Chapter 15
Bernie woke up the next morning and felt Serena's arm wrapped around just like they had when they had fallen asleep. I don't know how anyone could ever hurt you, Bernie thought to herself as she kissed the top of Serena's head.
"Did you sleep alright?" Serena asked sleepily.
"Like a log, you?"
"Better than I have done in a long time. That's because I was in your arms. I wish I could stay in your arms."
"No reason why you can't." Serena looked up at Bernie.
“Because you will soon get fed up with me.”
“No I won't. I have told you I am going to help you. And I meant it. I'm going nowhere.”
"Good because I love spending time with you." Serena smiled as she cuddled back up to Bernie.
"And I love spending time with you too."
"Are you in a hurry to go home?"
"Not really why?"
"Do you and your Dad want to stay for Sunday dinner?"
"That would be lovely."
"What about your Dad?"
"You're feeding him. He'll stay."
"What about your brother, Louise and little Maise. Do you think they might come?"
"I'll text them and ask."
"Will they be awake at this time? It’s only 8.00?”
“They have a child, of course they will be up at this time.” Bernie said as she sat up and grabbed her phone.
Bernie
Morning brov. Serena wants to know if you 3 want to come to her house for dinner today? Xx
Stephen
We would love to tell Serena. Does Serena want us bring anything?xx
They love to come.”
“That’s good.”
Stephen says do you want him to bring anything?
“No just themselves”
Bernie
Serena said no just bring yourselves.xx
Stephen
Ok. What time shall we be there?xx Serena took the phone from Bernie and sent the next message.
Bernie
It’s Serena, dinner will be about 2.00 but you can come anytime you want before that. Xx
Stephen
Ok. Thank you Serena. See you later. Xx
Bernie
Bye.xx
“That's that sorted. Me and you just have to go to the supermarket now.”
“I hate supermarket shopping.”
“I’m sure you'll manage.”
“I think i’ll need you to hold my hand all the way round,”
“I think I can manage that.” Serena smiled as Bernie learned over and kissed Serena.
When Serena and Bernie went into the kitchen Raymond and Howard were at the kitchen table eating breakfast.
"Good morning you two." Howard said as Bernie and Serena sat down.
"Morning." They both said.
"Dad, I have invited Bernie and Howard to stay for Sunday dinner."
"That's fine,love."
"Is that OK with you Dad?" Bernie asked.
"Sounds good to me. Thank you Serena."
"You're welcome. I erm. I have invited Stephen,Louise and little Maise too."
"The more the merrier." Raymond said.
"Me and Bernie are going to go shopping after we have had breakfast."
"Ok."
"What do you want for breakfast Bernie?"
"I'll just have some of these." Bernie said as she picked up the box of Cornflakes.
"Ok. Serena got 2 bowls out of the cupboard."Do you want a cup of tea?"
"I'd love one baby. Dad, I am going to go home first to have a shower and get changed. Do you want me to bring you a change of clothes back?"
"Yes please darling. Would it be OK for me.to jump in your shower then Raymond?"
"Of course it is, you don't have to ask. Just make yourselfs at home."
"Thanks mate." Serena and Bernie smiled at each other as they ate their breakfast.
A few hours later Bernie and Serena had been to the supermarket and were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner.
“Are you sure you two don’t want any help?” Raymond asked as he got himself and Howard a beer from the fridge.
“No, we can manage thanks Dad.”
“Do you two want a beer?”
“No Thanks, Bernie?”
“No thanks, I've got a can of coke.”
“Right then I'll leave you to it. I’ll get that.” Raymond said as the doorbell rang. “Hello,?”
“Hi Raymond.”
“Please come in.” Raymond said as he opened the door wider.
“Hello baby girl.” Howard said as he came into the hall.
“GanGan.” Maise said excitedly as Louise put her down so she could go to him.
“Please come through and make yourself comfortable.” Raymond said.
“GanGan.”
“Yes baby.”
“Where’s Bern and Ena?”
“They are in the kitchen.”
“Me go to them.”
“Come with me Maise. I’ll take you to them. I think they have got some chocolate for you” Maise's face lit up as she took Raymond's hand as he took her to the kitchen. “Look who I've got here.”
“Hello.” They both said.
“Bern, Ena.” Maise ran up to them as Bernie picked her up.
“Hello Beautiful.” Maise hugged Bernie and then held her arms out for Serena to take her.
“Are you ok sweetheart?” Maise hugged Serena.
“Ena.”
“Yes,beautiful.”
“Choc Choc.”
“Choc Choc, You want Choc Choc do you?”
“Yes pease.”
“I don’t think we bought any chocolate from the supermarket did we Bernie?”
“I didn't pick any up. Did you?”
“No.”
“Did too. Your Daddy Said.”
“Is this what you want?” Serena smiled as she went to the fridge and got out a bar of chocolate.
“Yeah.”
“What do you say, Maise?” Bernie said.
“Fanks you Ena.”
“Your Welcome.” Maise smiled as she kissed Serena on the cheek and gave her a hug.
“That was absolutely beautiful. Thank you Serena.” Stephen said as he put down his knife and fork.
"You're very welcome. It was a joint effort. Wasn't it?"
"It was,baby." Serena smiled as she put her hand on top of Bernie's. Stephen and Louise smiled at each other as they saw how close Bernie and Serena were getting.
"Mummy wook." Maise said as she pointed at her plate.
"You've nearly eaten all your dinner. Good girl."
"Have you enjoyed that."
"Yes, Ena." Maise said as she climbed onto Serena's knee.
"Why don't you all go sit in the lounge and relax while I'll do the pots." Raymond said.
"I'll give you a hand."
"Are you sure? You're a guest."
"I'm sure. You and Bernie have just cooked this delicious meal. It's the least we can do. Go to the lounge and relax."
"Ok." Serena topped everyone's drink up before they all went into the lounge.
"When are you going back to work Bernie?" Stephen asked as they sat down in the lounge.
"Tomorrow. There's no point having any longer off."
"Have you got a busy week ahead Serena?"
"Yes it always is."
"What are you drawing,baby? "Louise asked.
"Bern and Ena."
"She definitely likes you, Serena."
"She's not the only one."Bernie smiled as she put her arm Serena as they kissed softly.
"No. No." Maise said as she ran up to Serena and climbed up on her knee. "No kiss Ena, Bern."
"Why can't I kiss Serena."
"She's my Ena." Maise whispered in Bernie's ear.
"Is she now?" Bernie said as her and Serena smiled at each other. "Can't we share her?"
"No. I Wove her."
"I love you too sweetheart, but you know how you love Auntie Bernie and she loves you."
"Yeah."
Well I can love you and your Auntie Bernie as well."
"So will you share Serena with me?" Maise nodded as she put her arms around them.