Scenes From a Soap Opera

The Musings of Sharon Rosales

Sharon turned off her television in anger. Another day had been added to the Chelsea Lawson watch count on the local news. "How has this bitch not been found?" She vented to Nicholas, who happened to be over when the news came on. 

"She always was good at covering her tracks. Even Dad couldn't find her when he was trying to trigger Adam's memory." Nick defended, then grimaced when he saw the death glare Sharon was giving him. "But she absolutely should be behind bars forever for what she did." He attempted to finish strongly. 

Sharon rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stay mad at Nick. He hadn't said anything that she hadn't already said to herself. "You're right and I hate it. That useless bitch should've run out of her nine lives by now." She got up and started pacing her living room. "Rey, Chloe, and Kevin can't truly rest in peace until she's paid. We can't fully move on until she's paid. It's about time Chelsea pays for something she did." 

Nick got up from the couch and grabbed her. "Stop stressing yourself out. Chelsea's not worth it. And Rey wouldn't want you to either." 

Sharon tensed at Nick's unexpected mention of Rey. "He also probably wouldn't want me kissing my ex-husband two months after this death." She looked away from Nick, who flinched at the reminder. The guilt from that slip had never been far from either of their minds. 

"Sharon you can't beat yourself up about that. You've been going through a lot lately. It's been an emotional few months and we were feeling very nostalgic. We got caught up in the moment and we kissed. It's not going to happen again. So please stop punishing yourself." Nick comforted Sharon. And he wasn't just saying something to say it, he meant every word of it. He was determined to be better for Sharon this time. He'd put her through enough. 

"When did you get so wise?" Sharon teased, feeling some tension and anxiety leave her body. 

Nick chuckled, "It was bound to happen sometime." He smiled that smile that had stolen Sharon's heart way back in high school. Feeling that nostalgic feeling come over her again, she forced herself to sit on the couch, away from Nick. If Nick was offended by this sudden movement, he didn't show it. He too felt that feeling creep up on him and was thankful that she took that step back. 

"So um, when is Faith coming home?" He asked to change the subject. 

"Not sure, really. I just told her to be home by midnight." Sharon answered. "She offered to stay home, but I told her to go. I love my kids, but they can't keep putting their lives on hold for me. That's not their job and we all need to start moving on. Rey is gone." She swallowed the sob that threatened to come up. "Rey is gone and he's not coming back. We... me... can't stay in this holding pattern." 

Nick stared at her in awe. Once again, Sharon was being strong for everyone, she always put herself last. "You're incredible you know that right?" 

Sharon scoffed. "Hardly."

"No I mean it. You're still grieving and you're thinking of everyone but yourself. It's okay to lean on people Sharon. You're not a burden. We all want to help you, the way you always help us." The way I should've been there for you all those years ago. Nick thought finished his thoughts in his head. The shame of that affair still lived large. 

"Nick, you don't..."

"Yes, I do. So stop arguing you won't win." 

Sharon threw up her hands in defeat. The former couple shared another look before bursting out into laughter. It was a much needed laugh, especially for Sharon. They fell back into a comfortable silence. Neither of them willing to comment on that nostalgic feeling of love that kept creeping up on them.