A drastic step

Maria had opened the note and it read,

"Hey sleepyhead, another late night I see. I hope you had a good time last night and that you were able to turn your date into a successful one. In case you are still bothered by what happened, I talked to Noah and he too says that you have nothing to worry about and no guilt to feel in the matter. Everything worked out, so only positive things in that pretty head of yours now my friend. As for me, I sadly couldn't wait for you to awake from you slumber. There was something I had to do. Something I wanted to take care of. So, I decided to head out while you are still sleeping in hopes of being back before you wake up. So that we have two things to celebrate by the time I am back. If you do wake up before I get there, enjoy your breakfast and I promise I'll be there soon to keep you company.

XOXO

The one and only Princess"

Maria chuckled as she glanced at the note and placed it down. Now that she knew where Laila was, Maria could let out a breath of relief knowing that Laila was fine. She placed the note away and took off the covers from the serving plates that kept the food warm and fresh for her. She was just making herself a plate when one of the staff members walked in and greeted her. "Good morning miss. I will have the kitchen bring you some freshly brewed tea. There is some juice here if you would rather want that."

Maria thanked the young man and said that she would have both. "Of course. I will get right to it. Would you like some eggs miss? We can have the kitchen make some fresh for you. If you want anything else, that is fine as well of course." Maria smiled and replied to his question with the words, "I would love some. Thank you. I like my eggs sunny side up please." The man bowed slightly and said, "Yes, of course. I will let the kitchen know." As he walked away, Maria suddenly called out to add a detail to her order and said, "Could you have the chefs flip the egg over once the top is done. I don't like the egg whites to still be runny on top." Again the man nodded and said, "Certainly. How about the yolk?" Maria smiled and said, "The yolk being runny is fine.", before adding with a wink, "It gives me something to dip in." The man smiled as he hid his chuckle and bowed slightly once more before disappearing behind the wooden door.

As Maria nibbled on the other delicious treats on the table, among which being a fruit salad, some eclairs, pancakes, being kept warm with a water-bath, even some chocolate covered strawberries. Though she wanted to do far more than nibbling, she also wanted to wait for the fresh tea and warm eggs. That way the meal would be complete. Fortunately she didn't have to wait long. Not for The remaining parts of her breakfast and not for Laila.

Just as she wanted to take the first bite of her perfectly fried eggs, Maria heard the front door being opened and hearing Laila greet the butler, who seemed equally happy to see her as she him. Maria could hear Laila's steps getting closer and soon she was greeted with a big smile from the brightly shining Laila. As Laila approached her and gave Maria a big one armed hug, Laila said, "Good morning sleepy beauty. Has it been a hundred years yet. You don't look a day over twenty-eight."

Maria chuckled and responded by saying, "Yes, isn't it wonderful. What a curse along with the magic of a good face cream can do for a person, right? I guess this is why they say, don't underestimate the effects of proper hydration."

Laila let out a matching chuckle and took a seat across from Maria after she greeted her God-son through Laila's belly. Once she was seated, Maria asked her, "So, tell me, where have you been? What was this mission of yours that could not wait until tomorrow." Laila chuckled before she began to explain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This morning Laila decided to take care of something else that had been long in the making. She had taken a drastic step but one that had been long overdue. Ever since their romantic trip away with just the two of them, Laila had felt herself lacking in some ways compared to Noah. After that trip, she had been wanting to make more of herself and of her dreams. Though she had felt something like this once before, after the trip the feeling got stronger to a point that she could no longer set it aside. She was determined to set a good example for her son and any other future children she and Noah might have. She had told herself back then that she would become a woman worthy of Noah, one that could not only stand by his side but also help him in his time of need.

Now that she had succeeded in bugging Olivia's house and she had her best friend by her side, she decided to take another drastic step. This success had given her motivation and energy. So, now, with newfound determination, Laila went to work. Still living on the high of her success from the night before, she went to her job and resigned.