forgetting me

37

New York City
October 5th, 2002

Lainie buzzed with excitement, bouncing around the apartment with a wide grin plastered on her face. William felt quite the opposite, but he wasn't about to show Lainie that.

He wished John could have been home to host Lainie's play date with a set of twin girls she had grown close to, but his father had more pressing matters to attend to.

Lainie ran up to William, holding out a plate of crackers.

"Will," she pouted, holding out the i. "Did you get the cheese?"

William chuckled and took the plate from her hands. "Yes, Lai. And I got some cookies, too." He opened the refrigerator to retrieve Lainie's requested cheese. "What were your friends' names again?"

"Emily and Molly. Their brother might come, too. I don't remember what his name is, because I didn't really meet him."

"You've been to their apartment, Lainie," William pointed out.

Lainie shrugged. "He was with his mom and Jay the whole time. And before you ask, her name is. . ." Lainie put a finger to her lip and rubbed her chin with her thumb at the same time.

"Do you not remember?"

Lainie shook her head. "Nope!"

William sighed. John had met the family when Lainie had gone over to their place, but all John had told William about any of them was that they were nice. He'd also nudged him gently and smiled at him.

A knock sounded at the door. Lainie squealed.

"Daddy! They're here!"

She ran to open it. William took a deep breath and followed her. He arrived at the door just as Lainie had pulled it open and was hugging her friends.

William's mouth dropped open slightly at the mom standing there with her children, but he hastily closed it again. He couldn't help but notice that the woman opposite him was gaping too.

"Amanda?"

-

A/N
Yes I am aware it's been a year or so. I kind of fell off of Wattpad after the last part of this book was updated, and since returning I've been uncertain as to whether or not I wanted to continue this book, afraid of messing up portrayals of the many, many heavy and controversial subject matters covered in this book. But William and Lainie and John and Amanda all have very dear places in my heart, so I will be continuing the book. This chapter is longer than a normal one will be. I'll try and update every Saturday and every Wednesday. Hopefully I'll see you on Saturday, have a good rest of your week!