When It Begins Again

9

Mya's words tugged at Jewel's heart strings.

Her eight year old and fifteen year old felt like they only had each other.

"You have us as well."

Mya shook her head.

"Not together anymore. We don't do anything like a family. We're no longer a family."

A knock sounded on Carlos' door and Jewel knew that was Kim.

She excused herself and opened the front door, the tears she'd been holding in falling as Kim wrapped her arms around her friend.

"Babe what's wrong?"

"Jes is acting up and the kids think they don't have us".

She cried as Kim attempted to comfort her.

"Hey, trust me when I say this. Separation is hard, Kharyi was one and he still held some resentment towards me when he would return from his father's house. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Jewel wiped at her eyes.

"I feel like I'm failing them. Jeston's drinking and having sex."

Kim's eyes widened.

"We just changed his diapers some years ago."

Jewel nodded as the tears flowed.

"When did I end up with an eighteen year old in a fifteen year old's body?"

"The good thing is, I'm taking Mya so you can deal with whatever is going on with Jeston."

Jewel nodded as she hugged her friend once more.

"Thank you."

"Anytime babe."

Jewel hugged Mya and kissed her cheek, ensuring that she gave her an extra tight hug.

"Mom I'd see you tomorrow."

Mya rolled her eyes causing Jewel to chuckle.

"I know baby. I just want you to know that you always have your dad and I."

She nodded.

"And Kharyi. He's my husband."

Jewel stared at Kim who only shrugged.

"Apparently they've already planned out their future."

Jewel pressed her lips against Mya's forehead.

"Just don't get married too soon. Mummy still wants to spend time with her little girl."

A sigh escaped Mya's lips.

"I can only push it back for one more month."

Jewel could only laugh as she waved goodbye to her daughter.

She closed the door behind her and walked back to the kitchen.

"We have a married woman on our hands and an underaged drinker."

She took a seat across from Carlos as they heard footsteps turning the corner.

Jeston paused as he saw them both.

"Dad you called mom?"

Carlos nodded as a frustrated sigh left Jeston's lips.

"You didn't..."

"Jes have a seat. My presence here is not up for debate."

Jewel ordered as Jeston reluctantly took a seat across from them.

She'd always been the sterner parent and she intended to use that to her advantage today.

"You come home with two of your friends carrying you. You can barely catch yourself and spent most of the night over the toilet bowl. You have piercings and a haircut you never asked us for. Don't get me started on the pictures on your wall and little miss Ariel."