9 Years Later

(A/N: Hi guys, I apologise for the wait, I genuinely didn't realise how long it's been since my last update, but here is a cute chapter for you to read, unfortunately it's going to be another wait because I haven't had the time yet to write another chapter, this is my last completed chapter, but I do plan on at least 2 more chapters, and it'll be finished. I just gotta get around to writing them, with all this crazy stuff with this pandemic, a lot of people are off work and school and whatnot, but I am a key-worker, so UK lockdown makes little difference to me, I still have to go out to work 5 days a week, I'm literally work, home, work, home, etc.. but I will get there eventually! And I swear these last two chapters will (hopefully) be worth the wait! Anyway, stay home, stay safe, be back hopefully soon!)

I hit the off button to my alarm, jeez, this is early, even for me, I look over to Sophie and see her stirring in her sleep, the alarm has woken her up.

"It's not that time already is it?" She asks in a very sleepy tone.

"Not yet babe, I just need to get up a little earlier to do something, go back to sleep" I whisper to her. She nods and falls right back to sleep, I place a gentle kiss on her head, she doesn't move, indicating to me that she is fast asleep. I quickly and quietly get up and dressed in a casual t-shirt and trousers. I go to her alarm and turn it off, I hope she doesn't wake up within the next couple of hours.

I go into the bathroom and sort myself out, I then go to Finley's and Charlotte's rooms and get them up for school.

"You need to whisper, Mummy is still sleeping, lets give her a lay-in" I whisper to them both as I assist them with getting dressed.

"Is Mummy ok?" Charlotte asks, seeming a little sad.

"Mummy is completely fine sweetie, I just thought she could do with a day off today, so, it would be nice if you guys be on your best behaviour for her" I say. They both nod in understanding.

"We'll be little stars" Charlotte says. You guys are the best little stars out there.

"Go downstairs quietly and tell the chef what you'd like for breakfast, I'll be with you in a minute" I say. They smile and quietly sneak off.

I quickly phone Sophie's work, I know it's quite early but at least someone will know that she won't be in today.

"Hi, this is Carlisle Reed, Sophie's husband" I say.

"Mr Reed, I don't think we've ever had someone call us at this time" The lady says.

"Yeah, I know it's early but I just wanted to let you know sooner rather than later that she isn't feeling too well today" I explain.

"Oh, is she ok?" She asks sounding concerned.

"Don't worry, she's fine, just she's had a bad night and I just want her to rest for today, hopefully she'll be better for tomorrow" I say.

"I understand, tell her we wish her well and the animals can't wait to see her again" She says.

"Thanks for understanding, bye" I finish the phone-call. Thankfully she understood, although Sophie will probably murder me for this, she hates being off from work. I need to let someone at work know I'm not going in today, I think Princess should be awake now, and she's the one that works closest to me. I quickly dial her number.

"Morning man" Dale answers.

"Morning Princess, you're voice got rather deep overnight" I joke.

"Dale give me the phone, Mr Reed wants me, not you" I hear Princess.

"You guys are no fun in the morning" Dale says and I can tell he's pouting.

"Sorry about that Mr Reed, what did you need me for?" Princess asks.