I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

XI.

Walking through the front door after handling another four hour shift at the bar, Shannon saw as her mother flowed about the kitchen effortlessly. 

As she watched her mother, she was taken back to the times in her childhood when the woman would carry around either her or Nicholas as she handled things around the house while being ever so patient. 

When Stevie turned around, she noticed her daughter and smiled.

Shannon shook herself from her thoughts and she looked at her mother in the eyes. 

"You're cooking..." she commented. 

"Well, like I said, dinner is a big deal to your dad, so I figured I'd make him something I know he'll enjoy and just get him to settle down. Your brothers went to the movies, so I'm glad to see you here... I can stop talking to myself," she retorted. 

The girl smirked as she got closer and settled her purse on the island and took a seat on one of the stools. 

"Does any of this have anything to do about... the other thing?" she wondered.

"No, but since the other thing is over and out of the way, I'm less stressed. My focus is back on my husband and my family as it should be. Especially since I'm practically done working."

She nodded.

"Your father noticed your attitude change last night and he was asking why we were suddenly friends again... I didn't really respond, but I have to know... Is that where all of your animosity was coming from? Were you that mad at me that you were, rightfully so, being mean? Because you are being awfully nice again..."

"I guess I was stressed out too. But I was more stressed about the consequences of my dad finding out. If I could find out, I knew he could..." she shrugged. 

She nodded, biting her bottom lip. 

"Not that I condone the behavior, because I mean, the man is my father and I didn't want him to be hurt, but just so we're clear, I wouldn't have told him."

"I appreciate it, doll, I really do. But I shouldn't have put you in a position to have to think of such things. Quite frankly, I shouldn't have been in the situation at all, because now it's over and we're not exactly on talking terms."

"Who was it?" the girl asked ever so curiously. "I know I said I didn't care to know and I still don't but this obviously upsets you... Were you close?"

"He is no one," she shook her head. "We were close for a time and now it's over..." she shrugged. "I don't want you to have to worry about it anymore. Realistically, your father is the man in my life and because of him, I have you and your brothers. I can't blame my sadness on Jeff being deployed, but it had a great deal to do with why it all started in the first place. It's no excuse, but I was sad."

"I know, mom. We were all worried..." she sighed. "Anyways, dinner smells good. I hope my dad likes it..." she got off the stool and picked up her bag. "I'm going on a date after dinner so don't wait up..."

"On a date with who? What happened to your boyfriend from abroad that came to see you and what about the other guy you were talking to?" she wondered. 

"European guy is more of a friend than a romance, but we did have a great time while he was here and since he isn't here, I was hanging out with another guy but he annoyed me too much so now I'm seeing a new guy. I met him the other day at work and later we went out. I really like him so far, we've had a great few days."

The older blonde grinned, happy the girl could at least share some aspects of her life with her because normally she was a closed book. 

"What European guy doesn't know doesn't hurt him..."