The Sweetest Devotion (The Affair Series Book 2)

Why Won't You Help?

LENA POV

"You should stay Lena. I mean I know you still have a good part of the summer left but why don't you just stay? I mean for good." Jenna said as we sat outside on the broadwalk sipping on iced lattes enjoying the summer sun. The time away for Sacramento and Stef had been good for me as I grew more and more conflicted about what I wanted to do for not only was Jenna pressuring for me to stay but so was my mother.

"I can't. I've been moving around so much and pretty much depleted my funds from the last move. I can't afford to move again Jenna." I lied partly.

"So don't worry about that. I have money and people change jobs all the time. I mean apply for something else maybe. You don't have to be a Vice Principal or Principal. You don't really want to go back to Sacramento do you? I mean what do you have there?"

Letting out a sigh I took another sip of my drink as it had been weeks since I heard from Stef. Weeks and I had texted her and left her messages more then a handful of times. Sure we weren't together right now at this moment but it was hard for me to understand why she just disappeared when this break or whatever we called it was somewhat mutual. At least I thought. But the more time that went on the more I realized how poor her communication was when she was upset. It was downright terrible and I had no idea how she was even doing or if she was even ok. The only thing I did know was that she was visiting Frankie at the diner for the young girl had mentioned her more then once and said Stef and her were hanging out. That part I was happy about and somewhat surprised for she seemed dead set against wanting to know Frankie. But I knew Stef loved her children, and if I knew anything it was that and I knew she couldn't just sit with that information that I had given her about Frankie and do nothing. Even if she refused to talk to me or was avoiding me I was aware she wasn't avoiding any of her kids.

"Has she even called or texted you back?"

"No. She's angry and hurt."

"Lena, why do you always make excuses for her? Is the sex that good?"

"Because it's the truth. She is. I promised I wouldn't leave and I did. I promised I wouldn't let her and I did."

"You did for your sanity. You have to remember that. I'm sorry. So tell me how has it been the last few weeks and be honest. Aren't you less stressed?"

"I am yes. I feel significantly better." I admitted feeling bad at admitting that.

"Then what's the issue. Come back."

"Jenna it's not that easy. I still have feelings for her. Strong ones."

"Well of course you do honey. But she is not the only fish in the sea.  I'm sure you can find one with alot less baggage and who won't take their anger out on you. Or their issues like she does. I'm telling you who know's how bad her anger could get with you. She may end up smacking you around."

"Jenna she would never do."

"Oh honey I've seen it.  Mix that with alcohol which she seems to like to drink based on that message she left you and your a punching bag." She said as I shook my head at her craziness. Yes Stef's anger was terrible but I never in a million years would expect her to become physical with me. She just wasn't like that. "Does she even apologize?"

"Let's talk about something else ok? Please?"

"Ok. I'm sorry I didn't mean to step on your toes. You just deserve to be happy and she does not make you happy. I'm sorry that woman is as toxic as they come and I'd love to give her a peace of my mind."

"Ok stop! You are not talking to her. Ever. This is my battle, my relationship. So please talk about something else. Please Jenna."

"Alright I'm sorry.  How about we go to that movie later? Take your mind off things."

"Yeah maybe." I said hearing my phone go off thinking maybe it was Stef when I saw Frankie's name come up for it was typical for her to call me at times just to say hi.

"Lena?"

"Hey honey how are you? Everything ok?"

"I'm good. How is San Diego?"

"It's nice sweetheart. Enjoying the sunshine at the beach actually."

"Oh that sounds so nice! Nicer than being stuck at work."

"Well when do you get off maybe you can go to the beach after?"

"Ahh maybe. But um do you have a minute. I was wondering if we could chat for a second if you are not busy?"

"Of course sweetheart. What's going on." I asked now sitting up a bit on the bench as Jenna walked off to refill our lattes.

"Well um remember when I asked for your help with looking for my birth mother?" She asked as I had a feeling she might bring it up again for I had been stalling big time.

"Yes sweetheart and I'm sorry that I have not been there to help. I just..

"Are you her?"

"What?" I asked surprised.

"Is that the reason you don't want to help me. Is it because you are her? Are you my birth mother Lena? I mean is that why Stef always gives me large tips. Are you telling her too? And is that why she always wants to hang out with me and drive me to work and stuff?"

If Frankie wasn't her mother's daughter I wasn't sure who was because she was a straight shooter just like her and I had no damm idea what in the hell to tell her now. No clue whatsoever.

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Well Lena is in a predicament. Poor Frankie thinks she is her mother.