L_O_V_E...

42

Once again Kenny noticed the same car drive slowly past his home after the children had left for school. The window today was slightly open but he could only see the forehead and from the little he saw, he knew he was watching them. A week had passed since they returned from their vacation. Nkuli was not yet back at work because of doctor's orders.

' Why are you standing out here?'

' Was watching the kids get on the bus babe.'

He said not wanting to cause her any unnecessary stress.

' The bus left like fifteen minutes ago.'

' Yeah. What are you doing out here?'

' Your baby mother called, told her to call again.'

She said handing him his cellphone and walking away. Jessica was still a sore subject between them and had not spoken about her since they got back. He wondered why she had call him since they talked almost every afternoon when he checked on his son. He had asked her not to call when he was with his family unless it was an emergency.

' What's wrong?'

' I thought we weren't going to talk about about Jessica?'

' How, when she is basically part of our lives?'

' She's not -'

' I don't know if your delusional or just plain ignorant. You have a child with this girl and deal with her everyday. You have a permanent bond with her. No matter what you say she is part of our lives.'

' Can we just not talk about her. '

' Not talking about her won't make her any less of an issue in our lives.'

' I just don't want to put you under any stress.'

' Don't you see that what you doing puts me under stress. The reality of our lives puts me under stress. I do not want to but knowing that you gave her something we were only supposed to share is just stressful.'

' I am sorry and I get it but you're the one who has my love. She just has part of me.'

' Not really.. I thought you give her enough money to keep her and your son until month end?'

' So you talked to her?!'

' No she babbled on before I could even say hello.'

Kenneth shook his head and walked into the bathroom to get ready for work. She sighed and headed back downstairs to take her supplements.

' Do you need me to bring you anything after work?'

' Nope.'

Kenneth sensed the attitude but did not say anything.

' Okay. I'll see you after work.'

He kissed her cheek after she did not respond to him and walked out feeling defeated. He did not like what was happening but he could not argue with her because he did not want to and he did not want to put her and the baby in harm's way.

' I tried calling you today to check on you guys but there was no answer.'

Kenneth said when she got into bed after taking a shower.

' I forgot my phone and realised it at the doctor's office.'

' Shit. I forgot you had another checkup today. I'm really sorry.'

' It's fine. I did not want to disturb your time with your son anyway.'

' What's that supposed to mean?'

Kenneth sighed when she did not reply back but pulled the covers and went to sleep.