NANNY FOR MENDES.

Fifty-one

𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗔'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩

I'm still in Shawn's arms. I've been for a while. It feels good. I feel better. I chuckle when I remember that he thought Adam was Julien. And that I was dating Julien.

"What's so funny?"

"The fact that you thought Adam was Julien. They're incomparable. Like at all. And that you thought I was dating Julien. Ewwww!" I laugh.

"You have to know that you are beautiful. So damn beautiful. Don't give a fuck about what he said."

"Thanks, Shawn."

"I mean it."

"I know. And I think I have an idea about why he said this. Or that he cheated on me in the first place."

He doesn't push to know why. And I'm not saying anything right now.

I pull back and sit straight. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Why have you never told me that you and sister are close. You never even mentioned her."

"The subject didn't come up."

"Really?"

"I didn't mean to hide it, I promise. I mean.... we fight, and when we're not I'm in my room after a long day of work and you're with Bear."

"You should've mentioned it at one point."

"I'm sorry. But I really didn't mean to."

"And she knows everything, doesn't she?"

"Yes."

I sigh. "I really don't care that you told her. But I just wanted you to tell me."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Shawn."

"In my defense, you never mentioned your cousin."

He's right. I never mentioned Julien.

"Fair enough."

"No more hiding. Even if we don't mean it. Okay?"

"Definitely."

"Good."

I sigh.

"Now you know why I don't want a relationship." I add.

"He's the reason why?"

"Not exactly. I just.... I don't want to het hurt again, Shawn."

He holds one of my hands in both of his. "I won't. I won't hurt you. I'll never do what he did. Especially that I know how it feels. Just give me a chance. Please, Sophia."

"Shawn. I don't want a relationship right now. I'm not ready for that kind of commitment."

"You're very insecure, Sophia."

"Says the guy who thought I don't want to be with him because he's a divorcé and has a son." I laugh.

"Fair enough." He quotes me from earlier.

"Bear is still sleeping?"

"Yes."

I nod and go to Bear's room.

It's almost noon. Bear doesn't sleep until noon.

I sit on the edge of his bed, put my hand on his face.
Oh my God. He's burning. I pat his forehead. It's very hot. He has a temperature. I quickly remove the duvet from over him.