Unexpected you

Chapter 5

That was one hell of a party last week. Elaina remarked as she swept the corners of the front porch. It truly was one hell of a party. I replied. Of course, I have no basis for comparison, but in all fairness... It really was a great party! I didn't expect for so many people to show up. I could have killed Jason that night. He knows we shouldn't have so many people in this apartment. Well—you gave Jason the green light to throw a party, without laying down any rules. What did you think would happen? This is true. He's a party animal and I should have known better. Elaina says as she continues to sweep. It's all good, E. We had a great time and no one broke anything. Also, none of our neighbors complained, so I'd say it was a pretty successful night.

As I sit here on the steps, running the hairbrush through Sofie's hair, thoughts of that night flood my mind. Good moments, bad moments, but especially the awkward ones. At first, I felt a bit lost and naturally, it took me a while to ease up. Thankfully and eventually, I found myself able to let loose, and I had the time of my life. It was nice...talking to almost everyone and dancing the night away without a care in the world. I used to love dancing when I was a little girl. My sister and I, along with our friends, would choreograph dance routines to Madonna songs and performed them at family events. It was so much fun and one of the very few things that Isabella and I did together. I miss it sometimes. Dancing that night, I felt like that little girl again. It was freeing and I was proud of myself for finally letting go and loosening up.

Have you decided if you're attending the party next month? Elaina asks. Breaking me away from my thoughts. What party? I hear Shawn ask as he walks out onto the porch. The asshole has been lingering around for the past two days and it's driving me insane. He's sipping on coffee, and watching me with piercing eyes. Oh how I hate that look! Elaina, being the protective friend that she is, drops the broom and comes to sit next to me. The one you're not invited to! Elaina snaps. Crossing her arms and rolling her eyes. I wasn't talking to you! Why don't you keep sweeping and mind your own fucking business! Shawn barks back. Elaina turns to look at me and I look down towards Sofie. Silently reminding her that my little girl is here and I don't want any drama or fighting in front of my baby. She nods and stands up, but she doesn't leave.

So.... you going to a party? Shawn asks me for a second time. I don't look his way, nor do I answer his question. Wow! The new you is really living it up huh? I hope you don't think you're leaving my daughter with a random baby sitter, while you go out to sow wild oats. Not that I need to tell you anything, but if I do go anywhere, you don't need to worry about where I leave Sofie. I'm a good mother and I know what I'm doing. I remind him. He silence's and I continue. Are you asking because you want to step in for once and give her your time? I mean would you like to stay with her while I go to the party? I ask as I look into his eyes. I don't ever want to be that girl again who was so afraid, that I couldn't hold up my head when speaking to him. Shawn smirks and takes a sip of his coffee. I go back to braiding Sofie's hair, but Shawn takes a seat right next to me and proceeds to ask more questions. I take a deep breath. Here we fucking go. So...what did you do last weekend, Cheyenne? Are you serious? I look up and ask. Don't ruin my day by thinking you can come out here asking me about how I've been spending my weekends. It isn't any of your business, Shawn.

As I tie the ends of Sophie's braids with pink ribbons, I silently pray that he leaves me alone. But instead, he reaches over and runs his hand up my thigh. A perverted grin and snaky eyes taking over his face. Hmmm...your hair looks different, Cheyenne. A lot of change in such a short time, huh? He says in a whispering voice. Oh lord... here we go. He's barely said a word to me in months, and now all of a sudden he wants to start asking me questions. I know Shawn, and either he heard something, or he wants to know something. What the heck do you want Shawn? I ask in anger. I DO NOT want him thinking he can approach me with random questions that frankly, aren't any of his business.