Alone little Holly…
For weeks now, Holly had been watching the new neighbour who moved into the flat opposite hers on the ground floor. The woman’s name was Emily. She was around thirty, with a little daughter, Lily, who was just four. Emily had divorced her husband and was now raising the girl alone, dropping her off at the nursery in their neighbourhood.
Holly got to know Emily, and barely a week after their first greetings and smiles, she found herself babysitting little Lily on a Saturday.
*She’s quiet—she’ll play with her dolls on the floor while you get on with your things,* Emily had explained. *Thanks for helping me out. I’ve got plans tonight, but I’ll be back before late. You’re a lifesaver!*
Holly shrugged, only realising after Emily hurried out that the young divorcee had gone on a date.
*Bloody plans…* Holly whispered to herself, watching the little girl settled in the corner, just as her mother had said.
Holly’s own life hadn’t quite turned out as she’d hoped. At twenty-eight, she’d expected to be married with children by now, but neither had come her way.
*It’s because you’re too old-fashioned,* her friends told her. *You spend all your time knitting or crocheting, but you need to put yourself out there—go dancing, meet people! Otherwise, you’ll waste your youth waiting for Prince Charming.*
Holly agreed but never acted on it. Shy about her slight plumpness and average looks, she didn’t think herself particularly beautiful. Now, with little Lily often in her flat in the evenings, she couldn’t understand how Emily could just leave such a sweet child behind to go off with some new man.
To Holly, family—especially children—was a blessing, something sacred. She adored Lily, reading to her, playing with her, even making little clay figures together.
*Honestly, Hols, I don’t know how to repay you,* Emily murmured one late evening, collecting her half-asleep daughter. *You’re my absolute saviour.*
*Does Lily’s father ever visit?* Holly asked once. *She talks about him often—seems to miss him.*
*He would, but he’s away on business—always is. One month, then two… That’s why we split.* Emily scoffed. *He’ll be back soon, though, and you’ll get a break—he’ll take her out. Adores her, spoils her rotten with toys. Wish he’d just give us more money instead.*
Sure enough, Lily’s father soon appeared. A tall, fair-haired man, he scooped her up in his arms and held her tight. Holly caught the reunion by chance from her kitchen window and even teared up—their joy was so pure.
Days later, Holly finally met James—Lily’s father. The girl was with Holly, as she often was now, running over to *Auntie Holly’s* to play or watch cartoons while Emily ran errands. This time, James found her there.
*Thank you,* he said warmly. *For looking after my girl. And Lily adores you—always says, ‘my Holly’.* He smiled as he took his daughter’s hand.
*Daddy, come have tea with us!* Lily called from the kitchen, finishing off a scone.
*Oh, do join us,* Holly invited. *We’ve just sat down—and there’s plenty.*
James followed, sitting at the table and helping himself.
*Wait—you made these?*
*Course I did. Proper home baking,* Holly laughed. *Go on, have another. Bit too fond of them myself—that’s why I’m a bit… well. Planning to diet soon.*
*Why?* James frowned. *You look lovely as you are. And honestly, I didn’t think girls your age even baked anymore. Thought that was just grandmas mixing dough by the Aga.*
They laughed, and Lily, grinning, pushed another scone his way.
*When I’m big, Holly’ll teach me to bake too!* she declared. *And then I’ll make you loads!*
*Sounds perfect,* James chuckled. *But we’d best go—your mum’ll be back soon.*
*Not till night-time!* Lily said brightly. Holly stayed silent, but James stiffened.
Later, after their walk, he brought Lily back to Holly’s and quietly asked,
*Couldn’t you take her overnight sometimes? She misses me.*
*I’ve thought about it. But I work early—factory job—and live clear across town. Hate to drag her up at dawn. Here, she’s got the nursery and her mum…* He trailed off, avoiding eye contact. *But thank you. I’m thinking of moving closer.*
The next time James took Lily out, he invited Holly along.
She hadn’t expected it, hesitant at first—but Lily clung to her.
*Come on, Holly! I’ll show you how to make sand pies!*
So off they went to the park, where Lily raced about with other kids, glancing back at her dad and Holly now and then. They stayed till dusk, the summer evening warm and golden.
James grew tense, though, realising Emily still wasn’t home.
*When’s she ever going to settle down?* he muttered, low so Lily wouldn’t hear. *This is why we split.*
Holly said nothing.
*Does she even pay you for babysitting?* he asked on their way back.
Holly shook her head.
*So you’re just living around her schedule? No chance for dates, or even just resting—* James scowled. *I thought you had an arrangement!*
Holly sighed. *We’re friendly—good neighbours. And Lily’s become a little mate.*
*But what about your own life?* James pressed. *Ever married? Seeing anyone?*
*Never married. No kids. Yet.* She smiled faintly.
*Right.* James clenched his jaw. Later, he tried leaving cash on the sideboard as he left.
Holly flatly refused, handing it back.
*Fine. I’ll find another way,* he said before stepping out.
That Sunday, as Holly tidied up, there was a knock.
*Come on, Auntie Holly! We’re taking you out—town festival’s on!* James grinned, holding Lily’s hand.
So off they went—their first proper outing as a trio—while Emily, getting ready for her own date, smirked from her window.
*Perfect match. She’s just your type, isn’t she—plain Jane.*
She’d no idea how soon her ex-husband and the neighbour would become inseparable. Lily was the glue binding them tighter. Her giggles now echoed in the hallways as she dashed between flats, tugging Holly along for walks with her dad.
*You do realise what he’s like?* Emily snapped once, cornering Holly as she got ready for a date.
*I think so,* Holly said carefully. *But you’re divorced. Why do you care?*
*Not for him—for you. Don’t throw yourself at the first bloke who looks your way just ‘cause no one else does.*
*Thanks for that,* Holly muttered as Emily stalked off. Then she wiped her eyes, fixed her hair, and headed out to the bench where James and Lily waited.
Neighbours whispered about the odd little trio from their windows, but most liked Holly for her kindness and quiet ways. She’d lived there alone for ten years—ever since she’d turned eighteen.
*My parents split too,* she told James one evening. *Right when I was a teen. Hurt like hell—couldn’t understand why two people who loved me couldn’t love each other. Cried myself to sleep for months. Then they moved on—new partners, new homes. No room left for me.*
James listened, unable to meet her eyes.
*Is that why you help Emily? Refuse money?*
*That’s why I help Lily. She’s me—just younger. I pray she doesn’t hurt as much.* She watched the girl play, voice thick.
*You’re good. Really good,* James said suddenly. *Marry me. Don’t say no yet—even if you don’t love me. Just… give me a shot. Let me hope someone could.*
A silence. Then Holly looked up.
*Do you love me? Or just want to be loved?*
*Course I love you. How couldn’t I? You’re everything a woman should be—kind, gentle…* He squeezed her hand.
She stayed quiet till he heard a soft sniff. Holly was crying—quietly, so no one would stare.
*Never thought I’d get proposed to on this bench,* she whispered, smiling through tears. *Sat here so many nights dreaming of this.*
They hugged, and soon Lily barrelled over, clambering onto James’ lap and beaming at Holly like she’d known all along.
When they married, James bought a flat nearby so Lily could split her time between both homes. And when Holly had a baby boy, Lily—now the proud big sister—visited even moreYears later, as she rocked her grandson to sleep in the same cosy flat where she’d once baked scones for a little girl who needed her, Holly finally understood that love—whether given or earned—always finds its way home in the end.
