𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 | 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐳

𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲

 "Are you going to pout the rest of the day?"

 "I'm not pouting. I can't just lay in bed in peace?"

 "No." Cherry rolls her eyes. She rolls over, giving Sean her complete attention.

 "I'm fine. I just want to lay down for a while."

 "Because of Claire?"

 "No. Because I want to." He stares at her for a few moments before sighing.

 "Move, please." She does so, scooting until there's enough room for him. He lays down beside her, leaving only a bit of space between them. "What's wrong, chiqui? You know you can talk to me." A tired sigh escapes her lips.

 "Nothing. It doesn't really concern me anyhow."

 "You're mad because she snapped at you?"

 "I just-" she rubs her face roughly, trying to find the right words to say. After a few moments, she speaks again. "Why do you guys not talk about your ma? Like if she did something terrible, I get it. But for the longest time, I thought she died since you never talked about her." She turns her head to him, a conflicted look on his face. "You don't have to say if you don't want," she says quickly.

 "It's fine. I just need a second." She gives him all the time he needs. She places her hand on top of his, mindlessly rubbing her thumb against it. He takes in a deep breath. "She left after Daniel was born," he exhales. "We haven't heard from her since. Not me or my dad. I never knew why, but the way my dad was after it was..."

 "He was heartbroken, I'm guessing."

 "I don't feel like that describes it, honestly." He lets out a tired sigh, his mind obviously clouded with thoughts. "Since then, we've never talked about her. And Dad never brought us here. My guess is he didn't want to hear any apologies from Claire and Stephen." She pulls her hand away from his and places it against his face. His eyes close instantly, loving how warm her hand is.

 "I'm sorry. That sounds rough." He opens his eyes and stares at her momentarily, admiring her sincerity.

 "You've had it rough, too." She rolls her eyes at his words.

 "Not really."

 "What about what happened with your mom?" 

 "I already blocked it out," she waves him off.

 "And your dad?"

 "I haven't seen him since we left. Good riddance." Sean stares at her, and she has to look away after a few seconds. He gently grabs her chin, forcing her to look at him once more.

 "Cherry, I'm serious." She can feel her face flush from embarrassment. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before opening them.

 "I miss my mama. But I know if she were here now, she'd probably be a bit disappointed in me in how I've handled myself since she's died. That makes me feel better that she doesn't have to see it." Her voice is slow and soft, as if she is afraid someone other than Sean will hear. He places his hand on her cheek like she did for him. It's cool against her skin. "I miss my dad even though I know I shouldn't."

 "I miss my mom too sometimes. I hate her, but-" he lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding, "I miss when she was here."

 "Are we stupid for missing them?" Her eyes become glossy at her own words.

 "I don't think so." He pauses before asking, "Do you?" 

 A few beats of silence pass. "I guess not. They're our parents," she shrugs. She pulls her hand away from his face, leaving him wanting her warmth, before placing it on top of his hand. She embraces his touch for some time, and Sean finds it hard to breathe while she does so. "I like what we have, though. The three Stooges, you know?"