Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Ten•

•Suspicious Activity•

After school, Naomi came home, and Keenly eagerly led her into her room, ready to discuss their mom's intrusion into her privacy.

"Did you see my text?" Keenly asked.

"Yes!" Naomi exclaimed, frustration written on her face. "Why is she so obsessed with finding my journal?"

Keenly explained, "She thinks you're hiding something due to the late phone calls, staying out past curfew, and, she mentioned Ricky."

"Are you kidding me!?" Naomi exclaimed, "I stay out late for work one night, and she's already jumping to conclusions! There's absolutely nothing going on between me and Ricky."

Keenly replied, "You need to talk to her, Naomi. Right now, she's convinced something's up, especially with that journal. Maybe consider getting rid of it."

Naomi refused and said, "No way. My journal holds so many of my stories and experiences. Why can't Mom respect my privacy instead of prying into my business?"

Keeny answered, "The same reason you're not telling her anything. If you just opened up to her, maybe she wouldn't have to assume."

Naomi rolled her eyes, "Have you met our mother? She hears a few words and invents the entire story in her head. I can't open up to her."

"So, what's your plan?" Keenly asked.

"Have you told her anything?"

"No, Naomi."

Naomi sighed in relief, "Good. That gives me more reason to be cautious. She can stay suspicious, but when Dad comes home, I'm going to ask him to talk to Mom about respecting my privacy."

Naomi took a shower and waited for Eric to come home. When she heard the front door open, she rushed to him, saying, "Daddy, I need to talk to you about something!"

Eric replied, "Naomi, not now. I need to speak with your mother first."

He walked past Naomi without acknowledging her. At that moment, Naomi realized she couldn't even rely on her father for support. She felt isolated, with no one to turn to except Leroy, which shouldn't be the case. She figured her close relationship with her dad had changed.

Eric walked into the room and found Michelle lost in thought on the bed. Gently tapping her, she snapped back to reality, and he told her that he had something important to discuss.

Eric began, "Michelle, I've realized that we haven't been spending as much quality time together as we used to. I'm always caught up with church responsibilities, and you're busy with your business, not to mention taking care of our girls. But tomorrow night, I want you to get all dressed up because I'm taking you out. We haven't been on a proper date in I don't even remember how long, and I want to make it up to you, both emotionally and physically. I think we need to reignite the spark in our marriage, and that starts with spending more quality time together. So, will you go out with me tomorrow?"

Michelle's face lit up with a bright smile, and she got excited, "Baby, it's been so long since I've heard those words. Come here."

They shared a warm, loving kiss, and Michelle gazed into his eyes, saying, "I know I've been upset with you, but if you keep this up, I'm sure our marriage will feel brand new, even better than when we first got married. I love you, and I wouldn't have it any other way."