When It's Over

18

Carlos woke up to her side of the bed empty.

Mentally he cursed himself. How could he be so stupid? How could he mess this up so bad?

He climbed out of bed and walked downstairs. Hopefully his mother was right and she did come home but instead he found Liza in front of the stove and his two kids seated on the barstool filling their faces.

"Good morning. I fixed you a plate."

She pointed to the plate beside Jeston and Carlos took his seat. Currently he possessed no appetite and he didn't think it would return until his wife did.

"Is mummy still asleep?"

Mya questioned causing the three pairs of eyes to turn to him. He couldn't tell his baby girl her mother had spent the night with another man.

"Mummy wasn't feeling well last night and to avoid any of us catching what she has, she's staying at a friend's house."

He lied.

"But why couldn't she stay here? We have a lot of rooms."

Mya retorted as his mother stared at the stove and Jeston his plate. The two had really left this up to him.

"She didn't want you guys to see her sick and get worried."

"But why?"

Mya questioned further.

"Because that's her choice Mya."

Jeston spat as he got to his feet causing the eight year old to roll her eyes at her brother.

"I'm sure it's because of you!"

Mya fired at her brother's back causing him to turn on his heels.

"What did you just say?"

Carlos parted his lips to intervene but his mother shook her head as she mouthed to him.

"They need to go through this."

Carlos didn't think they did. His kids had never fought, even growing up. They had a brother sister relationship where Jeston was Mya's protector and Mya the damsel in distress.

"You stress mummy out. You've been doing it with your attitude and being mean to her. She wants to get away from you!"

Mya spat and it stung Carlos so he could only imagine how his elder son felt.

Jeston's fingers clenched into fists at his sides.

"Take it back!"

Mya shook her head as she popped the pineapple in her mouth.

"You're selfish and spoilt. Mummy does everything for you and you ask her for Summer. If you want Summer so much, you can have her. I'd take mummy any day."

Carlos did not remember this conversation between Jeston and Jewel. When had his son asked for Summer?

"I didn't mean it."

Jeston's voice shook and Carlos could see the hurt in his son's eyes as Mya hopped down to her feet.

"You're mean and you're a horrible son and big brother!"

Mya stormed up to her room as Jeston followed suit.

Carlos passed his hand over his face, he didn't know what to do in situations like this, it was always Jewel's strong point. Ensuring the kids were good.

"You can drop Jeston off at school and I'd take Mya."

Liza announced and Carlos stared at her in disbelief. His mom was not downplaying what was going on in his house.