Voice in the Thunder

3

"We're going shopping," Lori announces, entering my room unannounced. I'm beginning to regret giving her a key. Sharon bounces in beside her, Jessica and Stevie trailing in.

"I'm tired," I whine, burping Layla.

"Too bad," Lori smiles. "Come on, Alina. It's been three days and we haven't seen you at all."

"Yeah, Lori. I have a baby that takes up a lot of my time," I answer, rolling my eyes.

"Please, Alina?" Sharon asks, lingering by the stroller in the middle of the room. "Layla wants to go out, she told me."

"Mhmm," I hum, trying to fight the smile on my lips.

"Pleaseeeee," Lori groans, pouting.

"Jesus, fine!" I sigh, handing the baby to her as I rummage through my suitcase. I head to the bathroom to change, leggings and a plain t-shirt the only thing I'm comfortable in.

All the girls are cooing over the baby, who's now in Sharon's arms. I get the diaper bag ready and stick it in the space beneath the stroller, letting Sharon buckle her in. I grab my purse and follow Lori out the door.

Stevie stands as far away from me as possible in the elevator, which is honestly fine by me. Being even this close to her is not my idea of a good time. She'll want to talk, at some point, probably soon, and I don't think I'm ready for that. I'm still angry with her, which I think is justified, but Isla does not.

"Shit. How are we all gonna fit with the car seat?" I ask.

"The SUV has three rows," Karen says. I jump, looking at her. Where the hell did she come from?

We make it out the back entrance to the hotel and I struggle to buckle the car seat in while Lori, Jessica and Sharon climb into the back row. I sit in the middle seat, handing Layla one of her soft toys to keep her occupied. Karen climbs into the passengers seat, leaving Stevie to sit next to me. I close my eyes and stifle my heavy sigh, waiting for the driver to start the car.

"Hi," She says softly.

"Hi."

"I need to talk to you."

"About what, Stevie? There is no way for you to explain that."

"I don't... Please?"

"Maybe," I sigh, side eyeing her. She nods, turning to look out the window.

We make it to the shopping center that was, apparently, previously agreed upon. I get Layla settled in the stroller, covering her with her swaddle before following behind Lori and Sharon. Stevie hangs back with Jessica. We decide on a place for lunch before we shop, and we're lead to a hidden booth in the back corner of the restaurant.

I get the baby sling out and tuck Layla into it, stroking her soft tufts of hair while I browse the menu. Stevie is sitting directly across from me, and I can feel her eyes on me.

"If she doesn't stop," I warn, my voice low and directed at Sharon. Sharon kicks Stevie under the table.

"Ow!" Stevie hisses, kicking her back. The silverware on the table clatters as it's moved with the force of her kick, and I shoot her a look. I have to purse my lips to keep from smiling.

"Bitch," Sharon says, glaring at her. I laugh, rolling my eyes. I missed this.

Lori pushes the stroller while we meander around the shops, Layla awake and alert against my chest. Her legs dangle out, and she kicks every so often when something catches her attention. I keep my hand on her back, smiling at the noises she makes.