Daniel was just starting to log out of the system so it was ready for the next show when the text came through.
Jessie in reception
He stared at it. Then checked his phone for any missed calls or messages but found none. Without thinking he quickly made his way to reception, unsuccessfully trying to stop his brain whirring with worry.
*
"Hey, is this one yours?" Angel asked, indicating Jessie.
*
Daniel didn't know what to think or say. Why was she here. What happened. Was she OK.
"Dad.." Jessie jumped down from the chair and ran to him. He crouched instinctively to hug her.
"Hey sweetie, are you OK?" She nodded. "What are you doing here huh?"
*
"Girl dropped her off, she's been doing me a picture of my cat. Your set's not done." Angel replied
*
"Vicky?" he asked, feeling Jessie nod against his shoulder as he stood up with her. He grimaced. "I... I didn't think I just..." He shifted Jessie so her arms weren't so tight around his neck. "How long has she been here?"
*
"Half hour...Jessie, do you mind hanging out with me while your dad finishes up?"
*
Daniel's pressed his lips into a tight line. Bloody Kelly.
"I won't be long. Promise," he said softly.
"Kay." Jessie loosened her arms and he carefully set her back down on the floor.
*
"Come on sweetie, let's finish the drawing?
*
Daniel watched his daughter make her way back behind the desk and lever herself up in the chair. "I won't be long," he repeated.
*
"We're cool aren't we?" Angel asked the little girl. "And I have cookies"
*
Jessie looked at her and nodded. "What cookies?"
*
"Double chocolate chip," Angel grinned
*
"Ooh."
*
"See, we're all good," Angel said to Daniel.
*
Daniel looked between them, jerked a nod. "I won't be long," he said once more before slowly heading back to the studios.
*
"Do you want milk?"
*
Jessie gave a short nod. "Please."
*
"Coming up, your dad should only be about 20 minutes," Angel reassured.
*
"Kay," was the quiet response and she slowly began to draw again.
*
"Why did Kelly leave you here, Jessie?"
*
Jessie shrugged. "She had to go somewhere."
*
"Does she do it a lot?" Angel asked
*
Another shrug, with one shoulder this time.
*
"Yes then," Shine nipped off to grab her some milk and cookies
*
"I didn't say anything," Jessie protested, biting her bottom lip.
*
"You don't need to, I'm an auntie, I make good guesses," Angel replied
*
"Oh."
*
"Don't worry," Angel reassured
*
Jessie chewed her lip and resumed drawing slowly.
*
Angel watched her little charge, turning as Sam wandered in and enquired about the text. Angel nodded at Jess and explained who she belonged to.
*
Jessie stayed quiet. She stopped drawing as the man arrived and her gaze flicked to the door her dad had disappeared through.
*
"Jess, this is Sam, his son Dylan is around your age, I think," Angel explained.
*
Jessie looked up, her gaze flicking to Sam before it just as quickly flicked back.