100. Chapter 100
one hundred
B enji was the first to spot Chloé at the school gate. His face lit up and he ran towards her, nearly knocking over a smaller child who wandered into his path.
“Chloé! When did you get back?” He grinned, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.
Surprised by such an enthusiastic greeting, Chloé glanced at Monroe with a shrug.
“I flew in this morning.”
“We missed you,” Benji said, stepping back and releasing her from his grip.
Before he could say another word, Kitty came screaming across the playground from her side of the school grounds.
“Chloooooééé!”
Kitty threw herself into Chloé’s arms, her small hands clutching onto her jacket.
Chloé laughed, briefly spinning Kitty around before gently setting her down. “Hey, kiddo. I missed you too.”
Monroe smiled, watching the reunion with quiet happiness. “I think they might like you.”
“Of course, I am fascinating, non ?” Chloé said with a wink.
The four of them started towards the car, their footsteps quick and light.
Benji chatted nonstop, telling Chloé about the latest football game he wanted.
Kitty added her own animated commentary about school projects and the new puppy her best friend had gotten, but said she didn’t want one because you had to pick up poo and she was not up for that.
Chloé listened intently, asking questions, laughing, and making the kids beam with pride. Monroe walked beside them, feeling the familiar warmth settle comfortably around her.
They pulled up outside Poppy and Frank’s house in the soft glow of late afternoon. The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting warm shadows across the quiet street.
Bags were grabbed and they all climbed out of the car, the children rushing towards the door just as Poppy opened it.
“Chloé! How wonderful to see you.” She called back into the house as Monroe and Chloé walked up the path, “Frank, Chloé’s back.” Stepping back, she opened the door to let them inside.
Frank sat in his armchair near the doorway, his face tired, but softened by a genuine smile. Despite the pain in his eyes, the joy of seeing family close was unmistakable.
“Hello,” Chloé said softly, her gaze lingering on Frank with quiet affection.
“Go on, you two—upstairs and changed,” Frank said, trying his best not to wince when Kitty leant in and kissed his cheek.
“Okay.” Kitty sagged, as though changing out of her school uniform was the hardest task ever set.
Monroe and Chloé exchanged amused smiles.
“Promise us you won’t leave before we come down again!” Kitty called from the stairs.
“Cross our hearts,” Monroe promised with a grin.
“And pinkie swear,” Chloé added, playfully holding out her little finger and sticking it through the banister spindles.
Their pinkies linked in a quiet vow.
“Okay, be right back and then—” Kitty was cut off by Poppy’s voice from further inside.
“If you don’t get on with it, it’ll be your bedtime!”
Kitty’s eyes widened. “I’m out of here!” she yelped, racing up the stairs.
“That kid is going to be the reason I go grey early.” Poppy laughed as she stepped forward and greeted Chloé properly with a kiss to each cheek. “It’s so good to see you.” Turning to Monroe, she added, “You didn’t tell us Chloé was coming back.”
“I didn’t know,” Monroe said.
“It’s true,” Chloé added with a grin. “I turned up unannounced and just climbed into bed.”
“And scared the hell out of me,” Monroe said, giving her a playful shove. “It was worth it, though.”