I got up, took a shower and had a cup of coffee before getting ready to go to Sondra's house. Staying in a house with kids is so different from what I'm accustomed to, but I'm finally beginning to adjust. However, the crying of an unhappy infant early in the morning is definitely something I will not miss when I return home. I'm used to being alone and here in this house, you're never alone.
Loud screams could be heard all the way upstairs, and this time it wasn't Chase. I guess the girls are arguing. I have no idea how Sara does it with three kids, but a sudden burst of jealousy came over me. All I've ever wanted was to be a mother and the reality of missing out on all this stuff with Lola hurts. And to make matters worse, I don't even know where my relationship with Jared stands. I pushed the depressing thoughts away and decided to focus on making the weekend the best it can possibly be.
I sat at the foot of the bed and pulled the towel from my damp hair. Picking up the brush, I started to run it through my hair when Savannah entered my bedroom. She climbed onto the bed and slipped under the blankets. Her little head peeked out and she watched me closely. "What are you doing?" she whispered, obviously hiding from someone.
"I'm getting ready for work. Why are you under there?" I whispered right back.
"Hiding. I'm in big trouble."
Raising my brows, I stared over at her. "What did you do?" She smiled and happily admitted to pulling Hannah's hair. "That wasn't very nice." She only shrugged in response.
There was a loud knock and then the door swung open. Sara stood in the doorway with Chase in one hand and a pretty pink dress in the other. She kept her mouth shut, but I knew she was looking for Savannah. I nodded towards the small bump under the covers and tried to stop myself from cracking up. Sara shook her head and spoke loudly, letting her daughter know that she meant business. "Savannah! What did I tell you about pulling hair? You better go downstairs right now and tell Hannah that you're sorry. And if you know what's good for you, you will get dressed like I asked. Daddy's taking you guys to grandma Elaine's to drop Chase off after he finishes his breakfast." There was still no answer from beneath the sheets and Sara huffed. "So, what you're telling me is you don't want to go see your movie tonight? If daddy doesn't get Chase over there soon, we will be staying home."
"No!!!!" Savannah cried, flinging the blue sheets off of her little body. She slid down onto the floor, still protesting. Savannah raced over to Sara and took the clothing from her hand before bolting out of the bedroom at full speed.
"No running by the stairs," her mother called out and then turned her attention to me. "She's making me crazy today."
"She is certainly challenging your patience. I hope you guys have fun this evening. I have to get dressed. I'm leaving too."
"Mr. Wonderful picking you up?" The sarcasm rolling off of her tongue made me immediately want to defend Shannon, but deep down I knew that no matter what I said, she would always be against him. Things have gotten better between them, but he will always be guilty in her eyes.
"No, I'm leaving my car at his place. This is just for the weekend."
"Remember what I said last night," she said, marching towards the door. "Stay out of Shannon's bed, Carrie."
"I heard you, Sara," I hissed. I didn't mean to come across quite so bitchy but when she doesn't like someone she doesn't quit. Or.. or maybe I'm extra sensitive because I know she's right and I fucking hate to admit it. God help me I'm still in love with him.
Her expression softened and she lowered her voice. "Honestly, I just hope you have a good trip. I'm not your mother and I won't say anymore about Shannon."
