Endearment ▶️ Pietro Maximoff

Twenty-Three

Another day, another headache. I was getting tired of popping pills at this point. No one likes a drug addict unless it's a celebrity, then you've got a free pass to be a complete moron all your life because people will still adore you. Sadly that wasn't me.

After calling in sick at the cafe and taking leave from the law firm, I found myself troubled with my own thoughts. Thea was busy with school whilst I took this time to spend it with Maira. I even told our nanny, Lucy, to take time off but she was practically family so she'd pop up whenever she wanted to. It also helped that she lived nearby.

As troubled as I had been lately, I didn't let it show on my face. At least that's what I deduced from the lack of burning questions Thea would usually throw my way. "Alright monkey, let's get you something to eat."

Rummaging through the kitchen cabinets I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the near empty shelves that were supposed to be stacked with baby food. Did I seriously forget? Why didn't Thea remind me we were running low on Maira's favourite food? I sighed, looks like we would be going shopping today.

"Come on you, let's get some more nom-nom" Maira cooed, eagerly finishing the last spoonful of her baby food. I honestly won't ever understand the appeal of baby food, but babies are weird and enjoy it so who really cares.

Since she hadn't started walking yet, I had to carry her with me like she was a newborn. She was abnormally tiny for her age and so it wasn't hard to carry her around. However, after much thought, I had decided to invest in a small car to help both Thea and myself out. Thea was taking driving lessons so once she passed, she could drive this car too. It would be beneficial for me also at times like this when I needed groceries and whipping out the good old stroller wasn't going to cut it. I did try to use the car as less often as possible, I'd still take the bus, train and even walking over a car. It was the same with Thea, she'd take the train or bus sometime to school as it was more convenient.

I sucked at driving too, but that was beside the point.

I quickly scribbled a note and stuck it on the fridge for Thea, letting her know where we were going just in case she came home before us. Strapping Maira securely in the car seat, I turned to face the front before driving off toward the local supermarket. It took me a while to realise that Walmart and Asda were practically the same thing, like Lays and Walkers were the same crisps- or chips as Americans would call them. Oh how I miss my favourite snacks..the delicacy that is monster munch..

Parking outside the supermarket, I picked Maira up and we headed inside. She loved sitting in the little seats on the trolley. Maybe I was biased but my baby was literally an angel sent only for me. She didn't insist on listening to baby shark on repeat and actually enjoyed listening to our jams. Talk about shaping up your childhood. I mean..sometimes she can be the complete opposite but that's due to Thea's company.

Grabbing whatever I could find around the million isles, we headed to the checkout and soon we were driving back home. About half way down, the car began to make some weird noises. I frowned, did I also forget to add fuel to this machine? My doubts were answered quickly when the gas light blinked furiously and I watched it slowly hit the 'E' mark the moment I steered away from the road and onto the side.

Great, now we were out of gas in the middle of nowhere. I sighed, placing my head on the wheel in defeat. At least I had Maira and my phone for company. At the thought of a phone, I quickly sat straight and reached into my pocket, fear sinking in when realisation dawned on me. I had left it on the kitchen counter when I was writing the note for Thea. And this is why I would rather take public transport than a car!