Young at Heart (Angelina Jolie)

Chapter Eight: Jealous

When I go downstairs, the kids are still there, which surprises me. That's not good and I know what's coming next.

"He's late." Vivi says, disappointed, I guess.

Looking in their eyes, I get to see they're all disappointed with their father. Brad used to be more concerned about his family.

"Of course he is." Shiloh complains and looks straight at me. "I wanna stay here with Larissa."

I smile because of what this represents, not only to me, but to them. They love their father and when we got divorced I didn't know if they would be able to heal from that traumatic situation, but they did. I see that now, when they are with Larissa and she makes them laugh all the time; she cares about them and they love her company. I would never be with someone who doesn't make my children as happy as me. However, they're clearly not happy now.

"Me too!" Vivi says and I know it's not because she's angry at her father, but because she really wants to stay with Larissa. "Can I wait for him in my room?" She asks me.

"Of course, love." I answer and it's impressive how they all felt like they should wait for Brad in their own rooms, for they ignore my presence and just leave. I think if I should ask them to stay, but I believe it's better to let them get a little calm before meeting their father.

And I think about what just happened between me and Larissa moments ago; how she took control of the whole situation and made think that we would take the next step. There's something I don't understand, though. If she hates waiting, why would she choose waiting more when she knew she had me?

This girl is certainly a mystery.

Then I hear the doorbell and know it's probably Brad, who is considerably late to pick up his children. Our children.

When I open the door, I get to see that face of him, looking at me as if he wasn't late as hell. I want to slap him just for making our children wait too long until they got sick of it, and even more for looking at me like that.

"Where are my kids?" He arrogantly asks.

Oh, Lord! This was supposed to be a very good day. I deserve having a good day!

"In their rooms, of course." I firmly say, like he cares. He never did. "You're late."

"Well, I'm here now, aren't I?" He comes in the house like I have invited him to come in.

I close the door after he does that. I try my best not to show my kids that my marriage has been a mistake from the real beginning, because I have them, and I also loved Brad even after the divorce. But I can't deny I hate it when he does things like those, when he gets late and disappoints our children; when he breaks their little hearts.

"They don't want to see you. Come another day." I say, watching while he drops himself on my couch like it's him.

This is not good!

He laughs and I don't understand. There are things he does that I can't understand. He looks around, as if searching for something. Maybe a particular someone.

He knows. Would he be spying on me?

"So, where's the new little brat of yours?"

I know exactly what he's talking about and it makes my blood boil. But I won't let him drive me nuts. No! This is going to be a great day, for I have Larissa with me, and nothing else matters.

I don't answer him. All I do is sitting on the other couch, crossing my legs and observing the man who used to be my husband basically supposing I have adopted the woman I'm in love with.