Second Chances (2nd book of Contest Winner)

Chapter Twenty-One

I asked Brenda to stay for supper but she said she has a date tonight. She wouldn't tell me who with though. She is one of those people who doesn't like to talk about who he is dating until she knows it's worth it and not a waist of her time.

Which I completely understand. You don't want to tell everyone you are seeing someone and a few days later you're not anymore. That's actually rather embarrassing if I do say so myself.

There was a knock on the door so Harry went to go give the pizza guy money. "Kids foods here! Come sit down!" I said

They obeyed and took their spots at the table. Then Harry walked in with two boxes of pizza. I got the plates out and the napkins.

"Does anyone want a fork?" I asked.

"Who eats pizza with a fork?" Harry chuckled.

"I do thank you." I smiled. "It isn't as messy."

"Of course you do." He smiled back. "Only Charlsie Smith would eat pizza with a fork."

"Hey don't judge. It is perfectly fine to eat with a fork." I said taking my seat at the table.

"Yea for mashed potatoes maybe, but not pizza." He laughed.

"I am different okay?"

"Well lucky for you I like different." He winked and I blushed slightly.

Everyone started eating then. Well everyone but me. I looked down at my food and Jules words from earlier kept replaying in my mind.

I picked at the slice with my fork but I just couldn't force myself to eat it. "Are you okay honey?" Harry asked rubbing my back. "Why are you not eating?"

"Oh yea umm I'm fine. I was just thinking is all." I replied. Then I very slowly picked up a piece and forced it in my mouth. It tasted weird.

Harry gave me this weird look but dropped the subject. I ate that whole piece and then he gave me another one. I looked at the slice and then finished it as well.

I felt as if I was going to be sick. I could have sworn I was sweating a ton but I think it was just all in my mind. But I felt extremely guilty, I know that much.

"Umm I will put the kids to bed tonight." I offered.

"No we want daddy to do it." Wiley whined.

"Daddy always sings to us." Darcy said.

"Okay then I will wash the dishes then I guess." I said softly.

"Now kids if your mother wants to put you to bed then she will." Harry said.

"No no no. It's okay. Someone has to clean the dishes right?" I said putting on a fake smile.

"Sweetheart I can do this dishes."

"Harry I'm fine. I promise." I replied.

"Is this about whatever Jules said to you earlier?" He asked.

"I said I'm fine Harry." I said in an irritated voice.

"Mommy what's wrong?" Wiley asked.

"Nothing sweetie. I'm fine. No go to bed. Mommy loves you." I gave both children a kiss on the top of the head. Then I picked up the dishes and carried them to the sink.

"Come on kids. Mommy needs some alone time." Harry said and then lead them off to their room.

I warmed the water up and poured soup in the sink. Then I started washing. Suddenly two arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I jumped slightly.