A Tale of Two Tournaments

by KayleeArafinwiel

Summary:

It's 2024, and Hannah Doyle is preparing for the trip of a lifetime--heading to the Paris Olympics in company with her girlfriend, Clarisse Le Bihan. After Paris, they're heading to Rome to settle into Clarisse's new home.

But first, Hannah shares the memory of the first major football tournament she ever saw, the one that set her on the road toward Clarisse.

(Sequel to "Hannah Cardwell's Holiday", set in my Soccerverse.)

Notes:

It's November again, and so this is beginning as my Flash Nano project for November 2025.

Chapter 1: Fourteen Years Ago...

Hannah Doyle looked out her window, thinking back on the events leading up to this moment. "Bee?"

 

Clarisse Le Bihan smiled sympathetically, resting a hand on Hannah's cheek. "Ma chou. A lot to think about, hmmm?"

 

"Uh huh." Hannah worried her lip between her teeth, desisting when Clarisse tapped her lip. 

 

"Worried about leaving Los Angeles?" Clarisse cooed sympathetically. "It's not your fault, my heart. Your Maman will be well. I promise."

 

Hannah nodded. "It's not that, Bee. This is the first time I've left home to work for something so big. For the Julie Foudy. But..." she exhaled, "it's not the first time I've left the US to see something so big."

 

"Mm?" Clarisse canted her head to one side. "When was the first time?"

 

"Fourteen years ago," Hannah exhaled as she packed.

 

"Tell me, ma chou."

 

“Daddy took me to the men’s World Cup…without Grandmother.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse startled. "He..." She blinked. "For...the whole month, he took you to South Africa? Papa James...without her?"

 

Hannah smiled, “Uh huh.” She said. “Was a really good month. Cause I didn’t get to see daddy a lot and I had a whole month with him.”

 

Clarisse nodded slowly. "That must have taken a lot of convincing, non? You were only a child."

 

“Uh huh. Daddy had to talk to her lots and lots and sometimes he got loud and she got loud.” Hannah said. “I wasn’t supposed to listen but I did sometimes.” She admitted.

 

Clarisse gave Hannah a small, exasperated smile. "Oui of course you did cher coeur," she said knowingly. She didn't blame Hannah in the least. "You want to know everything about everything, non?"

 

“Uh huh. Like to know everything but sometimes it was safer if I listened…” Hannah trailed off quietly.

 

Clarisse put an arm around Hannah, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Because then you knew what to expect?" she offered quietly.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Like if she was upset with me.” She whispered. “Or she was coming with her strap.” 

 

"Oh, my heart." Clarisse stroked Hannah's hair gently. "But surely Papa James wouldn't do that."

 

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh. Grandmother made daddy take the strap, but he never used it on me.” She said.

 

"I hope he threw it into the ocean," Clarisse muttered. She gave Hannah a squeeze. "I'm glad he didn't use it, ma chou. It must have been a long trip to get there, oui? Did you use the private plane?"

 

“Uh huh!” Hannah nodded. “We did! Was a long trip, daddy kept having to let me get up and walk cause I was wiggly.” She said.

 

Clarisse laughed. "Oui I'm not surprised ma chou." She tried to imagine Hannah as a little girl walking--probably practically bouncing--around the plane in mid-flight.

It wasn't at all difficult.

 

Hannah grinned. “Well I guess you still give me walking breaks too.” She said.

 

"Oui I do," Clarisse agreed, smiling fondly. "So you went from Los Angeles all the way to Johannesburg with your Daddy, hmm."

 

“And Uncle Yi and Cousin Wei.” Hannah nodded. “No grandmother.”

 

"Merci Dieu," Clarisse murmured. "Oui I see." She cuddled into Hannah's side, letting Hannah drift back into memory and begin the tale.

Chapter 2: A story in which something turns into something else...

Summary:

...or, Hannah relating the tale of eight- going on nine-year-old Hannah, when her expectation one day turned from something very bad into something very good.

Notes:

Mentions of "Grandmother's strap" as child Hannah's greatest fear, but it doesn't actually get used. (Hannah's grandmother, Aurelia Cardwell, may show up on page eventually in the memories depending on where the prompts lead. She was the primary antagonist of Hannah Cardwell's Holiday)

Hannah kissed Clarisses cheek and then began telling it. “I was having a really bad day, I knocked over one of Grandmother's vases and was in timeout…” she began. 

 

Hannah sniffled in the corner of her nursery, facing bare walls, she’d been there forever in her mind. Soon she heard the door open and tensed up, thinking it was her grandmother and her strap. 

 

James tapped on the door of the night nursery to announce himself--something Aurelia never did--before coming inside. "Guolai, Come here, xiǎo mì fēng," he said affectionately. He'd been seeing to it that Hannah worked on languages with Miss Addy and her specialized tutors even when he wasn't there to see.

 

Hannah turned around and ran to her daddy. “Daddy?” She asked.

 

"Bàba láile," James went to one knee and pulled Hannah close. "Daddy's here." He rubbed her back gently.

 

“Missed you daddy. Been gone for long time.” Hannah said cuddling James. “Grandmother’s gonna be mad I’m not in the corner.” She said.

 

James patted Hannah's cheek. "I've come to let you out, little one. Uncle Yi and I have a surprise for you."

 

“No strap? For her vase? Knocked it over.” Hannah said. “A surprise?”

 

"It was an ugly vase anyway," James said with a small wink. "It probably deserved it, hm, xiǎo mì fēng?"

 

Hannah giggled. “Uh huh. Was ugly.” She agreed. “I get to leave with you?” She asked.

 

"That's right. Uncle Yi and I have business in Johannesburg  for the next month. You remember where that is, hmm?" James prompted.

 

“South Africa.” Hannah said.

 

"Good girl. And Uncle Yi's taking Wei-Shen," James added slowly, keeping his eyes on his daughter. He didn't want to rush the reveal, waiting to see where Hannah's thoughts went.

“And no Grandmother?” Hannah asked.

 

"Well, considering you've been excelling in lessons, and it's your birthday soon, little one, then this little mishap aside, I think you've been well behaved enough to come. Yes, without Grandmother," James agreed. "But Miss Addy and Elise will come."

 

“For a whole month?” Hannah asked, bouncing on her toes.

 

"For a whole month," James confirmed, ruffling Hannah's hair gently.

 

“I-I saw on one of Miss Addys ma-magazines…” Hannah started talking too fast.

 

James carried Hannah to the window seat and sat down with her in his lap. "Hmm?"

 

“The men’s World Cup is gonna be there.” Hannah said.

 

"That's right," James smiled. "Some of our associates have invited us to attend, and I guess there's enough room for you and Wei-Shen, hm?"

 

Hannah wiggled excitedly in her daddy’s lap. “Really?” She asked. “Leave soon?”

 

"Today. Miss Addy's been packing for you," James said, and the door from Hannah's day nursery - playroom and schoolroom all in one - opened as he said that.

 

Hannah jumped off James’ lap and ran to Adelaide. “Miss Addy! We get to go to the World Cup!”

 

Adelaide smiled and hugged her small charge. "That's right, Miss Hannah, we do," she agreed. "South Africa will be a new experience for you."

 

“You been everywhere.” Hannah said. She ran back over to James and jumped on his lap. “Missed you daddy.”

 

"I've missed you too sweet girl. That's why I'm taking you with me," James murmured.

 

Hannah snuggled closer to James and smiled. “Daddy saved me.” She mumbled. “Grandmother was gonna use her strap.”

 

"She told me to bring the strap with me." James grimaced in distaste. "Don't worry, my Hannah. Bring and use aren't the same thing."

“Love you daddy.” Hannah whispered. “So excited!”

@@@

Back in the present, Clarisse cupped Hannah's cheek in her hand. "So he brought it, but he didn't use it," she mused. "She wasn't afraid he was going to run away with you and use it as an excuse to find your maman?"

 

Hannah shrugged. “Wish he did run away with me. But she wouldn’t let that happen. Even if she wasn’t with us and daddy couldn’t find mama, cause then mama would be in danger.” She said quietly.

 

"I'm sorry my heart." Clarisse cuddled Hannah gently. "He did the best he could for you, I'm sure he did."

 

“Uh huh. And he didn’t use the strap, even when I was naughty.” Hannah said.

 

"Good for him," Clarisse said firmly. "I'm glad, ma chou."

 

“Was really scared that day cause I was in timeout for a long time and then grandmother was supposed to use her strap but daddy saved me and it turned into a really good day.” Hannah smiled.

 

Clarisse nodded and rubbed Hannah's back gently. "So Miss Addy packed for you, just like we're doing now?"

 

“Uh huh. And she didn’t pack any dresses or skirts.” Hannah smiled.

 

Clarisse smirked. "Oui I would think not. It wouldn't be practical for winter in South Africa, anyway, oui?"

 

“Right.” Hannah nodded. “It was gonna be a whole month without her.” She said.

 

"Only going to be?" Clarisse prompted cautiously. "Did something happen?"

 

“No, it was a great month without her.” Hannah corrected.

 

"Oh oui a great month without her, I understand now." Clarisse smiled, relieved. "So then you got on the plane--was it Papa James' plane?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Do you know what Uncle Yi called me and daddy did too” she asked. 

 

"What was that, my heart?" Clarisse asked.

 

“Little busy bee.” Hannah grinned. “And now I have my bee”

 

"Oui now you have your Bee, and I have ma chou," Clarisse agreed.

 

“Uh huh. And this next month is how I got into soccer.” Hannah said.

"I'm very curious to know all about that, ma chou," Clarisse murmured. They had finished packing, or Clarisse thought they had, but they would both check to make sure anything wasn't missed--and she didn't want to miss any part of her chou's tale.

Chapter 3: "You are alone on an empty highway..."

Summary:

As Clarisse and Hannah finish packing, Hannah's mother, Amanda Doyle, comes to check on them--and hearing that Hannah's relating a tale of her youth, which Amanda spent separated from her daughter and husband, she probes for more information.

But as Hannah continues the story South Africa-bound, Clarisse gets a phone call...

As Clarisse was doing a final check of the suitcases, there was a knock on the door of the small apartment she and her girlfriend shared, built on the grounds of Hannah's parents' house. She glanced at Hannah, who practically flew to answer it and flung the door open.

 

Amanda was standing there and greeted her daughter with open arms. "Good morning, my angel. Busy day already?"

 

“Uh huh. Packing.” Hannah said, she made sure to be careful with her mama.

 

"Mmm." Amanda nodded and let Hannah lead her inside. "Good girl. Mind if I keep you company?"

 

“Uh huh. Course you can!” Hannah said. “You wanna sit in swing or rocking chair?” She asked.

 

"Rocking chair, thank you my angel." Amanda followed Hannah back to the bedroom and settled in the rocker, watching Clarisse fuss over Hannah's suitcase. "Making last minute checks?"

 

"Oui just making sure we have everything," Clarisse nodded absently. Then she looked around hastily. "Madame Amanda--sorry, sorry, didn't see you there."

 

Amanda laughed. "It's alright, Risse."

 

“I packed good Bee.” Hannah insisted. Carefully crawling into Amanda’s lap.

 

"Oui you did, only I had to pack your underwear for you just now, ma chou," Clarisse sounded amused. "You remembered everything else though."

 

Amanda chuckled. "She sounds like me packing for a trip. Lenni always found something I'd forgotten."

 

“Had to have room for my figures.” Hannah said with a shrug.

 

Amanda laughed. "You are definitely my child."

 

“My mama.” Hannah said, snuggling Amanda closer. “You feeling okay today?” She asked.

 

"Mostly okay," Amanda assured Hannah, stroking her hair. "Love you, angel...I'm glad we're not alone anymore," she added in a whisper.

 

“Me too mama.” Hannah whispered back, fidgeting with Amanda’s hair at the nape of her neck. 

 

Amanda gave Hannah a gentle squeeze and let her play with the strands. "Did I miss anything while you've been packing?"

 

"Oh, ma chou was telling the story of how she happened to attend the men's World Cup in South Africa," Clarisse mused. "Monsieur James took her along, and that woman didn't come. For the whole month."

 

Amanda raised her eyebrows. "Oh really?"

 

“Uh huh. A whole month without grandmother.” Hannah smiled. “Me and daddy. Well and Miss Addy and Elise and Uncle Yi and Cousin Wei. But me and daddy!” She said. 

 

"Your daddy was just telling me about going to South Africa with you too," Amanda said. "Though he hadn't mentioned she wasn't with you, I suppose I just assumed she would be. But he said  he had a dream that day, on the plane."

 

"Oh oui?" Clarisse asked. "It must have been very vivid, for Monsieur James to remember it all this time later."

 

"He wrote it down in a journal," Amanda said. "But he said he would have remembered it anyway. Driving down a long stretch of abandoned highway, his car broke down..."

 

Clarisse grimaced at the thought.

 

"And Hannah and I came to rescue him."

 

Clarisse blinked. "Wait...but..."

 

"That's how he knew it was a dream," Amanda said dryly.

 

“We rescued Daddy?” Hannah said, perking her head up.

 

"Oh yes," Amanda nodded, giving Hannah a cuddle. "And Princess Bear gave Daddy a look and told him not to be silly and drive alone any more."

 

Hannah giggled. “Bee asked if grandmother would’ve been worried daddy would just run away with me and I said he couldn’t cause then you’d be in danger.” She said.

 

Amanda nodded. "Probably, sweetheart." She shuddered at the thought. "Or you would have been. I went to law school to try to become a lawyer, just so I could try to stop what happened to us from happening to anyone else, you know, angel," Amanda murmured. "But I was never good enough to take her down. So I went to work for Miss Beverly instead." 

 

“But you were a good lawyer. Daddy and Auntie Lenni told me.” Hannah said. “Even if you couldn’t take grandmother down.”

 

"I did my best," Amanda said with a grateful smile. "Thank you sweetheart. I'm glad I went to work for Miss Beverly though," she added.

 

“Uh huh. Cause if you didn’t then you wouldn’t have found your backroom gremlin.” Hannah grinned.

 

Amanda chuckled. "My favorite backroom gremlin," she corrected.

 

Clarisse grinned. "Oh oui, and your work daughter, who turned out to be your real daughter, even better, non?"

 

"The best," Amanda said. 

 

Hannah blushed and nuzzled Amanda’s shoulder. “So daddy had a dream that we rescued him?” She asked.

 

Amanda nodded, stroking Hannah's hair. "Yes, he did," she said softly.

 

“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay while I’m gone? Don’t like cancer.” Hannah said softly.

 

"Daddy will take care of me, my angel," Amanda promised softly. "And Auntie Lenni and Auntie Abby. They'll come join you too of course, but while they're here, they'll look after me." She knew Abby intended to go to Paris for some of the Games at least.

 

“Gonna miss you though.” Hannah said.

 

"Oh I know, angel. I'll miss you too," Amanda gave Hannah a squeeze. "Was there anyone you were going to miss when you got on your Daddy's plane to Johannesburg?"

 

“Miss Addy and Elise was coming with me and I wasn’t gonna miss Grandmother. She made daddy bring her strap though.” Hannah said.

 

"He didn't use it," Clarisse interjected as a murderous look flashed over Amanda's gaze. Amanda hugged Hannah close.

"I'm glad he didn't use it, my angel."

 

“And he didn’t even use it on me when grandmother told him to cause I knocked over her vase. He said the vase was ugly anyways.” Hannah giggled.

 

"Sensible man," Amanda murmured.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “He didn’t use the strap. He didn’t give me any smacks. Only timeout.” She said. 

 

"I'm not surprised you found yourself a little bit of trouble my angel," Amanda said wryly. "Do I want to know what happened?"

 

“On the plane daddy told me I needed to put my toys up cause it was lunch time and I didn’t wanna.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse and Amanda exchanged knowing looks and half-amused, half-exasperated smiles.

 

"Of course ma chou. What then?" Clarisse asked.

 

Hannah went on with the memory. 

@@@

The flight crew had just announced lunch was about to be served and to please clear their trays in front of them.

Hannah was playing with ocean animal figures, they were covering her tray and didn’t hear the announcement so James turned to her.

 

"It's time to eat lunch now, xiǎo mì fēng. Come, my busy little bee, your fish have to be packed up until we're done," James said.

 

“No daddy, wanna keep playin’ don’t wanna put ‘em up.” Hannah said, swinging her legs and not looking up at her daddy. 

 

"One." James saw Adelaide slip out of her seat and start walking toward them.

 

“No daddy.” Hannah said. “Playin.”

 

"Two, Hannah," James said as Adelaide reached Hannah's seat. 

 

Hannah chose to ignore him again to keep talking with her figures, not noticing Adelaide.

 

"Two and a half, Hannah," James tried to give Hannah an extra chance. 

 

Hannah kicked her leg up which knocked her tray and some of her figures fell off. She tried unbuckling to get them.

 

James swept the figures off Hannah's tray into their bucket, putting the tray down as soon as she was unbuckled. Adelaide picked the little girl up, and James bent down to pick up the strayed figures as Hannah was carried to the seat behind his.

 

“No Miss Addy! Was playin’.” Hannah whined. “Daddy!” She made grabby hands for James. 

 

"Now Miss Hannah, it's lunchtime," Adelaide said firmly. "Mealtime is important even away from home. And we do not kick and knock over our toys." 

 

“Didn’ mean to knock ‘em over.” Hannah argued…

@@@

 

Amanda cut into the narrative with a wry chuckle. "Oh, I'm sure that worked so well, my angel."

Hannah pouted and shook her head. “Uh uh. It didn’t.” She said.

 

"Probably not," Amanda conceded, shaking her head, too. "My silly girl."

 

Before Hannah could start telling her story again, Clarisse's phone rang. 

 

Clarisse glanced at it, then grimaced. "Sorry, I have to take this." She answered the call. "Le Bihan, bonjour, j’écoute."

Chapter 4: To Everything There Is A Season

Summary:

Clarisse Le Bihan takes a call from her agent. It's not an unfamiliar call...but the last time she had something like it, she didn't have Hannah. Now she has her chou, and Hannah's family, to think of as well as the upcoming Olympics.

Notes:

Photo prompt: Use this color, which Home Depot calls "Blonde Wood", in a story.

(I tried to insert the photo into the chapter at the end. Hopefully it worked. Usually the Flash Nano prompts have been the chapter titles, so far, but I can't put the photo as a title, lol.)

"Le Bihan, bonjour, j’écoute."

 

Clarisse stepped outside to take the call, sitting in a lawn chair outside the front door of her and Hannah's little 'in-law apartment' in James and Amanda's house. "Madame Lemaire?"

 

“Bonjour Risse, how are you?” Clarisses agent asked.

 

Clarisse dropped the formality. "Bonjour Marie." She exhaled. "I am...well. I have been supporting ma chou through a difficult time, but otherwise well. And you?"

 

“Oui, I heard. Give them my best and tell Hannah I said hi…” Marie started. “So listen…you are aware that Angel City is negotiating your contract, you’ve told them what you want and we’ve been waiting on them.”

 

"Oui..." Clarisse agreed warily. "Did they come back to you then?"

 

Marie was quiet for a moment. “They did. It’s not what you want. But I have another offer, they really want you.” She said.

 

"Is...is that right," Clarisse replied slowly, her free hand tightening around the blonde wood of the chair's arm.

 

“Lazio. In Italy.” Marie told her.

 

"Lazio made...a better counter-offer than Angel City?" Clarisse asked quietly.

 

“Oui, they did.” Marie said. “We can keep trying to negotiate with Angel City, but I can’t promise anything will come of it, they have already cut your playing time.” She said.

 

Clarisse sighed. "Oui...they aren't trying to keep me, and Monsieur Renard said I didn't make the squad because of my club minutes," she admitted quietly. "Lazio would be a better choice, financially and for my future prospects with France. But ma chou..." She licked her lips nervously. "When would Lazio want me, if I said yes?" 

 

“You’d have to fly out tonight. I know you were supposed to leave for the Olympics in a couple days but you can still be there, they need you here tomorrow morning for a physical and staff meeting.” Marie explained.

 

Clarisse swallowed nervously. "Ma chou is going to be at the Olympics to work," she said slowly. "She's going to Europe anyway." She nodded, though Marie couldn't see her. "Give me a moment, Marie." She returned to the bedroom with Marie still on the phone. "Ma chou? It's Marie. She says hi."

 

Hannah perked up. “Hi Marie!” She shouted so she could hear her through the phone. “Did you get Angel City to agree with my Bee?” She asked.

 

"Not exactly, ma chou," Clarisse sat down beside Hannah, putting an arm around her. "Lazio wants me more than Angel City does."

 

Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Lazio, as in Rome?"

 

"Oui, that Lazio, I don't think there's another anyway..." Clarisse said. "I would have to fly out tonight."

 

“Lazio? Rome?” Hannah asked, processing it.

 

"Rome, Italy," Clarisse said gently. "What do you think, ma chou?"

 

“We would move there?” Hannah asked. “What would I do?” 

 

Marie heard that from the phone, “I got her a spot as a statistic analyst and basically assistant to the assistant coach.” She said to Clarisse.

 

"You see. We're, how do you say, a package deal," Clarisse patted Hannah's cheek fondly. "Would you like that?"

 

“Umm. Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “But…” she paused looking between her mama and Clarisse.

 

"I'm here, angel," Amanda soothed. "This sounds like an amazing opportunity for you and Risse."

 

“But what if…” Hannah faltered. “What if you need me here?” She asked, not wanting to mention her mama’s cancer again.

 

"It's alright baby angel," Amanda promised gently. "We'll call each other every day, and there's the plane. This is an amazing opportunity for you both."

 

Hannah thought about this and nodded. “I want to do it.” She decided.

 

Clarisse squeezed Hannah's hand. "Marie?" she said into the phone. "We'll do it."

 

“Great! I think it will be great for both of you. Risse you’ll need to fly out tonight, you’ll meet the coaches and staff tomorrow and you can tell them about Hannah and then you’ll be able to meet Hannah in Paris for the Olympics and then you’ll report back to Lazio after.” Marie explained.

 

"Oui alright Marie," Clarisse had Marie on speaker so Hannah could hear this.

 

Hannah got off her mama's lap and went to Clarisse and climbed in hers. “You gotta leave tonight?” She asked anxiously.

 

"Oui, but at least we're already packed, non?" Clarisse stroked Hannah's hair.

 

“Uh huh. But you still be at the ‘lympics with me?” Hannah asked, fidgeting with Clarisse's fingers.

 

"Oui," Clarisse promised firmly. "I will be there."

 

“Kay.” Hannah said quietly. “Can I go with you to drop you off at the airport?” She asked.

 

"Of course ma chou," Clarisse promised softly. "I'd love to have you with me." She stroked Hannah's hair. "I won't leave until tonight, my heart. There's plenty of time for you to tell the rest of the story, oui?" She blushed at Marie's lightly cleared throat. "Excusez-moi, Marie, unless there's something else we need to know I should probably go." 

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “We were at lunchtime and daddy just counted till 3.” She said. “And Miss Addy moved me. But we can skip that cause Miss Addy wasn’t happy.” She blushed. 

 

Clarisse and Marie ended their call and Risse refocused. "Oui that's alright ma chou. Miss Addy was fair with you at least, non? Not like her?" Clarisse patted Hannah's cheek.

 

“Uh huh. She was fair.” Hannah nodded. “Daddy put me in timeout after I ate and she said that was enough.” 

"Well, that's good then ma chou," Clarisse said gently.

 

“It was a really long flight though.” Hannah said. “Really really really long.”

 

"I bet," Amanda grimaced. "My poor angel, you and Daddy must have been having a time of it. Hopefully you had plenty of time to sleep."

 

“Tried to, Daddy helped me sleep, he carried me around the plane until I fell asleep.” Hannah said.

 

Amanda smiled slightly, imagining James carrying their little girl and rubbing her back. "I can see that. I'm glad he was there."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “But after lunch and timeout, Daddy watched Finding Nemo with me.”

 

Clarisse grinned. "That must have been fun, ma chou. Had you ever seen it before?"

 

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh. Grandmother didn’t allow things like that.”

 

"Why am I not surprised," Clarisse muttered under her breath.

 

“Cause she’s a witch.” Hannah said, repeating Clarisses words from earlier.

 

Amanda gave both girls an exasperated smile. "Hmm. Well, at least you could see it then, my angel."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah agreed. “Okay so where was I?” She asked.

 

(Nancy Stohlman's "Blonde wood" photo prompt)

Chapter 5: Tell a family story. Fictionalize as needed.

Summary:

Hannah continues the story of her plane trip to Johannesburg with James back in 2010, with her mama, and her girlfriend, both listening intently to little Hannah's misadventures.

Notes:

When I was little, my grandma had a "Go Fish" deck of cards that had fish pictures instead of being normal playing cards. I haven't played Go Fish since I was around past-Hannah's age (in the early 90's in my case) and no idea what ended up happening to those cards, but if I could find the fish cards I'd try and get back into it just for the nostalgia factor, lol.

Last chapter

 

“So where was I?” Hannah asked.

 

"Mmm, well, my angel, you were telling us how Daddy settled you down to sleep," Amanda reminded Hannah. "The sleeping cabin on Daddy's plane is comfy, hm?"

“Uh huh. Lots comfy.” Hannah agreed. “When I woke up we were still flying.” Hannah said.

"Oh oui is that right ma chou?" Clarisse asked.

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Daddy said I slept a long time though and we only had a few hours left.” She said.

“And what did you do with those few hours angel?”

 

“Daddy and I played go fish and we watched another movie.” Hannah said.

“Oh oui ma chou?” Clarisse grinned. “Is your daddy a good card player?”

“Not go fish.” Hannah giggled. She began telling the tale. 

@@@

“Do you have any 4s?” James asked. 

 

“Uh uh. Go fish daddy.” Hannah giggled. 

 

“Ugh.” James shook his head dramatically. 

 

“Do you have any 2s?” Hannah asked with a mischievous smirk. 

 

James sighed and handed her the two 2s he had. 

 

Hannah giggled and laid them down. “I win again!” She shouted.  “Daddy that’s four times I won in a row.” She giggled uncontrollably.

”That is because you’re very good at this game, princess,” James replied, not even mad that he lost.

 

“Elise taught me.” Hannah said.

”Then she must be really good at it. I’m proud of you for learning so well, princess,” James praised Hannah.

Hannah wiggled happily at the praise. “Thanks daddy. Can we watch ‘nother movie?”

"Of course we can," James promised. "What would you like?"

 

“How to train your dragon?” Hannah asked. 

"I'm sorry my princess. It's not on the list," James said apologetically.

“But wanna watch dragon movie.” Hannah whined.

"Hannah," James said quietly. "It's not there. Choose something else please."

 

Hannah pouted and hid her face in her daddy’s chest. “Wan’ dragons.” She mumbled.

"I know," James was sympathetic. "I wish I could do that for you."

“Ice age?” Hannah pointed to Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

"Yes, we can do that," James agreed, turning the film on for her and ruffling Hannah's hair gently.

Hannah curled against her daddy’s side and watched the movie. 

 

@@@

 

“I remember falling asleep and then waking up to daddy carrying me off the plane saying we landed in South Africa.” Hannah said.

Amanda laughed softly. "I fall asleep watching movies too, baby angel. Especially on planes. It's okay."

Hannah smiled. “Did you know I was so good at go fish?” She asked. “Daddy said I was the best.”

"We'll have to ask your Auntie Lenni about that," Amanda teased. "Glennon used to beat me at Go Fish all the time when we were little."

“I could beat Auntie Lenni.” Hannah said confidently. “Can we go over after we take Bee to the airport?” She asked.

"Of course, sweetheart," Amanda said. "Or sooner--we still have the rest of the day together."

 

Hannah nodded. “Kay mama.” She said. “You and Auntie Lenni played Go Fish lots?” She asked.

"Oh yes. I was better than Big Daddy when I was growing up, but not better than Lenni," Amanda said. She paused. "Or maybe he was letting me beat him," she realized.

“Daddy didn’t let me beat him. He’s just really bad at Go Fish.” Hannah giggled.

Amanda grinned. "We should help him practice more."

“Uh huh. We should.” Hannah grinned back. “You like Go Fish Bee?” She asked.

 

"I've never played it, ma chou," Clarisse admitted.

“Never played Go Fish?” Hannah asked incredulously.

"Perhaps we call it something else in France, ma chou?" Clarisse pointed out.

Hannah cocked her head. “Do you?”

Clarisse gave Hannah an exasperated smile. "How should I know?"

 

“Cause you’re Bee.” Hannah said. 

Clarisse laughed. "Come on ma chou, let's go see about breakfast."

“Choccy milk?” Hannah asked as they got up. 

"Always," Clarisse agreed.

 

Hannah grabbed Amanda’s hand. “Come on mama. Breakfast time, then I’ll tell more of my story.” She said.

 

“Coming, my angel.” Amanda let Hannah lead her back to the main house, Clarisse carrying her suitcase behind them.

Chapter 6: A story that takes place in the cafeteria.

Summary:

As Hannah, Risse, and Amanda head into the kitchen to fix breakfast in the present (summer 2024, pre-Olympics), Hannah continues her story of the lead-up to the 2010 men's World Cup, on the ground in Johannesburg, and another breakfast...

They went to the kitchen in the main house and Clarisse went to the fridge to see what she could make for them while Amanda helped Hannah make her chocolate milk. “Can we have ice cream?” Hannah asked with an impish grin.

"For breakfast?" Amanda raised an eyebrow.

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Daddy let me have it for breakfast.” She tried.

Clarisse and Amanda exchanged looks.

 

"Is that right, ma chou," Clarisse said skeptically.

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded and at Amanda and Clarisses raised eyebrows she faltered, “Well…” she trailed off. “Um…” 

"Uh huh." Amanda folded her arms.

“Guess he didn’t.” Hannah admitted. “But we should still have it?” She tried.

 

Amanda shook her head. "I don't think so, my angel. Later maybe."

 

“Aw man.” Hannah pouted. 

 

"Why don't you tell us what your first breakfast in South Africa was like, ma chou," Clarisse suggested as she helped Amanda. They decided on breakfast pizza - ham, pork breakfast sausage,  and eggs.

 

Hannah nodded, “Well when we got off the plane, we had to walk to through the airport…it was early there, breakfast time.” 

@@@

 

James held Hannah’s hand in his while they exited the plane and walked into the terminal, the airport was big and loud, the terminal lined with windows to watch the planes land and take off. 

 

They followed the signs pointing towards the exit, which was about a fifteen minute walk. Halfway there they walked through a food court. Hannah spotted an ice cream stand.

 

“Daddy! I want ice cream!” Hannah shouted, trying to bolt towards the stand.

 

"Hannah." James knew Miss Addy and Elise were busy carrying the bags, so he picked up Hannah and held her tightly in his arms. "It's breakfast time, we will be eating soon, I promise."

 

“Eat ice cream for breakfast.” Hannah patted James cheek.

"Not today, my princess. You wouldn't want to see Uncle Yi and Cousin Wei all sticky from ice cream, would you?" James asked.

 

“Miss Addy would clean their face and hands like she does with me.” Hannah pointed out with a grin.

 

"I think your father meant you would rather be presentable instead of turning up all sticky, Miss Hannah," Elise suggested.

 

Hannah deflated. “Oh…” She said. “Guess so. But m’hungry daddy.” She whined, nuzzling her face into his shoulder.

 

"Let's get to the hotel, there's a cafeteria there," James promised, and soon they were on their way.

 

The airport wasn’t too far from the hotel and they got there and checked in. James and Hannah and their own suite, with an adjoining suite for Adelaide and Elise, with a connecting door. James and Hannah’s room had two double beds, a couch and arm chair and a desk with a desk chair, along with a mini fridge and microwave. The same for Adelaide and Elise. 

 

James sat Hannah down on the bed while he put his things away. Hannah stood up and started jumping, “Bouncy bed!” She shouted.

 

"Hannah," James said, picking her up mid-bounce. "Can we sit quietly please?"

“No corner daddy!” Hannah said, squirming in his arms.

 

"Here on the bed," James sat down on the bed and sat Hannah on his lap.

Hannah sat still on her daddy’s lap for a couple minutes before she got wiggly again. “Hard to sit still, daddy.” She mumbled.

 

"I know, my little bee. But I need you to breathe for me, use your quiet hands and quiet feet before we go down to breakfast."

 

“M’trying Daddy.” Hannah said, she curled her legs up and cuddled James’s chest. “Please no hand smacks. Grandmother gives hand smacks when I have trouble with quiet hands and quiet feet in the corner.”

 

"Shhh. I can see you're trying, princess," James soothed.

After a few more minutes Hannah settled. She still fidgeted with James’s watch band but he allowed it.

 

"There's my girl. Come on." James picked Hannah up and carried her in his arms as they headed down to breakfast.

 

Hannah wrapped one arm around her daddy’s neck to keep balance and leaned her head against James’s. “Can I have choccy milk?” She whispered.

"If they have it, my princess," James said. He brought Hannah down in Adelaide and Elise's company, to sit at a table with Yi, Jiangli, and Wei-Shen. 

 

James kept Hannah in his lap, “Miss Addy? They have choccy milk?” Hannah asked. 

 

"No, Miss Hannah, they do not," Adelaide said in the brisk, but kind tone that told Hannah while Miss Addy sympathized with her want, there was no way to fulfill it. "They have tea, you like that," Wei-Shen encouraged, giving Hannah the cup of warm tea, mixed with cream and honey.

 

“Thank you.” Hannah said, leaning forward to grab the cup and taking a sip. “Is good.” She said. “M’hungry daddy.” She said.

 

A plate of full English breakfast--scaled down to Hannah's size--was placed in front of the child. Eggs, back bacon (also called Canadian bacon), sausages (Jiangli served Hannah the local boerewors), tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. 

 

Adelaide leaned over to cut up the sausage for Hannah but James beat her to it and starting cutting it up into bite size pieces. 

 

Hannah picked up her fork and began eating. “Yummy.” She said.

 

Elise was immensely relieved; she knew their charge could be a picky eater. She and Adelaide only began eating after Hannah and James, keeping their attention on their charge as James ate.

 

Hannah picked around her plate, avoiding the tomatoes but taking a bite of everything else. “No ‘matos.” She said.

 

"Three bites, Miss Hannah," Adelaide said calmly but firmly. The tomato had been cut into small pieces for Hannah too.

“Miss Addy.” Hannah whined. “No ‘mato.” She repeated.

 

"You're having three bites, Miss Hannah, whether you take them yourself or I have to feed you like a toddler is your choice," Adelaide said sternly.

 

“But I don’t like ‘matos.” Hannah said, playing with her fork that had a bite of tomato on it already.

 

@@@

 

At this point, Amanda interrupted the narrative. "Angel? You whined to Miss Addy in front of Daddy, Uncle Yi, and their business partners?"

 

“They are tomatoes.” Hannah said pointedly. “I ended up eating them though. By myself.” She added. “But I still hate tomatoes.” 

 

"Oh, ma chou," Clarisse sighed and shook her head, smiling wryly. "I'm glad you listened and ate the three bites, though, my heart. I don't like the idea of you being in trouble."

 

Amanda snorted.

 

Clarisse facepalmed. "With Monsieur James," she amended. “As a little one.”

 

“I don’t get into big trouble while I’m there, well…once, but we will get to that later.” Hannah said. “But after I ate my breakfast, Miss Addy and Elise took me back to the room for a bath and to get ready for the day since we were flying so long.”

"That sounds like it was a good idea, angel," Amanda smiled.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “Is our food ready? I’m hungry.” She asked.

 

"Oui it's ready, we're just waiting for--"

 

Clarisse broke off when James entered the kitchen. "Good morning Monsieur James."

 

Hannah got up and ran to James. Good morning daddy.” She said as James caught her and picked her up. 

 

“Good morning Risse.” James nodded. He kissed Hannah in the forehead. “Good morning ma princesse.” He went over to Amanda and bent down, giving her a kiss. “Good morning ma Reine.” He murmured into the kiss.

 

"Good  morning my love." Amanda snuggled into James' arms. "Breakfast pizza? " she offered. "No tomatoes. Hannah was just telling us about that."

 

“Definitely no tomatoes.” James agreed. He sat down next to Amanda and with Hannah in his lap still. 

 

“I was telling them about when we went to South Africa for the World Cup. We were at the first  breakfast after we got there.” Hannah said, taking a bite of pizza. 

 

“Oh yes. That was a good month.” James smiled. “Though I thought Adelaide was about to take you right out of my lap when you told her no tomatoes.” He remembered.

 

"I'm sure," Amanda shook her head in amused disbelief. "What happened then, James?" She wanted to hear some of it from her husband's point of view, and if Hannah was talking, she wasn't eating.

 

“Well she was very adamant about not eating the tomatoes.” James said. “And whining in front of Jiangli, Yi, and Wei-Shen wasn’t smart.” 

 

Hannah had the decency to blush. 

 

“But she was only eight at the time and cooped up on a plane.” James said. “Adelaide threatened to feed her like a toddler and Hannah slowly and reluctantly ate the tomatoes.” He chuckled. “Honestly, I was just proud she ate everything else. Though Adelaide did take me to the side later that day and called me a softy…” He added.

 

"Compared to someone else, I'm sure you were. But our Hannah needed that softness," Amanda said softly.

James kissed the top of Hannah’s head and then laid his cheek on it. “Yes she did.” He said just as softly.

Amanda nodded, and refocused on eating, wondering what happened next but not going to rush Hannah or James.

Chapter 7: I Can Name Seven...

Summary:

Hannah remembers Adelaide giving her a bath in the hotel suite--and the sheer number of facts she was able to rattle off, even at that age, to show how well she retained information.

Adelaide, or Miss Addy, Hannah's nursemaid and governess, is pleased with how well her charge learns, and much prefers a "why" she can answer with "I don't know--let's learn about this together" than a "because", which to her view is lazy, or worse, "Because I said so", which is just unfair.

Notes:

Today's Nancy Stohlman Flash Nano prompt is officially "Write a story in the form of a list. Use the number Seven in the title."

Sorry I'm late in posting, the NWSL Quarterfinals kicked off today and I was distracted, so I didn't finish on time.

Adelaide stood up along with Elise and held her arms out for Hannah. “I ate the ‘matos Miss Addy.” She said. “No trouble.”

 

Adelaide raised her eyebrows. "Hm. We'll see Miss Hannah. Come, let's get you ready for the day. The opening ceremony's not until this afternoon, we'll be at the stadium for that and stay for the match." 

 

Hannah took Adelaide’s hand and followed her up. James had stayed to talk to Yi, Jiangli and Wei-Shen, not wanting to be a distraction to Hannah.

 

Elise followed Hannah and Adelaide to James and Hannah's suite, going to Hannah's bag without being asked and beginning to unpack, finding something appropriate for her little Miss Hannah to wear.

 

Adelaide led Hannah into the bathroom. “Bathtime?” Hannah asked.

 

"Bathtime," Adelaide agreed briskly. The bath was warm (not too hot) and although there were no bubbles, the water was lightly scented with vanilla bath oil.

 

“First thing is to undress.” Hannah said. She was used to Miss Addy and Elise going through lists with her for her different routines.

 

"That's right Miss Hannah." Adelaide undid the buttons on the back of her Miss Hannah's dress; those were the hard part. And, she thought, this would be the last dress her Miss Hannah wore all month if Monsieur James had anything to say about it. It was a nightdress, true, but the Madame had insisted on it at least looking like proper day wear. 

 

“Then we get in the bath. No bubbles?” Hannah asked. “I hate dresses.” She scrunched her nose when Adelaide folded the dress in a clothes pile. 

 

"No bubbles, Miss Hannah." Adelaide sighed as she helped Hannah into the bath.

 

“Why no bubbles?” Hannah asked, not pouting or whining, just asking.

 

“Because they don’t have any,” Miss Addy replied matter of factly.

 

“Why don’t they have any?” Hannah asked, making her hands in the water, making swirls.

 

Adelaide sighed. "I do not know, Miss Hannah. Perhaps they ran out."

 

“Oh.” Hannah stayed quiet for a few more minutes while Adelaide washed her. “Next you put shampoo in my hair.” She said. 

 

"M-hmm. Head back, eyes shut," Adelaide reminded the little girl. She draped a soft flannel over Hannah's face after brushing Hannah's hair out of her face with her hand. "Hold that in place, please."

 

“Kay Miss Addy.” Hannah did as told. “Why does soap burn when it gets in eyes?” She asked.

 

"That is a good question, Miss Hannah. I think we should look it up in a book when we have time," Adelaide said.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Next we gotta wash my body.” She said.

 

Adelaide nodded. She'd finished with Hannah's hair, and set about washing her charge thoroughly.

 

“Miss Addy?” Hannah asked as she let Adelaide wash her. 

 

"Hmmm?" Adelaide murmured. "What is it, Miss Hannah?"

 

“I’m glad you and Elise got to come too and daddy got to bring us.” Hannah said quietly. 

 

"I'm very glad too, Miss Hannah." Adelaide stroked the washcloth over Hannah's cheek, wiping away a smudge. "There, now. Better?"

 

Hannah nodded. “Uh huh. Next on the list is to drain the water.” She said.

 

Adelaide smiled slightly and did so, giving Hannah a quick rinse with the warm water to be sure all the soap and dirt was off before helping her from the tub.

 

“Now we have to dry off.” Hannah said. “Hey Miss Addy.” She added. “Guess what.” 

 

"What is it, Miss Hannah?" Adelaide wrapped Hannah in a soft towel.

 

“I can name seven sea creatures.” Hannah said proudly.

 

"Oh yes, Miss Hannah? Tell me."

“O-Octopus, clown fish, nurse shark…” Hannah began listing. “Lion fish, angelfish, goblin shark, and shrimp!” She bounced excitedly on her toes.

 

"That's wonderful Miss Hannah." Adelaide smiled and caught Hannah mid-bounce, beginning to help her into her clean clothes. She'd packed what Master Yi had sent, appropriate for South African winter weather, as well as packing the suitcase the Madame had insisted on.

 

The suitcase the Madame had insisted on wasn't going to be opened. 

 

“You wanna hear another list?” Hannah asked.

 

"Oh, yes." Adelaide nodded. She'd helped her distracted child into thermal underwear and warm socks, and now tugged the dark jeans up. 

 

“You wanna hear jungle animals or fish or countries or sharks or dinosaurs or birds?” Hannah offered her the options.

 

"Countries, please," Adelaide nodded.

 

Hannah nodded. “South Africa.” She started with a grin. “Ireland, Scotland, United States of America, China, France and Italy.” She said, looking to Adelaide to confirm she was right.

 

"Mm. Scotland..." Adelaide hummed. "Partially. The rest certainly count."

 

“What about Wales?” Hannah asked.

 

"The same difficulty as Scotland, Miss Hannah," Adelaide said wryly. "They are constituent countries--only partially independent, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

 

“Con-const-” Hannah tried to repeat what Adelaide had said.

 

"Constituent," Adelaide repeated slowly and clearly.

 

“Const-constituent.” Hannah said. “What about Spain?” She asked.

 

"Spain certainly counts," Adelaide assured Hannah. "Well done, Miss Hannah."

 

Hannah smiled proudly. “I can name seven birds too.” She said.

 

"Tell me, Miss Hannah," Adelaide encouraged.

 

“Finch, cardinal, blue jay, seagull, pigeon, dove, and parrot.” Hannah said, bouncing on her toes excitedly again.

"Excellent. Very well done, Miss Hannah," Adelaide smiled.

 

“Do you want me to tell you more things?” Hannah said as Adelaide continued dressing her.

 

"As much as you would like, Miss Hannah," Adelaide encouraged. "But try to stand still, while I get your shirt straightened up." It was long sleeved, and Adelaide had to smooth it down.

 

“I’ll try.” Hannah said, trying to stand still. “I can name seven types of sharks. “Goblin, nurse, hammerhead, great white, sand, mako, and bull.” She said.

 

"That's very good Miss Hannah," Adelaide praised her.

 

“Did you know wombat poop is cube shaped?” Hannah asked. Elise snorted from the other side of the bed. 

 

Adelaide raised an eyebrow. "I did not know that. How did you happen to discover that, then?"

 

Hannah shrugged. “Saw it in a magazine.” She said. “I can tell you more fish if you want.”

 

"Yes please, Miss Hannah," Adelaide smiled.

 

Hannah grinned. “Marlin, guppy, blue ring angelfish, Siamese fighting fish, Princess parrotfish, and swordfish!” She bounced and then wrapped her arms around Adelaide, cuddling her.

 

Adelaide smiled and patted Hannah's head. "A very good list, Miss Hannah. I'm proud of you."

 

Hannah smiled proudly. “Am I done getting dressed?“ She asked

 

Adelaide tugged a light sweater over Hannah's head, made sure her shoes were secure, then nodded. "There we go. You'll need a coat when we go out later but this will do for now." 

 

@@@

 

Back in the present time, they were all still at the table and Hannah was in her daddy’s lap.  James smiled. “So you see, we’ve always had a little genius.” He said to Amanda.

 

"That's amazing," Amanda grinned. "Big Daddy and Mama would be amazed," she added.

 

Hannah blushed. “Miss Addy and Elise always made lists for me, like bedtime and morning and cleaning my room so I liked making lists of everything.” She explained.

 

"That's good, my angel. I think making lists was very smart, and routines are good."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. She started to squirm.

 

"I think someone needs a break ma chou," Clarisse suggested. "Come on." She took Hannah's hand.

 

Hannah let Clarisse lead her away and Amanda scooted closer to James, leaning against him.

 

He kissed her forehead. “Are you alright, my love?”

“Just glad you and Hannah can tell us she had good times back then,” Amanda said softly. “I’m sorry I wasn’t clever enough to--”

“Don’t.” James touched a finger to her lips. “Mother was a serpent, always wriggling her way past the law. You had no chance against her at your age. You’re brave, clever, and good, Mandy, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, even you.”

Chapter 8: Today is National Cappuccino Day among others...

Summary:

In the present of 2024, Hannah and James coordinate on telling the tale of 2010's men's World Cup. They remember the opening ceremony, and the shenanigans Hannah got into, before and during...including the beginning of Hannah's obsession with taking other people's coffee.

In the kitchen…

 

“Okay, so if we’re going to keep telling you this story, I need a pick me up, would you like a cappuccino?” James asked his wife, standing up.

"Yes please James," Amanda smiled, "if you're offering."

“Of course.” James said, then he laughed. “Ironically enough, a cappuccino will make its way into the story soon, and our mischievous daughter lands herself into some trouble.” He said.

"Oh really," Amanda grinned. "This I've got to hear."

 

James grinned, “Let’s wait until Risse and Hannah come back and we can move into the living room. I’m sure Risse is going to want to hear this.”

"Sounds good," Amanda agreed. "I'm sure you're right. Is it going to be embarrassing for our angel, do you think?" she asked, hoping not too much.

James shrugged, “Eh, no more than it should.” He said. “It’s probably something she’d still do.” He mused.

"Now I really need to know," Amanda chuckled.

James finished making three cappuccinos and a hot chocolate and put them on a tray, “Come on, we can wait in the living room.” 

 

In the bathroom, Hannah finished her business and washed her hands and then she leaned into Clarisse. “Don’t want you to leave tonight.” She said.

Clarisse wrapped an arm around Hannah and led her from the bathroom. "I know, ma chou. I know. I don't want to leave you, either. But we'll be together again soon."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said as they walked to the living room where James and Amanda were sitting on the couch, Clarisse led Hannah to the arm chair and sat down, pulling Hannah onto her lap.

Amanda handed Hannah the hot chocolate and Clarisse the cappuccino. "Here we are. I think James was about to continue the story, hm?" Amanda smiled angelically.

“Oh yes, we’re at the opening ceremony and someone…gets into something they shouldn’t…”James nodded towards Hannah, “I wonder who that could be. Anyone have a guess?” 

 

“Elise.” Hannah said.

Amanda snorted. "Oh really, my angel."

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “What do you have, Bee?” She asked, peering into Clarisse's cup.

Clarisse took a sip. "Cappuccino," she said.

“With a shot of espresso Risse, I figured you might need it with flying out later.” James nodded.

"Oui, merci Monsieur James. It's greatly appreciated," Clarisse nodded.

“So anyways. I finished my conversation with Wei-shen, Yi, and Jiangli and went up to the room to get ready…

@@@

 

James walked into the room and before he could step all the way in he saw a little blur bounding towards him. 

 

“Daddy! You’re back!” Hannah said, wrapping her arms around his legs. 

"Daddy's here, sweetheart." James gave Hannah a pat on the head. "Missed me, my little busy bee?"

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Took a bath and told Miss Addy lots of things.” She said. “Like sharks and fish and birds.”

"Did you?" James smiled at Hannah and gave her a cuddle and carried her further back into the room to sit on her bed with her.

“Yeah, and now I’m dressed to go to the opening thing.” Hannah said. “Is there gonna be lots and lots of people?” She asked.

"There certainly will," James nodded. "But we're going to be in the company box."

 

“Kay.” Hannah nodded. “You gotta get ready daddy.” She said.

"Mhmm." James nodded, and called Elise in from the other room to sit with Hannah while he went to shower and dress.

 

She took Hannah into her lap obediently as James grabbed his clothes and stepped into the bathroom. 

 

“You wanna play Elise?” Hannah asked.

 

"Of course Miss Hannah. What shall we play?" Elise smiled.

 

“What about the alphabet game?” Hannah asked.

 

"Oh of course Miss Hannah, we can do that," Elise agreed.

“Okay, I’ll go first.” Hannah said. “Um…antelope.”

Elise smiled and nodded. "Affe," she countered, deciding to keep up Miss Hannah’s German lessons as they played.

 

Hannah cocked her head, “That’s monkey?” She asked.

"Ja, Affe. Monkey," Elise agreed.

“Armadillo.” Hannah countered.

"Ameise," Elise replied.

 

Hannah giggled. “Anteater.”

"Ameisenbär," Elise said with a mischievous grin.

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh. Can’t do that.” She said.

"Oh nein?" Elise quirked an eyebrow.

“Nuh uh.” Hannah shook her head. “Cheating.”

 

"Hmm." Elise cocked her head. Technically, she expected Miss Hannah to identify her choices by their English names, which she hadn't done for the last two although Elise was pretty sure this proved Miss Hannah did know them.

“I already said anteater in English, so you can’t say it in German too.” Hannah pointed out. “No fair.” She crossed her arms.

"I was just making sure you knew what I was saying, Miss Hannah," Elise said gently. "Shall I pick a different one, then?"

Hannah thought about this carefully and then shook her head, she fell back into Elise’s front. “Uh uh. You can keep those.” She said.

Elise cradled the little girl gently. "Mm. Your turn, then."

“Don’t know.” Hannah said after a minute of thinking. “Wait. Angelfish. Do fish count?”

"Of course Miss Hannah," Elise promised.

“Then angelfish.” Hannah said firmly. They continued playing for another few minutes, going back and forth, before James came back out and Hannah held her arms up to him. “Daddy.” 

 

James scooped Hannah up and carried her. Hannah was small for her age, and he worried about that some, but on the other hand he liked being able to carry her when he could.

 

Hannah patted James’ cheek, “You smell good daddy.” She said.

 

“Thank you princess. Have you and Elise been having fun?”

 

“Uh huh. Was playing the alphabet game with animals.” Hannah said. James had carried her out into the hallway and to the elevator with Elise and Adelaide following. 

 

“Can I press the button daddy?” Hannah asked.

 

“Just this one please,” James guided Hannah’s hand to it.

 

Hannah pressed it and then James stood back up fully and she snuggled her daddy. “Love you daddy.” She whispered as they waited for the elevator to get to the first floor.

 

“Love you too my princess.” James patted Hannah’s head. When the door opened on the ground floor, they got out and were met by Yi’s people; security and a driver.

 

They followed them out and into a black suv, and got in, James sitting Hannah next to him and buckling her in. Adelaide and Elise got in the third row. 

 

The driver took off, they were very close to the stadium that is hosting the ceremony just a short drive and then they parked at the drop off. 

 

“Here already?” Hannah asked, looking around at everything happening.

 

"Uncle Yi made sure to get a hotel close to the stadium. This is where the match will be later," James added.

 

“Woah.” Hannah said as James got out and unbuckled her, picking her up again and carrying her towards the entrance. There were already crowds of people chanting and celebrating. Hannah covered her ears with her hands. “Loud daddy.” She said.

 

James cuddled Hannah close, pulling up the hood of Hannah's down jacket up over her head to try and muffle the sound.  "Daddy's got you, princess. Hold on, it'll be better once we get in the box."

 

Hannah nuzzled her daddy’s neck and nodded. They finally made it inside and Hannah let out a sigh of relief. “Too loud.” She said.

 

James nodded and sat Hannah down in a corner of the room that had been set up with pillows and soft blankets. 

 

Wei-Shen joined them there, bringing a Zakumi the Leopard official stuffed toy for Hannah. 

 

Hannah snuggled the blankets and pillows and held Zakumi close to her chest. “Thank you cousin Wei!” She smiled.

"Welcome, cousin Hannah." Wei-Shen smiled. "His name is Zakumi,”  he added, pointing out the official tag. “Za, for ZA, South Africa's country code, and kumi means 'ten' in many African languages."

 

“Zakumi.” Hannah smiled. Wei-shen went over to James and sat next to him and his parents. Elise and Adelaide had set up by another table and arm chairs to watch the ceremony. Hannah would join them or James if she wanted to or she could stay and play in her little area. 

 

An attendant came in and took drink orders. James ordered himself a cappuccino with a shot of espresso and a hot chocolate for Hannah.

 

The attendant was surprised by the next quiet remark from James, but nodded and added it to the list.

 

When the drinks came, Wei-Shen brought Hannah her hot chocolate, and a clear plastic toy teacup, the right size to be a bowl for Zakumi, which looked like it was filled with Rooibos tea (it was even labeled 'Rooibos tea', and had 'tea leaves' which 'floated' on top of the pretend tea, made of resin or something similar.

 

Hannah smiled and took a sip of her hot chocolate and then helped Zakumi take a drink of his. She giggled.

 

James glanced over at the giggle, smiling slightly. "Oh, good. My little one is having a good time," he murmured to Yi and Jiangli.

 

They both smiled and soon the ceremony began and the adults attention shifted to that. James occasionally glanced over to make sure Hannah was okay. 

 

After a few minutes Hannah got up and carried Zakumi with her over to James and clambered up into his lap. 

 

James cuddled Hannah close, stroking her hair and making sure she could see the performers. They'd missed the opening concert the night before, but James wasn't willing to let his child stay up so far past bedtime for three hours of music and then have to try and get her back to the hotel.

When James was focused on a conversation he was having with Wei-Shen and Yi, Hannah had quietly reached over to James’s cappuccino cup, which he had only drank a little bit off and decided to quickly drink the rest, wanting to try her daddy’s drink. Her face scrunched up. “Gross daddy. Don’t like your drink.” She grimaced.

 

James blinked and looked at Hannah. "Did you...just drink my coffee, Hannah?"

 

“Uh huh. No more hot choccy.” Hannah said.

 

"Miss Hannah," Adelaide said, dismayed. "You know you're not to drink coffee."

 

“Was gross.” Hannah said again. “Can I have more hot choccy?” She asked. 

 

"I think not, Miss Hannah. Let's just keep that bitter taste in your mouth a while longer," Adelaide said firmly. Perhaps the natural consequences of her charge’s actions might keep the behaviour from being repeated, she thought.

 

“Daddy…” Hannah whined.

 

"I agree with Miss Addy," James said calmly. "No whining, Hannah." He gave her hand a warning tap with his finger.

 

Hannah huffed and curled up on her daddy’s lap, hiding her face in his chest.

 

"I think it's time for someone's nap," James added.

 

Hannah didn’t say anything, just snuggled closer to James.

 

@@@

 

Back in the present, Clarisse was listening to all this with an incredulous smile. "Ma chou! You drank your Daddy's coffee?"

 

Hannah blushed. “Wanted to try it.” She murmured. 

 

James snorted, “And she hated it.”

 

"Then why are you always begging for coffee now ma chou?" Clarisse smirked.

 

“Cause you don’t drink it like daddy does.” Hannah said. “Yours is better.”

 

Clarisse grinned. "Oh oui is that so."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “And then daddy made me take a nap until the match started and Miss Addy didn’t let me rinse my mouth out.”

 

"Oh ma chou."

 

"Hannah got another hot chocolate to drink when the match started," James admitted. "But not until then."

 

“Yeah.” Hannah nodded. She grinned up at Clarisse impishly and kissed her cheek.

 

Clarisse laughed and kissed Hannah gently in return. "Well, that sounds fair. So then the match started," she mused. "It was South Africa and...Mexico, oui?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded, and remembered.

Chapter 9: The End is the Beginning...

Summary:

...in which Hannah jumps ahead to the *end* of her first ever World Cup match before going back and telling things in their proper order. Shenanigans ensue in the past and present, aided and abetted by Hannah's friend, Zakumi...

Clarisse laughed and kissed Hannah gently in return. "Well, that sounds fair. So then the match started," she mused. "It was South Africa and...Mexico, oui?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded.

 

“Daddy didn’t let me sleep through the match though. He woke me up before it started, it was so cool. Even if no one won.” Hannah said.

 

"Oh is that right, no one won, my angel. So it was a draw?" Amanda prompted.

 

"What was it like ma chou?" Clarisse asked. 

 

“Uh huh. A draw. It was so cool though!” Hannah said, wiggling excitedly on Clarisse's lap. “Lots and lots of people.”

 

"Tell us, ma chou," Clarisse kissed Hannah gently and smiled as her girlfriend recalled what happened next.

 

“There were lots of yellow cards. Mexico got on in the 17th minute.” Hannah remembered.

 

"Oh oui is that right, ma chou." Clarisse didn't expect Hannah to remember who had gotten it or how, but she looked at James, and he went to check it on his phone. "That sounds like someone was naughty," she smirked.

 

“It was Efrain Juarez.” James informed them. 

 

Hannah nodded. “But then South Africa got a yellow card just a few minutes later.” She said. 

 

James checked that. “Oh yes. Kagisho Dikgacoi. In the 26th minute.” He supplied.

 

"Oh so they were both naughty then," Clarisse teased her chou, chuckling.

 

“Uh huh. Very naughty. They got the first yellow cards of the whole tournament.” Hannah pointed out.

 

Clarisse laughed. "Not something their coaches were pleased with I'm sure," she mused. "What do you remember next?" she addressed Hannah and James together.

 

“Hmm. Nothing crazy or major happened the rest of the first half.” James mused. “Though I remember at half time a certain mascot came up to our suite.” He smiled. 

 

“Zakumi!” Hannah bounced on Clarisses lap.

 

"Oh really, my angel?" Amanda's eyes widened when James went into the documents on his phone and brought out a short video of Hannah and Zakumi--the mascot hugging the little girl, who was hugging his plush counterpart and 'feeding' him tea. She then offered big Zakumi 'tea' from the absurdly small cup.

 

Big Zakumi tilted his head adorably. 

 

“Uh huh!” Hannah smiled. “Was so cool mama!” She said. “Just like my stuffie but big!”

"I can see, baby angel." Amanda felt a pang of wistfulness even as she smiled. "Zakumi looks like a lot of fun."

 

“He was! He played soccer with me in the suite.” Hannah said. 

 

“Well they kicked a soft ball back and forth.” James intervened.

 

This got Hannah fondly exasperated looks from both Amanda and Risse. "Oh, so that's why you took so well to practicing soccer inside the house, ma chou," Clarisse said dryly, remembering that time Hannah knocked into the table and broke a juice glass when she should have been doing quiet time.

 

"Now we understand, my angel. It was Zakumi's fault for teaching you it was a good idea hmm."

 

Hannah blushed and nodded. “Uh huh. It was.” She agreed. “He let me do it and was trying to teach me how to juggle.”

 

"Oh oui I see." Risse squeezed Hannah's shoulder. "And how good is a leopard at juggling then?"

 

“Well he was really good, ‘cept his big paws kept making him mess up.” Hannah giggled at the memory.

 

James showed Risse and Amanda a video of just that, making Clarisse laugh. 

 

"Oh oui I see, he's very silly ma chou. So you were playing with Zakumi all halftime?"

 

Hannah nodded. “Uh huh. Then when halftime was over he left.” She pouted. “But I saw him lots during the tournament.” She assured. “I don’t got my little Zakumi anymore though.” She said with a sad tone and picking at a loose string in Clarisses shirt. 

 

Clarisse kissed Hannah, hugging her close. "What happened to him ma chou?" she whispered.

“Don’t know.” Hannah shrugged. “Grandmother found it when I got back and took it.” She said, snuggling Clarisse's chest.

 

Clarisse looked murderous as she hugged Hannah against her chest.

 

James pressed a finger to his lips, and pointed to himself. Clarisse's eyes widened and she relaxed. Monsieur James would have kept the stuffie safe for her chou.

 

With Hannah's face still pressed close, she watched James slip away. 

 

Hannah didn’t see James slip away so a few minutes later when she felt something soft rub her cheek she looked up to see James holding her Zakumi plush. She gasped. “Zakumi?!” She smiled, lifting her head up and out for the plush.

 

James placed the plush in Hannah's waiting arms. "You remember Areia said she stole some things back from her to keep them safe?"

 

Hannah cuddled Zakumi close to her chest. “Oh yeah. Forgot that.” She said, playing with the stuffie. “Thank you daddy.”

 

"You're welcome ma princesse. So do you and Zakumi want to tell what happened next?" James smiled and looked at the plush.

 

The teacup was hanging around Zakumi's neck by a strand of twine through the handle, and he still had his soccer ball in one paw. 

 

“Uh huh. The second half started. Then South Africa scored in the 54th minute.” Hannah said. “But then guess what happened Bee.” She said seriously.

 

"Hmmm...someone got yellow carded," Clarisse guessed.

 

Hannah giggled. “Uh huh. Mexico did.” She said. 

 

James snorted. “Gerardo Torrado.” He supplied.

 

"Thank you love," Amanda smiled  and leaned against James' shoulder.

 

“But then guess what happened like 15 minutes later!” Hannah said flailing her arms out, almost hitting Clarisse in the face.

 

"Another yellow card?" Clarisse caught Hannah's wrist deftly.

 

“Uh huh! South Africa, they are literally just going back and forth with cards.” Hannah said. “But then guess what happened ten minutes after that!” She said excitedly.

 

"Someone got a red card?" Amanda guessed.

 

Hannah laughed. “Uh uh. Mexico scores!” Her arms shot out again in celebration, once again narrowly missing Clarisse's face.

 

Clarisse deftly avoided being smacked in the face by Zakumi, but the teacup hanging around his neck still smacked her arm. "Ow...ma chou," Clarisse sighed.

 

“Sorry Bee.” Hannah said.

 

"I'm alright ma chou, just please be more careful," Clarisse soothed Hannah. "So Mexico equalised hmm?"

 

“Yup!” Hannah nodded quickly. “And South Africa tried really hard to get another goal but couldn’t, so it ended in a draw.” She said.

 

"Ahh, so that's how it came to be a draw." Clarisse nodded. "I understand ma chou. I'm sure they tried really hard," she added. "Hm," she mused, "France was in the Cup too, non? I wonder how they did."

 

She caught James' eye and noticed his little smirk.

 

"Well, as it happens Risse, they were playing Uruguay that same night, in Cape Town, too late for ma princesse's bedtime. And it was a draw, too. A scoreless one."

 

Clarisse scoffed. "Mon Dieu. Les petits Bleus," she muttered.

 

James snorted, as well as Amanda. Hannah giggled. “Funny Bee.” She said.

"Oui glad you think so ma chou. So..." Clarisse paused. "If France were in the group too, you must have gone to that one, non? How did it work, you stayed in Johannesburg and attended the matches there, or did you travel around?"

 

“We stayed in Johannesburg.” Hannah said. “But sometimes daddy would watch the other games on TV and I could too.” She said. “France didn’t do good at all.” She added.

 

Clarisse sighed and shook her head. "I'm glad you could, ma chou. As for France, that's too bad," she said. "Renard says Les Bleus need more discipline." 

 

"I just bet," Amanda murmured. 

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Oh but guess what!” This time instead of her arms flailing, she bounced up on her knees and one of her knees went into Clarisses stomach.

 

Clarisse groaned. "Mon Dieu...what, ma chou?"

 

“Zakumi came back and gave me a little hacky sack that looked like the World Cup ball.” Hannah said, bouncing again and her knees getting Clarisse again.

 

"Come here angel," Amanda said as Clarisse grimaced, knowing Hannah would be more mindful of her and wanting Risse to arrive at Lazio in one piece. 

 

Hannah looked back at her mama and clambered (not gracefully) off Clarisse. She had Zakumi clutched in her hand and climbed up on the couch next to her mama. She nuzzled Amanda’s side.

 

Amanda put an arm around Hannah and held her to her side. James slipped out again and returned with a box.

 

He handed the soccer ball hacky sack to Hannah, bringing it out of the box and putting the box aside. 

 

Hannah picked up the hacky sack and played with it in her hands. “Still have it too?” She asked. “Got it taken away cause I broke a picture frame.” She said.

 

"Well, it was an annoying picture frame," James muttered.

Amanda raised her eyebrows. "Would you say that about a picture frame in our house, love?"

 

"No, but she had a picture of herself in it. Looking perfect," James explained, "and used it to show off to Hannah what she was expected to be."

 

"I see." Amanda sighed and gave Hannah a squeeze. "I'm sorry my angel. It's alright, we don't expect that from you, sweetheart."

 

Hannah closed her eyes and curled tighter against Amanda. “Wish you could’ve been there with us.” She said.

 

"I've got you now my angel," Amanda murmured softly. "Shh, it's alright now, Mama's here."

 

Hannah tried maneuvering on to Amanda’s lap. “Mama lap.” She said.

 

"Mama's here," Amanda soothed, drawing Hannah into her lap.

 

“Want blankie too.” Hannah mumbled, “M’cold.”

 

James draped a blanket around Amanda and Hannah, and Amanda pulled it tight. "There you are, ma princesse."

Hannah sighed happily and rubbed her eyes.

 

"Mmm. I'm getting tired angel," Amanda yawned, cuddling Hannah and Zakumi close. "Nap with me?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Nap with mama.” She said. “On couch or big bed?”

 

"Here please," Amanda murmured, and James settled them so Amanda was reclining with Hannah cuddled up to her.

 

It wasn’t long before Amanda heard soft snores coming from her daughter, who was cuddled up on her chest.

 

Amanda fell asleep to the soft, comforting sound of her daughter sleeping peacefully, waiting to hear the rest of the story until they woke up.

Chapter 10: All The World's A Stage...

Summary:

Hannah and Amanda sleep, and as they sleep, they dream--together, of a world where Aurelia Cardwell hadn't taken Hannah and James from Amanda...yet.

When they wake, Hannah's in some distress, but Amanda soothes her as best she can.

Notes:

The prompt was "Write a flash play of five minutes or less". I didn't really do as well as some on this. A playwright I am not. However, I managed to give Hannah a stage performance of a sort, at least.

Amanda slept, and as she slept, she dreamed. She was seated in the front row of a school auditorium with James - it reminded her very much of the school she'd attended with Glennon, growing up. On the stage at the front were rows of children, standing with their teacher, and she picked out Hannah easily. "She looks like my mini me," Amanda murmured with a small grin. 

 

James smiled, “She does.” He nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “She was nervous.” He added. 

 

"Is that right," Amanda murmured, resting her head on James' shoulder. She scanned the group of children, each dressed in colors matching the national flag of a country they'd been studying. 

 

James kissed Amanda’s head, “She’s so much smaller than her classmates.” He grinned adoringly. 

 

"She is," Amanda agreed, smiling as the presentation began. Each child had a short piece to say about their chosen country, and much to Amanda's surprise and delight, only five children spoke before Hannah. It was just as well, she thought; her child was clearly eager to present. France, China, Italy, Germany, Britain, and then it was Hannah's turn.

 

Hannah stepped up to the front, and smiled, she was bouncing excitedly on her toes, never able to stand still. “I’m South Africa, also known as the rainbow n-nation. They love rugby, c-cricket and soccer, they also have lions, l-leopards, elephants, r-rhinos and buffalo.” She recited only tripping up a few times.

 

Amanda and James clapped for her, and Amanda could see Hannah waving around her stuffed leopard excitedly. "It was so good of you to get that for her when we went over summer, James," she murmured. "You inspired her to pick South Africa for her project." 

 

James smiled. “I’m glad. She’s been attached to that leopard ever since. You might need to sneak it away for a wash.” He laughed quietly. 

 

"Sneaking isn't right. I'll just tell her Zakumi needs his bath when she has hers, and she can play with her bath toys while Zakumi's being washed," Amanda decided.

 

“Mmmm.” James grinned. “You wash her, I’ll wash Zakumi.” He said. “When we get home.” 

 

"Sounds good," Amanda murmured. They watched each child present their facts, and at the end of the presentation, each child received a gold, silver, or bronze star pin with a ribbon attached. This showed what the teacher made of the child's effort, both in the costume they had worn and the facts they had presented. Hannah's gold star had a blue ribbon attached.

 

Hannah bounced excitedly and when she was allowed to she ran off the stage and straight to her mama and daddy. “Mama! Daddy!” She was scooped into Amanda’s arms. “Did you see me?” She asked, bouncing in her mama's arm with her Zakumi under one arm. 

 

"We saw, angel. You and Zakumi did so well," Amanda praised. She saw a bit of blue ribbon tied around Zakumi's paw, too. 

 

“Thanks.” Hannah grinned. “Mama, Zakumi gots ketchup on him.” She said, pointing to a red stain on his leg. Amanda heard James snort. 

 

"It looks like Zakumi needs a bath then," Amanda said.

 

Hannah grimaced and scrunched her nose. “Zakumi is in the cat family. He cleans himself.” 

 

"By swimming in water," Amanda pointed out. "Leopards like to swim."

 

Hannah thought about this while she was being carried out to the car. “He can take a bath with me?” She offered. “Also they lick themselves to clean.”

 

"Daddy's going to give Zakumi his bath. I'm going to give you yours, and you can have Zakumi back right after," Amanda promised.

 

“Kay mama.” Hannah said. “Can we get ice cream first?” She asked. “Cause I got gold?”

 

"Of course," Amanda promised.

 

They got to the car and James opened the back door so Amanda could buckle Hannah in her seat. 

 

“I’ll even let you get an extra scoop.” James said. 

 

Hannah bounced and wiggled excitedly while Amanda was trying to buckle her in.

 

"Settle, my angel, I want you secure," Amanda warned.

 

Hearing her mama's tone she settled immediately and let her mama finish buckling her in. “Sorry mama.” She said.

 

"That's my good girl." Amanda finished, then got in beside Hannah to help keep her calm.

 

James smiled at his girls in the rear view mirror and took off towards the small ice cream shop close to their house. 

 

“Did you think I really did good? I messed some words up.” Hannah said. “Cause brain was goin’ zoom zoom zoom.”

 

"Yes we do, and your teacher gave you the best award," Amanda pointed out. "She must have thought you did good, sweetheart." 

 

Hannah smiled. A few minutes later James pulled into the parking lot of the ice cream shop and parked the car. He got out along with Amanda who went to unbuckle their daughter. 

 

“I get Superman flavor?” Hannah asked, wiggling in her seat again.

"Of course you can, my angel," Amanda agreed as she settled Hannah and unbuckled her.

 

Hannah walked between her parents, James taking one of her hands. When they walked in Amanda took Hannah to a booth in the corner while James went to order. 

 

He came back with one cup with two scoops of Superman icecream and a cup with three scoops of dark chocolate icecream for him and his wife to share. 

 

Hannah was sitting up on her knees in the booth, bouncing. “Ice cream!” She shouted.

 

Not far away, a well-dressed, elderly woman, her hair neatly coiffed, sniffed disdainfully. "Disrespectful brat," she announced. "I wouldn't permit my son to behave in that fashion."

"With respect, madame, your son moved away," her dining companion pointed out. Her back was to James, but he hurriedly angled himself away from her bodyguard as well. 

 

Luckily Hannah hadn’t heard this and was happily eating her ice cream. She already had it all over her mouth, face and cheeks. 

 

She took another spoonful and almost made it to her mouth before it fell off the spoon and on to her shirt, sliding down onto Zakumi. 

 

“Uh oh.” Hannah said.

 

"Untidy animal,” the elderly woman sneered.

 

Amanda was on her feet and striding across the aisle to the table. "Say that to my face."

 

James shot up after her, startling Hannah, who was left in the booth and grabbed her arm gently, pulling her behind him. “Ma Reine. She’s not worth it.” He said.

"Well, well, well. The prodigal heir returns," the woman smirked. "Come home like a good boy where you belong, now."

 

James took a deep breath, to steady him. “I’m doing just fine on my own. Better than I would be had I stayed in that hell hole.” He said, giving Amanda’s hand a squeeze to reassure himself.

 

Two of Aurelia's people got around to the booth and grabbed Hannah.

 

“Mama! Daddy!” Hannah cried, dropping Zakumi and kicking and screaming against them. 

 

James turned and realized what was happening and ran over to them, automatically fighting them to get his daughter back. Luckily, the shopkeeper, was friends with James and he stepped in to help, having another employee call the police. One of the guys dropped Hannah and she fell to the ground but got to her feet and ran to Amanda. “Mama.” She sobbed.

 

Amanda scooped Hannah up and clutched her tightly, sweeping a hand out to grab Zakumi, too, when Aurelia and her men were apprehended. "Mama's got you my angel," she soothed. "Mama's here. Mama's here. I won't let them take you again."

 

Hannah shook with fear, hiding her face in her mamas neck, wrapping her arms tightly around her. Amanda could feel a wetness appear on her hip, signaling her baby had an accident but she couldn’t blame her, something traumatic had just helped. “Mama.” Her breath hitched. “Don’ let em’ take me.” She said. 

 

@@@

 

Amanda woke, relieved to have Hannah safe in her arms and hugged her close. Hannah hadn't had an accident, but Amanda carried her to the bathroom anyway, just to make sure.

 

Hannah didn’t let go of her mama, she was awake, but shaking. “Mama.” She said.

 

"Mama's here baby angel," Amanda stroked Hannah's back. "Mama's here, I promise sweetheart." She made Hannah use the toilet, which she did and helped her wash her hands, then scooped her back up. 

 

“Mama.” She repeated. “Scary.”

 

"Mama's got you, baby angel. I'm here," Amanda promised, hugging Hannah close. "Mama's not going to let anything happen to you."

 

“Was good dream then scary dream.” Hannah sniffled, nuzzling her mama's neck as she was carried back and instead of the living room, to her study with the rocking chair.

 

Amanda sat in the rocking chair and settled Hannah in her lap. "I'm here, angel. I'm listening."

 

“Was in a play. I was South Africa. Isn’t it funny? We were talking about South Africa and then we dream about it.” Hannah asked.

 

"Oh yes, that is funny," Amanda smiled and cuddled Hannah close. "I did dream about watching you in your play, angel. What did it feel like for you?"

 

“I got to tell everyone things about South Africa and then I got a gold pin and blue ribbon. It felt good cause it was like I was never taken.” Hannah said.

 

"That sounds wonderful my angel," Amanda murmured. "It was like you were never taken," she agreed, rocking Hannah.

 

“Yeah but then she showed up and they tried to take me again.” Hannah mumbled.

 

"And she is dead and she's not getting you back," Amanda promised, hugging Hannah tight.

 

Hannah hugged her mama back just as tightly. “Love you mama. Can we just rock for a few minutes, then daddy and I can continue our story?” She asked.

 

Amanda nodded. "Of course sweetheart. Love you too." 

 

“The story gets better. Just you wait.” Hannah grinned.

Chapter 11: A magical story...

Summary:

After waking up from their distressing dream, Amanda and Hannah return to James and Clarisse, and the story of James and Hannah's 2010 men's World Cup adventure continues.

Hannah thinks the trip was magical, and so is her Daddy.

 

"The story gets better. Just you wait," Hannah grinned.

 

Amanda quirked an eyebrow. "How long do I wait, my angel?"

“Waiting builds suspense mama. Makes the story better.” Hannah smirked.

"That's funny coming from you, my impatient one," Amanda countered.

Hannah giggled. “We can go back now. Daddy and I won’t keep you waiting any longer.” She joked.

"Okay sweetheart." Amanda smiled and ruffled Hannah's hair before taking her by the hand and heading back to James and Clarisse.

Hannah went straight to Clarisse. “Can I sit with you again?” She asked.

 

Clarisse tugged Hannah down over her lap, placing a hand on Hannah's back. "I think I like this better, ma chou," she mused, "now you can't hit me by accident."

“Aw Bee.” Hannah playfully pouted.

"Mhmm," Clarisse rubbed Hannah's back, "a most relaxing position, oui? And now you can tell us the next part of the story."

 

Hannah nodded and put Zakumi under her head and enjoyed the back rub she was getting. “Was the next game in Johannesburg. Nigeria and Argentina. The US played England right after but Daddy didn’t let me stay to watch it on TV, Miss Addy and Elise took me back to the room for bedtime.” She explained.

"Ohh, ma chou. I'm sorry. But you went to see Argentina and Nigeria?" Clarisse asked, interested. She glanced at James.

 

"We did," James confirmed, "and Messi was playing, of course."

 

"Oh oui of course," Clarisse chuckled. "What did you think of him ma chou?" she asked Hannah.

 

“He was so cool! He didn’t score the goal though but he almost scored.” Hannah said. “And guess what.”

"What's that ma chou?" Clarisse asked.

“He’s left handed and left footed, just like me!” Hannah said. “You know what that means?” 

 

Clarisse raised an eyebrow. "Oui of course I know what being left footed is ma chou," she said in amusement. "What else does it mean?"

“Just that we’re both magical.” Hannah grinned.

 

Clarisse laughed adoringly. "Oh oui you're magical alright. My little genius."

Hannah giggled, “Uh huh. After the game, daddy took me to the field and it was so cool, was so much bigger than it looked in the suite.”

"Tell us what happened there, my angel," Amanda said fondly.

 

“Zakumi was down there and he kicked a real ball back and forth with me.” Hannah said. “And Messi came up to us and nutmegged Zakumi.” She giggled.

James laughed. He had the video ready, showing Zakumi's adorably confused headtilt when the Argentine star had nutmegged him, and Hannah's reaction. 

 

In the video Hannah was giggling at Zakumi’s confusion. “It was very funny.” She said. “Then Messi came over to me and showed me a juggling trick. He tried teaching me around the world but it was harder. He told me to keep practicing.”

 

"That is a difficult trick for most little ones, ma chou. Were you able to work it out?" Clarisse asked.

“Uh uh. Cause the ball was too big. I can do it now though. You’ve seen me. Though I couldn’t practice when I got back to Grandmother’s, I mastered it when I went to college.” Hannah said.

 

"Oui you're very good at it, ma chou. I'm glad you were able to work it out," Clarisse murmured.

Hannah smiled. “Messi gave me his jersey too.” She said. She sighed. “That would’ve been a cool one to have in my collection.” 

"What happened to it, my angel?" Amanda asked worriedly.

“Don’t know.” Hannah shrugged. 

 

James reached into the box. He pulled out the Messi jersey, and then a small box, bringing them over to Clarisse and Hannah.

 

He draped Messi's jersey over Hannah's back like a blanket, and then handed her the small box, which he knew contained an Argentina jersey plush-sized, which Hannah could put on Zakumi.

 

Hannah opened it and grinned, she pulled Zakumi out from under her head and sat up on her elbows, maneuvering the tiny jersey on Zakumi. “Look Bee!”

"Oui I see, and look what your Daddy found for you ma chou." Clarisse picked Messi's jersey up off Hannah's back and handed it to her.

Hannah smiled and clutched the jersey in her hand. “Thanks daddy. It’s like your magic, everything I say I lost you make appear.” She said.

"Well, there's a lot of things in the box," James admitted. "But most of them are from the World Cup time, Areia sorted the things she took back for you."

 

“Still magical.” Hannah said with a shrug. She was still over Clarisses lap and put Zakumi back under her head.

James smiled slightly. "Well thank you ma princesse. What would you like to do with the jersey?"

“Gonna put it with my collection later.” Hannah said.

James nodded. He took the jersey from Hannah's fist and spread it over her again.

 

"So now that we've established that both your Daddy and Messi are magic," Amanda laughed, "what happened next?"

 

“Well the game was over and daddy said he was going to stay with Yeye and Uncle Wei to watch the US game at the club and Miss Addy and Elise were taking me back to the room for bedtime.” Hannah explained with a pout.

"Ohh, I see. Well you were very young ma chou. Bedtimes are important," Clarisse patted Hannah reassuringly. "I know, I know."

 

James laughed, “Well you didn’t miss much anyways. It was a 1-1 draw.” He said.

"Well, that's alright then," Clarisse hummed. "Who scored?"

 

“Gerrard for England and Dempsey for the US.” James informed.

"Ahh. Dempsey, he's famous, oui?" Clarisse smiled slightly. "Maybe the Americans did better later."

 

“They kept the ball out of the net, so that was something.” James said.

 

"Oui it is," Clarisse nodded, "the keeper was Howard, non?"

Amanda arched an eyebrow. "I didn't know you followed men's soccer that closely, Risse."

She shrugged. "Not too much, non, but he's pretty well known, I think?"

James nodded, “Yes he is.” 

 

“Not as good as my Casey.” Hannah put in, meaning Casey Murphy.

Clarisse snorted. "Oh oui of course not, he's a man," she joked.

James pretended to look offended, “Ouch.” He said with a grin to let Clarisse know he wasn’t actually.

"Sorry Monsieur James," Clarisse apologized.

“All good Risse.” James winked. “Let’s pause here, I need to use the restroom and get some more coffee.”

 

"Oui Monsieur. Maybe ma chou can put her jersey away while we take our break then," Clarisse added.

Hannah nodded and sat up, “Come on Bee, you can come help.” She grabbed her hands.

Clarisse let Hannah pull her away, carrying the jersey in her other hand as Hannah carried Zakumi.

Chapter 12: You find an unexplained charge on your bank statement.

Summary:

When they go back to their little apartment to put Hannah's Messi jersey away, Hannah tells Clarisse, privately, all about the Room Service Incident before they rejoin James and Amanda.

After Hannah had put her jersey in a safe place with her other jerseys she’d acquired, she turned around to Clarisse, wrapping her arms around her. “Love you.” She said.

 

"Love you too, ma chou," Clarisse cuddled Hannah close, relishing every moment they had to be together before she had to leave. They wouldn't be apart long, she promised herself.

 

“Do you like hearin’ the story?” Hannah asked.

 

"Oh oui ma chou. It's wonderful to hear this bright spot in your childhood," Clarisse murmured. "Merci Dieu."

 

“Uh huh. Was a good time.” Hannah said. “Though after I got back, grandmother didn’t let me see Daddy for a really long time.”

 

Clarisse held Hannah tight. "It's not your fault ma chou. She was just jealous of how wonderful you are."

 

Hannah grinned against Clarisses chest. “Cause I’m awesome?” She asked.

 

"Oui you are, my little genius, and you were just as bright and sweet as a child, I can tell, ma chou. She couldn't handle that; that's her fault, not yours."

 

“Daddy said I was too smart for my own good when I figured out how to order room service by myself and I ordered choccy milk.” Hannah grinned.

 

Clarisse raised an eyebrow. "Oh oui, here we go," she said with a chuckle. "Now wait a moment, I thought they didn't have 'choccy milk', ma chou." 

 

Hannah shrugged, “Well, they had to make it special. So daddy said it costs more.”

 

"Oh oui I see," Clarisse's lips twitched. "And how did you do that then ma chou."

 

“It was a few days after the Argentina match, daddy was out with Yeye and Uncle Wei.” Hannah started. “So I was with Elise and Miss Addy, for bedtime. Miss Addy had to go down to the lobby for something and Elise was getting ready for bed…” 

 

Hannah bounced on the bed, Elise had just told her to wait a few minutes and then she would read her a book for bedtime. 

 

“Elise is takin’ forever.” Hannah groaned. Then something on the nightstand caught her eye. “Room service menu” she grabbed it and opened it up, finding the drinks. “Hmm.”

 

She looked over and saw the phone and looked at the door to Elise and Adelaide’s room and then picked up the phone, dialing the number on the menu. 

 

Someone picked up, “Um…can I get choccy milk to my room please?” She asked. “Uh huh. Choccy milk. Chocolate milk. Choccy milk.” She said. “Okay thank you.” She hung up. 

 

Clarisse stifled laughter, listening to her chou relate this incident. "Oh ma chou. Did you or Miss Elise answer the door then?"

“Well she was taking too long. Like, fiveever Bee.” Hannah said seriously.

"Oh she was taking fiveever," Clarisse nodded seriously. "Is that right."

“Uh huh. And if I didn’t answer the door then they wouldn’t give me my choccy milk.” Hannah said.

 

Hannah heard a knock on the door and clambered off the bed, running to the door and opening it. “My choccy milk?” She asked. 

 

The attendant nodded, “Here you are.” He said, coming in and leaving the cup on a table and made his exit.

 

“Thank you.” Hannah said. She climbed up on the chair and started drinking her chocolate milk. 

 

Elise hurried into the room as soon as the door closed. "Miss Hannah! Who was that at the door?" 

 

Hannah looked up with wide eyes. “My choccy milk.” She said innocently.

 

"What choccy milk, Miss Hannah?" Elise asked, seeing the cup Hannah was holding. "Where did you get that?"

 

“From the phone.” Hannah shrugged. 

 

"Oh ja it came through the phone?" Elise raised an eyebrow disbelievingly. "I think it came through the door nein?"

 

Clarisse, listening to this, snorted. "I see where you get your sass ma chou."

 

“Well a man walked it in.” Hannah said. “Choccy milk doesn’t walk on its own Elise.” Hannah said cheekily.

 

Elise muttered a prayer for patience. "What have we taught you about opening doors to strangers without permission?" 

 

“…not too. But I knew it was my choccy milk.” Hannah insisted, taking her last gulp of milk and sitting the cup down.

 

"And how did a man know to bring choccy milk here Miss Hannah?" Elise asked.

 

“I called the people.” Hannah answered.

"You used the room phone without permission, Miss Hannah," Elise clarified.

 

“Um…” Hannah racked her brain. “Guess so.” She mumbled.

"Mhmm...and what do we say about that?" Elise folded her arms.

“Not good?” Hannah asked.

 

"Ja not good," Elise agreed. "Using the phone without permission is naughty."

“Don’t tell Miss Addy?” Hannah asked, looking at the door, knowing Adelaide was going to be back any minute.

 

"Mmm..." Elise frowned slightly, thinking.

 

“A secret?” Hannah asked.

 

"Nein Miss Hannah, you tell Miss Addy," Elise decided.

 

Hannah’s eyes widened, “But…” She stopped suddenly when the door clicked open and Adelaide walked in. 

 

Clarisse gasped. "Oh ma chou! What did you say to Miss Addy?"

 

“Well, I tried avoiding it at first.” Hannah said. “And to keep Miss Addy happy.” 

 

Hannah got out of her chair and ran to hug Adelaide. “Miss Addy! Missed you.” She said. 

Adelaide hugged Hannah. "I wasn't gone that long Miss Hannah," she smiled in amusement. "I'm here. And how did you behave while I was gone, hm?"

 

Hannah nodded quickly “Uh huh.”  Then she looked back to Elise, who raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Uh uh.” She shook her head. 

 

"Oh is that right? I think you'd better tell me all about it then," Adelaide replied calmly.

“Ordered choccy milk.” Hannah admitted.

 

Adelaide walked to her chair, leading Hannah by the hand, and sat down, turning Hannah to face her. "You used the phone without permission, to get choccy milk?"

Hannah looked down, and nodded. “Uh huh.” She said.

Adelaide put two fingers under Hannah's chin and lifted it. "Why was that, Miss Hannah?"

“Cause I saw I could order it on the menu.” Hannah said. “Well I had to ‘splain what choccy milk was.”

 

Adelaide smiled wryly and lifted Hannah to sit on her lap. "Yes, I imagine you did, Miss Hannah."

 

“Then the person came and I got the door cause he said “room service” and knocked.” Hannah said.

 

Adelaide's laughter faded, and she looked very seriously at Hannah. "Opening the door to room service is for grownups to do, Miss Hannah. You may not do that by yourself. Do you understand?" 

 

Hannah nodded quickly. “Uh huh. I understand.” She said. “Trouble?” She asked. 

 

"You're going to sit in the timeout chair for eight minutes," Adelaide decreed. "Your Daddy should be back soon, anyway."

 

Hannah nodded, knowing she could have had a different punishment, and went to the timeout chair and sat. 

 

A few minutes later, the door clicked and James came in. “Adelaide, Elise, did one of you have to go buy something? I got a charge on my credit card for fifty dollars.” He asked.

 

"No sir, neither of us went to buy something," Adelaide responded crisply. She raised an eyebrow at her small charge, arms folded, as Elise watched Hannah sitting in the little chair facing the corner. Elise's hand was on Hannah's shoulder, and she was watching the time with her watch. 

 

James had a small grin and then shook his head. He waited a couple more minutes for Adelaide’s timer to go off and he crouched down to pick her up. 

 

“Daddy!” Hannah said, wrapping her arms around him. “You’re back!” 

 

James hugged her back and sat down, cuddling her, “I’m back, but what’s this about you ordering something for fifty dollars…?” He asked.

 

Hannah shrugged, “Wanted Choccy milk.” She said.

 

"Choccy milk cost fifty dollars?" Clarisse blurted out as Hannah wound down the memory. "Mon Dieu ma chou, it shouldn't cost that much."

 

“They had to make it.” Hannah said.

 

"Hmph." Clarisse looked murderous. "Twenty dollars maybe, still outrageous but if they had to make it special. But still. Were you in very much trouble with your daddy, ma chou?"

 

“Uh uh.” Hannah shook her head. “He said, timeout was enough.”

 

"Oh oui ma chou. Well, that's good then," Clarisse cuddled Hannah as they went back to Amanda and James.

 

Chapter 13: Let's Roll The Dice (Metaphorically)

Summary:

In 2024, as they prepare for Clarisse's departure, a summer storm rolls in. Hannah and James continue telling the tale of their 2010 men's World Cup adventure to Clarisse and Amanda.

Notes:

Nancy Stohlman photo prompt:
Metaphor Dice: My Heart, Last Minute, Thunderstorm

Clarisse led Hannah back to James and Amanda, and they had no sooner returned to the main house than an unusual summer storm began, rain beating against the windows.

 

James tugged Hannah into his arms, frowning slightly and hoping the thunder, lightning, and rain wouldn't last and lead to airport trouble at the last minute.

 

“Stormin’…” Hannah said, cuddling James.

 

Amanda sat down next to James and Hannah, patting Hannah's head. "Well, the lightning says something to the thunder, and the thunder says something back," she explained.

 

Clarisse covered a grin, getting the reference immediately. She hoped her chou would, but wasn't betting on it.

 

Hannah cocked her head, “Huh?” She asked.

 

"We are definitely watching The Sound of Music when we're back together ma chou. Julie Andrews, she is tres magnifique, British or no," Clarisse said seriously.

 

Hannah giggled. “Kay Bee. Sounds good.” She said. “But what if it’s stormin’ when you gotta leave?” She asked.

 

"I don't know, ma chou. Did it storm like this when you were at the World Cup?" Clarisse asked.

 

“Uh huh. Once.” Hannah said. “It was scary.”

 

"Oh ma chou." Clarisse squeezed Hannah's hand comfortingly.

 

“But it wasn’t storming during a game. Just at night.” Hannah assured.

 

"Oh oui just at night, that's better then ma chou," Clarisse agreed.

 

“Uh huh. It was. But it was really loud. It woke me up.” Hannah said.

 

"Tell me my heart," Clarisse encouraged gently.

 

Hannah nodded. 

 

It was about 2 am. Hannah was sleeping in her bed, cuddled up with her Zakumi stuffie and James was in his bed when a flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a loud crash, Hannah woke immediately. She crawled out of bed and went over to James’s bed. 

 

“Daddy.” Hannah whispered, patting his arm. “Daddy.” She said more urgently. Her father was a deep sleeper it seemed.

James stirred and blinked sleepily at his daughter. "Here I am, xiǎo mì fēng."

 

Thunder cracked again, making Hannah jump. “S-Stormin’ daddy.” She said. “Scary.” She added, trying to clamber up on the bed.

 

James helped Hannah up and snuggled her close to his side. "The storm's outside xiǎo mì fēng. Daddy won't let it get you."

 

“Loud though. Big booms.” Hannah said.

 

"Mmm." James hummed gently and patted Hannah's back. "Uncle Yi says that when the lightning flashes, it's the Great Dragons looking down from Heaven to see what's going on in the world, and the thunder is their great roars as they speak to each other, xiǎo mì fēng."

 

Hannah snuggled against her daddy’s side, with Zakumi. “Dragons?” She whispered.

 

"That's right, dragons," James agreed. "Uncle Yi says dragons are the protectors of the world, and bring rain to help the people."

 

“Oh…like that dragons protect us.” Hannah said. “But still scary, can I sleep with you?” She asked.

 

"Of course xiǎo mì fēng," James soothed Hannah, cuddling her.

 

“Love you daddy.” Hannah said quietly, eyes already drooping again, knowing shes safe.

 

"Love you my Hannah," James murmured, humming softly to his sleepy little girl.

 

Back in present time, Hannah curled against James. “Daddy was a good protector, like the dragons.” She said.

 

"I've always tried, ma princesse." James stroked Hannah's hair.

 

Hannah smiled. “The storm wasn’t there when the sun came up though.” She said.

 

"M-hmm. It was over by then," James remembered as he hugged Hannah to his side.

 

“And it was the day of the Netherlands and Denmark game.” Hannah said.

 

"Oh oui, Netherlands and Denmark, ma chou?" Clarisse glanced over, eyes sparking with interest.

 

“Uh huh. Netherlands had an easy win. 2-0.” Hannah said.

James snorted. "As I recall it, Denmark made it even easier, Agger having given them a goal first of all right at the start of the second half before the Netherlands’ Kuyt sealed it for them a few minutes before the end." 

 

Hannah giggled. “Yeah, it was not good for Denmark.” She said. “The coach was not happy. Or his teammates.”

 

"Oh oui I bet not." Clarisse smirked.

Amanda laughed. "I'm sure not," she agreed.

 

"Did you and Zakumi like the Netherlands for the match ma chou?" Clarisse asked. "Or did you want Denmark to win?"

 

“Wanted the Netherlands to win cause I like orange.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse hmm-ed to that. "You like red better now, ma chou. Or blue perhaps?" She winked.

 

“Blues is my favorite.” Hannah said. “Red is your favorite Bee.” Hannah said. 

 

Clarisse laughed and kissed her. "Oui but you wear it so well." 

 

Hannah kissed Clarisse back and moved to cuddle against her. “If you say so Bee.” She said.

 

"I do say so," Clarisse agreed. "So, what happened next?" She glanced from Hannah to James, and settled back, waiting for someone to continue the story.

Chapter 14: A story that incorporates some piece of scientific data.

Summary:

AKA, Hannah gets to show off why she's the statistics genius. By the time she's done talking (for now), it's time for lunch, and they order out for pizza.

Their delivery driver is an unexpected, but welcome presence, and Hannah's glad to ask her cousin to stay and join them for lunch.

“Well the next match was Brazil vs North Korea.” Hannah said.

"Oh oui is that right," Clarisse mused. "And how did that go ma chou?"

"Brazil's one of the best, aren't they, my angel?" Amanda added.

“One of the best.” Hannah nodded. “They beat North Korea 2-1.” She said. “So they still got scored on.” 

 

"That's right ma princesse. In the 89th minute, so it was practically the very last moment, hm?" James grinned wryly. "Brazil must have thought they were getting out of that one 2-0, clean sheet, and then they got careless."

“Uh huh. That’s called ‘parking the bus’. Teams do it when they think they have nothing to worry about.” Hannah explained. “Uncle Wei taught me that.”

"Oui he's right about that," Clarisse nodded. "I imagine the North Korean team were very happy about that last minute goal, even though it was a loss," she mused.

“Yup. Cause guess what their ranking was at the time.” Hannah said.

"Mmm, I don't know ma chou. Probably not very high."

“105th.” Hannah said.

Clarisse snorted. "Oui that's about right. And Brazil?"

“Brazil was 1st. Their group was called the “group of death” for North Korea cause they were with Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.” Hannah explained. 

 

"Ah, of course Brazil was first. Côte d'Ivoire..." Clarisse smiled slightly. "Much higher up the ranking, non?" 

“27th.” Hannah said. “And Portugal was 3rd.” 

 

Clarisse wasn't shocked that Brazil and Portugal had been so high in the ranking, of course, especially for the men. "Oui, that all makes sense. Do you remember Les Bleus, ma chou?"

 

“Uh huh. 9th.” Hannah said. “The women’s team was ranked 8th in 2010, a tie with England.”

Clarisse rolled her eyes. "Oh oui, tied with England of course," she sighed. "Well, we can't do anything about the past, naturallement. We can only do better than England in future, oui."

Hannah giggled. “You played on the U-17 team in 2010.” She said. “Scored 7 goals.”

 

Clarisse blushed. "Oui, I like to think they were good goals, too," she said with a teasing smirk as she recovered herself.

“7 goals in 17 appearances is really good Bee.” Hannah patted Clarisses cheek.

"Merci ma chou," Clarisse smiled at Hannah.

 

Hannah cuddled Clarisse. “Do you know what the magnus effect is?” She asked.

"Tell me ma chou," Clarisse cuddled Hannah close.

“Well you know when you kick the ball really hard and it curves in the air?” Hannah asked.

"Mhm," Clarisse nodded, "oui I know that."

“It’s cause the spin on the ball creates a difference in the air pressure around it and it causes it to curve.” Hannah explained. “I know you know how to do it on purpose, which is really cool.” She said.

Clarisse grinned. "Oh oui, it's very fun, too."

“Yeah it is. ‘Specially when you score from it.” Hannah agreed. 

"That's the best part ma chou. A pity you won't have the chance to cheer me on in France," Clarisse sighed, "though I understand Monsieur Renard's decision." It still annoyed her though.

 

Hannah kissed Clarisse, “Maybe playing at Lazio will help you make it back on the team?” She asked. “But if it doesn’t, you’re still my favorite player.”

"Oui I hope so," Clarisse returned the kiss. "But we'll see ma chou."

 

James and Amanda had kept mostly quiet, but James heard Amanda's stomach growl, and laughed a little. "Hungry, Mandy?" he teased. "Well, we've been talking for hours, it must be lunchtime. What do you think, ma princesse?"

 

“Uh huh. I’m hungry too.” Hannah agreed.

"Oui, I need to eat or I won't keep my strength up," Clarisse agreed. "Merci Dieu, it's stopped storming." She shivered. It was still raining, but the rain didn't sound quite as angry anymore, just a light patter on the windows. "What do you want to have ma chou?" 

"Can we have pizza?" Hannah asked.

"Pizza and margaritas?" Clarisse teased.

"A bit early for margaritas isn't it Risse?" James raised an eyebrow at his daughter's girlfriend.

She shrugged. "I probably won't see a margarita again once I get to Lazio."

 

"Oh please, they're Italian, not barbarians," Amanda's lips twitched.

Hannah giggled. “Pizza and choccy milk?” She asked.

Clarisse laughed and agreed. "What kind of pizza should we get?"

 

"Something that will horrify your new friends?" Amanda said mischievously. "Hawaiian maybe?"

"Mon Dieu, quel sacrilège!" Clarisse gasped, half in jest. She smirked. "Oui if that's what ma chou would like." 

“Hawaiian sounds good.” Hannah nodded.

 

Amanda nodded and called their favorite pizza place for the order. "Breadsticks, cheese bread, boneless wings, anything like that, angel?" 

Clarisse was happy with anything her chou chose to eat; she wasn't that picky, and anyway she just wanted Hannah to be as happy as possible before she left.

“Can we get some of the honey bbq wings?” Hannah asked, “with ranch?”

"Absolutely," Amanda agreed. She put in the order for a medium Hawaiian pizza, an order of honey bbq wings with ranch, and (because she felt like it) a pan of brownies with rainbow sprinkles.

 

When the order was final, she went to mix up some Ovaltine for Hannah.

“Choccy milk.” Hannah bounced on her toes excitedly next to Amanda.

"Of course my angel." Amanda smiled gently and finished mixing it up, giving Hannah the milk in her favorite cup. "Here you are sweetheart."

“Thanks mama!” Hannah said, hugging Amanda.

"You're welcome sweetheart," Amanda murmured, returning the hug.

 

“How much longer till the food is here?” Hannah asked, walking back over and sitting on Clarisse's lap.

"Mm. They have to cook the pizza and wings, and bring it over," Clarisse mused. "Hopefully it won't take too long, but we'll see. Maybe thirty minutes? Probably closer to twenty now, non?"

Hannah rubbed her hand down her face and groaned dramatically. “That’s forever.” She said.

"Not fiveever?" Clarisse teased with a wink.

“Uh huh. Fiveever.” Hannah nodded. “Too long.”

"Poor ma chou. It's alright, I'll hold you until it gets here." Clarisse cuddled Hannah.

 

A few minutes later, Hannah got a text.

 

Oh hey, an order from my favorite Little Monkey. Be there in ten. - Chase

 

Hannah lifted her head. “Chaseys bringing it!” She said.

 

"Oh is that right ma chou?" Clarisse looked down at the text and chuckled. "Well that's convenient then, non?" she asked, cuddling Hannah until the doorbell rang.

Hannah jumped off Clarisses lap and bolted to the front door before anyone could stop her and opened it.

Chase Melton stood there. He was holding three boxes stacked in his hands, the smaller two in a large plastic bag. "Hey there kiddo. Got Uncle James' order," he said with a grin. And as soon as he marked it as delivered, he was going to clock out for his lunch break...because he was hungry and he was sure Aunt Amanda wouldn't not invite him.

 

“You gonna eat with us Chase?” Hannah asked, taking the bag from him to help carry the food. 

"Thanks for the invite, Little Monkey," Chase grinned and followed her inside, carrying the pizza box and setting it down on the kitchen counter. He returned to the front door to fetch in the two-liter of Coke (emblazoned with images of the USWNT) that he'd bought with his own money when he saw who he was delivering for, and then clocked out for lunch.

 

“Coke?” Hannah asked. “Can I have some? Please.” She looked between Clarisse and Amanda. “It has the national team on it. For the Olympics.” She said.

 

"I didn't order that, Chase--"

"I know, Aunt Amanda. I bought it when I saw who was on it," Chase said smoothly, giving her a winning smile. "Enough for everyone? Uncle James?" He grinned.

“Puhleaseeeee.” Hannah begged.

"Alright," James conceded. "Clarisse will need the caffeine, anyway."

 

“Thanks daddy.” Hannah said. “Mama? Can we put my choccy milk in the fridge and I can have it for when we continue our story?” She asked.

"Okay sweetheart," Amanda agreed and put the cup in the refrigerator. Chase helped James set out the food, and got paper plates, enough for everyone, out of the bag.

Hannah got two pieces of pizza and three honey bbq wings and knelt on the sofa. “So good!” She said.

 

While everyone was serving themselves, Chase poured a small cup of Coke for Hannah with one ice cube, and everyone else took the same to drink. "So what's this about a story, Little Monkey?" 

 

“It’s about when daddy took me to the men’s World Cup in 2010.” Hannah said, taking another bite of pizza.

Chase blinked. "Whoa, in South Africa? That's pretty far." He sat down by Hannah with his plate. "That must've been exciting." He glanced at Amanda, noticing the distant look in her eyes.

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded quickly. “Maybe after lunch you can hear some before you go back to work?” She asked, grabbing a wing.

"That'd be great," Chase agreed, taking a bite of pizza.

Chapter 15: Take a story and cut it in half!

Summary:

Hannah starts talking about Argentina vs. South Korea over lunch, but during her retelling, she makes a slip of the tongue Clarisse can't overlook. So after Chase has gone back to work, Risse takes her girlfriend off in private to deal with the situation. (So the story's 'cut in half' because she paused at halftime)

Notes:

Mouth soaping in response to repeated coarse language.

They continued with lunch and Hannah patted Amanda’s arm. “Can I have more Coke?” She asked. 

 

Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Water first," she told Hannah.

 

Hannah nodded. “Kay mama.” She said, taking the glass of water she was given and drinking it. 

 

“The next game was Argentina playing South Korea.” Hannah said. “We saw North Korea the day before and now South Korea.” She laughed.

 

"Oh that sounds dangerous ma chou," Clarisse said.

 

"Especially with countries that really don't get along," Chase mumbled around a bite of chicken.

 

James snorted. “It does, doesn’t it. Though South Korea took more of a beating by Argentina and North Korea took from Brazil.” He said.

 

"And Argentina and Brazil hate each other, too, though not quite that bad," Clarisse observed dryly.

 

"I don't think most rivalries are that bad," Chase mused.

 

Hannah nodded in agreement. “But it was an own goal in the 16th minute that put Argentina in the lead.” She said.

 

"Oh really Little Monkey?" Chase asked, swallowing. Amanda was listening, but she wouldn't speak with her mouth full, unlike her unmannerly nephew.

 

“Uh huh. Park Chu-Young.” Hannah said. “I would’ve hated to be him in the moment.” She said, “Well and after probably, his teammates probably weren’t happy with him…” 

 

"Oui I just bet," Clarisse said with feeling. "Own goals are horrible."

 

“And then in the 33rd minute Gonzalo Higuaín scored for Argentina and then a minute later, South Korea got a yellow card, Lee Chung-Yong.” Hannah continued.

"Wonder if he messed with Higuain somehow," Amanda mused.

"Sorry ma reine, I don't remember," James admitted.

 

“I don’t either, but that was actually the second yellow card for South Korea cause Ki-Hun Yeom got one in the 10th minute.” Hannah said.

 

"Whoa," Chase murmured.

Clarisse wasn't sure if Chase was more surprised by the yellow card, or by Hannah remembering them all so well.

 

“That’s not that bad Chase. It’s only two cards.” Hannah said. “Angel City’s had more in one game. Mainly cause the refs are stupid.” She said. “Daddy said they need to get their heads out of their asses.” She repeated. 

 

James choked on his drink, “I also said don’t repeat that.” 

 

"Hannah!" Amanda sputtered.

 

“What?” Hannah asked, she looked at Clarisse, who was raising her eyebrow at her.

 

Clarisse snorted. "Your papa said don't repeat that ma chou," she pointed out.

 

“Well, it just came out.” Hannah said. “Before my brain could stop it.” She said. “Right before the first half ended in stoppage time the same player that got a yellow card for South Korea, Lee Chung-Yong scored for them. So it ended 2-1 at half time.” She continued, hoping to avoid soap. 

 

"Poor Little Monkey," Chase sympathized, patting Hannah gently as his alarm went off. He sighed. "Gotta get back to work, though. Thanks for inviting me in for lunch."

Hannah hugged Chase before he left. She followed him to the door and waved to him as he walked out. “Bye Chase!” She said. She turned around and ran right in to Clarisse. “Bee, didn’t see you there.”

 

"Oh oui you didn't see me here," Clarisse's lips twitched. "I see."

“I didn’t know you followed me.” Hannah said. “Should we go finish?” She asked with a sheepish grin.

"Oui I think we have something to finish, come ma chou," Clarisse tugged Hannah toward the bathroom.

“Aww Bee.” Hannah pouted. “Nooo.” 

 

"Oh I think oui ma chou," Clarisse brought them back to their apartment, where they could be more private in their bathroom. But first she took Hannah to their bedroom, sitting with Hannah in her lap. "Tell me what's going on in that pretty head, my heart."

“That Higuaín got a hat trick and I didn’t even get to that part. We stopped at halftime.” Hannah said. “And I shouldn’t have said that the NWSL refs need to get their heads out of their asses.” She said, cuddling Clarisse. 

 

Clarisse snorted, giving Hannah an exasperated, affectionate smile. "Oh, ma chou."

“What’s going on in your head?” Hannah asked, turning the question around and poking Clarisse's forehead. 

"Wondering how I got so lucky as to have you in my life ma chou," Clarisse murmured.

Hannah blushed. “Lucky to have you Bee.” She said, nuzzling Clarisse's cheek. “Does that mean no soap?” She asked.

Clarisse chuckled. "What do you think ma chou?"

 

“I think I’m still getting soap. ‘Specially cause I just said it again.” Hannah answered.

"M-hmm. That's my little genius," Clarisse patted Hannah's cheek. "Come on my heart. It's going to be alright."

Hannah followed Clarisse to their bathroom and Clarisse helped her up on to the counter, she swung her legs, letting her back heels hit the counter while she watched her Top get what she needed.

 

"Oh ma chou," Clarisse shook her head, getting a washcloth from the cupboard and dampening it, squeezing a little of the (definitely non-toxic) hand soap onto the cloth. "The cupboard didn't do anything to deserve that," she teased lightly.

Hannah clamped her mouth shut and tried to hide her face in the crook of Clarisses neck.

"Take your time, breathe, it's alright, I've got you. Tell me," Clarisse encouraged softly, "I'm listening."

 

“Don’ wanna eat the soap.” Hannah mumbled against her neck. “You gonna make me?” She asked. In her mind, she knew Amanda and Abby hadn’t made her eat a bar of soap like she did, but this was her first time getting soaped by Clarisse. 

 

"Non, ma chou. It's just a little bit of soap on this cloth, see?" Clarisse soothed. "Just a little bit of washing the naughty word out, no eating, you'll rinse it all out, promise," she murmured. "It's okay, I've got you."

Hannah lifted her head and looked at Clarisse in the eyes and then nodded, opening her mouth.

 

"Bon, good girl," Clarisse murmured, and, with her hand wrapped in the cloth, swiped it over Hannah's teeth and tongue gently, giving a light coating of suds. "There, that's all, my heart," she said when she was finished, taking the cloth back out. "We'll wait a minute and let you rinse out, oui?"

 

Hannah whimpered and hid her face back in the crook of Clarisse's neck again and fidgeting with Clarisse’s fingers.

 

Clarisse allowed that, murmuring soothingly to Hannah as the minute ticked by. When it was over, she squeezed Hannah's fingers gently. "You're going to have to let go so I can fill the cup ma chou," she said.

 

Hannah let go of only one hand, keeping the other clutched in hers.

Clarisse managed to fill a small cup with water at the sink using just her free hand, and set it down, helping Hannah down from the counter so she could rinse out properly.

Hannah grabbed the cup and sloshed the water around in her mouth before spitting in the sink. Then she turned around and wrapped her arms around Clarisse. “Sorry for sayin’ the naughty word.”

"It's forgiven, ma chou." Clarisse cuddled Hannah, hugging her close. "We're all right, I promise. Do you feel okay, my heart?"

 

“Uh huh. I’m good Bee.” Hannah assured.

"I'm glad my heart. Come on, let's make sure your mama and daddy aren't getting into trouble without us now Chase left," Clarisse joked.

Hannah giggled and nodded in agreement. “Plus we’ve only made it half way through this match…” she said.

 

Clarisse grinned and led Hannah back to the main house.

Chapter 16: The narrator in your story is lying...

Summary:

...or, on the way back to rejoin her parents, Hannah has something to confess to Clarisse.

As they walked back to rejoin her parents, Hannah stopped outside the door and tugged slightly at Clarisse's hand. "Bee."

 

Clarisse paused. "Hmm?" She wrapped Hannah's hand in hers, stroking the soft palm with her thumb. "You still okay, ma chou?"

 

"Please don't be mad with me?"

 

Clarisse drew Hannah close. "Never. You know you can tell me anything," she encouraged. 

 

“Miss Addy had to give me soap one day during the World Cup. But not for naughty words.” Hannah admitted. “But don’t want it again for that!” 

 

"Shh, it's okay ma chou. You can tell me about it." Clarisse led Hannah inside, into the kitchen and they sat down at the table. "I'm right here, I've got you, my heart."

 

“Well I was bored one day.” Hannah started. “And Daddy was out in a meeting.” She said. “And Elise had run out as well so it was just me and Miss Addy.”

 

Clarisse nodded, gaze attentive and nonjudgemental. She gave Hannah a slight, encouraging smile. "Okay ma chou." 

Whatever came next, she was sure, would be entertaining--at least in hindsight. Her chou was never more inventive than when she was bored.

 

“I had a World Cup ball and I wanted to practice my around the world trick that Messi taught me. Miss Addy had just gone into her room to put her clothes away and use the bathroom.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse began to see where this was going, but carefully controlled her expression and nodded patiently.

 

“Well, I was doing fine at first but I couldn’t get the trick down, so I kicked it up a little too hard…” Hannah continued. “And it hit one of the pictures on the wall and made it fall off its hook, it fell on the ground and the frame shattered and was really loud.” She said. 

 

Crash 

 

Hannah's eyes went wide, “Uh oh.” She mumbled to herself. She began to go towards it to try and pick up the pieces of glass herself before Miss Addy would see... 

 

"Ma chou!" Clarisse gasped, taking Hannah's hands and squeezing them gently, stroking the palms as though to reassure herself no shards remained.

Adelaide heard the crash and hurried out into Hannah's room, never one to leave her charge alone for long. "Miss Hannah, no. Step away from that," she ordered firmly, though her voice was calm and quiet. 

Hannah quickly obeyed, hearing the tone in Adelaide’s voice. “Miss Addy! It just fell!” She said. 

Adelaide stepped around the glass. "Show me your hands."

Hannah held her hands out, palms up for Adelaide to check.

Adelaide checked carefully, and finding to her relief that Hannah hadn't been cut by the glass, she picked the little girl up and sat her on the bed. "Stay," she said firmly, then called the front desk for cleaning tools to clear up the glass. 

 

The cleaning crew came immediately having been on the floor already and got to cleaning the glass up, one of them who had swept under the couch raised and eyebrow and pulled out a soccer ball from behind it and handed it to Adelaide. “Yours?” She asked. Hannah’s eyes widened at the exchange from her spot on the bed. 

 

Adelaide checked the ball for any glass before putting it away. "Thank you Madame, I will take care of that," she said. 

The housekeeper nodded and finished up with the other housekeeper and then they left, closing the door behind them.

Adelaide turned and raised an eyebrow at Hannah. "It just fell, hm, Miss Hannah?" she asked mildly.

 

Hannah bit her bottom lip. “Uh huh.” She nodded quickly. “Just fell.” 

Adelaide sat on the bed beside Hannah, drawing the little girl into her lap and turning Hannah to face her. She didn't say anything, merely waiting. 

Hannah chewed on her lip for another thirty seconds before sighing. “Didn’t just fall.” She admitted. 

 

"That's what I thought," Adelaide said, sighing. "Now Miss Hannah, why did you lie to me? You know better than that." 

“Was an ac-acc-accident.” Hannah said.

 

"Easy now Miss Hannah," Adelaide patted Hannah gently, "Miss Addy's here, you're alright. I'm sure it was an accident, you are a good girl, you wouldn't mean to do it on purpose. I believe that. I will always believe that."

“Was bored and practicin’ my trick.” Hannah said.

Adelaide sighed and squeezed Hannah's hand. "And what did we tell you about playing with the ball, Miss Hannah?"

 

“Not supposedta unless it’s a soft ball and it stays on the floor, not in the air.” Hannah repeated the rules, fidgeting with Adelaide’s necklace. 

Adelaide nodded. "So you know the rules, and you chose to disobey it anyway--which means it wasn't really an accident, doesn't it, Miss Hannah?" she asked with raised eyebrows.

 

Hannah kept fidgeting with Adelaide’s necklace. “Guess not.” She mumbled inaudibly.

"So you lied to me, Miss Hannah," Adelaide pointed out, sighing and shaking her head. She held Hannah in her lap and rocked her gently.

“Was so bored Miss Addy.” Hannah pouted. “Trouble?” She asked, giving Adelaide wide beguiling eyes. 

 

"What do you think, Miss Hannah?" Adelaide inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Hannah sighed. “Think I am.” She said. “B-but don’t wanna eat the bar of soap like grandmother makes me.” She whimpered.

"No eating, Miss Hannah," Adelaide promised, giving Hannah a reassuring cuddle.

 

Clarisse listened quietly, exhaling in relief to know that Miss Addy had taken care of her chou in exactly the same way she had. "Oh ma chou."

“Cause Grandmother would make me eat a whole bar of soap and wouldn’t let me up until it was gone.” Hannah shivered.

Clarisse hugged Hannah tightly. "Never again, ma chou. Nobody, ever again, is going to do that to you."

 

Hannah nodded. “Cause I’m safe with you.” She said.

"Oui you are. I'll protect you," Clarisse murmured. "It's alright ma chou."

 

Hannah nuzzled Clarisse's neck then went back to telling the story. 

 

“Do we haveta?” Hannah tried getting out of it.

 

"Miss Hannah," Adelaide didn't need to say more than that.

 

Hannah pouted and just fell into Adelaide’s front. “Guess so.” She said. 

 

“And then she gave me soap. Just like you did just now.” Hannah finished the story. 

 

"Oh, my heart." Clarisse cuddled Hannah. "That must have been hard. But it helped you remember to tell Miss Addy the truth, oui?"

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “And it was Zakumi's fault anyways. He was the one who played soccer with me inside first.” She pointed out with a grin.

"Oh oui it was," Clarisse mused.

“And I was sooo bored.” Hannah said. “And you know how I can be when I’m bored.”

Clarisse laughed and patted Hannah gently. "Mmm. My poor chou."

Hannah giggled and cuddled Clarisse. “Love you.” She said.

 

"I love you ma chou," Clarisse said gently, keeping Hannah close as they finally returned to Amanda and James.

 

Chapter 17: You are served something unexpected for dinner...

Summary:

..in which Hannah tells Amanda and Clarisse about the second half of Argentina-South Korea, and then they discuss the bbq dinner that she and James had that night.

Notes:

Sorry this one's a bit short, I wasn't feeling my best today. We'll see what the prompt brings tomorrow!

When Hannah and Clarisse returned, Amanda and James were waiting for them. The leftovers from lunch had been put away, and Amanda raised an eyebrow. "We were just about to come looking for you two," she informed them.

 

“Sorry mama.” Hannah said. “Was talkin’ to Bee and she gave me soap.” She grimaced. "But I didn't gotta eat it like for grandmother."

"Never," Clarisse assured her girlfriend firmly. "You're alright ma chou."

 

Amanda tugged Hannah down to sit on the couch with her and Clarisse sat on Hannah's other side. "My poor angel. Better now?" Amanda soothed.

Hannah cuddled her mama. “Uh huh. Told Bee about when Miss Addy gave me soap for lyin’ about breaking the picture frame cause was kicking the ball in hotel room.” She said.

 

Amanda nodded. "Daddy told me about that, my angel. And everything was okay between you and Miss Addy then?"

 

“Uh huh. Course. It’s Miss Addy.” Hannah smiled.

 

"Of course," Amanda murmured. "I'm glad she was there for you, sweetheart. So glad." She hugged Hannah.

 

“Me too.” Hannah agreed.

"Want to tell us about the second half, ma chou?" Clarisse asked.

 

“Yeah.” Hannah nodded. “The first like 20 minutes of the second half was a little boring.” She said. “But Argentina did get three more yellows by the 75th minute. Three. that’s crazy.”

"Oh oui that sounds about right, Argentina plays with...how should I say...passion, non?" Clarisse chuckled.

Hannah giggled. “Uh huh. But in the 76th minute, Higuaín scored again for Argentina. So he got a brace.”

 

"He must have been excited about that, my angel. I bet his teammates and the fans loved it," Amanda grinned.

 

James nodded. "The stadium got pretty loud. Luckily Uncle Yi got noise cancelling headphones for Hannah." 

 

“Really really loud.” Hannah nodded quickly. “But then as soon as it got quieter, guess what!” She wiggled. 

 

"What's that sweetheart?" Amanda asked.

“He scored again four minutes later! It was even louder cause he got a hat trick!” Hannah wiggled excitedly.

"That's amazing my angel," Amanda smiled.

“It was.” Hannah said. “And then nothing really happened and Argentina beat South Korea.”

 

"I guess South Korea wasn't too happy about that," Clarisse smirked.

 

“Uh uh. They weren’t.” Hannah said. “We had an interesting dinner after too since it was an earlier game. What did we have again daddy?” She asked. “I wasn’t sure about it at first.”

 

James nodded. "Because it was Argentina and South Korea playing, the hotel was serving barbecue--Argentina's asado parrilla, and South Korea's bulgogi and kalbi barbecue. There were many different meats, I don't remember them all--both sides had short ribs, so I shared some of mine with you. I know you'd never had them before, Mother considered them undignified." He rolled his eyes.

"And for you, Miss Addy got you a salad, and a mariposa choripán,  a chorizo sausage sandwich," James recalled. "The sausage was split down the middle so you could eat it better, that's why they call it a butterfly. You ate some of Wei-Shen's pork bulgogi  when you thought we weren't looking, too."

 

Clarisse snorted in amusement. 

 

Hannah giggled. “It was all weird at first but it was good.” She said. 

 

"Oui I'm sure it was ma chou. I'll have to try those sometime, hm?" Clarisse inquired.

 

“Uh huh. For sure.” Hannah nodded. “But still pork chops are the best.” She grinned. 

 

"Oh oui I'm sure ma chou. Especially the way Maman makes them," she reflected.

 

Hannah nodded in agreement. “Then after dinner it was time to go back to the room.”

 

James nodded. "And Hannah was stuffed full, so she was sleepy," he added, "but that didn't mean she wanted to sleep."

 

“Was excited.” Hannah shrugged.

 

"What did you do ma chou?" Clarisse looked ready to be entertained.

So did Amanda.

 

“Just didn’t wanna slip. Was bein’ a wiggle worm.” Hannah said. “Tried to get extra bedtime stories.”

 

Clarisse laughed. "Oh ma chou." She shook her head, smiling in amusement as Hannah recalled that night. 

 

Extra stories sounds good to me, ma chou, she reflected. Marie would call when she had to leave for the airport, and she still wasn't ready--packed, yes, but not ready.

 

Chapter 18: It hasn't snowed for 213 days...

Summary:

The afternoon before Clarisse's departure continues, with Hannah discussing winter activities and what she would like to do when it gets to be winter in Lazio. (Yes, that's half a year away from this point, but she can plan ahead.)

Clarisse's agent calls with the flight information, and Hannah's not happy to be reminded that time is ticking down fast.

“So did you get your extra stories?” Clarisse asked.

 

“Well Miss Miss Addy told Elise no extra bed time stories.” Hannah pouted. 

 

"Oh ma chou. That's disappointing," Clarisse cooed sympathetically. "And Miss Elise had to obey Miss Addy, didn't she?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “She did. But I really wanted extra stories.” 

 

“Hmm. So what happened then, my angel?” Amanda asked.

 

“Elise rocked me to sleep and rubbed my back.” Hannah said. “I kept asking her for more stories but she just hummed.” She pouted.

 

"Awww. Well, that's better than nothing ma chou," Clarisse murmured.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah agreed. “Bee? Does it snow in Lazio?” She asked.

 

"Mmm. Well," Clarisse hummed. "Lazio is the administrative region where Rome is, you know, ma chou. The state, I suppose we'd call it, approximately, oui? It has a variable climate, from the coast to the inland." She'd looked it up on her phone, and showed Hannah. "The coast is more Mediterranean...which, oui, that would make sense of course...and then temperatures get colder the further inland and higher up you go. It only makes sense, oui?"

 

Hannah stared at her. “So does it snow?” She asked.

 

"It doesn't say," Clarisse sighed. "But it seems like it would be cold enough to snow in the interior, if it's quite frigid," she added. "Perhaps you have a look ma chou, you're my little genius."

 

Hannah looked at Clarisse's phone and sighed. “It’s very rare. So that’s basically a no.” She said. “I wanna see snow.” 

"Oh my poor chou," Clarisse sympathized. 

 

James, meanwhile, glanced up from his phone. "It snows in the mountains," he pointed out. "There's a couple of ski resorts. We can go to the snow during the winter."

 

“Really?” Hannah wiggled excitedly in her mama lap. “Can we ski? I’ve never skied. Have you skied Bee? What about you Daddy? Mama, have you ever skied?” She asked, not taking breaks to give any of them time to answer.

"Oui I have, ma chou. I bet you'd pick it up easily enough," Clarisse said fondly as James and Amanda nodded agreement.

Amanda brushed a hand over Hannah's hair. "Your Daddy and I can, too. We will when we get the chance, my angel. That's a promise."

 

Hannah leaned into Amanda’s hand. “Promise?” She asked.

 

"Triple promise," Amanda murmured.

 

“Can I snowboard too?” Hannah asked.

 

"We'll make sure you can try anything you want to do, with an instructor to make it as safe as possible, ma princesse," James said.

 

“Did you hear that Bee?” Hannah twisted towards Clarisse, putting her hands on both sides of Clarisse's head and leaning her forehead against hers. “I get to try anything.”

 

Clarisse snorted. "At the resort, I'm sure he meant, ma chou, since he said as long as you have an instructor to keep you safe. But oui, I agree. As long as you're as safe as possible, you should learn anything you want, ma chou."

 

“I’m always safe Bee.” Hannah said. “Can I learn tricks? Like flips?” She wiggled again.

 

"Basics first," Clarisse said firmly.

Amanda gave James a look that said you know she'd do it anyway if we said no.

 

“Aw but Bee…” Hannah said. “Basics are boooorrringg.”

 

"Oh ma chou. You had to learn the alphabet before you learned to read, non?"

 

Hannah thought about that with an adorable ‘thinking face’ as Amanda and Clarisse call it. “Guess so. Even though reading is hard and boring anyways.”

 

"Mmm. Maybe not the best analogy," Clarisse hummed. "You walk before you run," she offered. 

Amanda wasn't sure about that with her child.

 

James snorted. “Do you know who you’re talking about?” He asked.

 

Clarisse facepalmed. "You could perhaps help me then Monsieur James," she countered.

 

“Learn to swim before you dive?” James asked. “Don’t put the cart before the horse?”

 

"Oui that," Clarisse agreed, "do you understand those better ma chou?"

“The horse would run into the cart if it was in front of it.” Hannah nodded. “And then it wouldn’t go no where.”

 

"That's right ma chou. So you learn the basics before trying the fancy stuff," Clarisse explained.

 

“Guess so.” Hannah said. “Like when I learned how to juggle a ball and then learned more tricks.”

 

"Oui that's right," Clarisse agreed.

 

Hannah scrolled through more articles about snow in Lazio. “Look at this one.” She held the headline up. “It hadn’t snowed for 213 days…and finally it arrived.”

 

Clarisse checked the date and saw that it had been the previous winter. "Oh oui I see. Well, it's probably not snowing now," she said wryly. "But that is a long time," she mused.

 

“Did you know no snowflake is the same?” Hannah asked.

 

"Well you know, I had heard that, ma chou," Clarisse said. "But I was waiting to hear you say so, cause you're our little genius."

 

“And it absorbs sound.” Hannah informed them.

 

"That's amazing my angel," Amanda gave Hannah a proud smile.

Hannah perked up and gasped at something she thought of. “Can we have a snowball fight?!?” She asked with a raised voice.

 

Amanda clutched Hannah. "Quiet voice my angel. We'll see, we've got time to plan," she promised.

Hannah nodded. “Guess so mama.”

 

A few moments later Clarisse's phone rang.

 

"Le Bihan, bonjour, j’écoute." Clarisse answered the call without leaving the room this time.

 

“Bonjour Risse.” Marie said.

 

"Bonjour Marie." Clarisse exhaled. "I'm guessing this is about the flight?"

 

“Oui. Oui.” Marie said. “Flights out at 8. You just need to be there at 6.” She said. 

 

Hannah could hear Marie through the phone and snorted. “She said oui oui.” Making Clarisse roll her eyes. 

 

Clarisse checked the information Marie texted her. "Air France, 7:30 from terminal B, to Paris?" she double checked with Marie  verbally. "Taking off at 8, comes in at 3:30pm tomorrow CET at Charles de Gaulle, and then a two hour layover before a two hour flight to Rome." Which meant she'd be arriving in Rome what seemed like 24 hours after she left, though it wouldn't really be that long. Time zones, though. 

 

Marie confirmed. “Oui.” She said. “Once again sorry for such short notice.”

 

"Oui, merci Marie. Okay, I'll be there on time." Clarisse reached over and squeezed Hannah's hand.

 

Hannah squeezed it back and gave her a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes like it usually did.

 

Clarisse leaned in and kissed Hannah gently. "We still have a little time, ma chou," she said softly. "And we'll see each other again soon after that, in Paris. I promised, and I don't break my promises, do I."

 

“Uh huh. Always keep your promises.” Hannah said, kissing Clarisse back and moving to curl up on her lap.

 

Clarisse rubbed Hannah's back, rocking her gently. "Two hours," she murmured.

 

James nodded and went to make some phone calls. It wasn't long before Adelaide and Elise arrived, their go bags packed. (Both were in the habit of packing lightly, and they had been mostly prepared for the Olympics, anyway.)

 

Hannah saw them but didn’t move from her position curled into Clarisse. “Miss Addy? Elise?” She asked. “You leaving now?”

 

They came to Hannah and Clarisse. "We're getting the villa ready for you and Miss Clarisse," Elise explained.

 

Clarisse sat up straight. "The what?"

 

Chapter 19: A chapter in 19 words...

Summary:

Clarisse is forcibly reminded that her girlfriend is not just anyone...and their life at Lazio, therefore, will not be normal, either.

(19 words for the Nancy Stohlman Flash Nano prompt)

“The villa.” James snorted. “You do remember Hannah is an heiress.”

 

Clarisse felt faint. “Oui, but…she’s just ma chou.”

Chapter 20: Zakumi's Cub (Write a story that includes an animal visitation)

Summary:

Clarisse recovers from her shock, and Hannah tells her about the next USA match she attended with James at the 2010 men's World Cup.

Time is ticking down for Risse to leave, but she's not eager. Especially with the next surprise from the box returning to her chou's possession.

Hannah tapped Clarisse's cheek. “Bee? You okay?” She slid her stuffie Zakumi into Clarisse's arms.

 

Clarisse accepted Zakumi reflexively, running her fingertips over the soft plush and small Messi jersey. "A villa," she repeated distantly, eyes wide. "A villa, ma chou." 

 

“A villa.” Hannah nodded.

 

"Like...a real Roman villa, ma chou?" Clarisse stammered. "Monsieur James?"

 

"Oui Risse, a real Roman villa," James' lips twitched as Clarisse looked discomfited. "It's alright, it won't bite you. Miss Addy and Elise will go ahead and see it's set up properly for you." 

 

“Really? It can be ours?” Hannah asked.

 

“As soon as you’re back from the Olympics, ma princesse. It’ll be all yours and Risse’s,” James promised.

 

“Wow.” Hannah said. She looked at Clarisse who was still in shock. “Bee?” She poked Clarisse again.

 

Clarisse nearly dropped Kazumi. She caught the plush just in time. "Pardon, ma chou."

 

Hannah made grabby hands for Kazumi. “Don’t drop him Bee.” 

 

"I'm sorry. Thank you for letting me hold Kazumi, ma chou." Clarisse took a steadying breath and returned the plush to her girlfriend, wrapping an arm around Hannah instead.

 

Hannah cuddled Clarisse. “Don’t drop me either.” She said.

 

"Never, ma chou. I'm alright now, that was just...surprising," Clarisse blushed.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said, nuzzling Clarisses neck. 

 

James snorted, “Well is it more surprising that the next game was Slovenia and the United States and it was a 2-2 draw?” He asked. 

 

Clarisse refocused. "Of course not, it was the men, Monsieur James. No offence intended, but...well, we know how your men's team are, oui? That's actually a good result for them." 

 

Hannah nodded and giggled. “The US was down in the first half. It was 2-0 at half time.”

 

"Well that's a remarkable comeback then. Good for them," Clarisse replied with a smile.

 

“It was and still is a very controversial match.” James added.

 

"Oh oui?" Clarisse hummed. "I suppose Slovenia felt like it was a loss."

 

“Cause US scored in the 85th minute, that would’ve been a winning goal, but was disallowed.” Hannah informed them.

 

"Mon Dieu, how disappointing," Clarisse cuddled Hannah. "Were you at this match or watching from the hotel?"

 

“Uh huh. I was there.” Hannah said.

 

James grinned. "Hannah was so mad when the goal was disallowed, she practically jumped out of the box. And guess who pulled her back?"

 

Amanda looked about ready to fight James for finding this funny. "Who was that, then?"

 

"Zakumi."

 

Amanda blinked. "What."

 

"Hannah invited him to watch the match with us."

 

“Was really mad.” Hannah agreed. “Zakumi pulled me back like I was one of his cubs.”

 

Clarisse laughed at the mental image that provided. "Oh, ma chou. A little cub, oui? "

 

"She was even wearing Zakumi ears and a tail," James chuckled. "Well, the ears on top of her USA hat, of course."

 

Hannah blushed and hid her face. “Zakumi my friend.” She mumbled in Clarisses neck.

 

Clarisse stroked Hannah's hair, not even surprised as James took the child size ears and tail out of the box of mementos. "Sorry, I don't think they fit anymore ma princesse, but they're still here."

 

"I'll fix them before you leave for the Olympics, angel," Amanda promised. 

 

“Really? You can fix them mama?” Hannah asked.

 

"The tail will still fit," Amanda pointed out, taking it and tying it at Hannah's waist, "the headband for the ears is a bit small that's all."

 

"Because ma chou has a big genius brain," Clarisse grinned.

 

"I can put it on a new headband pretty easily," Amanda confirmed.

 

“Thanks mama.” Hannah said. “You like my tail Bee?” She asked.

 

"I love your tail ma chou," Clarisse grinned wolfishly, teasing. Amanda covered a grin. "Good thing Lenni didn't hear that," she muttered. 

 

“When mama fixes my ears, I can be a cub.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse nodded. "Oui, you can. I'm sure you will be the best cub ma chou," she agreed, her smile turning fond.

 

“Best cub.” Hannah agreed.

 

"Such a good cub that I even allowed Hannah to go to the Ivory Coast vs. Brazil match with me, although it was late," James added. "And she stayed awake for most of it."

"Really, my angel? What do you remember?" Amanda asked.

 

“That Brazil won mostly.” Hannah said, trying to remember more from that match…

Chapter 21: "We are longing..."

Summary:

Hannah and James tell the tale of 2010's Brazil vs. Cote d'Ivoire, and meanwhile, something painful comes up. Amanda has to process another of her late unlamented mother-in-law's lies to Hannah, but hopefully the healing can continue.

“Brazil did win. This game got Brazil their spot in the next round and knocked Ivory Coast out.” James said.

 

"And nobody is surprised, oui," Clarisse looked at Amanda, who laughed.

"I'm sure Ivory Coast tried their best, Risse."

"Oui and of course I would have cheered for them, non? But Brazil does Brazil things. Tell us more, ma chou," she appealed to Hannah. 

 

“Brazil got a red card.” Hannah added.

 

"Naturallement."

 

“They didn’t score very early though.” Hannah said. 

@@@

Hannah was sitting in her chair next to James, holding Zakumi in her arms. She huffed and turned towards James. “Daddy…” she said with a slight whine. “They still haven’t scored.” They were only in the 20th minute, but it was Brazil. They should’ve scored already. 

 

"I know, princess," James patted Hannah gently, stroking her hair. "They're working on it," he soothed her. "Are you tired?"

 

“Uh uh. No tired.” Hannah shook her head. “Can I sit with you?” She asked, trying to climb on his lap. Just as she was almost up, Brazil scored and she ran to the railing. “They did it!” She bounced by the railing, trying to lean over to see. 

 

Zakumi - who had basically become Hannah's special friend by now, and always stood in the box with them during game time - scooped the little girl up and held Hannah in his arms so she could see.

Hannah settled in Zakumi’s arms and watched from above. A few minutes later Siaka Tiéné received a yellow card for Ivory Coast. 

 

“Uh oh.” Hannah said as Zakumi sat her down on her daddy’s lap. “Not good daddy.”

 

"M-hmm. Not good," James agreed, cuddling Hannah. "That was naughty of him."

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. They watched the rest of the first half with nothing happening and when the whistle blew to signal halftime James stood up with Hannah in his arms and they went outside the suite. James wanted to get another drink and he got Hannah a water. 

 

Outside by the concession line for the club suites, there was a little boy who was being held by a woman and there was a man with his arms around both of them. He had just got ice cream. “Thank you mommy!” The little boy said.

 

Hannah furrowed her brow. She patted James' cheek. “Daddy? Can I have ice cream?” She asked.

 

"Of course you can, princess," James agreed, seeing the exchange with a pang in his heart. He knew Hannah understood the concept of 'mother' - Wei-Shen had Jiangli, after all - but she couldn't hold Wei like that.

 

Hannah smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. “Thanks daddy.” She said. 

 

James grabbed the drinks and ice cream, the water was in a bottle so he put it in his back pocket to carry and they went back into the suite. He sat down with Hannah in his lap and gave her the ice cream. 

 

Hannah ate her ice cream quickly and James wiped her hands and face off. “Daddy?” She asked quietly. 

 

"Daddy's here," James murmured.

 

“Why didn’t mama want me?” Hannah asked quietly.

 

James froze. "Did Mother tell you that, ma princesse?" he asked quietly.

 

“Uh huh. Said mama didn’t want me and you didn’t wanna bother with me all the time and that’s why she has me.” Hannah whispered. 

 

James hugged Hannah tightly. "Daddy and mama love you, ma princesse," he breathed softly. "Mama can't be with us right now, but it's not your fault."

 

“She said mama couldn’t raise kids because she’d be a bad mother and didn’t even want me.” Hannah sniffled. “I want mama.”

 

"I think Mother was mistaken, my princess," James said softly. "Mandy was a good mama to you, she did her best. But we were both very young, so Mother felt it was in our best interest for you to be brought up at home." He sighed. "I miss her, too." 

 

“No fair.” Hannah said, hiding her face in her daddy’s neck.

 

@@@

Amanda's head came up and she stared at James. "She...said that to our angel?"

 

James nodded. "I...I tried, Mandy, I had to be careful. I couldn't call Mother a lying...witch in front of our daughter."

 

"No," Amanda sighed. "Oh, angel...I'm so sorry she said those things, that she made you believe that about me."

 

Hannah reached her arms out for Amanda. “My mama.” She said.

 

"My baby," Amanda whispered. "My baby angel. Oh, how I longed for you both all those years..."

 

“Grandmother would get mad every time I asked ‘bout you.” Hannah mumbled against Amanda’s collarbone.

 

Amanda rocked Hannah gently. "I'm so sorry baby angel. She couldn't handle how perfectly wonderful you are. It's not your fault she decided to be that way."

 

“Said I asked too many questions.” Hannah pouted.

 

Amanda smirked. "That just proves you're my daughter," she joked. "But seriously angel, if you don't ask questions, how will you learn?" 

 

Hannah grinned. “Like asking questions.” She said.

 

"That's my angel," Amanda murmured, cuddling her. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."

 

“Do you wanna hear how the rest of the game went?” Hannah asked.

 

"Yes please angel," Amanda hugged Hannah. "If you're ready to continue."

 

Clarisse nodded, squeezing Hannah's hand. "Poor ma chou. Hopefully the rest of the match was better?"

 

“Uh huh. In the 50th minute Fabiano scored again for Brazil. So he got a brace.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse grinned. "That must have been amazing to see, ma chou."

 

“Then Brazil scored again in the 62nd minute.” Hannah said.

 

"And what did you think of that, angel?" Amanda murmured, continuing to rock Hannah gently.

 

“Was cool. Cause now Brazil is up 3-0.” Hannah said. “But the Ivory Coast was tryin’ real hard.” She said.

 

"Oh oui I bet, you always want to try harder when the other team's ahead," Clarisse said seriously.

 

Hannah nodded, “Uh huh. And they did cause Drogba scored for Ivory Coast in the 79th.”

 

"That must have been exciting for the players. And the fans, non?" Clarisse hummed.

 

“Yeah. But something and happened after. Ivory Coast got a yellow card and then a second yellow card.  So it was red card.” Hannah said.

 

"Oh oui? That was naughty of them," Clarisse tsked.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “But then the game ended. Brazil won 3-1.” She said. “Brazil was moving in and Ivory Coast was knocked out.”

 

"I would be shocked if it had gone any other way, ma chou," Clarisse admitted. "Perhaps  Côte d'Ivoire would redeem themselves at a later time, non?"

 

She would have to wait for an answer, because just then, Hannah's phone rang.

Chapter 22: Abundance

Summary:

Hannah gets a phone call from her favorite 'cousin in the box'...and then the plans for Clarisse's farewell at the airport get a bit more complicated when Angel City enters the chat.

Literally.

Notes:

Now it's just a few days before the 2024 Paris Olympics in the fic.

Today IRL, however, is the 2025 NWSL Final. Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit are just kicking off. Who do you think is going to win?

(I'm jealous of Kelley's dual Gotham/Spirit fan jersey. I want one.)

For the photo prompt of what I think might be a tarot card? "Abundance" - pictured are the Imperial State Crown, apples and pears, gold...

“It’s AT.” Hannah said. She picked up the phone. “Hi AT!”

 

"Hi Cousin Hannah!" Alyssa Thompson Press-Heath answered brightly. "Hope I wasn't interrupting anything, just wanted to see if you could come over." Since Emma didn't pick me went unsaid.

 

“Um…” Hannah said. “Can I come over after we drop Bee off at the airport?” She asked.

 

"Oh! Sure. When's that?" Alyssa asked.

 

“In a couple hours. I can have mama and daddy drop me off.” Hannah said. “Is it okay with your mamas?”

 

"Mama Tobin! Mama Christen!" Hannah could hear AT shouting.

 

"Inside voice please little love," Tobin replied calmly. 

 

"But Mama Tobin, Mama Christen, Risse is going, can we meet them at the airport and take Hannah home with us?"

 

Hannah giggled. “I have to ask too, AT.” She said. She looked at Clarisse, James and Amanda. 

"Of course we will ma princesse," James nodded after Amanda did. Amanda gave Hannah a squeeze. "That's right, we wouldn't keep you from AT, sweetheart."

 

"Mon Dieu, I haven't even said goodbye to the team yet," Clarisse said dejectedly. "I can't believe this trade."

 

Then she and Hannah both got text alerts on their phones' group chat.

 

MiniChristen: Risse is LEAVING.

TartanPrincess: Mon Dieu, mon amie, as she would say. Since when?

MiniChristen: Since NOW I guess, she can't've known for forever or she would've SAID right?

CP23: She certainly would have, now let her breathe, this has probably come as a shock.

 

Clarisse facepalmed, then typed her own reply.

 

HannahsBee: Oui it certainly has, but not so much as the fact that my heiress chou owns a villa.

MiniChristen: WHAT. 

HurricaneHannah: Uh huh. Chrissy, Toby? I can come over after?

 

CP23: Course you can, sweetheart. We'll be glad to have you.

MiniChristen: Mama Tobin said yes too, she's just not on the chat right now, she's on a call.

CP23: Yes, she did, and yes, she is. It's alright, you're always welcome here.

HurricaneHannah: My mama and daddy will drop me off after we drop Bee off. So you don’t have to pick me up at the airport AT.

MiniChristen: But then I won't get to say bye to Risse too!

TartanPrincess: Bear up, lassie-mine, it'll be alright. We'll go say goodbye to Risse.

MiniChristen: Course we will. We all will, won't we.

 

AngelKeeper: Little one, if you think we're going to crowd the dropoff point and get ourselves yelled at...

Casey 🐯: ...you would be correct, no?

HurricaneHannah: So you’re all coming?! 😃

CaptainTia: ...merciful gods, I'll ask Ma to bring the minivan. And the orange slices.

MiniChristen: And the wonton?

CaptainTia: ...how much time do we have?

HurricaneHannah: Daddy said he there in an hour and we can all have a private waiting suite

 

CaptainTia: Drop by Aiyi's for the wonton, got it. A to go plate for Risse, the rest of us will be expected to come back after.

Casey 🐯: Your aunts want to feed us at their restaurant, Captain?

CaptainTia: I'm sure you understand, little one.

Casey 🐯 : Even me?

CaptainTia: Especially you. All of you.

 

Hannah showed the messages to James and Amanda.

 

James raised his eyebrows. "What is this, an Angel City invasion, ma princesse?" he joked.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah grinned.

HannahsBee: Monsieur James says we'll have the private lounge until my flight arrives.

CaptainTia: Alright, well, given that, maybe Aiyis will just let us have the food there.

CP23: Oh, lord.

HannahsBee: Sounds better than airport food. Merci, mon amie.

 

“It’s like a goin’ away party Bee.” Hannah said.

"Oui it is," Clarisse agreed. "Well, that'll be fun then." She smiled as naturally as she could, though the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

 

Hannah crawled back over to Clarisses lap. “Gonna miss you.” She said.

Clarisse settled Hannah facedown over her lap, rubbing Hannah's back gently. "Oh, ma chou," she whispered. "It'll be just a few days, oui?"

 

Hannah turned her face to nuzzle Clarisses stomach. “Uh huh. Just a few days.” She said.

"Oui, just a few days," Clarisse murmured. "We're so lucky in our friends, ma chou. An abundance of friends, as loving as family, non?"

“Uh huh. Really good friends.” Hannah said. She relaxed as Clarisse rubbed her back. “Guess we should get ready to leave?”

"Oui I guess so ma chou." Clarisse sat Hannah back up and kissed her gently. "Let's go."

Chapter 23: You'll Be In My Heart

Summary:

Hannah reluctantly makes her way out to the car with Clarisse. While James and Amanda drive their daughter and her girlfriend to the airport, Hannah regales her mama and Clarisse with an account of Italy vs. Slovakia.

Notes:

Nancy Stohlman "Musical Prompt: Use a line from a song in your story, but don't call attention to it."
(It's not the chapter title, that's all I'm saying. That one just happens to be appropriate for this chapter, too.)

Hannah let Clarisse get up but then instantly attached herself back to Clarisse.

Clarisse laughed softly. "Alright my heart. I'm right here, I promise," she murmured.

 

“Don’t wanna let you go.” Hannah said, tightening her arms. 

 

"Breathe for me ma chou," Clarisse soothed, brushing her hand over Hannah's cheek and leading her back to their apartment. "I've got you."

 

Hannah took a deep breath.

 

"Bon, good girl, ma chou," Clarisse murmured. "You'll be alright, my heart. I'm not leaving just yet. We'll be back together, so soon."

 

“So soon.” Hannah repeated.

 

"Very soon," Clarisse murmured, drawing Hannah's head down to rest on her chest as they sat on their bed.

 

Hannah calmed down listening to Clarisses heartbeat. “Can hear your heart.” She whispered.

 

"Oui," Clarisse agreed, placing her palm over Hannah's heart. "Your heart," she murmured. "My heart. Together."

 

“Like a handprint on my heart.” Hannah said, laying her hand over Clarisses. “Guess we should probably go. Wanna sit with you in the car.”

 

"Oui that's right," Clarisse murmured. They picked up Clarisse's bags and took them to the car.

 

James and Amanda were at the car already and James took the bags and loaded them up.

 

"Merci Monsieur James." Clarisse got in the back with Hannah, and Amanda ensured they were both buckled in. The absence of Hannah's usual special seat meant Hannah could sit in the middle with the bags next to her, and Clarisse could hold Hannah closer.

 

Hannah snuggled as close as she could to Clarisse. “My Bee.”

"Ma chou," Clarisse murmured, kissing the top of Hannah's head. "I've got you," she murmured as James and Amanda settled in the front and James began to drive.

 

“Do you wanna hear about another match from the World Cup?” Hannah asked. “The next two matches were late games and I didn’t go but I went to the Slovakia and Italy game.” She added. 

 

"Oh oui, tell us about that one ma chou," Clarisse nodded.

"Yes please, angel. Was it exciting?" Amanda smiled in the front seat.

 

“Uh huh. Cause you know who won the 2006 World Cup?” Hannah asked.

 

"I'm sure I'd remember if it were Les Bleus," Clarisse smiled wryly. "Gli Azzurri, then?"

 

Hannah nodded. “Uh huh. But they were playing France. Blues against Blues.” She giggled.

 

Clarisse facepalmed. "Oui, I remember now. Papa was so...." She paused and backtracked. "How do you say, upset."

 

“Well then he was probably happy to know how this game ended.” James said from the front.

 

Clarisse smiled wryly. "Something I probably shouldn't bring up with my new teammates? Tell us," she invited Hannah and James.

 

“Well Slovakia started being naughty really early cause they got a yellow card in the 16th minute.” Hannah began.

Clarisse tsked, shaking her head in amusement. 

 

“But then they scored in the 25th minute. Róbert Vittek.” Hannah said.

"Ah, well. At least they weren't playing against France," Clarisse said lightly. "I'm sure the Italians didn't like that, oui?"

 

“Uh uh. Cause they got a yellow card 6 minutes later.” Hannah said. 

 

Clarisse smirked. “Oui of course they did.”

 

“But then like 10 minutes after that, guess what happened.” Hannah said.

 

"Italy got a red card?" Clarisse suggested.

Hannah shook her head. “Vittek, the guy who scored for Slovakia, got a yellow card.”

 

"Mmm. That happens," Clarisse nodded sagely.

 

“And then nothing else happened until half time.” Hannah said.

 

"Mm. Suspicious," Clarisse teased. "I wonder what the Italians were planning."

 

“Nothing that worked.” Hannah deadpanned.

 

Clarisse smirked. "Good to know. Though, we should probably keep from discussing it with our Italian teammates, oui? Though it was the men, after all," she mused.

 

Hannah grinned and nuzzled Clarisses shoulder. “Hope they’re nice.” She mumbled.

 

"I'm sure they will be," Clarisse murmured. "It's going to be all alright ma chou."

 

“Uh huh. Cause I got you and you got me.” Hannah said.

 

"That's right ma chou," Clarisse squeezed Hannah's hand.

 

“After halftime was over, it didn’t take long for something to happen and Slovakia got another yellow card.” Hannah said.

 

Clarisse tsked and shook her head again. "Mmm. Well, that happens. Not the same player then?"

 

“Uh uh.” Hannah shook her head. “Peter Pakarík.” She said. “Then more nothing happened until the 67th when Italy got another yellow.” 

 

"More nothing," Clarisse chuckled, giving Hannah a fond grin. "Oh oui, did they, ma chou?"

“They did. Federico Marchetti.” Hannah said.

 

"Hmm." Clarisse grinned.

“Then in the 73rd Vittek scored again!” Hannah said.

 

"Oh oui is that right," Clarisse smirked. "A brace for Vittek is not good news for the Italians, oui."

 

Hannah shook her head quickly. “Specially since it’s 2-0 now.” She said.

"Definitely not good." Clarisse laughed. "And not easy for them to come back from at that point, non?"

 

“Uh uh.” Hannah said. “And guess what? Italy got another yellow card in the 76th minute.”

 

"Unsurprising," Clarisse shook her head.

 

“But Italy scored in the 81st minute.” Hannah informed.

 

"Miercoles," Clarisse muttered, making Amanda snort. Encanto again? These two love their Lin-Manuel Miranda.

 

Hannah grinned. “Then in the 82nd and 83rd minutes, both Slovakia and Italy got their fourth yellow cards.” She said.

 

Clarisse facepalmed. "Mon Dieu."

 

“I know right.” Hannah said. “Then Slovakia scored again. So Italy got closer then Slovakia was like ‘uh uh. I don’t think so.’ So they scored again.”

"Oh how dramatic, ma chou," Clarisse grinned.

 

“But then in the 92nd minute, Italy scored again.” Hannah said. “But then the second half was over and Italy was eliminated.”

Clarisse smirked. "Slovakia went through?"

“Uh huh!” Hannah said.

 

"A good thing, since France didn't," Amanda said dryly.

"Madame Amanda!" Clarisse huffed.

 

Hannah giggled and cuddled against Clarisse. “It’s okay Bee.” She patted her cheek.

 

Clarisse laughed and relaxed against Hannah, only tensing again when they arrived at the airport to see the Angel City bus waiting for them, as well as a minivan filled with Ali's mother and aunties.

Chapter 24: Preparations for Departure

Summary:

In a private lounge area at LAX, Clarisse is treated to a farewell party from her Angel City friends, along with dinner courtesy of Ali Riley's maternal aunts. At least she can hold onto her chou a little longer. But Hannah's not the only one finding it difficult to say goodbye...the youngest Angel City players have their own difficulties coming to terms with Risse's imminent departure.

Notes:

The Flash Nano prompt for Day 24 was to honor Andrea Gibson (they/them) : "LOVE LETTER FROM THE AFTERLIFE" (a video link was included, then) Watch the video. Then craft your own "letter from the afterlife" OR "letter from the end of your life"
In a week focused on gratitudes, this seems like a good place to start. xoxo

“They all here.” Hannah said, staring.

 

"Oui all here," Clarisse said, feeling a little overwhelmed as AT raced over and flung the car door open. "Bonjour AT."

 

"Bonjour Risse, I have something for you."

 

Clarisse blinked. "Oh oui?"

 

Alyssa held out a pale pink envelope decorated with sparkly unicorn, dragon, and mermaid stickers possibly nicked from Tobin's art supplies and Clarisse written on the front in what was unmistakably Christen's script. 

 

Hannah leaned over Clarisse's shoulder to look at it. “Pretty.” She said. “Like the dragons.”

 

Claire was right behind AT. "Alright love, come on and let your Top breathe, yeah?" the Scot smirked. "Course, she might not want to let you breathe..."

 

"That's enough, mon amie." Clarisse rolled her eyes as Claire pulled her bags out and beckoned Hannah. She got out of the car reluctantly (having unbuckled Hannah)  and took the envelope from AT. "So what's this?"

 

Hannah went with Claire over to Ali and a few others. Leaving AT and Clarisse. 

 

“A poem for you.” AT said. “Like a goodbye letter. But not for goodbye forever.”

 

"A poem for me, AT?" Clarisse smiled, giving her younger--now former--teammate a hug. "Merci, I’ll read it later. And of course not forever, petite cousine." AT was really Hannah’s adopted cousin, but it was all the same to Risse. 

 

Angelina Anderson had grabbed her bags and the team swept with them toward the private suite.

 

They all had to get through private security screening, as it was still an airport, but since they didn’t all have bags to check and only one of them was flying they got through quickly. 

 

AT stuck close to Clarisse. “I’m gonna miss you Risse.” She said. “But also you’re welcome.” She said with a little smirk. 

 

Clarisse gave AT a quick hug. "I'm going to miss you too. All of you," she said, exhaling as they made it into the lounge and sat down.

 

Ali, her mother Beverly, and Beverly's sisters were last, as the bags of food had to be accounted for. Clarisse snorted as she heard Bev muttering about "waigoren security trying to take a share of Clarissah's food before she get it." 

 

AT sat next to Clarisse and Hannah was pulled down to sit between Claire and Christen. “Chrissy. Can I spend the night tonight?” She asked.

 

"Of course you can, sweetheart," Christen agreed. Tobin was sitting on Christen's other side, and nodded.

 

Hannah bounced excitedly. “Thanks! Maybe I can tell you all a story from when I went to the 2010 men’s World Cup.” She said.

 

"That would be amazing, kiddo." Tobin grinned.

 

“Awesome.” Hannah grinned. “Food smells good.” She added.

 

"Well it had better," Ali grinned, overhearing this and came over to Hannah. "Hopefully it's intact but anyway, my aiyis all insisted on bringing a whole feast and wish Risse could take leftovers, they don't trust Risse not to starve before she gets there."

 

Hannah nodded. “Bee said she was gonna have a glass of wine and then sleep on the plane.” She said. “Maybe they’ll give you ice cream Bee.” She added. 

 

"Oui maybe," Clarisse agreed. "That would be nice." She let Ali lead them over to where the food was being set out. Some of the Angel City girls were helping, and Casey was bouncing on the balls of her feet, looking ready to eat now. But when Clarisse walked over, the girl practically pounced Clarisse, clinging. 

 

"Don't go, please."

 

Hannah’s brow furrowed and she leaned into Christen's side, watching everybody else vie for Clarisse's attention.

 

Christen ruffled Hannah's hair. "I know, this is really hard on you too, sweetie," she murmured. Clarisse had managed to pry Casey off with difficulty (the teen was being held back by Angelina now) and was being guarded from more unexpected pouncing by Claire and Jun as they went to fill plates. AT brought Hannah hers.

 

“Thank you AT.” Hannah smiled, taking the plate. “Maybe we can play Mario kart tonight? I can bring my Switch too.” She said.

 

"Yeah!" AT beamed. "Sounds good Hannah." She accepted her own plate from Tobin and sat across from Hannah at the table so Clarisse could sit on Hannah's other side when she came back.

 

When Clarisse sat down Hannah instantly leaned into her side.

Clarisse put an arm around Hannah. "Here I am ma chou," she whispered. "It's alright. I'm not leaving yet." She examined Hannah's plate - char siu pork slices, gleaming with barbecue glaze on a bed of rice, paired with steamed greens (enough for three bites).

 

“Do I gotta eat all these?” Hannah asked her, pointing at the greens.

 

"There's three bites, ma chou," Clarisse said, inspecting her identically laid out plate, "there's more if we want more, though."

 

“Okay. Three bites.” Hannah said. She took one bite of the greens. “You can have more, I don’t want anymore than what I have.” She said, immediately making Tobin snort. Of the greens, no doubt Hannah would eat the whole container of char siu if we let her.

 

"I'll probably take more," Clarisse nodded. 

 

Almost as soon as she'd finished her third bite of greens, Casey Phair was at Clarisse's shoulder with the bowl of greens.

 

"More, Miss Clarisse?"

 

"Oui, merci Casey." Since when am I ‘Miss Clarisse’? Though Casey has treated me as an elder sister…

 

Hannah watched the interaction with an open mouth. “No more for me Casey.” She said.

 

"Are you sure Miss Hannah?" Casey asked.

Clarisse relaxed marginally. At least whatever this was, the girl hadn't developed a sudden infatuation.

 

“Uh huh. I’m sure. And you can just call me Hannah.” Hannah assured.

 

"If you're sure...Hannah," Casey ventured. "But Miss Clarisse--"

"Just Clarisse, please, Casey."

"But just Clarisse said you'd got a villa, that means you're..." Casey stared at Hannah, trailed off and started muttering in Korean, looking frustrated and gesturing.

 

“Still your friend.” Hannah said.

"Oui that's right, we're still friends," Clarisse promised. "It's alright, Casey."

 

They all went back to eating, Hannah finishing first, eating too quickly.

 

Clarisse sighed and finished eating, then sat rubbing Hannah's back gently. "It wasn't going to run away, ma chou. Do you want any more?"

 

“Uh uh.” Hannah shook her head. “Full now.” She crawled into Clarisse's lap, making some of the girls coo.

 

Clarisse held Hannah close. "It's alright ma chou. I'm still here," she whispered.

 

“Uh huh. But not for long.” Hannah said.

 

"I know," Clarisse soothed Hannah. "I'll be in touch with you every day, my heart."

 

“And you're flying out to Paris in like a week.” AT pointed out. 

 

“Guess so. But still my Bee. First time we’ve been apart since I’ve been hers.” Hannah said.

 

"It's going to be a long week for both of us ma chou, but I'll tell you everything, every day, I promise, my heart," Clarisse murmured.

 

“And I’ll be super duper good.” Hannah said.

 

"Just do your best, my love," Clarisse said, squeezing Hannah's hand reassuringly, "it's alright not to be perfect."

 

Hannah nodded and Clarisse stood up with her and moved them over to the lounge area, room for everyone to sit on a couch or chair or sit on the plush carpet. Everyone joined them and they conversed about their memories and time with Clarisse at Angel City.

 

All the while, Clarisse kept the pink - Angel City sol rosa - envelope tucked into her pocket. She'd read it on the plane, where her friends couldn't see her break down.

Notes:

So...I didn't quite get to filling the prompt the way I meant, *but* AT gave Clarisse a poem she wrote during a difficult time in her life the previous summer (2023 World Cup, we're still in 2024 pre-Olympics here) and I intend to put the poem in a future chapter, hopefully next chapter. In case the prompts wrangle me in a different direction, the poem does already exist in Soccerverse: it's from chapter 10 of my 2023 Flash Nano project. https://archiveofourown.org/works/51285130/chapters/130191493

Chapter 25: My Wish For You

Summary:

The time has come for Clarisse to farewell Hannah--for now. It's a more final farewell to Angel City. But the French footballer isn't letting her chou go without one last wish to tide them over until they're together again.

Notes:

The Nancy Stohlman FlashNano prompt was, "You have one wish..." and I worked in the poem AT gave to Clarisse (the one referenced in the previous chapter, which I wrote in my 2023 FlashNano).

Soon they heard the overhead call that Clarisse's flight would be boarding soon and to head to the gate. 

 

The team said their goodbyes and gave hugs, some longer than others and during that commotion Hannah had moved to the other side of the room in the corner, she was watching it all, chewing on her bottom lip and scratching the back of her neck.

 

Clarisse went to Hannah and gave her a hug and a kiss. "One week, ma chou," she whispered. "I'll be counting down the days."

 

Hannah chewed on her bottom lip more, “B-but what if-if-if…” She began to stutter.

 

"I'm listening, ma chou," Clarisse put an arm around Hannah, the two girls carrying Clarisse's bags as they walked toward the gate. "Breathe, I've got you."

 

“B-but what if yo-you like Lazio wi-without me?” Hannah sniffled. “A-and don’t w-want me no more.” She finished.

 

Clarisse shook her head, pulling Hannah close to her side. "No, ma chou. You are my heart. You belong with me." Clarisse hid a wince as her mind supplied musical accompaniment to the remark and shook her head. "I will always want you with me."

 

“B-but what if I’m too much and y-you like your p-peace and quiet.” Hannah sniffled.

 

"Oh ma chou, no. Life without you would be boring," Clarisse ruffled Hannah's hair. "You've never been too much for me since we've had each other."

 

“Really?” Hannah asked, they had made it to the gate and Clarisse had a little bit longer until she had to board as they hadn’t started boarding yet. She sat down and pulled Hannah in her lap.

 

"Really really," Clarisse wrapped her arms around Hannah. "I wish," she whispered into Hannah's hair.

 

“You wish?” Hannah whispered, laying her head on her chest.

 

"I wish," Clarisse exhaled, hugging Hannah tightly.

 

"Are you certain what you wish is what you want?"

 

Clarisse lifted her head and raised an eyebrow at Amanda. "Madame Amanda," she groaned. 

 

"If you know what you want, then make a wish." Amanda folded her arms.

 

Clarisse rolled her eyes. "This is an airport gate, not the woods."

 

Amanda snorted. "You started it."

 

Hannah grinned but stayed curled up on Clarisse, not letting go. 

 

"I wish…that you have a good time this week, ma chou--don't worry about me, my heart, I'll be waiting for you when you get to Paris." Clarisse cupped Hannah's cheek with her hand. "Do you want to read AT's poem with me, or should I read it on the plane, my heart?"

 

Hannah nuzzled Clarisse's chin. “Read now?” She asked.

 

Clarisse nodded, and opened the envelope carefully, peeling off the dragon sticker used to seal it and sticking it to the tip of Hannah's nose before extracting the two pages inside.

 

One was a short note on a piece of Tobin's stationery:

 

I wrote this during the World Cup when I had to leave Sof and Captain Tia. I thought you might be feeling the same. Always love you, Risse.

 

Je t'aime, mon amie.

 

~Alyssa (Thompson) Press-Heath

 

The second sheet was clearly a sheet of spiral notebook paper, carefully torn out of its book. Clarisse unfolded it gently.

 

"One Art", AT's Version

 

The art of losing isn’t hard to master - 

So many things seem filled with the intent

To be lost that their loss is no disaster.

 

The art of winning may bring the fluster

Of fame and fortune, of ‘trending’; time spent

A face, a name on ‘the socials’ - to court disaster.

 

Practice brings drills and goals, and winning faster

Cities, names of stadiums your dreams have meant

To travel. None of these will bring disaster.

 

Win or lose, draw, and wonder where your last, or

Next-to-last, match of your career may be spent.

The art of football isn’t hard to master.

 

You’ll play in cities, lovely ones - and vaster,

Realms far-flung, across each continent.

Make friends, miss them, it won’t be a disaster.

 

Though I miss you all (who make me laugh, a gesture 

I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident

The art of winning’s not too hard to master

Though losing you looks (Write it!) like disaster.

 

Clarisse smoothed the sheet and held it so Hannah could read it with her.

 

Hannah grinned at the sticker on her nose and slowly read it with Clarisse, following the words with her finger.

 

By the time she reached the end, tears were sparkling on Clarisse's lashes. She determinedly brushed them away. "Oh, AT," she sighed quietly. "You'll take care of each other this week, hm, ma chou?"

 

Hannah nodded, “Uh huh.” She said quietly.

 

Clarisse kissed Hannah gently. "It's time, my love," she said reluctantly. "Good thing your maman followed us, oui?"

 

“Nooo.” Hannah whined and tightened her arms around Clarisse.

 

"I know, angel," Amanda said softly. "But you don't want Risse to get into trouble, do you?"

 

"That would be a change."

 

Clarisse jumped, letting go of Hannah and turning to glare at Claire Emslie. "What."

The Scot smirked at her and slipped a package into her hand. "Tablet," she murmured. "So you won't starve if they forget to feed you. And a bit of shortbread, too." 

"Oh merci Dieu," Clarisse exhaled, grabbing the package and stowing it in her carryon in blissful relief.

 

Claire had grabbed Hannah’s shoulder so she wouldn’t reattach herself to her Top. “Better feed my Bee.” She mumbled.

 

Amanda scooped Hannah up. "They will, angel," she promised, holding her daughter securely. "It's okay sweetheart, Mama's got you. Mama's here," she murmured as the call to board finally came.

 

Sighing, Risse picked up her carry-ons, accepted a hug from Claire, and gave Hannah one more kiss. "Je t'aime, ma chou," she murmured. "See you in a week, my heart."

 

Hannah kissed Clarisse back and gave her a tiny wave. “Love you Bee.” She said, then hid her face in her mama's neck.

 

Clarisse kissed the top of Hannah's head. "Love you my heart."

 

Then she was gone.

 

Amanda held Hannah tighter, rocking her gently.

 

“Mama. Bee gone.” Hannah sniffled.

 

"Mama's got you my angel," Amanda murmured. "Mama's here. You'll have Bee again so soon."

 

Hannah didn’t say anything, just hid her face in her mamas neck on the way back.

 

Claire walked beside Amanda, keeping one hand on Hannah, and when they returned to the lounge, it was to find things being packed up.

 

AT came over. “Uncle James said Hannah needs to go home first before she comes over now since she’s spending the night and has to get her stuff.” She explained. “So we’re gonna go home and we will see you in a little bit.” She said to Amanda, since it didn’t seem like her cousin was listening.

 

"Hannah," Amanda prompted her daughter. "Can we use our listening ears please?"

 

Hannah turned her head towards AT. “Haveta go home first to get my stuff.” She repeated what she’d heard.

 

"Good girl," Amanda murmured. "Come on, angel. We'll go home and get your things."

 

“Finley.” Hannah said, wanting her axolotl plush.

 

"Finley," Amanda agreed. She and James led Hannah back to the car, the rest of the girls telling Hannah goodnight along the way.

 

Casey Phair was last, pouncing on Hannah Tigger-fashion (nearly unbalancing Amanda) right before they got to the door.

 

Hannah hugged Casey. “Bye bye Casey.” She said, patting her.

 

"Bye Hannah," Casey said softly. She reluctantly let go. 

 

She'd bounced after James, Amanda, and Hannah out of the lounge and now couldn't get back in, so she returned to the bus parked next to the car, and leaned against the side. 

 

Before Hannah was in the car she got distracted by a plane taking off and pointed to it. “Bee.” She said. “Mama.” She patted Amanda’s arm and pointed again. “Bee.”

 

Amanda turned Hannah to watch the plane taking off, keeping her arms around her daughter. "That's right, Bee," she agreed, and waved at the plane.

 

Hannah waved to the plane. “Bye bye Bee.” She said.

 

High above, Clarisse was leaning against the window, blowing a kiss in her chou's direction. "Goodnight my love," she whispered. "Be well."

Chapter 26: The French Connection

Summary:

After the farewelling, Hannah is taken home to pack for the overnight at Tobin and Christen's. Meanwhile, Clarisse finds someone unexpected joining her on the flight to Paris (before Risse continues on to Lazio.)

Notes:

The prompt for today is "Write a story that includes a celebrity."

On the drive home, Hannah watched out the window, she was swinging her feet and started kicking against the driver seat that James was in. 

 

"Quiet feet please, ma princesse," James said with a grimace.

 

Hannah sighed and stilled her feet but she was full of nervous energy so about 5 minutes later James and Amanda could hear the window getting rolled up and down.

 

James waited until the window was almost all the way up, then clicked the child lock on. 

Amanda rolled her eyes and took Hannah's other hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

 

“Daddy.” Hannah pouted. She fidgeted with her mamas hands. She kept looking out the window curiously.

 

"M-hmm." James shook his head. "Watching the planes, ma princesse?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “See Bee.” She added.

 

"I'm sure Bee is looking back at us, angel," Amanda soothed.

 

@@@

 

In the plane, Clarisse had been looking back at the airport as long as she could, trying to stay awake. She pulled a piece of Scottish tablet out of her carryon and nibbled at it. 

 

"What's that you've got there, mon amie?"

 

Clarisse jumped slightly and turned to look at her seatmate en route to Paris. 

 

"Mandie!" Her jaw dropped. "I thought you were in Utah!" Amandine Henry had taken the seat next to her so quietly that Risse hadn't even noticed her.

 

"It's alright. Your layover's in Paris, oui?" the former Angel City FC player and French international asked.

 

"...and Monsieur called you up," Clarisse realized.

 

Amandine nodded. “Oui, he did.” She said. “And you’re going to Lazio.” She said. It wasn’t announced yet, but she kept up with her friends.

 

Clarisse nodded, giving Amandine a square of the Scottish tablet as her gaze lowered. "Oui, I am. Marie told you?" They shared an agent.

 

“Yes. She made sure you were going to be on my flight. Said you might have some feelings to talk about.” Amandine said gently.

 

Clarisse nodded. "I had to leave ma chou behind," she said quietly. "It's only for a week, but..."

 

“But it’s the first time?” Amandine guessed. “Leaving her since you’ve been her Top?”

 

Clarisse nodded. "And leaving mes anges is hard, too, well you know that, there's Claire and AT and Christen especially, and la petite tigresse, Casey, she didn't want to let me go either."

 

“Oui, I know the feeling.” Amandine sympathized. “But they are family. You all will see each other often, just not as often as you like, even if it’s over FaceTime.” She said. “And Hannah, she’ll be with you soon, I imagine it wasn’t easy for her to let you go.” She said with a small smile.

 

"Non, definitely not, luckily her maman walked with us to the gate and she could pry ma chou off of me," Clarisse said wryly.

 

Amandine snorted. “Sounds just like her.” She said. “Hopefully she doesn’t cause too much trouble for them. You know they like to test the waters, especially after leaving their Top for the first time. To see what they can get away with.”

 

"Oh oui, I know. I can think of a few who have been like that," Clarisse nodded. "But it's not just that, mon amie, she's literally been abandoned before, or thought she was anyway," Clarisse lowered her voice to be sure only Amandine heard her. "Madame Cardwell, her own grand-mère, kidnapped her." 

 

“I know. She’s a tough little one isn’t she? So précieuse.” Amandine said, rubbing Clarisses back and pulling her in for a hug.

 

Clarisse rested her head on Amandine's shoulder. "So tough. But she shouldn't have had to be. It's so unfair Mandie."

 

“And now she doesn’t have to be.” Amandine said. “She’s a little right?”

 

"Oui, a Little. Ma précieuse petite chou," Clarisse murmured.

 

Amandine smiled at her friend’s face. She was so happy Clarisse had found her person. “Oui, she finally has time to embrace that, without fear, I wouldn’t be surprised if she slips more than usual, because you make her feel safe.” 

 

"Oh oui," Clarisse agreed softly, brushing away tears again. "I am glad Marie found a place for ma chou at Lazio. A week is more than long enough to be apart, mon amie. Too long."

 

“You’ll be with her soon. Those Italians better watch out though,” Amandine laughed, “A tiny whirlwind is coming their way.”

Clarisse laughed softly. "Oh oui. Well, I have a week to prepare them," she said with a slight smile. "Do you know, I haven't even taken time to see who else is at Lazio, I've been too focused on ma chou. And I didn't ask Marie."

 

“I can tell you one person who is on loan there right now. Someone who will be very excited to have their Madame back.” Amandine smirked.

Clarisse blinked twice, her mouth falling open slightly. "Inès?" It had been forever since she’d seen Inès Belloumou--never her girlfriend, but her platonic sub when they were younger.

 

Amandine nodded. “Oui.” She said, smiling. “How do you feel about that?” 

 

"It'll be good to see Inès again," Clarisse smiled back. "She's probably run Lazio ragged."

 

“Good, it’ll be a warm up for them. Once Hannah is there, they’ll think Inès is calm compared to her.” Amandine joked.

 

Clarisse smirked. "Oh oui, I just bet. I just hope ma chou and Inès get along, I couldn't stand it if they hated each other," she added, worrying.

 

“They’ll probably be like siblings. They’ll bicker and tease, but they will love each other. It will be good for Hannah to have an older sister, and Inès to have a little sister, since she’s used to being the youngest, it’ll help her mature.” Amandine said.

 

"Oh oui," Clarisse nodded in agreement. "That will be wonderful." She smiled.

 

Amandine smiled and a flight attendant came and asked if they would like any beverages. “Oui, can we get two red wines please.” She said, The attendant nodded and poured their drinks, handing Amandine the cups and she handed one to Clarisse. “Here you are mon amie.” 

 

Clarisse accepted the cup and tapped it to Amandine’s. “Santé.” 

 

“Santé.” Amandine said. They settled in and kept up small conversations about their lives.

 

@@@

 

Meanwhile, James and Amanda had got Hannah home, and Amanda was helping Hannah pack her overnight bag.

 

Amanda was packing essentials that her daughter might need while Hannah was supposed to be choosing clothes. Though when Amanda turned around, Hannah was sitting on the floor playing with some toys.

Amanda smiled ruefully. “Angel, what happened to the clothes?”

 

“Found figure.” Hannah said. She held up a tiny Zakumi figure.

 

“Oh I see, my angel. Did Zakumi want to come too?”

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “And Finley.” She said, holding up the axolotl stuffie that she had been chewing on the ear of.

 

Amanda nodded. “Of course they can come. But we need to pack your clothes first please.”

 

“Mama pack.” Hannah said, continuing to play with her toys.

 

"Mama will help pack, how about that, my angel?" Amanda asked.

 

Hannah paused and looked up, tilting her head curiously. “Mama help?” She asked.

 

"Mama help," Amanda agreed. "Just like my mama did for me and your Auntie Lenni when we went on overnight trips. Let's make sure you have what you want to wear, sweetheart."

 

“I choose?” Hannah asked. She never had a choice, growing up at Grandmother’s when it came to packing. She always had to wear clothes that were ‘proper’, uncomfortable and scratchy, even if Adelaide and Elise tried to pack the least uncomfortable.

 

“You choose,” Amanda confirmed. “Mama and daddy, and cousin Tobin and Christen, want you to be comfy.”

 

“Soft joggers.” Hannah whispered.

 

Amanda peered into Hannah’s closet and took out all six pairs, laying them neatly on Hannah’s bed. “Which ones?” 

 

Hannah stood up and took in her options. “Blue ones and red ones.” She pointed, Finleys ear still in her mouth.

 

Amanda nodded. “Do you want to help mama fold them, angel?”

“Uh huh.” Hannah took the blue pair and folded it up like she thought. “Like this?” She held up a messy ball of jogger. The way she folded it, not making it small enough to be able to fit all of her other stuff in her backpack if she folded everything like that.

 

"That's such a good first try my angel," Amanda said encouragingly. "Better than when mama first learned." She chuckled. "Want to do a magic trick with it though?"

 

“Magic?” Hannah asked.

 

"Mhmm, magic to make the clothes fit small," Amanda nodded seriously.

 

She produced a sparkly pink, star-tipped wand from Hannah's closet, one of her Little acquisitions.  "First, let's lay the joggers flat again, and check for any zippers or buttons," she said. "Do you see any, my angel?"

 

Hannah seriously inspected both pairs. “No zippers or buttons.” She said, then made grabby hands for the wand. “I hold?” She asked. 

 

Amanda smiled slightly. "You can hold once you've learned the magic, baby angel. Now here's the first part." She tapped the wand to the waistband of the joggers. "Fold the top down, to just here." She pointed with the wand.

 

Hannah followed the wand with her eyes and folded the waistband down to where she was directed.

 

"That's right angel. Now, we fold this leg of the pants longways into the middle. Hold the top with one hand and the bottom with the other hand." Amanda gestured with the wand.

 

Hannah furrowed her brow but did so, then tried reaching for the wand again, though Amanda held it out of her reach.

 

"Almost, baby angel," Amanda promised. "There's two more parts for the spell. Fold the other leg over that one, so they look like just one leg," she encouraged, gesturing with the wand.

 

Hannah huffed but folded the other leg like she was told.

 

"Here's the best part," Amanda whispered conspiratorially. "Take the bottom, and roll it up to the top, baby angel, nice and tight--then flip the top bit you rolled down over the rest of the roll." She gestured the motion she wanted.

“Best part?” Hannah asked. She followed the directions and ended up with a ball, not quite as tight as it could be, but good enough. “Woah.” She said. “Tiny now.”

 

"And you shrunk it, all by yourself!" Amanda tapped the roll with the wand, grinning at Hannah. "Isn't that amazing, my angel? You did so good."

 

“I’m magic!” Hannah bounced excitedly.

 

"Best magic, just like a fairy princess," Amanda agreed. "Do you want to shrink the other one, or hold the wand for mama?"

 

“I do magic ‘gain.” Hannah said. “Then wand.”

 

"Okay." Amanda smiled and walked Hannah through rolling up the other pair of joggers, with 'magic' gestures from the sparkly pink wand.

 

“Did it!” Hannah said. She handed the rolled up joggers to Amanda and then made grabby hands for the wand again.

 

"Okay baby angel." Amanda tucked the joggers into Hannah's bag. She took out shirts for Hannah to pick from next.

 

Hannah used the wand and pointed at a soft Angel city shirt and an angel fish shirt. 

 

Amanda nodded. She spread the Angel City shirt - marked number 29, Le Bihan, on the back - out on the bed first with Clarisse's name upward.

 

“Bee.” Hannah said.

 

"That's right," Amanda said softly.

 

“Mama do magic.” Hannah waved the wand.

 

"So first, we fold up the bottom of the shirt, just like with the top of the pants," Amanda did as she said. She'd spread out the angelfish shirt next to the Angel City one in case Hannah wanted to copy her.

 

Hannah watched her and then sat the wand down, copying her with the angelfish shirt.

 

Amanda nodded. "And the next part," she said, "we fold the left side of the shirt up to the left side of the collar, like this, then fold the sleeve back."

 

“Kay.” Hannah focused on the folding and copied her Mama.

 

"That's just right my angel. Now we fold the right side over all the way, and fold the right sleeve back, so it's all lined up," Amanda demonstrated to show Hannah how it looked like a long rectangle now, just like the joggers had.

 

“Roll it?” Hannah guessed.

 

"That's right baby angel," Amanda nodded, rolling it up tight, "and then we can pull the bottom we folded up around the rest of it, and see? It shrank by magic, even without the wand."

 

Hannah bounced again. “Magic.” She said. “What next?” She asked after Amanda put the shirts in the backpack with the joggers.

 

"Next, we want to make sure you have enough socks and underwear angel," Amanda reminded Hannah.

 

Hannah grabbed the wand and ran over to the dresser, tapping the drawer her socks were in repeatedly.

 

Amanda slid the drawer open with a fond grin.

 

“Two pairs?” Hannah asked.

 

Amanda nodded, letting Hannah pick out the socks and underwear she wanted, and showing her how to roll them up.

 

Once rolled up they were put in the backpack. “Done now?” Hannah asked, waving the wand around and spinning in circles.

 

"Have you got everything you want to wear, or want to bring, angel?" Amanda asked with a fond grin.

 

Hannah thought about that. “Need ‘jamas.” She said.

Amanda nodded. She took out Hannah's lucky red axolotl onesie, puppy onesie, and two shirt and pants pajama sets for Hannah to pick from.

 

“Puppy ‘jamas and axies.” Hannah pointed the wand at the puppy onesie but the axolotl shirt and pant set.

 

Amanda nodded and put the others back. "Want to do your magic on the axies, angel?"

She figured she'd do the onesie as it might be more complicated.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah waved the wand over them and then sat it down and began folding them like her mama taught her with only a little bit of reminders.

 

Amanda, meanwhile, was folding and rolling up the puppy onesie, but kept an eye on Hannah's task. When they were done, she praised Hannah with a smile. "That's so good angel, you did amazing."

 

Hannah beamed at the praise. “Magic!” She said.

 

"Best magic," Amanda agreed. "What else do you want to bring, angel? Finley might need a bit of drying off, hm?"

 

“Dry off?” Hannah asked. “No take him?”

 

"Finley needs a bath and to dry off, but you have Zakumi," Amanda reminded Hannah that her plush was right there. She also fetched out Hannah's chewable necklace so Zakumi's ears wouldn't suffer. 

 

“Why he need bath?” Hannah asked, also picking up Zakumi, holding both stuffies in her arms. Amanda put the necklace around Hannah’s neck and replaced Finleys ear with it. 

 

"Because it'll make Finley feel better after he's been being chewed on, angel," Amanda explained.

 

“Oh. Want Finley to feel better.” Hannah nodded, handing Finley to Amanda. “Done packing now.” She said.

 

Amanda accepted Finley with a gracious nod. Just then the doorbell rang.

 

Hannah cocked her head to the side. “Who that?” She asked.

 

"Why don't we go see." Amanda picked up Hannah's packed bag in the hand not holding Finley, and went with Hannah to the door, where James was greeting Abby and Glennon.

 

“Auntie Abby! Auntie Lenni!” Hannah bounced on her toes and bolted towards them. 

 

Abby grabbed Hannah before she could collide with them. "Hey, petite. We good?"

 

“Bee left and I go to Toby and Chrissy’s.” Hannah said. “Got Zakumi. Mama said Finley has to take bath.”

 

Abby nodded. "Oh yes. Baths are important, ma petite." She ruffled Hannah's hair. "We're here to take you to Toby and Chrissy's."

 

“M’ready.” Hannah said, bouncing on her toes. 

 

Amanda kissed Hannah's cheek. "Goodnight my angel," she said. "I love you .Have fun, sweetheart." 

 

James gave Hannah a brief squeeze. "Have fun, ma princesse, and get some good sleep tonight. I love you."

 

Glennon noticed that neither Sister or James had told Hannah to try and behave, but she suspected that was just as well.

 

Hannah hugged her parents back and then Abby took one of her hands and led her out to their car.

 

Abby helped Hannah into her seat in the back, and buckled her in. Glennon elected to sit with her niece, taking Hannah's hand after doing her own seatbelt.

 

Then they were on their way to the Preaths'. 

 

Hannah chewed on her necklace and held Glennons hand. She looked out the window and tugged Glennons arm. “Bee.” She pointed to a plane in the sky. “Auntie Lenni.”

 

Glennon looked up. "Bee's on a plane," she agreed. "Auntie Lenni's here, kiddo, it's alright." She squeezed Hannah's hand gently. "Bee's safe. Amandine Henry's going on her Paris flight with her, so she'll have company that far at least." Amandine had texted Abby--her former boss, as Angel City co-owner--when Marie had made the arrangements, asking her to keep it a surprise for Clarisse.

 

Hannah smiled and kept fidgeting with Glennons fingers as she watched out the window for planes.

Chapter 27: On To The Preaths'...

Summary:

As Abby and Glennon take Hannah to Tobin and Christen's house in their car, Hannah brings up what's been really troubling her.

Abby, not expecting that, does her best to reassure her niece, and once they've reached the Preath house, Thompson sister-fueled chaos ensues, taking Hannah's mind off her troubles for the moment.

Notes:

Sorry this chapter's on the shorter side. It's Thanksgiving Day, so things are a bit hectic here. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans, and for those of my readers who don't celebrate it, I'm hoping you're having a good day (and night) too, no matter what time zone you're in.

From the back seat Hannah looked to Abby. “Auntie Abby?” She asked.

 

"Yes, petite?" Abby smiled in the rear view mirror.

 

“You didn’t want my Bee?” Hannah asked.

 

"I..." Abby sucked in a breath. "Honey, it's not that simple. It's not only up to me."

 

“Did you want to keep her?” Hannah asked, fidgeting with Glennon's ring.

 

"I wanted to, petite. I knew if I was outvoted, she wouldn't leave without you, though, so when I saw the way the wind was blowing, I made your inclusion a condition and it was agreed," Abby said quietly.

 

“So you made sure I’d have a place at Lazio.” Hannah whispered.

 

"Absolutely ma petite. I wasn't going to let them take Risse away from you," Abby said gently.

 

“Bee just had to leave a little early.” Hannah said.

 

"Oui. You have your duties at the Olympics, and she has to meet the team and get settled before she can join you there, but she will," Abby promised.

 

“With Miss Julie?” Hannah asked.

 

"Oui with Miss Julie," Abby nodded. "Foudy will take good care of you, sweetheart. She's excited to meet you."

 

“Excited to meet her too. She didn’t want Bee though.” Hannah pointed out as Abby pulled the car into the driveway.

"Mmm." Abby frowned slightly. "I think Miss Julie thought it might be better for Risse to have opportunities closer to home, so her Monsieur Renard could have a better look at what she's doing," Abby hazarded.

 

Hannah thought about that and processed it. “Guess so.” She said. 

 

Glennon ruffled Hannah’s hair, “Come on little love, let’s get you inside.” She unbuckled Hannah and helped her out.

 

Abby got out of the car and came around to take Hannah's bag. "Are you okay ma petite? I'm sorry we couldn't keep Bee here," she said softly.

 

Hannah leaned against Abby’s front. “I’m ’Kay.” She said, wrapping her arms around her aunt.

 

Abby returned the hug. "It's going to be an adventure, ma petite. And we'll come visit," she promised.

 

“Uh huh. I like ‘ventures.” Hannah nodded. 

 

Tobin had come out. “What’re we doing standing out here?” She asked.

 

"Sorry, Tobin." Abby smiled wryly. "Just making sure Hannah's all right, considering everything." She patted Hannah gently. "I have her bag here." She gave it to Christen, who'd come outside behind Tobin.

 

"Hey sweetie." Christen gave Hannah a squeeze. "We're glad to have you here."

 

“Hi Chrissy.” Hannah said, “I’m ‘cited to be here.”

 

"I'm glad, sweetheart." Christen led Hannah inside, where they were promptly pounced by Zoe.

 

“Oomph.” Hannah said. “Hi Zoe.” She said, giving the girl a hug.

 

"Hola prima," Zoe hugged back. "How are you doing?"

 

“I’m okay.” Hannah said. “I’m ’cited to be here. We can play.” She said.

 

Zoe nodded. "Hola Abuelitas," she added to Abby and Glennon.

 

“Hello Zoe.” Glennon smiled, giving Zoe a hug.

 

Zoe hugged Glennon back, and got a hug from Abby, too. "What do you want to play, prima?"

 

“Mario Kart?” Hannah asked.

 

“Mario Kart sounds amazing.” Tobin said. “Especially because I’m going to crush all of you.” She smirked. 

 

“Toby!” Hannah grinned. “Uh uh!” She shook her head. 

 

"We can take mama Toby, c'mon prima," Zoe pulled Hannah along.

 

Hannah smiled and followed along to the living room where AT and Gi were setting up the Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart and the extra controllers. 

 

“AT! Toby says she can beat us all!” Hannah grinned. “We can’t let that happen.” 

 

AT shook her head. “Uh uh! We can’t!”

 

"Uh uh we're gonna beat mama Toby, hermana," Zoe agreed. "Right Gi?" she asked, despite Gisele having AT's opposite controller.

 

"Nuh uh, mama Toby and I can take you!" 

 

Tobin smirked. “Let’s go then little loves.” She said to all four girls. “Just don’t go too wild, you know how Christen likes her peace.” She said, glancing at Christen who had just walked in.

 

"Oh lord, what have I walked in on now?" Christen asked rhetorically.

 

"We're gonna crush hermana and prima at Mario Kart."

 

"Oh no you're not." Christen grinned and knelt by Hannah and AT.

 

She liked her peace well enough, but she'd trashed Kelley and Ali at it often enough before.

 

It was on. 

 

Chapter 28: A Nighttime Ritual

Summary:

After a lively round of Mario Kart, Hannah gets ready for bed at the Preaths' with her cousins. Zoe's latest reading material has supplied a new bedtime ritual--well, at least for special occasions like a sleepover.

Notes:

The prompt was, "Write about a bizarre ritual". I don't know that it's actually bizarre, but Tobin's hoping Zoe doesn't get obsessive over tomato sandwiches too, at least...

In the end, Team Christen (Hannah & AT) did in fact crush Team Tobin (Gisele & Zoe) at Mario Kart, much to the younger Press-Heaths' disappointment.

 

"Awww, no fair Mama Christen!" Zoe pouted.

 

"Whiners don't get cake before bed."

 

Zoe immediately adjusted her attitude. "Sorry Mama Christen. Just disappointed," she admitted.

 

"And that's okay. You could always win next time," Christen said encouragingly. "It just takes practice."

Hannah smiled and nudged Zoe, “It just means I have to come back for a rematch.” She said.

 

"Uh huh!" Zoe looked much more cheerful. 

"Okay, cake and milk everybody." Tobin got up to go get it. "Want to help me, Hannah, sweetheart? There's a bunch of food in here, Maman, Mama Glennon, Craig, Chase, Tish, and Amma are gonna come over for a barbecue tomorrow."

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded and stood up to go help. “Like a barbecue my daddy took me to before the World Cup final in 2010.” She said.

"Oh is that right?" Tobin took a chocolate cherry dump cake out of the refrigerator - chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, butter, definitely not normal athlete fare but they wanted to celebrate Hannah being here, so the girls had baked earlier. She cut squares of cake and put them in bowls. "Want to put the whipped cream on them, Hannah? And then you can tell us all about the barbecue."

Hannah giggled. “Uh huh.” She said, She made sure to put a good amount of whip cream on every piece.

"That's our girl." Tobin grinned and brought the cake bowls to the table with Hannah's help. Christen was behind her, setting out the milk. 

 

"Alright girls, come on," Christen called. They didn't need to be asked twice.

They all came to the table and took their seats. Hannah sat between Tobin and AT. “Not choccy milk Toby.” She said.

"No, it's not. It's vanilla almond milk. It's good with chocolate cake," Tobin explained.

“It’s ’nilla almond milk?” Hannah asked, taking a sip. “Woah. Is really good. Not like my choccy milk. But good.” She said.

 

"It's my favorite cousin Hannah," Zoe told Hannah excitedly. "And mama Toby and mama Christen taught us to make the best cake."

Hannah tried a piece of cake. “It is really good too!” She wiggled excitedly.

"Thank you cousin Hannah," AT grinned as they had their cake and milk. "Zoe's been really into cake and milk lately," she added with a grin.

 

"If Harriet says it's the best I want it," Zoe said primly, "and mama Tobin and mama Christen's cake is best."

Hannah furrowed her brow and looked at Tobin. “Who’s Harriet?” she asked.

 

"Harriet M. Welsch. She's eleven years old, and a writer, and she wants to know everything about everything," Zoe explained before Mama Tobin could answer, "so she writes in her notebook, everything about everything. About her friends, and her family, and her neighbors that she spies on, and she asks lots of questions cause her nanny says that's how you find things out." Zoe took another bite of cake and swallowed. "And has cake and milk every day, and tomato sandwiches for lunch."

 

“Miss Addy says you shouldn’t listen to other people’s conversations.” Hannah said, referencing her own nanny. “I could have ham sandwich and choccy milk for lunch every day. Or pork chops.”

"Miss Addy's right about that," Tobin said wryly. "Listening to other people's conversations just got Harriet into trouble, didn't it, Zoe?"

 

"Uh huh but I wouldn't sneak into other people's house, Mama Toby," Zoe said. "Cause that's rude and illegal. Only maybe Harriet did it cause her mama and daddy didn't care what she did."

 

"Mmm. Well, we do care, and Hannah's mama and daddy care, too, sweetheart," Tobin added.

“Are my mama and daddy comin’ to the barbecue too?” Hannah asked.

"Absolutely," Christen nodded.

Hannah wiggled excitedly. “The barbecue we went to in South Africa, well that me and daddy went to was before the final. You know who was in the final Toby?” She quizzed.

 

Tobin nodded. "The Netherlands and Spain," she said promptly. "Spain won after extra time."

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “And lots of yellow cards for both teams.”

"Oh yeah," Tobin nodded.

"Who was refereeing the thing, Chesky?" AT snarked.

Tobin smirked.

 

Hannah grinned. “It wasn’t Chesky.” She said. “But we went to a barbecue before that called ‘Braai’, it just like a normal barbecue kind of. ‘Cept Zakumi was there and people from all around the world.” 

Tobin chuckled. "Oh, Zakumi was there hmm?" 

Christen smiled. "Inviting a big cat to a barbecue seems like a hazard," she mused.

"What about a dog?" Gisele asked innocently.

“Some people had their dogs there too, but they didn’t do anything.” Hannah said.

"See, Mama Tobin, dogs aren't trouble," Gisele said.

 

"Gisele, we've talked about this," Tobin sighed with a wry smile. "How did the barbecue go, Hannah?"

“It was fun. Lots of food.” Hannah said. “Guess what, they made pork chops. Over a fire.” She said. “A big fire.”

"Those are your most favorite huh cousin Hannah?" AT asked.

“Uh huh. They are.” Hannah nodded. “And people played games and Zakumi taught me more tricks.” She said.

 

"Yeah?" Gisele perked up.

"Hannah can show you tomorrow, in daylight. Outside," Tobin said firmly.

"Okay," Gisele conceded.

“Aww…Toby…” Hannah pouted.

"Hmm?" Tobin raised an eyebrow.

“Wanna show them now.” Hannah said.

 

"It's okay to want that, Hannah, but the answer is still no. Not yet," Tobin added. "Show them tomorrow, outside, in daylight, when it's not dark out and you can all see what you're doing. Okay?" Tobin prompted. "It'll be safer and more fun that way."

 

Hannah huffed and rubbed her eyes. “Fine.”

 

Tobin leaned over and ruffled Hannah's hair gently. "You're okay, sweetheart. It's not wrong to want. I just have to keep you girls safe. It's my job to worry about that, alright? But now I think it's time for you four to get ready for your sleepover, hmm? Teeth brushed, pjs on." She sat up and clapped her hands once, spurring her adopted daughters into action without protest.

 

When AT, Gi, and Zoe left the room it was just Christen, Tobin and Hannah. “Chrissy? Angel City didn’t want Bee.” She said.

Christen drew Hannah into her lap and rubbed her back. "We love Bee," she said softly. "Bee's our friend. Our sister. But it wasn't up to us players, sweetheart."

“Gonna go to Lazio now.” Hannah said. “M’gonna help with stats.”

 

"You know what? They'll be so excited to have you, sweetheart. I bet they'll see just how amazing you are," Christen murmured. 

"They definitely will," Tobin agreed, squeezing Hannah's hand.

Hannah grinned. “Love you guys.” She yawned again.

"Love you too, sweetie," Tobin murmured. "Let's get you ready for bed."

“Wanna wear my puppy ‘jamas.” Hannah said, referring to the onesie.

"Okay." Christen nodded and she took Hannah to get the onesie out of her bag as Tobin made sure the pillow fort was set up for the girls in the living room.

 

AT, Gisele, and Zoe came back from getting their own pjs on, teeth and hair brushed, and went to help their Mama Tobin.

Hannah opened up her bag, “See puppy ‘jamas and axie ‘jamas.”

 

"I see, sweetheart," Christen nodded. "And you want the puppy ones for tonight?" she clarified.

Hannah looked at her options again. “Um. Maybe the Axie ones instead.” She changed her mind, not seeing any of her cousins in onesies.

 

"There's no wrong answer sweetheart," Christen promised. "If you want the axies instead, that's okay too."

“Puppy, cause Bee got it for me.” Hannah decided.

 

"Puppy," Christen agreed, and supervised Hannah getting ready for bed. She settled Hannah with her cousins in the pillow fort, with Gisele and Zoe cuddling up to Hannah immediately.

 

"Puppy," Gisele beamed, stroking the ears of Hannah's hood.

Hannah giggled. “Woof!“

"Woof!" Gisele and Zoe chimed in. 

Alyssa giggled and poked her sisters and Hannah with pillows. She took out her phone and took a picture of them all cuddled together, texting it to Clarisse.

 

I know you probably won't see this right away, Risse, but hope your flight's going good. We miss you already, love you lots. - AT

Chapter 29: On The Edge

Summary:

On the edge of sleep, Hannah tells the tale of the 2010 men's World Cup Final to her cousins as best she can.

High above, Clarisse leans on Amandine for comfort.

Once they're in Paris the next morning (afternoon, hurray time zones), Clarisse reminisces with Amandine about a time Hannah courted trouble a few months ago...and how Amandine made both her and Hannah feel safe.

Then, as Amandine moves on to the French camp, Risse meets the first person to be a major part of her and Hannah's life at Lazio.

Notes:

This chapter contains details of paddling as team discipline, though it's more symbolic and re-centering than punitive.

The girls huddled in the pillow fort together. "Sooo prima," Zoe hummed, "you were at the World Cup final in 2010? That's like forever and ever ago. I wasn't even born yet."

 

“Uh huh. I was.” Hannah nodded.

"It was...um..." AT looked it up on her phone, "Spain and the Netherlands, like Mama Tobin said," she remembered after a moment. "And Spain won after extra time?" She frowned slightly, thinking. "La Roja are good at winning, too," she added. "Though I don't know about back then. But I hope the people in charge of the men weren't stupid about them winning."

 

"Probably not like the same, Alé," Gisele pointed out. 

“The Netherlands had 8 yellow cards.” Hannah said. 

 

"That doesn't surprise me," AT snorted. Zoe giggled. 

"World Cup finals can be like that I guess," Gisele nodded. "So how did the scoring go, prima?"

“It was 1-0. No one scored until the 116th minute.” Hannah said.

All three Press-Heaths stared at Hannah, Zoe's mouth falling open.

 

"No one?" 

"Holy shi-itake mushrooms, how good were their keepers?" Gisele sputtered after Zoe's yelp.

“They were really good. It was a super physical match. Spain got 5 yellow cards.” Hannah informed.

 

"Whoa," Zoe murmured.

"That's bad," AT reminded Zoe, who nodded quickly.

"Bet their coach was mad," Gisele smirked. "Any reds? Or yellow-reds?"

 

“Uh uh.” Hannah shook her head. “Just yellows.” She added. “But I bet Spain’s coach wasn’t mad after they won.”

 

"That's true," Alyssa agreed. "Though that doesn't stop coaches from lecturing," she added thoughtfully. "I hope my friends won't get in trouble in France. You'll look after them, won't you cousin Hannah?"

 

“Course!” Hannah nodded. “And Zakumi taught me lots of tricks, I didn’t master them all cause I couldn’t practice after I left the World Cup cause Grandmother…” she said.

 

"Your grandmother's horrible." Zoe scooted closer to Hannah and hugged her protectively. "Our Hannah," she declared to the blanket fort at large. "Nobody hurts her never ever again."

Hannah hugged Zoe back. “Thanks Zoe.” She whispered, and yawned again.

AT stroked Hannah's hair. "I'm glad Zakumi showed you lots of tricks. You can show us what you remember tomorrow, we can practice outside," she promised.

“Uh huh.” Hannah said, cuddling her cousins and Zakumi close. “Can show you.” She whispered. All the girls' eyes were slowly closing, on the edge of sleep. 

 

Hannah grabbed her phone real quick. I love you Bee. Miss you. Gonna be really good this week. she sent. Then she put her phone back up and cuddled back down.

 

Slowly, the house settled down to slumber.

 

Meanwhile, high above, Clarisse was doing her best to sleep while she could, unconsciously curling into Amandine.

Amandine kept her arms curled around her, trying to keep her worries away.

"I hope ma chou is alright, and AT, Gi, and Zoe," Clarisse yawned. "Christen will be alright," she tried to reassure herself.

 

“They will all be okay. Hannah will be okay, her cousins will make sure of it. Her Maman and papa will also.” Amandine assured.

 

Clarisse nodded, on the edge of sleep. "Merci, Amandine," she murmured. "There's still so much to get used to," she added to the older French player. "Like ma chou having a villa."

 

Amandine snorted. “I’m sure she also has to get used to that.” She said. “Im pretty sure you all could live in a box and she’d be happy.” She said.

 

"I wouldn't," Clarisse muttered. "A box, Mandie? Really?"

“Well maybe not a box. You wouldn’t allow you chou to live in a box I know.” She smirked.

"Oui I wouldn't," Clarisse shook her head tiredly, snuggling into Amandine. "You wouldn't either."

“Of course not.” Amandine agreed, closing her eyes. “Shh. Go to sleep.”

 

"Bonne nuit, Mandie," Clarisse mumbled as Amandine tucked a blanket around her shoulders, and allowed herself to drift off in her friend's arms.

When Clarisse woke, hours had passed, and she felt Mandie's eyes on her. She stirred, groaning. "Is it morning yet?"

 

“Well back home yes.” Amandine smiled. “And we just landed.” She said.

 

Clarisse rubbed her eyes. "Mmm..." She yawned and sat up. "What time is it supposed to be?"

 

“Well it’s 3:30 pm where we are.” Amandine said.

 

"Time zones," Clarisse mumbled. "At least you're at your destination, mon amie, I have to go on, though I'll be back soon," she promised.

Amandine nodded and hugged Clarisse. “It’ll be okay, you’ll do great things for Lazio. Just don’t let those Italians corrupt our little genius, oui?” She said.

 

"Absolutely not Mandie, I'll protect her," Clarisse nodded with a smile, hugging Amandine back. "I'll do my best, and you do your best for France, oui? I'll be cheering you, maybe it'll come to a France and USA final, what do you think?"

 

“Oh yes, that would be perfect.” Amandine said. “Goodbye Risse.” She said. “I’m sure I’ll see you at the Olympics.”

"Oui you will," Clarisse said softly. As they disembarked, she grabbed her bags and walked with Amandine, not ready to let go yet. "I still have an hour and a half before my other flight, want to get a coffee with me before you go mon amie?" Clarisse asked.

 

Amandine nodded, “Oui, I’d love to.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”

Clarisse smiled in relief and they went to the cafe nearest Risse's gate so she wouldn't have far to go when it was time. Amandine's checked bags were being delivered directly to the Olympic Village, so she just had her backpack, and Clarisse's bags, other than her go bag, had been entrusted to Miss Addy and Elise.

 

That's one thing about being an athlete, Clarisse thought, you're not responsible for stuff like that, your agents and staff are. Most of the staff weren't like her girlfriend's nanny and nursery maid, she reflected dryly. 

 

They placed their order and went to sit at a table in the corner. Clarisse pulled her phone out and checked it, having two messages. 

 

The first one was from Hannah. I love you Bee. Miss you. Gonna be really good this week.

 

"Oh, ma chou." Clarisse sighed, responding.  I love you too, my Hannah. I miss you, Amandine and I have landed safely in Paris. I'm sure you'll do your best, that's all I ask. See you soon.

 

Amandine smiled, “A message from Hannah?” She asked.

 

"Oh oui, from Hannah," Clarisse smiled and showed it to Amandine. Then they looked at the next message, from AT. 

I know you probably won't see this right away, Risse, but hope your flight's going good. We miss you already, love you lots. - AT.

 

It was accompanied by a photo of the Press-Heath, nee Thompson trio, snuggling in a blanket fort with Hannah (who was wearing her puppy onesie.)

 

“Aww.” Amandine smiled. “She’s in good hands.” 

 

"Oui, I see that," Clarisse smiled and messaged Alyssa back. 

 

Bonjour AT, or bonne matin for you, it's afternoon here though Mandie and I just woke up. I hope you all slept well, we just landed in Paris a little while ago and I'm going to have a coffee with Mandie while we wait for my second flight to Lazio. It should just be a bit over an hour. I'm guessing Marie arranged for someone else to meet me for this flight so I'm not totally lost, but I don't mind as long as someone meets me at the airport. I suppose I can amuse myself on another plane for less than two hours. Stay out of trouble, love you all. - Risse

Her phone went off a few seconds later, Hannah this time. Gonna do my best. Gonna show everyone my tricks today. Tell Mandie I said hi. 

"Ma chou says hi," Clarisse said, smiling fondly at her phone and brushing away a tear.

 

Amandine smiled and patted Clarisse's hand. “Tell her I said hi back.” She said. She snorted. “I remember when she was kicking the ball in the locker room and knocked over my water bottle, her eyes got so wide.” She said. “The first time she’d seen me in ‘Miss Mandie’ mode with her.”

 

Clarisse nodded fervently, sending Mandie says hi back, as she replied to Amandine. "Oh oui, I remember too. She looked to me to save her and I'm just like...ma chou, what do you expect, Miss Mandie taught me how to be a Top." She smirked a little bit, remembering that day a few months prior. 

@@@

 

It was after a long Angel City practice and the girls were all getting cleaned up and changed.

 

Claire had asked Amandine and Clarisse to help her with something so she had turned her back for two seconds and in that two seconds Hannah found a ball and began juggling it. All of a sudden she hears a clang beside her and looks down to see her water bottle had fallen on the floor and was spilling and a ball rolled next to her feet. 

 

Amandine looked up and saw Hannah looking at her sheepishly. 

 

Amandine raised her eyebrows. "And what is this, ma grenouille?"

Clarisse turned quickly, giving a mental facepalm. She knew her American teammates wouldn't see the danger. Little one, being called by a cute nickname? What was the harm in that? Risse knew better. The cuter Mandie got with the little ones, the worse off you were. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been 'my frog' to Mandie, and now it had been pulled out for Hannah. Shit, shit, shit.

 

“Um…” Hannah shrugged. “Just fell. Cause it was on the edge.”

"Oh oui is that so, ma grenouille," Amandine mused. 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. Eyes wide. “Just fell.” 

"And what made it just fall, ma grenouille? Because I know that my bottle wasn't that close to the edge," Amandine replied.

"Big sister Hannah's ball got it, big sister Mandie," Casey chirped.

"Thank you very much, little tiger cub," Amandine nodded. 

Hannah turned. “Casey!” She whined. She turned back towards Amandine. “Was an acc-accident. M-miss Mandie.”

 

Amandine smiled thinly. "Mmm." She 'tsked' at Hannah. "And what do we say about playing with the ball inside?"

Hannah sighed. “Um…” she looked to Clarisse for help, chewing on her bottom lip. 

"What do we say then, ma chou?" Clarisse asked, eyebrows raised, arms folded, with a small, amused smile on her lips. 

“Naughty.” Hannah mumbled.

"M-hmmm. My poor eager chou," Clarisse's eyes sparkled with laughter. Amandine snorted. "She's not the eager one mon amie."

"What?" Casey blinked and looked up at Amandine in confusion.

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh.”

 

"Mmhmm. Well, mes petites grenouilles..."

At Amandine's words, Clarisse froze, mouth dropping open slightly. "Pardon? Moi, madame?"

Amandine smirked. 

Hannah backed into Clarisse's front.

With a nonchalant flick of her hand, Amandine cleared the Angel City locker room--all except for Hannah, Clarisse, Ali, and a wide-eyed Casey Phair.

“Bee…Miss Mandie…” Hannah said.

"Ma petite tigresse. Allons-y." Amandine clicked her fingers at Casey and pointed.

Casey fled.

It was just Clarisse, Hannah, Ali and Amandine now and Hannah avoided eye contact with Amandine, backing into Clarisse more. 

Clarisse wound her arms around Hannah. "I've got this, Mandie," she tried.

Amandine's eyebrows climbed higher.

 

Ali laughed. “I don’t think so. I think Mandie is going to handle it.”

"Ali!" Clarisse sputtered.

"Oh oui, you know I am capable of handling two naughty girls," Amandine replied with a serene smile.

“Bee was naughty?” Hannah cocked her head, confused.

Clarisse groaned. "Tops are responsible for their subs ma chou," she explained. "I didn't watch you well enough."

“Oh…” Hannah said. “But was an accident. Mandie’s cup was gonna fall anyways.” She argued.

 

Clarisse took a deep breath, and let it out. "Hannah Amanda, now is not the time, ma chou."

“But it’s true.” Hannah insisted with a stomp of her foot.

"Hannah." Clarisse wrapped her fingers around Hannah's wrist. "That's enough, ma chou," she said gently, but with no room for argument. She could see Amandine watching them both quietly, and knew this was a test she could not fail.

Hannah huffed but didn’t argue back just pouted.

 

"Viens ici, Clarisse Agathe," Amandine prompted. Clarisse sighed, squeezed Hannah's hand, and let go. She didn't see Ali right now, but the answer to that question was settled when Ali returned with the team paddle in hand--the size of a ping pong paddle, painted a deceptively gentle, pretty, shade of sol rosa with the Angel City logo in black, and varnished smooth. 

Hannah's eyes widened and she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. She let out a whine.

Obedient to Amandine's gesture, Clarisse draped herself over Amandine's thighs. The older Frenchwoman adjusted her position on the bench slightly and lay Clarisse out flat so her body was resting more comfortably.

Clarisse's hands ended up in Hannah's again.

“Bee…” Hannah said, fidgeting with Clarisse's hands. “Don’ want you to have smacks.” 

"It's the rules, my heart," Clarisse sighed. She felt Amandine's hand press lightly on her lower back.

 

"Clarisse Agathe, are you listening to me?"

"Oui, Madame."

"Bon, ma fille," Amandine murmured. "Do you have anything to say to me?"

"I should have kept a better watch on ma chou, Madame. I'm sorry. I know I deserve this."

"Mm." Amandine patted Clarisse's shoulder reassuringly. "Six," she said softly, giving it the French pronunciation, and Clarisse nodded her understanding of the implicit order.

When the first light smack of the paddle fell on the seat of Clarisse's shorts, she barely flinched. "Un, Madame." She exhaled, and counted off five more in French--none enough to truly start tears--before she was let up off Amandine's lap.

Hannah tried backing up but was pulled forward by Clarisse when she stood up. “Bee…” she whimpered.

 

"It's okay, ma chou. I'm okay," Clarisse murmured, wrapping Hannah in her arms. "Shh, I've got you, my heart, take a breath." 

Hannah took a breath. “You okay?” She asked. “Hurts?”

"I'm okay ma chou," Clarisse promised. "Amandine won't hurt you, my heart."

Hannah took another breath and nodded.

 

"Viens ici, ma petite grenouille," Amandine said, gentling her tone and beckoning Hannah.

Hannah slowly walked over to Amandine and stood in front of her. 

Amandine took Hannah's hand, and drew Hannah down to sit on her lap, putting a comforting arm around her. "It's going to be alright, petite," she murmured. "Miss Mandie isn't any more scary than your friend Mandie, we're still the same, okay? I'm not angry. But you broke a rule, and we have to take care of your little reminder, oui?" 

 

Hannah listened and nodded. “Uh huh.” She whispered.

"Okay ma petite grenouille," Amandine said gently. "Do you want to touch it?" She held the Angel City paddle where Hannah could see it. "Pretty, non? Not scary?"

Hannah nodded and felt the paddle. “Uh huh. Not scary. Pretty.” She whispered.

"Okay ma petite grenouille. Risse can hold your hands, just like you did for her, sounds good?" Amandine encouraged, as she gently settled Hannah in position over her lap.

“Sounds good.” Hannah said, getting in position, wiggling to settle.

"There's a good girl," Amandine said. "You can count in French, oui?"

 

"Uh huh." Hannah nodded warily.

"You know what 'dix' is?"

"Ten," Hannah's lip wobbled, "but Miss Mandie..."

"I know, I know, take a breath for me," Amandine soothed, stroking Hannah's hair. "Renard would have said one for every year," she added dryly, "and you are?"

 

"Tw-twen'y-two," Hannah's lip wobbled, "can't go that high in French."

"I won't ask you to. Only ten, ma petite grenouille," Amandine promised. "Can you do that for me?"

"Uh huh."

 

"Bon, ma fille." Amandine squeezed Hannah's shoulder and brought down the first smack over Hannah's shorts, barely firmer than a tap.

"Un, Miss Mandie," Hannah quivered. Amandine nodded and kept going, never increasing the strength. By the time she was finished, and Hannah had counted "dix, Miss Mandie," properly, a few tears clung, sparkling, to Hannah's lashes, but they were more from her own overwhelming feelings than any pain. 

@@@

Clarisse shook herself, remembering as she sipped her coffee in the airport lounge, Mandie beside her now. How Mandie had sat Hannah back up, unhurt but overwhelmed, and hugged her close; how she rocked Hannah gently, calming her down, as Risse so often did now. "You took care of both of us that day, mon amie," she said quietly. "Thank you for being here for us, Mandie."

 

"Oui, merci," Amandine smiled gently. "You'll be there for each other now, and I'll see you when you come back to France, hm?"

 

Clarisse nodded, jumping to her feet as her flight was called. "Oui Mandie. See you soon."

 

"See you soon," Amandine smiled and watched her go.

 

As Clarisse headed for the gate, another figure slipped in behind her.

 

Frowning slightly, Amandine turned away. It was time to meet the shuttle.

 

Clarisse settled into her seat for the short flight to Rome, to go to Lazio. She'd resigned herself to sitting with whoever Marie had arranged, but figured by now it was just a matter of going home.

Home. That would take some getting used to.

 

“Ciao, Clarisse.” The new voice said, sitting next to her.

Clarisse startled, then looked at her seatmate warily. It took her a few moments to place her. Antonietta Castiello. "Ciao, Antonietta," she said carefully.

 

Antonietta buckled up and settled. “You can call me Toni. Marie sent me as the welcoming party.” She said. “Guess it’s right, since I’m the captain of your new team.” 

Clarisse smiled, buckling herself in and nodded. "Merci, Toni. I mean, grazie," she corrected herself, blushing faintly.

Toni smiled. “It’s good to see you again.” She said. “I’m glad you’re coming to play with Lazio. We need someone like you. Marie said you’re bringing someone else too?”

"Hannah Doyle. She's ma chou, mi amor," Clarisse said. "And a little genius, when it comes to stats."

 

“Oh?” Toni asked. “A little genius, you say?”

 

"Oui she is," Clarisse nodded. "She's such an active little one, with such a special, amazing brain. Madame Lori Lindsey recommended her to Madame Foudy to work with the USWNT for the Olympics." She paused. "I have to meet ma chou back in France in a week," she added.

“I’m excited to have both of you then.” Toni smiled. “It’s a short ride so we can catch up.” She said.

 

"That'll be good, Toni," Clarisse smiled. They had never played together before, but they had encountered each other occasionally, and Clarisse was in awe of the slightly younger midfielder's skills.

And older or not, Toni was now her captain, so she would do her best to follow the Italian girl's lead on the team.

Chapter 30: Celebrate Good Times (part 1)

Summary:

Hannah wakes up the morning after Clarisse has headed to Europe. She helps the Preaths put breakfast together, and hears from Risse when her Top has landed safely in Rome.

Meanwhile, as her chou is getting ready for the Preath cookout, Clarisse has to contend with the reality of a new captain, a new team, and getting settled into her new life.

Notes:

...and this is the end of the Flash Nano arc, but the beginning of the Olympics-Lazio one, which will continue here, so this fic will be longer than 30 chapters. No idea how long yet, we'll see.

Back in LA, Hannah and her cousins were all awake. 

 

Hannah walked over to Tobin who was standing in the kitchen drinking coffee. “Toby?” She asked.

 

"Good morning petite." Tobin set her mug down and patted Hannah's hand.

 

“G’morning.” Hannah said. “Do you have choccy milk?” She asked.

 

"Mm. Unless your cousins have drunk it all..." Tobin poured some almond milk into a cup and tipped a couple spoonfuls of Ovaltine into it, whisking them together.

 

Hannah smiled. “Thanks.” She said. “That’s how mama makes it.”

"I'm glad, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?" Tobin asked, smiling faintly as Alyssa pelted by, clothes covered by a blue and white checked gingham apron with a wicker basket on her arm. She rolled her eyes with a fond grin as she watched AT rocket toward the chicken house in the backyard.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “We gonna have a cookout today?”

 

"That's right," Tobin nodded.

 

Christen came into the kitchen followed by Zoe and Gi who were ready for the day. Christen poured herself a cup of coffee while Tobin made chocolate milk for the girls and a glass for AT when she came back. 

 

Hannah walked over to Christen and tugged her arm. “Chrissy?” She whispered. 

"Mmm?" Christen hummed, giving Hannah a hug.

AT returned from the chicken house with a dozen fresh eggs in her basket (her flock had been growing).

 

“Did mama give you my medicine?” Hannah whispered.

"Oh yes." Christen got the medicine down, "she thought of that, good girl for remembering, sweetheart."

Hannah took her medicine and washed it down with a swig of chocolate milk. “Are we havin’ eggs this morning?”

 

"Uh huh," AT nodded. "Dale's penned up separate from the hens right now so there can't be any more chicks." 

"A good thing," Christen smiled wryly as she set about fixing eggs for everyone--with herself, Tobin, and the four girls, they would each have two to eat.

“Can we have bacon too?”  Hannah asked.

 

"I got it," AT had hung her apron up and washed her hands, and she went to get the bacon out. 

"Toast, prima?" Gisele asked.

“Uh huh. I can help you Gi.” Hannah said.

Gisele nodded, getting out the bread, butter, and cinnamon sugar. The toaster was already on the counter.

 

“Two slices for everyone?” Hannah asked.

 

"Uh huh," Gisele nodded, putting six slices in, as much as the toaster would hold. (The toaster had been a gift from Tia Julie Foudy, so of course it was extra, Gi thought.) 

 

The first six pieces popped out and then Gisele put the next six in. Then she began showing Hannah how to prepare the toast.

 

"Mama Toby likes thin butter and lots of cinnamon sugar, and Mama Christen likes extra butter with just enough," Gisele explained, "and AT does hers herself, cause the toast has vibes and decides what kind of butter it wants to be." 

 

AT traded places with Gisele, handing off the cinnamon toast to her Mama Tobin so Mama Christen could add the eggs and bacon to the plates. "And we've got marmalade and strawberry jam, if you don't like cinnamon sugar, cousin Hannah. You can have whatever you want." 

 

Hannah nodded. “I want lots of cinnamon sugar.” She said. She added just enough butter with some cinnamon sugar.

 

Tobin carried her and Christen's plates to the table, then came back for Hannah's. "That enough cinnamon sugar, petite?"

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded.

"Okay. How do you like your bacon and eggs, petite?" Tobin asked, bringing Hannah over to the stove.

 

“I like my bacon a little crunchy and my eggs just a little bit runny  but not lots. Sometimes I like them runny but not today.” Hannah said, with a plan in mind.

 

Christen nodded, and made sure Hannah's were perfect before adding them to the plate for Tobin. "There you go, sweetheart." She knew what the girls liked, and so did Tobin, so they finished up and everyone came to the table.

 

Hannah smiled and sat between Tobin and AT, when everyone started eating, Hannah was carefully placed an egg on top of a slice of toast and then some bacon followed by her second egg and more bacon, finally she put her last slice of toast on top. “A sandwich!” She bounced in her seat.

 

Zoe immediately copied Hannah, beaming.

AT smiled fondly but decided not to make a sandwich, she liked her breakfast the way it was. She ate her food at a normal pace compared to her cousin, who was eating like her food was going to run away.

"Your food's safe, prima," Gisele said comfortingly, giving Hannah an understanding smile.

 

Hannah stopped eating and blushed. “Sorry.” She apologized.

"It's okay prima, no one's mad," Gi continued in the same soothing tone, and comforted Hannah as best she could.

Hannah began eating again at a slower pace and missed the proud look Tobin was giving Gisele.

 

"Did you hear that Gi got Classified prima?" Zoe piped up.

 

“Really? I didn’t hear that.” Hannah perked up. “What you get? I think I know though.” She said.

 

"Guess," Zoe encouraged.

 

“Top?” Hannah grinned. “Cause you’re lots like Bee, Daddy, Toby and Auntie Abby.” 

 

Gisele blushed and nodded. “Top and Caregiver,” she clarified. “Opposite of AT, but since we’ve grown up almost like twins it makes sense we’d balance each other.”

 

“That makes sense.” Hannah nodded. “Congratulations!” She said.

 

"Gracias, prima," Gisele smiled.

 

Hannah smiled and they all finished their breakfasts. Tobin and Christen sent the girls to get ready for the day while they cleaned up. 

 

Hannah went to her bag to grab her clothes and sent a text to Clarisse. Made a breakfast sandwich this morning, with eggs from ATs chickens. Did you know Gi got classified? 

 

No I didn't know that, it's good to know though ma chou. That breakfast sandwich sounds good, AT's chickens lay good eggs. Of course they are French hens, Clarisse replied, chuckling at the memory of the Faverolles Gio had given to AT. She was sitting next to Toni as they waited for the flight to Rome to disembark, able to check their devices again. 

 

She’s a Top and Caregiver. Like you. Hannah replied. I'm gonna wear my red joggers and my angel fish shirt. 

 

That's wonderful. I can see why that would be, she balances AT out, ma chou, Clarisse responded. Send me a picture when you're dressed. I'm at the Rome airport now, just waiting to get off the plane. I suppose Miss Addy and Miss Elise will be waiting for the flight?

 

Hannah grinned and quickly got dressed. Then she set her phone up and took a video. She spun around and then picked her phone up, “Love you Bee.” She said, and blew the phone a kiss. Then she sent it to Clarisse. 

 

Uh huh. They will be. Is this good?

 

Oui, ma belle chou. Perfection. Clarisse sent back, then showed the video to Toni. "Ma chou. Cara mia," she added, trying again.

 

Toni grinned. “Adorable.” She said. “Seems like she adores you.”

 

"She does, and I adore her. We're going to hate this week away from each other," Clarisse sighed, "but I promise to try not to be too much trouble for you, Toni."

 

“Sí, I believe you will be. If not, you'll just have an early introduction to il cucchiaio” Toni smirked.

 

Clarisse paused. That word wasn't in her vocabulary yet, but context helped a little. She ran through her relevant French silently. "La cuillère?" she ventured.

 

Toni nodded.

 

Clarisse winced. "I'll try not to earn it," she promised earnestly. "I am generally well behaved, I promise, I just don't know how this separation is going to affect me or ma chou."

 

“I believe you.” Toni said. “Everything will be okay.” She said. 

 

Clarisse's phone went off again. I remembered my medicine today. the text read.

 

Good girl, Clarisse replied promptly. "Ma chou remembered her medicine today," she told Toni.

 

“Medicine?” Toni asked.

 

"Oui, my little genius, she is neurodivergent, there is the ADHD, you know?" Clarisse clarified.

 

Toni nodded in understanding. “Ah, sí, I’m excited to meet her.”

 

"Si, she's easily distracted sometimes, but she knows so much, you wouldn't even believe if I tried to tell you. You have to hear her yourself," Clarisse laughed.

 

Toni smiled. “I can’t wait.” 

 

Back in LA, Hannah ran back into the kitchen where Christen was washing dishes, skidding to a stop. 

 

Gisele was already in there and rolled her eyes.

 

"Prima, quiet feet please," Gisele reminded her older cousin.

 

“Oh sorry. Gi, do you wanna go outside and play?” Hannah asked. “Can we Chrissy? Please.”

 

"Sure you can," Christen agreed promptly, "if you're going to practice with the ball, keep it away from the windows please."

 

"Obviously," Gisele muttered. 

Christen flicked an eyebrow up. "Is that sass I hear, Gisele Olivia?"

Gi shook her head, ponytail flying. "Nuh uh, no ma'am."

 

"Alright, scoot, you too AT, Zoe, keep away from the windows and mind the chickens."

 

"I'll go pen them up, Mama Christen."

 

"Good girl, Alyssa."

 

The girls ran outside and Alyssa went to pen the chickens up and Hannah found a ball, kicking it up and juggling it. “Wanna see around the world?” She asked.

 

"Yes!" Zoe nodded, hopping up and down, "yes, yes, yes!"

 

Hannah grinned and did the trick. AT came over when she was done with the chickens and smiled. “That’s really good, it’s a hard trick to master. Took my ages.” She said, kicking up the ball and doing the same trick.

 

Gisele nodded. "I've been working on it, but I haven't got it quite yet."

"AT and Gi say I'm not ready for it yet," Zoe pouted. "You did great though prima." 

 

“You’ll get to do it sometime Zoe and you’ll master it too Gi.” Hannah said. 

 

They played outside for a couple hours going back and forth between tricks and one v one. They heard a car door shut and Hannah ran off back through the house and to the front door. “It’s mama and daddy!” She shouted.

 

"Hannah Amanda, what did we say about running inside?" Tobin asked, coming to the door behind her.

 

Hannah sighed. “Not to.”

 

Tobin exchanged glances with James as he walked in. 

He picked Hannah up effortlessly, and Amanda rolled her eyes in fond exasperation as she followed James inside. 

 

"Hi baby angel. Daddy and I are excited to see you too," she said gently, "but you know better than to run and shout inside."

 

“But was ‘cited. Just happened.” Hannah said.

 

"Mhm." Amanda cooed sympathetically. "Mama knows, angel. Lots of things just happen, and Mama and Daddy aren't mad about them, but they still need to be handled," she sighed.

 

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh.” 

 

Tobin closed the door behind them. “You can use mine and Chris’s room if you need.” She told James.

 

James nodded. "Come on, ma princesse," he said, and carried Hannah toward Tobin and Christen's room. Amanda thanked Tobin quietly and followed.

 

“No daddy.” Hannah whined, trying to wiggle out of his arms.

 

James raised his eyebrows and sat down on Tobin's side of the bed, setting Hannah on her feet with his hands on his daughter's shoulders. "No?" he inquired.

 

“No.” Hannah repeated.

 

"Okay," James replied calmly. "What are we going to do about this instead, then?"

 

Hannah looked around and then shrugged. “Don’ know.” She mumbled and relented.

 

"What do you think would help you remember your inside feet and inside voice better?" James inquired.

 

“S-smacks? T-time out?” Hannah said quietly.

 

"Okay." James nodded and tugged Hannah down to sit on his lap, giving his daughter a hug. "It'll be okay, ma princesse. Breathe for Daddy, I've got you safe."

 

Hannah took a deep breath and leaned her head on her daddy’s chest, inhaling his woodsy scent.

 

"That's my girl." James rubbed his daughter's back gently. "That's good. When you're ready, ma princesse."

 

Hannah took a few more moments and lifted her head. “Ready daddy.” She said.

 

"Okay ma princesse." James settled Hannah over his lap, patted the seat of her joggers, and brought down the first firm smack with his hand.

 

Hannah stayed still, taking a deep breath.

 

James brought down seven more measured smacks, each with a space for Hannah to breathe, and then lifted Hannah back upright, sitting on his lap. 

 

Hannah sniffled. “Owie.” She whimpered.

 

"I know," James patted Hannah's back gently. "Breathe, it's okay, ma princesse."

 

Hannah took deep breaths, and hid her face in the crook of her daddy’s neck. “Daddy has hard hand.” She mumbled. 

 

"Mhmm." James stroked Hannah's hair. "That's why Daddy thought anything else was unnecessary this time, ma princesse."

 

“T-time out still?” Hannah asked.

 

"You're having calm down time right now ma princesse. Or would you rather have that with Mama?" James inquired. Amanda had been sitting quietly at the far end of the bed.

 

“Both.” Hannah said, making grabby hands towards Amanda.

 

Amanda shifted to James and Hannah's end of the bed and settled Hannah in her lap, cuddling her. "Everything good, angel?" she murmured.

 

Hannah nodded. “Sorry for runnin’ and shoutin’…” she said. “Can we call Bee?”

 

Amanda checked the time and nodded. Hannah's phone dinged with a text.

 

On our way to meet the girls, ma chou, cara mia.

 

Call you? Hannah sent back.

 

Si, oui you can call, Clarisse responded.

 

Hannah pressed the FaceTime option and Amanda held the phone so she would be on camera. She had her head resting on Amanda’s shoulder and waited for Clarisse to answer.

 

Clarisse picked up, her face appearing on the screen. "Oh ma chou, there you are," Clarisse breathed in relief. "How are you, my heart?"

 

“Daddy gave me smacks.” Hannah said. “Having calm down time.”

 

Clarisse gave Hannah a fondly exasperated look. "Oh ma chou. Are you alright?"

 

“Was runnin’ and shoutin’ in the house.” Hannah said. “And said no to daddy.”

 

"Oh, ma chou," Clarisse shook her head, but she gave Hannah that same patient smile. "I'm sure Monsieur James took care of that, non?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “He did.”

 

"Then it's forgiven my heart," Clarisse said gently. "You're okay. We're okay." 

 

“Gonna go meet the Lazio girls?” Hannah asked.

 

"That's right. I flew  over with Captain Toni, she came to meet me in Paris." Clarisse turned her phone so her chou could see Toni next to her. They were in the back of a car being driven by Miss Addy, who'd come to pick them up.

 

Hannah got shy at seeing Toni and hid her face in Amanda's neck.

 

"It's okay my heart," Clarisse said coaxingly.

 

Hannah turned her head and gave Toni a small wave. 

 

“Ciao little one. Can’t wait to meet you.” Toni said. 

 

Hannah smiled. “We’re gonna have a cookout Bee.”

 

"That sounds magnifique. Sorry I can't be there ma chou," Clarisse sighed. "But you will still have a good time, oui?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “Lots fun. And I’ll see you in a week.” 

 

"Oui, and I know we'll both be counting down the days," Clarisse said lovingly. "We'll talk every day, my heart."

 

“Everyday.” Hannah nodded. Then she heard something outside the room. “I think Auntie Lenni and Auntie Abby are here and Tish and Amma.” She said.

 

"Alright ma chou. I'll let you go for now, I'm about to meet the other girls, we'll check in later," Clarisse promised. "Have a good time, my heart."

 

“Love you Bee.” Hannah waved. “See you later.”

 

"Love you, my Hannah," Clarisse waved back and blew a kiss. "See you later." 

 

Just before the call ended, Toni waved to Hannah, too.

 

Hannah looked to Amanda and James. “Can we go back outside?” She asked.

 

James nodded. "Let's go ma princesse. It's alright," he soothed, as he and Amanda brought Hannah back outside. Amanda kept her hand on Hannah's shoulder, rubbing gently and walking at Hannah's pace.

Outside, Craig and Chase were manning the grill, calling for James to come over as soon as they saw him.

 

AT, Gisele, Zoe, Tish, and Amma  had been chasing a soccer ball, but they changed course.

 

"Auntie Mandie! Cousin Hannah!" Amma practically collided with Amanda and Hannah.

 

Hannah backed up into Amanda as Amma collided with them, but hugged back. “Hi Amma!” She said. Then she went over to Tobin and Christen and hugged Tobin, “Sorry for runnin’ and shoutin’ in your house.” She said. 

 

Tobin hugged Hannah back. "I know you are little love. It's alright now sweetheart, you're forgiven." She ruffled Hannah's hair. "The story you've been telling about the World Cup gave Maman an idea," she grinned. "And Chase agreed enthusiastically." And dragged his dad into it, not entirely unwillingly, just it's a lot more work than one would put into a standard BBQ, she thought, smirking at Craig.

Chapter 31: Celebrate Good Times: Cousins Cookout

Summary:

While Clarisse settles in with her Lazio teammates, Hannah gets to enjoy quality time with her Melton/Wambach-Doyle cousins, plus Tobin and Christen. And of course Mama and Daddy. James and Amanda are going to make the most of having their baby girl while they still can.

And when they get her home, Hannah's definitely feeling like their baby girl more than ever.

Notes:

I do not own either "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" or "In The Bleak Midwinter" (both of which got into my head while writing and would not leave). It's funny to be writing a summertime story in the winter, lol.

Back in Lazio, they were dropped off at a little restaurant.  “Hope you’re ready to meet the team.” Toni smirked.

 

Clarisse exhaled. "Oui I hope so," she said. She'd taken the time to wash her face and comb her hair before they left the airport with Elise and Adelaide. The two would return for Risse after supper, but hadn't wanted to intrude themselves on 'their betters' (despite Clarisse telling them they weren't inferior).

 

Toni patted Clarisse's shoulders. “Come on then.” She said, leading the way.

 

Clarisse followed Toni into the restaurant, keeping her hands at her sides and trying not to be nervous.

 

“Madame!” Clarisse heard a voice pop up and come over to her. “I’ve missed you.” Inès Belloumou, hugged her.

 

Clarisse returned the hug. "Inès, oh, it's good to see you," she said, smiling in relief. "Have you been causing much trouble without me there?"

 

“Not lots lots but a little.” Inès grinned. 

 

Toni snorted. “Just being the typical brat.” She said. Inès pouted. 

 

“I’m glad I have you again Madame.” Inès whispered.

 

"I'm glad too, Inès." Clarisse smiled and patted her gently. "So, will you introduce me to the others?"

 

Inès nodded. “These are the Keepers. Sara, Asia, and Kerttu.” She said. She leaned towards Clarisse. “Kerttu's a Viking, a bit scary.” She whispered.

 

Clarisse raised an eyebrow, surveying the 'Viking' pensively. Kerttu was young, barely out of her teenage years (if even that), but she seemed strong, with a core of steel in her gaze that belied her otherwise cherubic face. She nodded respectfully, as one Top to another.

 

She moved her gaze to the others, and let it rest on Sara Cetinja. Lazio's number one keeper, Toni had mentioned on the way over. She could see why. "Pleasure to meet you all," Clarisse said.

 

Kerttu just gave her a small nod and Sara smiled. “Nice you meet you as well. Welcome to the team.” She said. Asia nodded in agreement. 

 

“That’s Megan, Lina, Eleonora and Louise.” Inès introduced and they all welcomed her with a smile and nod. 

 

Once Inès introduced the rest of the girls, Clarisse sat down between Toni and Inès.

 

Clarisse picked up the menu.

 

It was in Italian.

 

She resisted the urge to facepalm.

 

When the fuck will Duolingo get me past "I am a penguin," she thought sardonically. True, French was semi-related to Italian, but she wasn't sure that was good enough.

 

Inès leaned over. “The shrimp alfredo is very good.” She whispered.

 

Clarisse blushed as she saw their Italian teammates snickering. "Let me guess," she sighed, "that's the one they keep on the menu for American tourists?"

 

Toni nodded, patting her hand. "It's not exactly what you'll have been used to in America, but near enough," she said consolingly. "If you want to try and fit in with something traditional, I'd say Bucatini all'amatriciana, si? It's got pork in the sauce, you told me your Hannah likes that?"

Clarisse exhaled in relief and nodded.

 

Inès turned her head. “Your Hannah?” She asked.

 

"Oh oui..." Clarisse blushed a little. "I hope you'll like her, Inès. You and Hannah have a lot in common. She's ma chou," Clarisse murmured. "And Madame Abby wouldn't allow the trade without insisting Hannah be brought on to work with the stats, she's a little genius when it comes to that."

 

“I’m sure I’ll love her.” Inès smiled. The server came and everyone put their orders in. They also all got a glass of wine.

 

Clarisse sipped at her wine pensively when it came. She showed Inès and the other girls the picture of Hannah in the puppy onesie. 

 

Kerttu studied her thoughtfully. "Small. Strong. Might make good hunting dog."

 

“That’s a compliment coming from Kerttu.” Inès whispered.

 

"Oh. Merci," Clarisse nodded. She paused. "Grazie. Sorry, don't know Finnish."

Kerttu nodded. "All right."

@@@

 

Back in LA, Hannah was playing with her cousins. Chase, James and Craig were standing over the grill and Amanda, Glennon, Tobin, Christen, and Abby were sitting on the patio.

 

Amma and Zoe were chasing the soccer ball after Hannah, and Tish came back to sit with her mothers, aunt, and Christen, picking up her guitar and facepalming.

 

"They're going to drive me crazy, Mama Abby, but at least Hannah's distracted from, you know."

 

Abby smiled. “You’re a good big sister and cousin.” She said. “You can hang out with us now.”

 

"Thank you Mama Abby, I try." Tish settled back with her guitar, strumming and singing to accompany herself, picking up the tempo.

 

"You're a good soldier

Choosing your battles

Pick yourself up

Dust yourself off

And get back in the saddle.."

 

Chase laughed. "Got Hannah's story in your head, Tish?"

 

She nodded sheepishly.

 

Hannah ran over and giggled. 

 

"You're on the front line

Everyone's watching

You know it's serious

We're getting closer

This isn't over,"

 

She sang and danced.

 

Alyssa, Gisele, and Zoe joined in, the soccer ball passing between the three of them as the lyrics rose.

 

"The pressure's on, you feel it

But you got it all, believe it

When you fall get up, oh-oh

And if you fall get up, eh-eh

Zamina-mina, zangalewa?

'Cause this is Africa

 

Zamina-mina, hé-hé

Waka, waka, hé-hé

Zamina-mina, zangalewa?

This time for Africa,"

 

James chuckled, listening to the girls. "Good thing we thought of finding these recipes for the cookout, hm?"

"Yeah Uncle James, Hannah's gonna love it," Chase agreed.

 

Hannah ran back out in the middle of the three sisters and began passing the ball back and forth with them again. Amma followed. 

 

The parents and Tish laughed.

 

Tish grinned. "So what's this surprise kind of barbecue you're making, Dad?" she asked Craig.

 

“Just like the Braai that James and Hannah went to in South Africa.” Craig replied.

 

James nodded. He'd ensured they were using the wood fire grills, and apple wood which was the closest to anything traditional they used in South Africa.

 

"Sounds good," Tish grinned. She saw some sandwiches already starting to come off one of the grills.

 

Hannah ran over to them, her face was flush and her hair was matted down with sweat from playing so hard and ran to Amanda, standing in front of her and putting her hands on her mamas knees. “Hey mama?” She asked.

 

“Yes angel?” Amanda covered Hannah’s hands with hers.

 

“C-can I have a drink.” Hannah said, panting. “M’hot.”

 

“Of course angel.” Amanda reached into the cooler sitting nearby and pulled out a juice box, inserting the straw for Hannah herself.

 

“Thanks.” Hannah said, taking big sips of the juice. “Hey mama?” She asked again.

 

"Yes my angel," Amanda said patiently, mouth twitching. She could see Lenni, Abby, and even Tobin and Christen suppressing silent laughter, too, and studiously focused on her daughter.

 

“I’m hungry.” Hannah said. “Hey mama?” She asked again.

 

"Yes angel?" Amanda asked, as AT brought Hannah a sandwich off the grill.

 

“Did you know leopards are really good climbers?” Hannah asked as Amanda pulled her to sit next to her so she wasn’t standing and eating and helped her get her plate settled on her lap.

 

"I think I had heard that, my angel. Tell us more," Amanda encouraged.

 

“And they can jump up to 10 feet. Going up.” Hannah said, chewing a bite of her sandwich.

 

“That’s amazing angel,” Amanda said.

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah said. “And they can leap up to 20 feet forward. That’s a big jump.” She said. 

 

Amanda kept reminding Hannah to eat in between facts and she took her own bites in between that.

 

“That is a really big jump, cousin Hannah,” AT nodded.

 

“It is. Zakumi couldn’t jump that high at the World Cup.” Hannah said.

 

"Hmm. Maybe cause he was just a really big cub?" Zoe guessed.

 

“Maybe.” Hannah said. 

 

James came up behind Hannah and Amanda and ruffled Hannah’s hair. “For what Zakumi lacked in jumping and leaping, he made up for in soccer tricks.” He said. 

 

Hannah giggled. “Uh huh.”

 

"It's too bad Zakumi couldn't come to our party," Zoe sighed. "I guess even Abuelita Abby can't be that magic."

 

Abby looked mildly insulted and frustrated.

 

Hannah giggled and got up and hugged Abby. “I still think you're magic Auntie Abby.” She assured. “Can I go play more? M’done eating.” She asked.

 

"Alright ma petite. Go enjoy yourself," Abby hugged Hannah back and let her go.

 

The other girls also followed after, except Tish, who was content to sit with the “adults” and work on her music. 

 

Glennon leaned against Abby’s side. “James, Sister? How are you holding up?” She asked.

 

Amanda sighed. "It hasn't even been a year since she came to me as my intern, Lenni. It's only been a few months since James and I had the whole family back together, and now this."

 

Glennon sighed, “I understand. It’s rough, but you can make the most of this week with her and then you’ll be able to visit whenever.” She said. 

 

Christen agreed, “When she spent time with me while you were doing your treatments, she mentioned she wanted to go to the aquarium, maybe take her there.” She suggested.

 

"Thank you for that, Christen," Amanda said quietly, gratefully. "I'm glad you could help Hannah." She knew Christen had stood where Hannah had--a mother with cancer, undergoing treatments...except that Amanda's prognosis had always been better than Stacy's.

She didn't want to say that, though.

 

Christen smiled in return. “I’m glad I could help you out. I know going through the treatments with an energetic little one all the time could be more draining.” She said.

 

Amanda nodded. "I'd love to take Hannah to the aquarium before she goes. Does that sound good to you, James, love?"

 

James had already had his phone out. “Sounds perfect. I got tickets for us for tomorrow morning.” He said. “It can be a mama, daddy and Hannah day.”

 

"Excellent," Amanda nodded, smiling in relief.

 

The adults talked for about another hour before they could hear the kids start to bicker about if the goal was legit or not. 

 

“Uh huh. It counts.” AT said. “It crossed the line.” 

 

“It wasn’t!” Hannah stomped. “I stopped it. Didn’t cross the line.” She argued.

 

Amanda got up and went over to the girls. "Okay sweethearts, nap before dinner," she said.

 

Tish, Zoe, and Gisele sighed but went to obey with minimal grumbling.

 

“It wasn’t a goal!” Hannah argued again with another stomp. 

 

“It literally was.” AT said, not as loudly but crossed her arms. 

 

Hannah growled and scratched at the back of her neck, frustrated. AT shook her head and went over to her mamas with her sisters. 

 

“Mama it wasn’t a goal! I saved it.” Hannah said.

 

"Hannah," Amanda said calmly and quietly. "Take a breath for mama please."

 

It took a few moments but Hannah finally took a deep breath, chest heaving from her frustration. She still had the ball in her arms. She saw all her cousins being led inside. “No fair mama. I saved it.”

 

Amanda gently took the ball from Hannah and handed it to Glennon so she could pull Hannah into her embrace. "Okay my angel. I believe you."

 

“But they don’t.” Hannah said, calmer now, pushing her face into her mamas chest.

 

"Do you remember the Sweden game at the World Cup, and how Alyssa saved it but it went in anyway?" Amanda asked with a barely suppressed wince.

 

“Uh huh. Didn’t like it.” Hannah nodded.

 

"That's what they're saying happened, angel. That you saved it but it went in anyway. It happens," Amanda sighed, patting Hannah gently. "They can both be true."

 

“Hmph.” Hannah said. “Guess so. Don’t wanna take nap.” She said.

 

"But Mama's tired angel," Amanda soothed. "Snuggle with mama?"

 

“You’re tired?” Hannah asked.

 

Amanda nodded. "Mama needs a nap, angel."

 

“I nap with mama too.” Hannah said. “Brain is bein’ buzzy mama.”

 

"Thank you angel. Maybe that will help," Amanda said. She led Hannah back inside and settled down on the big bed with her daughter.

 

Hannah curled into Amanda’s side. “Love you mama.” She said.

 

"Love you baby angel." Amanda stroked Hannah's hair gently, humming softly to soothe her.

 

Hannah soon fell asleep and Amanda could hear her little puffs of breath smoothen out.

 

It didn't take long, once Amanda was sure her child was safe, for her to fall asleep, too. Lenni or Abby would come get them when it was time to eat, she was sure.

 

@@@

About an hour and half later Amanda woke to someone stroking her hair. “Sister…” she heard Glennon whisper. “It’s time to wake up, it’s almost time for dinner.”

 

Amanda yawned and stirred, eyes blinking open. "Mmm. Thank you, Lenni, I'm up," she whispered back.

 

“Good. You still have a little bit, but I figured you’d wanna wake Hannah up, she looks like she’s sleeping good.” Glennon smiled, looking at her niece who was curled up in a ball still against her sister’s side. Her mouth was open a little and she was snoring softly.

 

Amanda smiled and began to rub Hannah's shoulders gently.

 

A few moments later Hannah began to stir, reaching up to rub her eyes. “Mmm mama?” She asked.

 

"Mama's here baby angel. Auntie Lenni says it's almost dinnertime," Amanda whispered.

 

Hannah rubbed her face against the sheets. “‘Most ‘innertime?” She asked sleepily, lifting her head up, her hair was going in ten different directions.

 

"Mhmm. We should brush our hair and wash up first though," Amanda tried not to laugh at her daughter.

 

“Mamas hair looks good though.” Hannah said, rubbing her eyes more.

 

"Well, thank you angel. Let mama tidy yours up?" Amanda fetched a comb out of her bag, sitting by the bed.

 

Hannah crawled over and sat in front of her mama.

 

Amanda smiled and combed Hannah's hair gently, smoothing it out. Then she went to the mirror to examine hers and made sure she was as unruffled as possible. "There we go, angel."

 

“Dinner time now?” Hannah asked. “Can I sleep in the big bed tonight with you and daddy?”

 

"Of course you can angel. Dinner time now," Amanda agreed.

 

They walked back outside and AT and her sisters along with Tish and Amma were already there. Hannah walked over to AT and they hugged. “I’m sorry AT, it could’ve been a goal.” She said. 

 

AT hugged Hannah back. “It’s okay, I’m sorry too, you might’ve saved.” She said.

 

Amanda nodded. "Or it could have been both, like--"

"That time at the World Cup when the goal line technology was stupid and got hermana in trouble," Zoe burst out.

 

AT and Hannah giggled. AT hugged Zoe. “It’s okay hermanita, it’s over now.” She assured.

 

"Uh huh," Zoe mumbled and hugged AT back. "They were stupid," she told her big sister. "Big Lyssa stopped it. Cause obvious."

Amanda covered a grin.

 

Hannah nodded. “Cause she’s Big Lyssa.” She said. “M’hungry.” She added.

 

"Well, there's been steaks, chicken, and a lot of pork cooked up on the grills," AT piped up.

 

“Porkchop?” Hannah perked up.

 

"Lots of porkchops, and other things," AT agreed.

 

“Yum!” Hannah said. “Mama can I have a pork chop?” She asked.

 

"Of course you can angel," Amanda nodded. 

Zoe bounced up and tugged Hannah over to get them.

 

“Do I gotta have veggies?” Hannah asked her mama.

 

"How about sharing one with mama?" Amanda accepted a vegetable skewer from Craig, along with a lamb-and-apricot skewer, and slices of pork loin stuffed with Parma ham and Parmesan. "Italian flavors, Craig?"

 

"Kiddo's gonna have to get used to them."

 

Hannah nodded. “Kay I’ll share.” She agreed. “Smells good uncle Craig.” She said.

 

"Thank you Hannah." Craig grinned  as Amanda went to get some bread (it had been grilled, too) from Chase. "How are you holding up, Little Monkey?" Chase asked Hannah, swapping places with his father after he'd served Amanda.

 

“I’m okay Chasey.” Hannah said. “Just miss my Bee.” She added.

 

“I know,” Chase nodded sympathetically. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you keep hearing you’ll see her soon but that’s probably not helping much, cause soon isn’t now, hm?”

 

“Uh huh. And I’m im-impatient.” Hannah said. “That’s what Bee said.”

 

"And that's okay," Chase smiled gently. "It's understandable, Little Monkey. I'm glad you're okay otherwise."

 

Hannah grinned at Chase and then sat down next to Amanda. “No bones mama.” She said.

 

Hannah took a bite of the pork loin and wiggled happily. “Really good!” She said with a stuffed mouth. “Are the veggies good?” She asked when she saw Amanda eating them.

 

"They're very good, angel. Try," Amanda offered, since they'd been grilled with a sweet glaze that she thought Hannah would like.

 

Hannah tried a small bite and smiled. “It’s yummy.” She said, taking another bite Amanda had fed her. When she was done eating, before everyone else, she leaned against her mamas arm.

 

"Here I am, angel," Amanda murmured, stroking Hannah gently. "Done already?"

 

“Uh huh.” Hannah nodded. “M’done.”

 

"Mm. I know it's hard to eat slow, angel, but like we say, it's not going to run away." Amanda wrapped an arm around Hannah's shoulders, giving her a squeeze. "Are you still hungry? You can have more."

 

“Uh uh. M’full.” Hannah said. “Was good.”

 

"Good. Mine was too," Amanda agreed, finishing hers. She texted pictures to Hannah of her full plate and Hannah's so Hannah could send  them to Clarisse if she wanted.

 

Hannah smiled and rubbed her face against Amanda’s arm, fidgeting with her sleeve. 

 

James walked over. “Are my girls ready to go home?” He asked.

 

"I think so, love. Ready, angel? Monsieur Lafayette's probably wondering where we've got to," Amanda teased, thinking of Hannah's pet parrot.

 

“Mhmm.” Hannah nodded. She got up and went around saying her goodbyes and giving hugs. “Thanks for letting me stay the night Chrissy, Toby.” She said, hugging them last.

 

"You're welcome, little love." Tobin hugged Hannah.

"It's always a pleasure to have you, sweetheart." Christen smiled, returning Hannah's hug too.

 

When they were done, she went back over to her mama and daddy and leaned against James, who scooped her up. He and Amanda said their goodbyes and went to the car.

 

James settled Hannah in the back seat, buckling her in, and Amanda joined her there. She fastened her seat belt and took Hannah's hand.

 

Hannah played with Amanda’s rings while James drove them home. “Did Finley have a bath?” She asked. She couldn’t take Finley to Tobin and Christens cause her mama said he needed to be washed, cause she was chewing on him.

 

"Finley did, and you need one before bed too, angel," Amanda said. "You can have Finley back right after."

 

“Bubbles and toys?” Hannah asked.

 

"Of course, sweetheart," Amanda promised. She would give her daughter as many pleasures as she could.

 

Soon James pulled into their driveway and parked the car. Hannah waited to be helped, when James came over and unbuckled her and scooped her up again, carrying her into the house, Amanda following with Hannah’s backpack. 

 

“Where do you want her ma reine?” James asked, tickling Hannah, making her giggle.

 

"I'll fix Hannah's bath, my love. Why don't you have Hannah pick out pajamas, or do you want to wear the ones you didn't wear last night, my angel?" Amanda asked as they walked into the bedroom and she set down the backpack.

 

“Wear my axie onesie.” Hannah said.

 

"Okay." Amanda nodded and fetched it out.

 

“Do you need anything else my love?” James asked.

 

"I think we're good. Anything else, angel?" Amanda checked, in case she was wrong.

 

Hannah shook her head. “Uh uh.” She confirmed. “Bubbles and toys.”

 

"Sounds good. Alright, we've got it James." Amanda smiled sweetly and went into the bathroom to start the tub.

 

James left the room, ruffling his daughter’s hair and Hannah followed her mama into the bathroom.

 

When Amanda had filled the bath with warm water and bubbles,, she got down the basket of bath toys.

 

Hannah chose a fish toy that swims in the water when you wind it up and a spiderman duck.

 

When Hannah was ready, Amanda helped her into the bath. She let Hannah play, washing her back for her since that was the hard part.

 

Hannah giggled when she wound the fish up and let it go. “Look mama!” She said, splashing.

 

"I see, it's swimming," Amanda said. "Quieter splashes please sweetheart, you don't want to make a mess in mama and daddy's bathroom."

 

“Sorry mama.” Hannah said, calming down the splashes and making the spider duck chase the fish.

 

"That's better angel," Amanda smiled. "Good girl."

 

“Mama? Can we rock in the chair after bath and read story?” Hannah asked.

 

"Definitely, angel. Here," Amanda gave Hannah the soaped up cloth to wash herself where Hannah could reach. "I'll wash your hair when you're done."

 

Hannah nodded and washed herself, and then set it off to the side. “Ready mama.” She said, going back to playing.

 

"Head back, eyes closed," Amanda murmured. When Hannah obeyed, she lay a dry washcloth over Hannah's face to protect her eyes and mouth. "Hold that for me."

 

“Kay mama.” Hannah said, making sure to hold the washcloth in place.

 

Amanda wet Hannah's hair, and rubbed the shampoo/conditioner through it, doing her best not to get water or soap on the cloth. When she had finished washing Hannah's hair, she rinsed it carefully until the soap was gone, and dried it with a towel, grateful Hannah kept her hair short.

 

Hannah giggled. “My hair is stickin’ up everywhere” she said.

 

"Mhmm, but it's dry now at least. Let's see about the rest of you then." Amanda helped Hannah rinse off and get out of the tub, wrapping her in a fluffy towel.

 

“Soft towel.” Hannah said.

 

"Mhmm, soft towel, a cocoon for my little butterfly. Or..hm, axolotls don't do cocoons, do they?" Amanda inquired.

 

“Uh uh. But they like hides. Like caves and places be hidden.” Hannah said.

 

"Mhmm, they like hiding places, I see my angel." Amanda dried Hannah, and helped her dress, then set to combing her hair gently.

 

“Cause it’s makes ‘em feel p’tected.” Hannah informed.

 

"As it should," Amanda smiled gently. "Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own place, sweetheart."

 

“I didn’t use to.” Hannah said. “But I do now.” She nuzzled her mamas chest.

 

"I'm so sorry angel," Amanda whispered. She hugged Hannah close - warm, dry, and adorable in her axolotl onesie. "My baby angel."

 

“It’s ‘kay. Not your fault.” Hannah said. “Rock now?”

 

Amanda stroked Hannah's hair softly, humming.

"In the bleak midwinter

  Frosty wind made moan

Earth stood hard as iron,

  Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

  Snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter

  Long ago."

 

James returned from the shower, dressed and with his eyebrows raised at his wife's choice of lullaby.

"In midsummer?" His mouth quirked.

Amanda shrugged. "It was midwinter for you in South Africa."

 

Hannah was calm in her mamas arms, listening to the lullaby and her mamas heartbeat, feeling completely safe with her mama and daddy. Eyes heavy but content. 

 

James smiled, “Fair.” He said.

 

"Good," Amanda smiled slightly, rubbing Hannah's back as she hummed.

 

“Is she sleeping with us tonight?” James asked.

 

Amanda nodded. "Definitely," she said softly.

 

James smiled. “It looks like she’s about to knock out.” He said, watching his wife and daughter.

 

"Looks like it," Amanda pressed a kiss to the top of their daughter's head, pulling the axolotl hood up. She got up with Hannah in her arms, and settled her on the bed.

 

Hannah was already asleep when she was laid down and James and Amanda got on either side of her. James leaned over and gave his wife a kiss. 

 

“Aquarium tomorrow. I got tickets for noon, so we can sleep in a bit.” James whispered.

 

"Sounds good, my love." Amanda got back up. "Back in a minute," she said, for in her hurry to get Hannah ready she hadn't taken her turn to get ready for bed, but Hannah wasn't going anywhere.

 

James laughed at his wife’s antics and shook his head fondly. When she came back, he leaned over again. “I love you.” He said with a kiss.

 

"I love you too," Amanda yawned, kissing James back and climbing into bed. "Sorry I was so busy with our angel I forgot to take care of myself."

 

“It’s okay, it’s going to be a tough week though, so just make sure you take time for yourself. I’m sure your sister wouldn’t mind spending some time with her niece before she leaves.” James said. “And Abby. I can guarantee you they want a day with her.”

 

"Oh absolutely," Amanda nodded. "We'll go visit as soon as we can, won't we?" she added softer, pleading.

 

“Of course. I’m sure we will be there sooner than you think.” James said. “I know it’s hard. We just got her back and all…” He said, stroking his daughter’s hair gently.

 

Amanda nodded, curling her arm around Hannah. "And technically I had her back before I knew it for sure," she sighed, "but I didn't have you."

 

“Mhmm. But this also means we can rediscover our relationship, go on trips and do the things we always talked about doing.” James said.

 

Amanda nodded sleepily and cuddled into James, sandwiching Hannah between them. "Mhmm," she agreed.

 

“Let’s sleep.” James said. “You know we’re going to have a little one that’s bouncing off the walls once she finds out where we’re going tomorrow, we will need all the rest we can get.” He smirked.

 

"Mmm." Amanda barely had time to nod agreement before she drifted off.

 

James sighed and gave his wife a kiss on the forehead, and then his daughter and wrapped his arm around both of them protectively, falling asleep himself.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 24 of Soccerverse