Old friend

Amidst the hum of ringing phones and the clatter of keyboards, Emma found herself engrossed in the tasks spread across her desk within the bustling office. The rhythmic tap of her fingers on the keyboard was momentarily interrupted by a familiar voice, and the gentle closure of her eyes signaled an unexpected intrusion.

"Guess who?" teased a playful voice, shrouded in a hint of mystery.

A reflexive smile tugged at the corners of Emma's lips as the recognizable tone reached her ears. "So, you finally returned, Charlotte?" she replied, her voice carrying a blend of warmth and amusement.

The mystery person, with a sense of theatrical flair, withdrew their hands, revealing a delighted Charlotte standing before Emma. The room seemed to brighten with the infectious joy of their reunion, and the two friends embraced, the familiarity of their connection evident in the comfort of the hug.

As they separated from the embrace, Charlotte couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "Emma, it's been way too long! I missed you!"

"I missed you too, Charlotte," Emma responded, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness at the sight of her long-lost friend.

Taking a moment to catch up, they found a makeshift sanctuary amidst the bustling office. The ebb and flow of coworkers and the persistent hum of business seemed to fade away as they exchanged stories, bridging the gap created during Charlotte's absence.

"So, spill the beans. What exciting things happened in my absence?" Charlotte inquired, her eyes dancing with curiosity.

Emma, with a reminiscent chuckle, replied, "Well, you've missed quite a bit. Lily is growing up fast, and I've had my fair share of adventures, both at work and in personal life."

Leaning in with a mischievous grin, Charlotte probed further, "Adventures, huh? Do tell!"

As Emma began weaving the tapestry of her recent escapades, a familiar voice punctuated the air, adding another layer to the reunion.

"So, you're finally back?" Richard approached them, a warm smile playing on his lips.

Turning her attention to Richard, Charlotte greeted him, "Oh, Richard! How are you?"

"I'm good! I just missed you!" Richard admitted, his eyes reflecting a teasing camaraderie.

"Missed me, huh? Still haven't changed your flirting habits?" Charlotte teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

In good spirits, Richard let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh, well, I'm just joking!"

Seizing the opportunity, Richard turned his attention toward Emma with a casual yet intriguing proposition. "Hey, Emma, how about dinner tonight?"

A momentary pause lingered as Emma hesitated, considering her response. "Well, Richard, my boyfriend is waiting," she reluctantly revealed, a subtle note of affection underlying her words.

Surprise registered on Charlotte's face as she processed the newfound information. "Wait, you have a boyfriend?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in genuine astonishment.

"Yeah, a lot has happened. I'll fill you in later," Emma assured, offering a promise of forthcoming explanations that hung in the air.

As the evening descended, Emma extended an invitation to Charlotte to join her at home. Crossing the threshold into Emma's cozy abode, a comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee embraced them. Emma, ever the gracious host, welcomed Charlotte with a warm smile and extended a cup of coffee.

Curiosity, ever the companion of old friends catching up, prompted Charlotte to delve deeper into Emma's life. "So, does your boyfriend know about Lily?" she inquired, her interest piqued by the familial dynamics.

"Lily is the reason we fell in love," Emma shared, her smile carrying a mix of tenderness and nostalgia for the journey that brought them together.

"I meant, does he know about her past?" Charlotte clarified, hinting at the complexities that often accompanied blended families.

Emma's smile persisted, a testament to her unwavering optimism. "I don't think he cares about that," she admitted, an air of hopeful anticipation accompanying her words.

Inquisitive about Lily's whereabouts, Charlotte couldn't help but ask, "So, where's Lily?"

"She's probably playing with Alex," Emma replied, a genuine warmth infusing her tone. The mention of Alex, though casual, prompted a spark of curiosity in Charlotte.

"Oh, so this Alex is your boyfriend?" Charlotte probed further, eager to unravel the threads of Emma's evolving narrative.

"Yes! And he is my cry baby!" Emma playfully joked, a lightness in her tone revealing the endearment behind the teasing.

Charlotte, with a quizzical expression, couldn't help but express her surprise. "I think you won't fall for anyone, like you are always dense," she remarked, her words carrying a mix of curiosity and observation.

Emma's eyes sparkled with the memory as she shared, "I fell for him when I saw the genuine care and love he had for Lily. It was like a switch flipped, and I saw the person who had been hiding behind the tough exterior all along."

Charlotte, captivated by the unfolding tale, leaned in with an encouraging smile. "So, Lily played a significant role in this love story?"

Emma nodded, her expression filled with affection. "Absolutely. Lily was the bridge that brought us together. The more I saw Alex's interactions with her, the more I realized that he wasn't just a tough guy; he was someone who cared deeply, and that care extended to both Lily and me."

"I won't accept him until I see him through my own eyes!" Charlotte declared with determination.

Emma smiled at Charlotte's declaration, recognizing her friend's protective instincts. "Well, good luck trying to reject him!" Emma teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Just as their banter continued, Lily's voice echoed through the house, announcing her return. "Mama is back!" Lily's excited declaration reached Emma's ears.

With the door swinging open, Lily rushed into the living room, her energy lighting up the space. "Aunt Char?" Lily's eyes widened with excitement.

Surprised and delighted, Charlotte greeted Lily warmly, "Oh, dear Lily! How are you?"

Lily's excitement knew no bounds as she playfully embraced Charlotte. "I missed you, aunty!" Lily's hug radiated genuine affection.

Char reciprocated the hug with a smile. "I missed you too, sweetie!" she replied, her warmth blending seamlessly with Lily's exuberance.

"Hey, Emma! Issable went outside, and I lost my key. Can I stay here for some time?" he asked, strolling into the living room and catching a glimpse of Charlotte.

His eyes widened as he noticed Charlotte's presence. "Oh! You seem to have a guest today!" Alex remarked, about to retreat from the room.

However, Charlotte's sudden exclamation halted his departure. "Wait! I saw you somewhere!" she declared, her expression a mix of surprise and realization.