Piece Me Back Together

Chapter 5

Anabelle didn't ask any questions the next morning. She's more on the quiet side, which I'm thankful for.

As I layed in bed, I thought about Ben questioning me why I still wear the ring. Twisting it around my finger, I finally just took it off and set it on a small table beside the bed. I need to get over this already.

Anabelle and I spent the morning making pancakes and singing to Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing." It was adorable how she'd mumble parts she didn't know and yell out the parts she did.

"Mommy?"

I cut off singing the chorus and glanced at her curiously, "Yeah, baby?"

"Are we going to live here now? I don't like auntie Monica. She's mean to you."

Where does she come up with all of these questions?

"No," I slowly said, "We're just visiting grandma, remember? It's only for a little bit, we'll be back home before you know it."

I know she could see through my tight smile by the way she carefully regarded me. She truly is intelligent for her age.

"And don't say you don't like your aunt, sweetie. She's a good person, just like everyone else. Don't repeat that, alright?"

Her lips twisted up in distaste, "Alright."

I stared at her a while longer, wondering what she meant by that. Does she want to live here?

My thoughts drifted back to Leo. That's all I seem to think about while being in this house. It brings too many memories and I can't seem to shake them off.

Shaking my head as if to clear my thoughts, I continue making the pancakes. I guess the aroma drifted throughout the whole house because not even 5 minutes after, a drowsy looking Noah shuffles into the kitchen, sniffing.

"I smell food," he loudly announces, eyes still closed. Ploping himself on a kitchen stool, he rubs his eyes while continuously yawning.

I snort, "Good morning to you, too."

"Well you're just a ray of sunshine this morning!" another voice says. Ben walks in half dressed in flannel sweats and no shirt.

"Good morning, lovelies" he kisses both Annabelle and I on the forehead.

"Morning, unlce Ben," she throws her arms around him and he playfully spins her around above his head. Her giggles fill the room and Noah's face lights up at the sound. He suddenly pouts, "Where's my hug, Tinker Bell?"

She was handed to Noah and continued to laugh, "Silly, I'm not Tinker Bell!"

I shake my head at their antics and turn back to the stove. They really do seem to love her, although I know they're going to demand explanations soon. I'm guessing that with everything happening, they didn't want to say anything on it.

As soon as I had set the plate of piling pancakes on the dining table, each boy grabbed about 4.

"You guys act like you never eat!" I laughed. They just shrugged carelessly and continued to devour the food.

As soon as we had finished with breakfast, I got Anabelle and I ready for a day out. My princess deserves to be spoiled a bit.

My mom stopped me at the door before I left and took me aside.

"I need to tell you something. It's important," she murmured quietly.

"What is it?" I asked concerned. I didn't like the tone in her voice.