos, pancakes, fruit, whipped cream, and maple syrup.
"You don't want any of that, right?" Sarah asked.
"Yes I do!" Clementine laughed. She reached for the serving spoon, but her arms weren't long enough to reach. Haven had to pick her up and lean over the table so she could grab one.
"Can I get three?"
"Three?"
Clementine nodded, smiling her most pleading grin. "Please?"
Haven smirked. She nodded, jerking her chin towards the stack of pancakes.
Grinning, Clementine loaded to more onto her plate before Haven set her back down and they continued on down the line. When their plates were full, Sarah, Haven, and Clementine all took seats together.
As they ate, Haven ran her fingers through Clementine's hair, smiling to herself.
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