Night Before the Swing

The SECRET'S OUT!

CHAPTER 24

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Christian and Gwen were now a thing of the past but Nala knew telling her mama about Nancy's experience with him would embarrass and upset her so she kept it to herself. She did promise Nancy to keep the incident a secrete so she used that as a reason to never share the shameful account with anyone even though she felt like it was too heavy a burden to carry. She liked having Nancy over for the night after the almost three-some. She also felt a bit ashamed of her father so she mostly tried to create conversations that wouldn't lead to Christian's name. In the end, she and Nancy remained friends and that's what made the situation bearable. Instead of waiting for two weeks before going home, she waited for the Forests to return her daughter then travelled the two hours ten minutes to Reentha town. The place was starting to feel more and more like home and she couldn't even remember how Bronx-kay felt like. She felt her spirit rejoice every time she pulled inside her mother's house with Long. The almost four-year-old Tyler was now more in love with Narrel than his sister so Nala made peace with being second best to her baby brother and found pleasure in watching the two babies of the family bond. She and her mother were becoming closer and closer with every visit. They went out for coffee and brunch alone and enjoyed it so much; Nala organised a movie date with her mama soon after that. They watched a rom-com because they both don't like action or sci-fi movies and they both felt like that was a good choice. Gwen prolonged the experience by adding a manicure and pedicure treatment before heading home. As they approached their car, chatting and laughing, they were stopped by a strange voice which was once familiar to Gwen many years before. "If it isn't the new Mrs. Long" the voice said. Gwen turned around and came face-to-face with Sophia. She had not seen her since she separated from Long and disappeared with their daughter. Like a double blow, the adopted girl appeared around their car and stood close to her mother and just gazed at Gwen and Nala. Nala couldn't help but think of seeing Lizzy at the school's parking block after she had bought a car. The attitude the little girl had reminded her of Lizzy that day and she almost repeated what she now feels was a mistake but stopped herself from succumbing to the pressure of greeting first. Gwen wasn't as strong and gave a generic hello with a smile.

Sophia: So, how's life as the new me treating you? I head you moved into my home.

Gwen: You heard wrong dear, Long and I moved in with each other in a different house.

Sophia: And I suppose your definition of living with my husband makes you sleep better at night?

Gwen: I have nothing to be ashamed of Sophia. You left Long and he moved on just like I did when Christian stopped wanting me. Please don't try to be ugly especially in front of our children.

Sophia: I only see one child here. A child growing up without her father because a former friend jumped in while I was still figuring myself out.

Gwen: You should've told your husband you're leaving to go figure yourself out instead of leaving him thinking you hated him for not being fertile, which wasn't accurate as you may already have heard.

Sophia: Oh yes, I almost forgot to thank you for announcing to the world where the fertility issue was in my marriage. You must be proud.

Gwen: Not. I would like to continue talking but your daughter doesn't deserve to watch this Sophia, so please feel free to call Long and settle this matter with him.

Sophia: I might just do that. He is after all still legally my husband.

Gwen: Pity that legality doesn't give you the right to his heart too.

On their way home, Gwen felt terrible for the things she said to Sophia. Gwen didn't even hate Long's ex; she and Sophia were close once. Sophia's confrontation brought out a nasty side Gwen didn't know she had and she felt bad. "She asked for it mama, don't beat yourself up for this".