The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 144

Day two.

Morning sun was just breaking through as Anastasia and Herman were still lazing in bed, when suddenly they were jolted awake by noises from the living room. Half asleep, the couple had totally forgotten about the wee lass they had in the house.

Groggily, Anastasia rolled out of bed and headed to the living room. Seeing Pattie mopping the floor with a mop taller than she was, she was taken aback. “Pattie, why aren’t you sleeping?”

It was barely past five, and the sky was still half dark. It was one thing for an adult to be up and about at this hour, but a little girl like Pattie, dragging a huge mop around and cleaning the floor, was totally another thing.

But, seeing Pattie up and cleaning this early, it was clear as day that she was used to doing chores around the house.

Pattie just blankly stared at Anastasia. She didn’t understand what she did wrong. After all, she was used to getting up this early and doing chores back home.

“Pattie, from now on, you don’t need to do any chores.” Anastasia walked over and took the mop from her. “Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat.”

Pattie nodded. She was indeed hungry.

With a loving pinch to Pattie’s nose, Anastasia said, “You play in the living room for a bit. I’ll go make breakfast.”

Anastasia slipped into the kitchen, trying her best not to wake Herman.

She whipped up some egg sandwiches and was about to whip up some cereal for Pattie when she turned around and saw Pattie standing at the kitchen door. “Let me help you."

Pattie was such a darling, and it broke Anastasia’s heart.

A bit teary, Anastasia said, “Pattie, you can help me wash some fruits then.”

She realized that if she didn’t let Pattie do anything, the girl would feel restless. After being oppressed by Penny for so long, Pattie had become extra sensitive and wouldn’t be able to change this habit easily.

On hearing that she could help, Pattie lit up.

While making breakfast, Anastasia encouraged Pattie to talk more so that she could understand her better.

Anastasia chimed in, “Let’s have an early breakfast today.”

Having breakfast at past six was indeed early. Anastasia usually woke up around this time. Pattie clambered onto her chair, and the three of them sat down for breakfast.

At the table, Anastasia kept looking out for Pattie. Watching them, Herman felt as if they were a family of three. A household with a child was indeed more lively.

Pattie was such a good girl, she could take care of herself, and they didn’t need to worry about her.

After breakfast, they cleaned up, and it was already past seven. Anastasia had to go to work, Herman had to go to the office, and the question of who would look after Pattie arose.

Anastasia suggested to Herman, “Perhaps I could ask my mom to look after Pattie for the day. Tomorrow’s a weekend anyway.”

Katelyn hadn’t stayed next door but had returned to Salstrom Manor, so it wasn’t convenient for Herman to ask her to come over or to bring Pattie to the office. Having Salma look after Pattie for the day seemed like the best solution. Herman agreed, and Anastasia then called her mother.