When he thought that it wasn't the right time to attempt humour he was<i> completely</i>right. Gwen looked at him and shook her head stubbornly. However, she said nothing and listened to his explanation. Her stern expression softened, just a little. Not completely, but there was, at least, movement.  She smiled at Rosalie's grabbing of the book and Gwen nodded her head.<i> "I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand, Elijah, I do. But,"</i>she paused and then lifted her own hand to her chest and gently tapped with one finger. Her voice had an edge to it, emotion tinged with irritation.<i> "My boy will grow up knowing that his mother didn't need any man to make sure that his life was good. He will. He'll understand that I took no charity, lived the best I could and made sure that he never went without."</i>Shaking her head slightly, she ruffled Toby's hair, who grinned at her in pure oblivion. For his part, Toby was far, far too focused on his ice cream, waffle, banana, chocolate concoction.<br/><br/>Turning her attention back to Elijah, Gwen spoke more softly.<i> "You didn't hear him in the car. He's terrified, and I would do anything rather than hurt him. You know how that goes."</i>She gave a slight shrug.<i> "So. Lets just say that next time, it will be my treat, alright?"</i>Green eyes regarded him and Gwen's expression was back to what it had been.<i>  "And thank you, for putting a smile on his face.  He doesn't get to spend time with adult men.  Thank you, for all the help you've been today. I appreciate it."</i>She did, it was true.<br/><br/>However, it was time for them to get home, and so she offered a very solemn hand to Rosalie - the young girl was very lovely and Gwen liked her a lot.<i> "You remember, princesses sing. We dance, too, and we are always kind."</i>Whenever she spoke to either Rosalie or Toby, Gwen made sure to drop on to her heels and speak to them face to face. She never loomed from above.<i> "What do you say to Mr Primeau, young man?"</i>Toby, who had been well-behaved throughout, offered his hand.<i> "Thanks for the dinner, Mr Primeau. It was awesome. Nice to meet you, Rose."  </i>As they walked out, Gwen said thank you to Liz with a wave and then made, after bidding Elijah and Rosealie a fond goodbye, she drove home.<br/><br/>The next morning, she was late for drop-off, because she had to take Toby to the dentist. She figured this meant that she wouldn't see Elijah Primeau, since she was picking Toby up late. Her new job was starting on Saturday - she had all her child care organised and, as worried as she was about the place itself, she was very much looking forward to having some money.  Since it was his first day in after-school-club, Gwen didn't wait the full time and, instead, picked Toby up early.<br/><br/>As she held his hand, walking him out of the school, she frowned slightly. The teacher - whose name Gwen hadn't noticed - seemed a bit hostile towards her.<i> "What are the teachers in after-school like, darling?"</i>Toby shrugged and then thought about it a little.<br/><br/>"They're ok. Rosalie is there."<br/><br/>Gwen felt her stomach do a small wobble, at that news.<i> "Rosalie, who we had pizza with?"</i>Not that it was likely he meant someone else, but she checked and felt a slight tingle of delight when he nodded. That was good. That was … why was she happy about seeing Elijah again? Gwen didn't want to think about that, and she told herself she was just worried about starting her new job, that kind of thing. That was why she was nervous, it was the cause for her sense of anticipation.  She was sure of that.  But still, it meant that she was going to just have to get through this weekend and, really, her first weekend at work - how difficult or dramatic could it be?