Devine

27

I sat with him and he looked up. "You look amazing." I sat Josh down. "Thank you. I love them."

"Where did you get them?"

"You sent them through mail. Didn't you?"

"No I didn't. I wouldn't mail them. Why would I do that when I see you everyday?"

"Oh." I take them off. "Who would get me these then?"

"I have a pretty good idea of who."

"Who?"

"Look behind you." I look behind and see Layla. "I don't know.. would she do this?"

"Yes she would. I told you she was in love with you."

"What do I do?"

"Confront her. I'll go order." He grabbed Joshua and went inside. I go to the table she was at. "Hi Layla."

"I thought you didn't want anything to do with me."

"I didn't say that.....I think you accidentally mailed these to my house with some shoes. I appreciate it but I can't take it."

"Why not?x

"It's weird for someone I have no relationship with to give me something."

"I miss you Devine. I know you're lonely. I won't be all weird and protective anymore.x

"I'll think about it but until then. No more gifts."

"Alright." I go back to the table. Those earrings were really cute. "I'll get you some."

"What?"

"You said that out loud. I'll get you some if you really want them."

"You don't have to."

"Okay. Here's your food."

"What time do you have to be back?"

"One thirty."

"Good."

"You wanna go somewhere else for a while?"

"Yeah. I'm so bored at home especially when my baby is sleeping."

"You thinking about getting a job soon?"

"I really should."

"I have a opening at my school. I have many actually.*

"Why?"

"Well, the district is cutting our funding cause it's such a small school so they think we don't need much."

"You can't defend yourself?"

"I've tried definitely. My school is definitely fucked- I mean it's doomed. I don't know what to do."

"I wish I could help."

"Actually, I plan on doing a little charity event. Well a big event cause we need the money. Maybe you could bake cookies or something."

"Okay I sure will. Do you need a counselor by any chance?"

"I need anything to be honest. I need to start looking for substitutes that can work for the rest of the year."

"You can't put your own money in it?"

"Only through the event."

"Mama."

"What you want sweetie?" I put him in my lap. He grabbed a fry. "You can have them I guess. I didn't want them anymore totally." Dallas laughed. "I barely remember my kids being babies. I miss it though. They were so different. I wanted them to grow up too cause of school and friends but it's totally different..."

"You'll be okay. They'll change and be the best kids ever."

"Like your kids. They're little and they're so respectful and clean. Healthy and sweet and tidy and just great."

"That's so sweet."

"I need to be a stricter dad."

"Yeah. My kids wouldn't be who they are without me being some kind of strict at some point. I'm not on them all the time but when it's about late homework or broken stuff then I'm strict but I would say I'm a pretty fun mom."

"You definitely are. So fun and sexy."

"Oh my God. My baby."

"But you can't lie that it's been fun the two times we've done it."

"Yeah."

"I can't wait to do it again."

"Was last night not enough?"

"Yeah in the moment and the morning. Plus we barely talked this morning."

"You were late. My kids were late."

"I know. But I like to cuddle in the morning while we're like naked and comfortable with each other."

"I really wish you would stop talking about this because I'll kidnap you and ride you until you die." He laughed. "I love that. You always say what's on your mind. You don't hesitate."

"Why would I do that? I needed to get it out cause you keep talking about sex." He looked at his watch. "You think he'll stay sleep?"

"I don't know. Can we go to your house though?"

"Yeah it's closer."

"Alright."
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He unlocked and opened the door. River looked back at us. "You supposed to be home?"

"Why are you here?"

"I live here. I pay bills and buy you food."

"So?"

"Get ready to go to school."

"I don't wanna go."

"I didn't ask. I told you River. Your fourteen. Now get ready for school!" I smile at him. He got up and went upstairs. "Mm. I liked that."

"Was I good?"

"Mh." I lay Josh down. "I'll get him a blanket."

"Okay." I kiss his forehead. My sweet little boy. God he's gonna grow up soon. "Here." He put it over him. "I'ma take him to school and I'll come back."

"Okay."

"Hurry up River." Skipping school at fourty, you should at least start at sixteen. He came down and looked at me. "Why is she here?"

"Why not?"

"I don't want her to move in."

"Don't worry I won't. Not yet." He looked at Dallas. I just smiled. "Let's go. I'm taking your phone the next time you decide to skip."

"You're supposed to be working."

"You're supposed to be learning. Come on."

"You're letting her change you dad. We were good."

"Bye River have a great day." They left. That little boy really doesn't like me. Oh well.