An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Kids Tell

LENA POV

"I think you should wear the black, pencil skirt and silk, light pink blouse, Aunt Lena. It looks so nice on you with the gold bracelets." Stefanie says to me as I slide on my heels and smile at her.

She really was a sweet girl, and I was well aware that ever since the family meeting, she and Frankie were at odds over how much Stef didn't or did discipline her. It wasn't an easy situation for Stef and I both were at a loss really on what to do with Stefanie considering she was 18, and legally we weren't her parents. But at the same time she was so much younger maturity-wise as it seemed her issues as well as what had gone on in her life seemed to just set her back on her decision making skills as well as how impulsive she was.

"Aww well thank you, baby. Sometimes I'm not always sure what looks good and what doesn't." I smile at her as I quickly change my blouse and I watch her make the bed.

"Well you look in everything, Aunt Lena. You really do. I hope one day I can be as successful and smart as you."

"You already are, honey. You don't think so, baby?" I take a seat on the bed now as she sits beside me playing with the ends of her long blue braids.

It was rather jarring looking for this child, but Stef and I were just letting her do what made her feel best in terms of her looks as I gently grab her hand, and she looks over at me.

"No, I think I'm messy and a disaster. I know Godmom thinks I'm stupid for lying, and she probably thinks my tattoo thing is a joke. I get it."

"She doesn't think that, honey. Not at all. Neither of us do. Again we just want you to be able to talk to us. It was very big of you to tell her about what happened with the school. I know that was hard for you, my love," I squeeze her hand tightly as she looks at me sadly.

"Yeah, and Frankie thinks I'm her PET. I'm not. She tears into me just as much as everyone else. Not even my parents tore into me that badly. I'm just trying to figure stuff out, Aunt Lena. That's all."

"I know you are, and 18 is a hard age, honey. Very. So it might take a few tries to figure things out. Even your style can change and evolve. By the time you are my age, you will be a completely different person which isn't a bad thing." I say as I brush back one of her braids.

"You hate my blue braids right?"

"No. I don't. They are very bold." I smile at her squeezing her hand.

"Do you want to see my tattoo?" She smiles widely as I laugh lightly.

"Sure?"

She stands to her feet now and lifts her tee as I try to hold back the horror I feel as I see what appears to be a deformed, fat dinosaur, and I'm super confused as I force a smile. "Wow. Nice!"

"Do you like it? It's a dragon! I love Japanese culture, and I designed it! Petey did it for me, but he let me design it!" She grins as I reach out and brush her cheek.

"It sounds like you have a nice friend," I smile as I grab my watch from my dresser. "Let's go eat, baby. I smell coffee."

"Do you guys want breakfast? I'm making pancakes." Callie says sticking her head in as I smile widely at her.

"We would love some, baby." I say as Callie leaves the doorway heading back into the kitchen as I squeeze Stefanie's hand, turning to look at her. "Godmom and I and everyone in here wants the best for you.  And like I told you, you can talk to us anytime. Lets continue this conversation later, okay?"

"Okay." She says as I squeeze her hand and we head into the kitchen where I see Corey setting the table which surprises me as he sees me and gently grabs my hand.