Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 73: Affections

The next week Jamie went in for his round of treatment and the doctor was extremely impressed with his lab results, clearing him to return to the nursery in two days. In a couple months, Jamie would be starting primary school and it would be good for him to get back into a more structured routine.

As Vivian and Siobhan drove back home with Jamie, he actually asked for some ice cream. Although it wasn't the most healthy choice, Jamie rarely had an appetite anymore especially on chemo days, so Vivian pulled into the ice cream shop. She returned to the car with everyone's favorite and continued the route home. The drive was quiet as everyone enjoyed their cold treat.

"Momma, we got a lot of mail today!" His eyes widened seeing all the mail collected by the door. As he began to pick them up, a confused look covered his face. "Momma, why are their pictures of you and Bonnie in here?" He turned one picture over and began to read, "Such heavy sleepers..." Siobhan quickly took the pictures out of Jamie's hands and gathered the rest of the letters. "You're such a big helper Jamie, thank you."

Siobhan turns making eye contact with Vivian seeing the concern flash across her face quickly followed by an eye roll. Chris was trying his best to torment the couple, but they were determined not to let it get the best of them. Although, the fact that Chris seemed to be able to get in the house without anyone knowing was unnerving. Vivian had an alarm system being installed at the end of the week and they were hopeful this would end his break ins.

Jamie walked up to his room to change into his pajamas. He remembered how quickly his energy drained after the treatments while he was in the hospital. While he was changing upstairs, Siobhan and Vivian sat on the couch looking through the pictures Chris slipped through their letter slot. "He took these pictures on 'that' night" Vivian's eyebrows raised emphasizing 'that'. They could tell in the pictures both of them were naked under the covers.

There were short notes written on the back of most of the pictures adding even more evidence to their file they were compiling. Phrases like,

"Such heavy sleepers. Never even stirred— would be so easy to kill."

"I would have loved to have witnessed what happened before I got here."

"I'm going to enjoy cutting your fiancé. Nice ring by the way."

A feeling of violation coursed through them as they both felt nauseated thinking of the vulnerable and intimate position they were in these pictures. "Bon, I'm so sorry he has done this. It's so messed up!" Siobhan gathered all the pictures, unlocked the secret filing cabinet and stored them. "Sunshine, you have done nothing to apologize for— the only one doing this is Chris." She pulled Vivian from the couch and into a hug as their resolve to stay strong solidified even more.

The two women heard soft creaks as Jamie tiptoed down the steps. "Hey little man! What do you want to do? Play with your toys? Color? Watch a movie?" He looked up as he pulled his lips to one side with a, "hum..." A few seconds later he responded, "Will you and Bonnie color with me?" Smiles slowly spread across Vivian and Siobhan's face as their eyes softened. In a whisper tone, "Absolutely... let's get everything laid out on the coffee table." Siobhan grabbed the crayons as Jamie fetched the coloring books. He grinned as he picked one out for each person. "A Cars one for mommy, The Little Mermaid for Bonnie and The Good Dinosaur for me!"

The family of three colored for almost an hour as they had light hearted conversation sprinkled through the moments of concentration. Jamie's eyes started to get heavy as he let out yawns more frequently. "I'm really tired mommy. Can I go to bed?" Vivian and Siobhan looked at each other with a hint of heartache. "Come on, baby. Bonnie and I will read you a little story." His small hands gripped onto one of each woman's hands as they walked to his room together.

As they returned to the living room, they heard a knock at the door. Vivian flinged the door open with a smile greeting Autumn and Marjorie. One eyebrow raised as she was expecting Marjorie and Reece. Autumn smirked, "My husband and my brother said they needed a night together. Apparently Reece needed a good spanking—" Vivian laughed as her face contorted in utter confusion. "In other words, they are playing Just Dance... They just really need to think about what they say before they say it." Marjorie and Autumn both roll their eyes and sigh as they walk into the living room.

"They still haven't beat my score, huh?" Autumn folds her arms and in her soft tone, "No... thanks for that..." Siobhan giggles, bringing a smile to the others' faces. They were really proud of Siobhan's effort at building relationships with everyone and seeing her happy was a gift to them all.

Since this season of life had been so busy, they hadn't officially announced their engagement. Of course, Autumn had noticed the ring already, but didn't ask, not wanting to push Siobhan into sharing before she was ready. Vivian had already talked with Siobhan about telling each of the crew as they came to stay with them. Siobhan liked this idea because it wasn't as overwhelming as telling everyone at once. However, she was apprehensive about Marjorie expecting her reaction to be over the top.

Siobhan turned to Marjorie and Autumn, "There is something Viv and I need to share with you two. And Jamie is already asleep so you have to keep quiet." She paused as she watched the women's expressions. "Marjorie, I'm serious." Marjorie gasped, dropping her mouth open, "I won't be loud. Promise... Now what is it?"

An uncontainable smile erupted from Siobhan as she held her ring up in front of her, "I'm going to be Mrs. Serpent-Clark." A giddy laugh broke through as Marjorie jumped up and down. "Oh my... I'm soooo happy for you two!" She almost suffocated the couple as she hugged them so tightly. The biggest smile they had ever seen Autumn shine spread across her face, "Congratulations. You two deserve to be happy." She continued, "Siobhan, can I speak to you in the kitchen?" Vivian and Marjorie looked at them with a mix of shock and confusion.

They entered the kitchen and Autumn looked at Siobhan. The blonde noticed the glimmer in the brunette's eyes, "Siobhan, if you utter even a syllable about this you will regret it." Autumn hugged Siobhan, "I'm really glad you got away from my father and found someone you deserve. You have come so far and I'm very proud of you." Siobhan froze in Autumn's arms stunned that she was showing such affection. She processed the moment quickly as she wrapped her arms around Autumn. When they released their embrace, both women wiped the tears from their eyes and nodded as a silent agreement to pretend this never happened.

I'm blown away— Autumn doesn't do this— show emotion. I never knew she cared about me, but I do now. And it means more than I can put into words.