Unfaithfully

Baby You Were My Picket Fence

Don't panic; no not yet. I know I'm the one you want to forget.

It was November again. It had been a little over a year since Elisa made peace with Lacie and Patrick. She had been trying to get Lacie to call Patrick. They may have made mistakes and wronged her, but she no longer harbored resentment against them. She and Lacie had even become friends. Elisa and Patrick's divorce had finally been finalized. Declan was 5 now. He didn't fully understand what was going on, but he knew that both mommy and daddy loved him very much. They made sure to keep any fighting that may have happened away from Declan's ears and eyes. Not that they really fought anyway.

It was Patrick's week to have Declan and so Elisa was getting him ready to go with daddy. She didn't have to pack clothes for him however. Patrick had taken Declan to the mall a while back to get some clothes and to decorate his room.

The doorbell rang and Declan shot into the living room and opened the door. Elisa scurried behind.

"He got away from you didn't he?" Patrick chuckled.

"Yeah he did. He's a fast little guy."

"He definitely didn't get that from me."

They laughed for a moment at Patrick's joke. Elisa called to Declan, "Get your shoes on baby."

"Already did it mommy!"

"Awesome. Give me a kiss and hug. Have fun with your daddy. I'll see you Saturday."

Patrick looked at Elisa confused, "I thought I had him until Sunday Elisa."

"Oh damn. I forgot to tell you. He's got some friends having a birthday party and he was invited."

"Oh. Well why don't I take him to the party?"

"Patrick, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because you weren't invited, and that would be rude."

"Ok fine. Declan, you ready to go buddy?"

"Let's go daddy!"

"Bye Elisa. I'll bring him back Saturday. What time does he need to be back?"

"Well the party is at noon, so anytime before 11:30 would be great."

"Ok. I'll see ya." Patrick leaned forward and gave Elisa a hug, then turned and led Declan down the drive.

Elisa went back inside and texted Lacie.

Elisa: Oh God Lacie. I almost messed up.

Lacie: What happened?

Elisa: I forgot to tell Patrick about the kids' party and he tried to have me let him take Declan himself.

Lacie: Dammit! Now he's gonna be suspicious all week long!

Elisa: I know, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad for him to come too.

Lacie: Elisa! I can't let him see me.

Elisa: Yes you can Lacie. For God's sake! Stop hiding from him. He's still single you know.

Lacie: Is he really?

Elisa: Would I lie to you?

Lacie: No.

Elisa: So just let him bring Declan.

Lacie: No Elisa.

Elisa: Fine, but don't say I didn't try.

Patrick had just gotten himself and Declan back to his building. Andy was by his door waiting on him it seemed.

"Hey Andy. What are you doing here?"