Ceo First love

approached her. - Hey! - She was startled by my sudden presence and automatically raised the shovel towards me. I raised my hands in surrender and took two steps back. - Don't worry, I won't hurt you, I'm just passing through. - I pointed in the direction of the damaged fence, assuming she had come in that way. The girl lowered the shovel, but did not let go immediately. We heard footsteps approaching and turned in the direction of the sound. My eyes fixed, full of apprehension, on the boy, very tall for his young age, with long hair and dark clothes.

His icy gaze gave me goosebumps, however, upon observing the girl, his expression softened. Elijah Richards and his family lived a few houses away, on the corner, but were always ignored by the neighborhood. Their house, modest and unpretentious, was surrounded by mansions whose owners saw them as a nuisance. I remember the next door neighbor had even tried to buy the Richards' property, just to get rid of them, but the offer was turned down. I

flinched as Elijah approached. He walked past me and joined the girl as if I were a mere shadow. I noticed that he was carrying a bouquet of flowers, probably taken from one of the tombs. He and the girl completely ignored me, focused on what they were doing. I should have left, but I stayed. Like I said, my uncontrollable curiosity always got me into trouble, and Elijah Richards was without a doubt about to become the pinnacle of them. I then saw her open the shoe box and put one of the flowers inside. I tried to stretch out to see what was inside, but I couldn't see clearly. However, my instinct whispered to me that it was an animal; maybe a cat or even a puppy. - We need to say a prayer, Elijah - the little girl asked, her voice trembling. - You already did it, it's good. - The boy's low but serious voice did not go unnoticed by me.

- He needs more! -she exclaimed, crossing her arms sullenly. Elijah swallowed hard and clasped his hands together. - Did you see? Okay, I've done it. - It has to be out loud! - He scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable. -I-I can do it. Did I mention I had a habit of being nosy? Two pairs of angry eyes fixed themselves on me, making me reconsider the offer.

- Okay, I'm leaving. - He smiled awkwardly. He was about to turn his back to give them privacy, something he should have done before, when the little girl agreed. - Alright, prayers are always welcome

. - She snorted discontentedly, which made me question whether my offer was really being accepted. I looked at the boy and he gestured with his head indicating that I should come closer, even though he kept a frown on his face. Cautiously, I walked over and knelt beside her, rubbing my sweaty hands on my jeans. - May I take a look at it? - I pointed to the box. The girl hugged her tightly, resisting letting go.

- If I know what it is, I can direct the prayer. It might be more effective that way. - I tried to persuade her. After exchanging a look with her brother, who nodded slightly, the girl gave in and opened the box. "A rabbit," I said out loud. - Long leg. - As? "His name is Bugs Bunny," she clarified impatiently. - OK I understand! - He smiled tenderly. I took a deep breath, clasping my hands together in prayer and closing my eyes. - Lord God, welcome Bugs Bunny into Your home. He was an incredible rabbit and deserves all the privileges in heaven... - What are privileges?

- the girl asked, interrupting my prayer. - These are advantages, benefits. May he make the best of heaven," she agreed, nodding her head. - And let him know that he was very loved by... - I looked at her. - Grace. - Let him know that he was very loved by Grace and that she will always remember him... - And every year I will bring flowers. -And every year, she will bring him flowers. Amen. - Amen! - Grace closed her eyes and said another silent prayer. I glanced quickly at Elijah and caught a fleeting smile. I admit that that smile pleased me more than I should have allowed. I closed my own eyes, controlling my own smile and continued to pretend to pray for a moment longer. When Grace opened her eyes, she placed the box inside the small pit. Elijah stood up and covered the hole with dirt. Soon after, Grace planted the bouquet of flowers and a small cross made of pieces of firewood on the grave. When she got up, she surprised me with a hug. No words were needed to understand that he was thanking me.

It was a brief hug and then Grace led the way, humming. I took a deep breath and looked at Elijah, he was staring at me, so intense that he seemed able to see my soul. "Thanks," he said, and I just nodded. Picking up the shovel, he headed toward Grace. I stood there, watching them walk away, without a formal goodbye. Despite this, I knew that after this funeral, we would be linked in some way, forever.

- I don't want to go, Mom. - Audrey crossed her arms, hugging her teddy bear to her chest. I let go of the box that was in my hands and took a deep breath, approaching it. I knelt in front of her and lifted her chin so our eyes met. - I know this change isn't easy, my sweetie, but we're going to have a lot of fun at grandma's house. - I tried to infuse animation into my words. - Grandma doesn't like us - she complained, her voice was a sad whisper. - Is not true. - I smiled, conveying confidence even though that confidence was still forming in me. - Grandma Hazel is just a little...

- I paused for a moment, searching for the right word - quirky, but she's nice, you'll see. - Why did daddy leave? - She asked, her eyes filled with tears as she threw herself tearfully into my arms. This was one of the rare times I allowed the end of my marriage to hit me. If my damn ex-husband -

or to rephrase, almost ex-husband, since we hadn't signed the divorce yet - had simply gone to hell, taking his debts with him and not leaving us in this situation, I admit that getting over all of this would be much calmer. However, the bastard was not only on the run, but he also left us deep in debt, leaving us with no choice but to return to the city where I grew up.

- Trust me, little girl, just this once, okay? - Audrey tightened the hug and nodded, sniffling. I gently pulled away and held her face in my hands. - You're going to like living [1] in Rangeley - I gave him a kiss on the cheek and got up to continue packing the rest of our things. After packing all of our things into the pickup truck I rented for the move, I took one last look at the house we'd lived in for the last six years of our lives. I wiped away a solitary tear that insisted on falling, started the car and left, without looking back. I drove for about twelve hours, making rest stops and meals at gas stations, until we finally arrived in my hometown.

I confess that my reaction was not the best. I lived the best and worst years of my life in that small county, and the memories that assaulted me every time I walked through the familiar streets became overwhelming. As I passed the town cemetery, I was unable to continue forward, so I parked next to the fence we had crossed years ago, on the same deserted road. -Are we there yet, mommy? -