It Had To Be You!

Part 9

Mon: good night, sweetheart. Auntie Mon will see you tomorrow morning.

Mon caressed Zoe's head while she watched her eyes close slowly.

After their swimming classes, Mon took the little girl out for ice cream and walked around the park. When they got home, the little girl enjoyed a relaxing bubble bath. Mon then prepared a healthy dinner, and by the time the little girl finished eating, she showed signs of tiredness. It was a busy evening!

After bath time, she puts her in her pajamas and waits beside her crib till she falls asleep. She fell asleep within seconds, and Mon walked out her door.

Mon was exhausted, too, but she was happy that Zoe seemed to enjoy herself.

She just wished Sam was there, but there would be plenty more opportunities, and Sam was trying her very best. Mon could see that.

She had sent a message to Mon informing her that she would be arriving home later than expected and wouldn't be able to join them for dinner. As a result, Mon decided not to wait for her.

When Mon noticed Zoe was fast asleep, she slowly exited the room.

Mon headed down the stairs toward the kitchen to grab herself some drink before going to bed. Once in the kitchen, she heard the door being open, and then a few seconds later, Sam appeared at the kitchen door.

She looked tired, Mon noticed.

Sam: Hey, you're still up.

Sam gave Mon a weak smile while sitting on the kitchen counter stool.

Mon: Yes, I just put Zoe down for the night. I wanted to drink something before heading to bed. How is everything at work?

Sam watched as Mon carefully poured some water into the cup.

Sam: better now. Thanks for asking. How was the swimming lesson? Sorry for not being able to go with you two. I will make it up!

Mon nodded and passed down a cup of water to Sam.

Sam: Thanks for this!

Mon: No worries, you look tired. Do you want me to warm up some food, or did you have dinner already?

Sam: I had dinner with my friend already. No worries!

Mon felt a weird mix of emotions when she heard Sam had already eaten with someone else, but she couldn't quite understand why.

Was it one of her friends or "friends" - Sam would usually refer to her one-night stand as "friend" -

Mon: Oh. Okay.

Mon's facial expression changed, and Sma noticed, and for some reason, she felt the need to clarify herself to Mon. Which has never happened before!

Sam: by a friend, I meant my friend Cane; he's actually a guy. I was catching up and getting some parenting advice from him because he knows a lot about it. His wife's name is Jane, and they have a one-year-old who is the same age as Zoe, actually. Cane even suggested that we have a play date. I think it's a great idea. What do you think?

Mon was taken aback when Sam revealed the identity of the person she was hanging out with.

However, despite her initial surprise, Mon couldn't help but feel overjoyed to learn that Sam had gone out with one of her "friends." But why, though - Sam has always been out and about, and it never bothered Mon. Why is she feeling this way now?

What has changed?

Mon: erm... That sounds good. It will be good to expose Zoe to more social gatherings with kids her age. Have you known this family for an extended period?