Unexpected you

Chapter 6

Evelyn! I say in surprise as I opened the front door. Aren't you working today? I asked as she pushes me to the side and makes her way in. She's terribly rude and as always very entitled, but I'm used to it. Yes, I was. She answered as she began to remove her sweater. You sounded so damn worried over the phone, that I simply had to rush over. Is everything okay? She questions as she makes her way around the living room, then stops at my bedroom door to poke her head inside. Where's my Sofie, Is she ok? Sofie is fine Evelyn, but she isn't here. Oh—ok. She says in disappointment. I know Evelyn well enough to understand that she isn't going to stop asking questions until she's informed of Sofie's whereabouts. So—where is she? And there you go! Just as I predicted. My mother picked her up about twenty minutes ago and she'll be spending the day with her. On a wednesday? She continues. Lord have mercy! She just got here and I'm already five seconds away from giving this lady a piece of my mind. And I really should remind her that she has no business asking me all of these questions, but I can't risk upsetting her. Especially now that I need her undivided attention and full cooperation.

Why didn't Shawn stay with her? She continued as she crossed her arms. C'mon Evelyn, Shawn has no patience for children, you know that. Besides... for Shawn, there's always something more important to do. I say with a shrug of the shoulders. Evelyn has no response for the comment I've just made about her son, and her look is that of frustration. But what can she say? She helped create the monster that is Shawn. Always spoiling him and never holding him accountable for any of his wrong doing. That guy has no regard for anyone but himself, and could care less about his responsibilities. This is the way she raised him. And he's very much set in his ways.

    Please Cheyenne..... I rushed over thinking that something happened to my little Sofie. What's going on? She sounds bothered now but I don't care. I'm bothered by all of this too. To top it off, something about the way she says "my little Sofie" triggers me and I snap. Don't you think I would have mentioned if something was going on with Sofie? I guess you would have. She replied. So what is it then, and why did you sound so panicked over the phone? I want to remain calm so not to upset her and have her full attention, but at this moment, I could fucking care less about how she feels. Also, I don't have time for her games. I already mentioned the point of this meeting when I had her on the phone earlier today. Yet here she is. Pretending she has no clue as to what's going on.

Shawn and Evelyn are literally cut with the same scissors. Both are selfish, hardheaded and extremely difficult to speak to. I knew this conversation with Evelyn wouldn't be easy, but I pushed through my talk with Shawn, so I know I can do this too. She is now standing at the doorway of the bathroom looking around... trying to find something to judge me about as always. I know her well enough to understand that that's exactly what she's doing. Can we sit? I ask as I close the door to the bathroom. She doesn't reply, but does make her way towards the dining room table. Shawn and I have been over for eight months now. I begin to say but she cuts me off. But I was under the impression that the both of you had worked out your differences. Isn't that the reason you continue to live together? We are not together, and your son being here is precisely the reason why I reached out.

Shawn refuses to leave. He claims to have no where to go, but I can't have him here anymore. I need your help with that, Evelyn. What do you expect me to do Cheyenne? My son doesn't exactly listen to anything I have to say, and he isn't going to move out when Sofie continues to live here. I'm sorry Cheyenne, but I can't get involved with this. It isn't my place. I need to remain as calm as I can but I can't, and my patience for this situation is wearing thin, and my blood pressure is rising. The lady who is ALWAYS in our business, and has even cut my daughters hair without my permission, is refusing to help? She's faking as if  she isn't one to interfere, when we both know that's complete bullshit!  It's clear to me what needs to be done and if she's going to play this game, then so can I.

    I understand where this is going, Evelyn. When things get ugly, and I know they will, don't say I never gave you an opportunity to help. Evelyn places her elbows on the table and brings her head down to rest on her right palm. I know she's run out of things to say, so I take the opportunity to continue. Your son has made some comments recently, and is once again reverting to his old ways. The other day, he grabbed me outside in a forceful manner, and told me that he was going to make my transition a difficult one. I will not put up with any of that abuse anymore. I will not jeopardize Sofie's, or my well being. I've come too far and I won't let him bring me back down.

So what do you want? What are you expecting  me to do, Cheyenne? I'm expecting you to realize the severity of this situation. I am expecting you to step in and help because it is the right thing to do. Consider what's happening here, Evelyn. Your son doesn't pay rent, and if his choice to be here had anything to do with Sofie, then he would take advantage of the time he has with her. But he doesn't! She goes days without seeing his face. He doesn't go to any of her Dr's appointments, and he's never even bathed or fed her. I do it all by myself! I stay up at night when she's sick and Im the one who buys everything that she needs. Evelyn has no response and just sits there in complete silence. Evelyn... you can't ignore or lie about the way things are. Please.... Let's come together and figure this out. For your granddaughter's sake. Because Sofie shouldn't be exposed to this toxic environment anymore and you know it's the truth. Shawn has to leave and you know that's best for her.

    I just don't understand why the both of you can't work things out. Relationships aren't easy Cheyenne, and lots of work is required on both parts. Are you kidding me Evelyn? Why in the hell would you believe that I would ever want to make this relationship work? And you sit here and act as if you know nothing about our past. As if you had no knowledge of your son's abuse. I'm not interested in having a relationship with someone like him. I have no intentions of working anything out with Shawn. I know I deserve better! Everyone deserves a second chance, Cheyenne. I agree. I reply nodding. But second chances are given to those worthy of it. To those who care enough to change. To those who want to be better. That's not Shawn, he's too selfish.

You let Shawn do whatever he wants, and most likely will continue to enable his behavior, but that's you, that wont be me. I tried Evelyn. I really tried to make things easier by letting him stay here. For the sake of a smooth transition. I prayed that he would eventually come to his senses and perhaps maybe change his ways. Not for us, because we're over, but for his daughter. But I realize now how stupid it was to trust him, to give him the benefit of the doubt. How are you planning on removing him from this apartment, Cheyenne? Evelyn asks. Now sounding stressed and worried. Will you involve the cops? She questions. Her son has many prior arrests under his belt, and I know that concerns her. So looking her directly in the eyes, I say. If I have to, I will.