Janet
Idris and sat in the couch, nervous out of our minds. Well, I was. We had told my family, his parents, the mothers of his children, Wissam, but not the children and right now I didn't think I wanted to. Isan sat across from us almost staring into our souls and for some reason I was scared. "So what was it that you wanted to tell me dad?"
"Well, honey. You know Janet, right?"
"No dad, she's a complete stranger. Of course I know her."
"Don't get smart." She laughed. "So what's up?"
"Well, we decided that it was time that you knew that we are in a relationship. Janet and I are dating." Her smile faded.
"What?"
"We are in a relationship."
"You're joking, right?"
"No."
"For how long?"
"A year."
"Are you serious?! This whole time?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I love her." Isan was visibly upset. She sat with her arms folded.
"What do you think, Winston?" Idris's three year old son looked up from his toy.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay with dad dating Ms. Janet?" He made a face.
"Dating? What dating?"
"Dating is when two people like each other very much." He looked at Idris. "Like mama and her friend." He scrunched his face.
"Like kissing?" We nodded. "Ewww. But okay."
"You're okay with it?"
"Yeah. I like her." I smiled.
"Good." He turned back to Isan. "Isan?"
"Don't even look this way. You know I'm not cool with this."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not."
"Sweetie, if you just tell us...." I started.
"I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to my father and I'm not your sweetie." I sat back and felt my heart hurt. Isan and I have always gotten along but now she was treating me like a stranger on the street.
"Isan, that wasn't necessary. Janet has always treated you with kindness."
"Oh yeah. Lying to me about sleeping with my father is very kind." She picked up her purse and phone. "I'm out of here."
"Young lady, you will apologize to Janet for speaking to her that way." She turned back to him.
"Why? She's not my mother. She's just some woman." She left and it was silent. Idris came and sat next to me.
"Sanny mad?" asked Winston.
"Yea."
"Why?"
"I don't know." He looked over at me and grabbed my hand. "Are you okay?" I nodded.
"Yeah." My voice croaked out.
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I mean, we can't force her." I took my hand back and stood up. "I'm gonna go to the mall or something. Maybe get something to eat."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you too." I grabbed my purse, phone and keys to one of my cars before heading out. Outside, I saw Isan waiting with her arms folded. "Do you need a ride?"
