NANNY FOR MENDES.

Seventy

𝓞𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓴 𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻

I've been living with Shawn for a week now. And let me tell you, it is great. It's only been four weeks since we started officially dating, and they're the best four weeks of my life. We're a family. Shawn, Bear and I form the best family. I called Mom every day; I think that every time I do, she wants to cry. I knew that leaving her wouldn't be good, but I deserve a chance at happiness.

Julien is going back to France today. And I feel like shit about it. He comes once every year, sometimes twice. I'll miss him a lot. Mom and I will drop him off today at the airport and I'm not ready for it at all.

"Ready?" Shawn asks.

"No." I answer.

He takes my hand and calls for Bear so we could go out. He's driving me to Mom's. While we're in the car, he plays "I Want It That Way," but I'm not in the mood. He can definitely sense it. The tension in the air isn't so nice.

"Hey." He puts his hand on my thigh, reassuring me. "I know you'll miss him, but he'll come back again."

"I know." I smile at him and put my hand over his.

"Soph. If it makes you feel better, I'll miss him, too." Bear says from the backseat, causing me to laugh.

"Yeah. I feel better. Thank you." I say sarcastically.

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When we arrive, Shawn says, "You want me to come me with you?"

"No. It's fine. Go to Aaliyah's. She's waiting for you."

"I can call her."

"No. Don't. Not for my expense. Besides, I think it'd be better if it's just me and Mom. No offense, babe."

"None taken, of course."

I sigh. "Okay, then. Bye." I give him a peck on the lips and turn around in my seat to hug Bear.

I open the front door, to find two suitcases against the wall. I look at them for too long.

"Hey, cousin." I look up. He's already dressed.

"Hey. Ready?"

"Yup."

I nod, when Mom appears next to Julien.

"Hey, sweetheart."

"Hi Mom. Let's go you guys."

"I ordered a cab. Just a minute and it'll be here."

I nod again.

"You okay?" She asks me.

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Mmm. Okay."

We hear the cab.

"Let's go." Mom says.

The ride was way too silent and way too tense. I know Mom is upset, too, but she doesn't show it. She considers Julien a son.

When we're finally in the airport, I try to keep myself together. But I know it won't be long before I lose it and make everyone watch me a sobbing mess.

"That's me." Jul announces when we hear a voice saying the information of his flight.

We all stand up. Mom and I take turns in hugging him.

"Please come back soon. I'll need you." I say in his hair, already on the edge of crying.

"I will. But please. You two should come visit us this time. Mom wants to see you so bad. The whole family does, really."