My Heaven And My Hell

The Unexpected 10/5/2000

Jenny's POV

I'm so excited I got a letter from the publisher they are going to publish my novel. I didn't think it would happen so soon. I can't keep still so I decided to take my kids to the park to celebrate. I push Lizzy on the swing, while Charlie climbs on the monkey bars. We haven't been there for long when Nikki shows with his kids and his pregnant wife. Charlie and Lizzy run to greet them excitedly. Well shit I think. I hang back not sure how to handle this. Nikki smiles at my kids.
"We all met at the beach a couple weeks ago This is Jenny and her children Charlie, Lizzy, and Mary." He introduces us.
"Oh nice to meet you." She smiles as she sits on a bench to watch the kids. I sit next to her. Nikki sits on the other side of her. I watch as he tries to take her hand and she rejects his attempt. "Where's your husband?" She asks catching me off guard with her forwardness.
"I'm a widow. He has been gone awhile now." I don't say how long ago sometimes it's just hard to explain Mary. "I still miss him."
"I'm sorry. It must be hard being alone with three kids." She seems sincere and relieved at my explanation.
"She's a beautiful baby." She comments.
"Thank you." I smile. Nikki puts his arm around Donna and leans over to touch Mary's hand she smiles and reaches out her hand to him. Donna's eyes narrow at the baby's familiarity with him.
"I can't wait for our baby girl to get here." He smiles seemingly obvious to his wife's reaction. The kids come running back and practicality tackle Nikki with hugs. Lizzy stands with her thumb in her mouth looking at Nikki.
"Can I has hug too?"
"Of course you can." He holds out his arms to her. She runs up and gives him a big hug. As quickly as they come they race back to play, except Charlie.
"We're celebrating." He grins big.
"What are you celebrating? Nikki grins back.
"How do you know Nikki so well? Donna interrupts the conversation.
"He comes to visit us." He glances back to Nikki. "Momma's book got published." He announces proudly and takes off to play. Oh god I think if looks could kill I'd be dead. I breathe in out and keep my calm. Nikki turns to me À smiling ignoring her for the moment.
"Awesome girl."
"It came with an advance, so I'm gonna be looking for a house." I say trying not to act guilty. Lizzy hollers from the swing she wants to be pushed.
"Momma duty. Please excuse me." I'm glad for the chance of escape.

Nikki's POV

"What the hell Nikki?" Donna gives me an accusing look. "Are you fucking her?
"What?" trying to play innocent. "No." I deny it.
"Than why are you trying to play daddy to her kids? You barely have time for your own." Well that stings and it pisses me off.
"Don't you mean I don't have enough time for you." I toss back crossing my arms across my chest and console myself by watching the kids. I woke up this morning thinking I have to make my marriage work. Then there are moments like this and I wonder why. The answer always comes to the baby she is carrying. I need to leave Jenny alone. I'd already decided that, even if the thought makes me crazy.
"I don't want you to see her again." Donna states matter of factly. "People might get the wrong idea. I sigh I decide not to argue with her here. But I'm sure she means so I don't get any ideas. It's just about killing me to keep my mouth shut. I want to let her know she doesn't dictate my life so bad.

Jenny's POV

I glance at Nikki and Donna and it looks like they are having a heated discussion. I'm sorry us being here has caused him grief for a moment I think about leaving. No way my children shouldn't have to suffer because of grown-up bull shit. I continue to push my daughter in the swing till she decides she wants to climb. She runs off to the monkey bars leaving me standing awkwardly.
"Hey Jenny." Nikki signals for me to join them. His wife looks pissed. Lord Nikki you like to play with fire.