NANNY FOR MENDES.

Hundred-twenty-nine

When Shawn said 'packing', I think he was not in his right mind. He was exhausted. He forgot I ran and left everything. And when I reminded him, he frowned. But, I took some clothes I had in my room in Mom's house.

We're in the car, on our way to our house.

"Thank you." Shawn suddenly says.

I just nod; I'm sure he can see me from the corner of his eye.

"I'll give you space. I'll sleep in a guest room and I'll stay away from you all day. I swear."

"You're not sleeping anywhere but our bedroom, Mendes. And you staying away from me isn't what I meant by 'space'. I meant giving me some alone time when I need it."

I can see him smile in my peripheral vision.

"Thank you, baby." He says.

I nod again, then say, "on Saturday... I was going to tell you something, but..."

"I understand.... What were you going to tell me?"

"My mom is moving out of our house. She wanted me to have the house...."

"That's great. When is she moving out?"

"Soon, but I don't know when exactly."

"Okay. I'll help you—If you want me to, of course." He corrects himself at the end. He's being careful.

"I want you to help me, Shawn." I reassure him.

He smiles and nods.

"Are Aaliyah and Noah still there?"

"No. They prepared Bear for school, then left."

"Ugh. It would've been nice to see them."

He shrugs. "They wanted to give us privacy, I guess."

I nod. "Not that we'll exactly need it, though..."

He smiles. "Not for this, but in case we need to talk. And maybe... our stuff."

I flush, and smile shyly, then roll my eyes.

"By the way, when are we getting married?"

"I have no idea. You decide." He shrugs.

"Mmmmm...." I guess I have an idea.....

****************************************

We're in the elevator. I'm okay, more or less. I've been taking deep breaths since we got out of the car.

"Hey."

I look up from the ground.

"It's okay, I know you're nervous."

"I... don't want to go in there and be reminded..."

He takes my hand in his and squeezes it.

We land on our floor, get out of the elevator. He pulls me behind him to the door.

He opens the door, steps aside to let me in. I walk in, slowly.

It's okay. It's over. He loves me. He wouldn't hurt me that way. She's not here.

I pass the kitchen, quickly walk by the living room, then go straight to our bedroom.

I step inside, put my purse and small bag on the bed, then sit on its edge, put my head in my hands.

"Soph?"

"I'm fine."

"I can leave you alone, if you want to."