gates of gold

“Oh. You look incredible, Mads. You always do, you know that, right? If you want to finish it, you should.”

“ Thanks, babe.. appreciate that. I’m genuinely full, though. I’ll just take it to go for Dom if you don’t want it. ”

“Oh no, I’m full. Didn’t you like it?”

“ Oh no, I mean, it was alright. I just kind of want to watch what I eat now. You know, not eating for two anymore. Should we get it to go? Maybe one of your sisters will want to finish it? ”

“ Mads? Package for you. From mom. ” 

To: Madeline Carmichael, 4208 S Canalport Ave, Chicago, IL, 60601, USA

From: Jennifer Dawkin, 28 Bridge Rd, Southhampton, SO30 2HB, UK

My darling Madeline, 

we miss you so much! 

I hope everything is going well with you and you’re getting on with dad. 

We have finished renovating the house in September and it’s beautiful now! Enough space for you, Dominic and the little one to finally come once she’s big enough. It happens so quickly. The twins are already four now and gorgeous, just like their big sister. Thomas loves crafts and our fridge long stopped being able to hold all of his creations! So we dedicated a ‘creative room’ to the twins, where they can draw, craft and have all their creations on the walls – sometimes they even draw directly onto the walls! James prefers his racecars and make-believe games, but he’s being inspired by his brother. Here they are! 

We really hope you come visit us soon. I would love to be there for the little one’s arrival, but Oscar is so busy with work at the moment and the twins are starting pre-school, it just wasn’t possible. We’re all sending our love, though, but we will of course call as soon as possible! I hope it all goes off without a hitch. We’re also sending a present for her (have you finally decided on a name?), hope you love it. The twins picked it out! 

Let’s talk soon so you can tell me how things are going with you. Give love to Dominic and say hello to your dad, 

Love,

Mom

“ A bear. ”

“ What’s she saying, Mads? ”

“ That’s an easy one. Domi. And my dad. ”

“ A girl and I’m more than ready to finally meet her. Meaning I want her out of here, she’s sure taking her time. And the list still consists of our Top Ten. Yay us. ”

Lucas couldn’t really tell Maddie he needed a fake ID in order to buy alcohol for his parents on a daily basis and withdraw their monthly food stamp from the bank. He shrugged, “Clubs, alcohol,” he answered with a slight shrug, momentarily looking away as he tended to do whenever he was lying. Well, he wasn’t full on lying. “Do you still have his contact?” It seemed absurd as to why Lucas decided to ask Maddie Carmichael out of all people, but she seemed like a trustworthy person to be asking this. No, it wasn’t because she was pregnant and was basically something like a saint therefor. Or maybe it was. Lucas didn’t know. “It’s fine if you don’t, I’ll just. Keep asking around.”

Maddie cocked an eyebrow, nodding slowly which turned into a shake of her head at his question. “ He had something he called a ‘business’ phone, I believe, ” she said with a slight roll of her eyes. She found it a little ridiculous, how serious some people took the whole dealing or selling fakes stuff. “ And that one’s disconnected now. So no, I’m afraid.” She said with a pressed smile. “I’d ask Felix, though. Or even Noah. They tend to lose theirs, too. I’m sure Domi wouldn’t mind buying for you to tide you over until you get a new one, either. ”

A few, but.. opinions are divided on that front. I like Sofie.

instagram –– @madsmichaels

“ i was happier than this photo makes me look. also standing on a stool.  💕 @domparrish . photo credits: @bella--bennett  ”