Torn

Chapter 5

Kick. Slap. Punch.

"Daddy wakeeeeeeeeee up" My three year old said as she tried to get my attention. I groaned and moved her little body to the side

"Daddy" she said again, this time her voice filled with anger.

"hmm"? I responded with my eyes closed

"I'm three today" she yelped in excitement.

"You are? Who told you that"? I asked playfully

"Grammy did. She said I'm a big girl today" Kennedy said.

"And she's right" I said tickling her. I didn't realize how loud we were until Justine cleared her throat.

"Good Morning Jus" I said to her

"Morning" she smiled at me awkwardly.

"What"

"I see the way you are with her. I can tell she means the world to you. Marie would be proud" she beamed

"She's my everything" I said picking Kennedy up and throwing her over my shoulder.

"Grammy help me" she reached out

"Sorry munckin" Justine said as she walked out the room chuckling

"Daddy put me down" Kennedy said.

"Nope" I responded as I continued to carry her downstairs. Her tiny punches made me chuckle.

"You're not hurting me" I laughed as I put her down. She looked at me and frowned.

"Daddy look" Kennedy said as she ran into the kitchen. The kitchen was completely covered in Hello Kitty decorations. Justine and Larry really outdid themselves.

"Thank you" I whispered to Justine who was making breakfast. She smiled and picked up Kennedy and sat her on the island.

"You wanna help me make pancakes"? Justine asked Kennedy. Kennedy eyes lit up and she began shaking her head wildly. I was about to help but Kennedy shooed me away. I laughed her off and walked into the den where Larry was reading the morning paper.

"She's a handful" he chuckled

"She's too grown"

"Wait until she's a teenager. It gets worse" he laughed.

"Man I'm not looking forward to that. Boys. Sex. Periods" I frowned. Larry laughed hysterically at my expression

"You'll be fine son" he said as he patted me on the shoulder

"I don't know. I'm not sure I can do this alone"

"You don't have to. We're here. And who knows you might find a woman to help you" he joked playfully. I didn't

find anything funny and I sure as hell didn't appreciate his comment. Is he really suggesting that I find another woman to play mommy to my child?

"I didn't mean it like that Shawn. I love my daughter and my granddaughter but I don't expect you to stay single for the rest of your life" I was done with the conversation. Instead of having a heated argument or disagreement I just simply got up and left. I'm sure Larry didn't mean any harm but for now women are the farthest thing from my mind

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My stomach was in knots the entire way to Justine and Larry's house. I had spoken with them about a week ago and they were more than happy to hear from me. I apologized for not attending the funeral but they said they understood. They were giving their granddaughter a birthday party today and invited some of Marie's co-workers who had children to come. I wasn't going to go at first but Kelly persuaded me to go because she wanted to meet