When It's Over

10

Giggles were heard throughout the house as Mya searched for the girls.

"Mya... Briana... where are you?"

Giggles filled the room but she couldn't see their little bodies.

She followed the sound of their giggles, taking careful footsteps not to alert them.

She saw two tiny bodies, Mya's finger pressed against her lips as a giggle escaped.

"Got ya!"

She yelled as both girls scrambled to their feet and began to run with Jewel running behind them.

The past four days away from home had been necessary. Jewel had not entirely forgotten her argument with Carlos or the fact that he'd left their home, but being at Jasmine's made her feel less lonely.

It also kept Mya occupied with her cousin which avoided questions concerning her father.

As far as Mya was concerned, they were spending a few days at Aunt Jasmine's.

This helped the questions of where was daddy and when was he coming home?

She caught both girls and began to tickle their tiny bodies as their incessant giggles filled the house.

It warmed her heart because this was what Jewel lived for, a break from the office and a break from her home in order to make her family happy.

She had not even spoken to Ryan since. Even though that didn't stop him from calling everyday, Jewel just wasn't ready.

To admit her marriage was falling apart. Her husband didn't trust her and the life she thought she'd have at thirty six, she didn't have.

Seeing Ryan, being around him, brought out her failures, what she could have had with him had her circumstances been different. But Jewel refused to think like that because then she wouldn't have had Jeston or Mya and she was grateful for her two bundles of joy.

"Okay girls, go wash up for dinner."

Jasmine announced behind the three as the two hopped to their feet and ran towards Briana's bedroom.

"How does taco Friday sound?"

Jewel nodded as she followed her sister into the kitchen.

"Jeston! Come help!"

She called her fifteen year old who had been the least bit excited about leaving home.

He lazily strolled into the kitchen, a frown on his lips as he placed his Nintendo DX on the counter.

"Come help me slice these tomatoes, wash your hands."

Jewel ordered as he washed up and stood beside her with the knife.

She knew he had the most questions about what was going on. Why they were at his aunt's house and not at theirs.

"Did you talk to dad about coming to my game tonight?"

His eyes found hers and Jewel nodded, she didn't call her husband but she did send him a text message.

"And? Is he coming?"

"I don't know baby. Dad's been busy at work."

Jewel lied, she had no idea where her husband was or if he even attended work.

"I'd go set the table in the dining room."

Jasmine excused herself.

Jeston stopped dicing the tomatoes as he turned to face her.