BEFORE DAWN

chapter ten

Dora

I watched Jaden play with chimamanda at the front yard, he was taking the week off from work. I was happy but deep down I knew I was robbing him of his happiness. Everything in this young man's life was falling apart because of me.
What was I saying?, Jaden and I share the same happiness. He was a loving husband and father to my children.
I mentally beat myself up for even thinking such. I sigh loudly and look at my bulging stomach, just four more months to go and everything will be perfect, I thought.
Jaden whispered something to chimamanda, she giggled and ran to me, dragging me with her.
'oh, no baby I can't play. I'm not strong enough .
'but you never play with me anymore mommy. I miss you. ' her face fell.
'I miss you too baby, but next time okay?'. I begged Jaden to help me out .
'come on princess. Let's give mommy time, don't you miss me too? ' he made a sad face, making chimamanda laugh.
'of course daddy, but I want mommy too, sorry. ' she giggled.

They kept playing again but this time Jaden kept watching me. I know right now I'm not the most happy or comfortable person but I was worried. More like scared, but who wouldn't be?
When that monster for an excuse of a man was bent on hunting me down. I knew I'd have to start going out on my own but I still needed time. Jaden won't be always there for me, I had to stand up for myself.
I sigh again, this was not easy for me or anyone in my family. I wish I had never met lawerent, I wish I could go back in time and erase him completely.
But even wishes like that don't come true, the deed has been done.

'come on Dora, you can't keep staying indoors. Live a little girl! ' Amanda half yelled at me through the phone. She was one of the little friends I had made here over the years, she was a mom too. I really liked her, so free and full of life.

I laugh, this was the third time she was literally begging me to go to the 'all mothers' end of term party.
The name was so horrible, I know. I mean who even picked that?
'okay, ' I sigh giving in. 'but you will take full responsibility for me. I hate late nights Amanda and you know it. '

'you are such a big baby, okay I will. So... You are coming? '
'I just said yes, didn't I? ' I laugh again.
'okay, be ready by 9pm tomorrow. Thank you sweetheart. ' she hung up.

I lay on the bed and sigh, Amanda was the pest of my life, one would think I was her mother. She was too sweet.
'so you are going? ' Jaden walked in from the bathroom with a towel on his waist, he looked so good I couldn't help but stare at him.
He cleared his throat and smiled, making me blush. I still don't get how he manages to make me go all pink in the face after all these years of being together.
'like what you see? ' he smiled.
I row my eyes at him. ' yes I'm going. I think I need to loosen up a little '.
'finally you get me. I'm glad Amanda is making you go. '
I sigh, 'I know, I'm just not comfortable with 'you know who' on the loose. ' I rub my stomach nonchalantly, a habit I was now fond of.

Jaden sat close to me and took my hand,
'you don't have to be scared of him. He won't come near you I promise. And I know you should go, it will help you get along with other moms. ' he laughed, shifting away before my hands could reach him.
He knew he so well, I really don't like making friends, I really would be surprised if all the moms at chimamanda's school do not already call me weird.
I throw a pillow at Jaden and stick out my tongue ,laughing.
This were the moments I loved in my relationship with him, he always knew how to make me smile and lighten up. I was thankful to God to have someone like him by my side.

So for that party, it can't be that bad right? I'll just stay close to Amanda if worse comes to worst. I was really looking forward to the night of tomorrow, maybe because I will be with Amanda or something else. I really don't know.