SHAPES UNSPOKEN

- 17 -

HAPPY READING 🥰

Annabelle Inniss

The party was in full swing, and my hands were busy helping the kids into Spider-Man masks and party hats. I smiled at their excitement, but I couldn’t ignore the tightness in my chest whenever I glanced at Sean and Cindy.

Sean had warned me she might show up, but seeing her now, so casually sliding her hand along his shoulder and smiling at him the way only someone who had once shared a life with him could—it tugged at something in me. My heart clenched, but I reminded myself firmly: I trusted Sean. We had built something real, something that didn’t waver with his past.

Steph clung to my hand, and I felt a pang of protectiveness. I didn’t want Cindy to think I was trying to take her son away. It wasn’t about that; it was about respecting their history while still claiming my own place in Sean’s life.

“Don’t start assuming anything,” Jinette whispered, noticing my gaze linger on Sean and Cindy. “Wait to talk to him. Give him the benefit of the doubt. Trust me, it’s never what you think.”

I nodded, trying to focus on the kids, letting Jinette guide them through the games. But it was hard to ignore the flutter in my stomach every time Sean’s laughter carried across the patio, mingling with Cindy’s.

Then Cindy walked toward us, her presence undeniable. “Hello, ladies. Jinette,” she said warmly, hugging her. Jinette returned it with a calm smile, but I could sense the tension beneath.

“Anna,” Cindy said, reaching out her hand. I took it, keeping my grip steady and confident. I wasn’t going to be intimidated or unsettled.

“Thank you for helping out Sean and making Steph’s day wonderful,” she added.

“It’s no worries, Cindy. Steph means a lot to me,” Jinette replied.

“How are you and Brian?”

“We couldn’t be better,” Jinette answered smoothly.

“Where’s the baby?” Cindy asks.

“He’s taking a nap. He got tired from all the running around and screaming,” Jinette said.

I stood quietly, observing, keeping my hands busy with the party decorations. My mind replayed the weekend Sean and I had shared, the tender moments and the closeness we’d already built. I had no doubts about us—but seeing Cindy, seeing the history and family energy, stirred a natural unease. Not doubt in Sean, not doubt in myself, just… the emotional tug of the past meeting the present.

Steph, oblivious to the adult tension, tugged on my hand. “Mom! Mom! Look at me shoot my web!” He held Cindy’s hand as he ran off, breaking the awkwardness that hung in the air. I smiled, feeling a little relief. Cindy let the moment happen without claiming it—her respect for the space around us was evident.

Cutting the cake became a comedy of errors. Steph insisted I do it with him, pouting and frowning adorably. My heart swelled at the thought that this little boy, Sean’s son, already had a space for me in his life—even if he didn’t fully understand it yet.

I took a deep breath, letting Sean’s warmth settle my nerves as Cindy’s voice faded from memory. The tension from before still lingered, but I refused to let it shadow this day. Steph’s birthday was about him, not my insecurities.

“Come on,” Sean murmured, squeezing my hand. “Let’s make sure your little superhero here has the best day ever.”

I nodded, walking beside him back to the patio. Steph was already running around, his red-and-black Spider-Man costume slightly askew but perfect in every other way. He spotted us and waved excitedly, his grin lighting up the garden.