Saving Her

Chapter 65

It's a couple nights before I go back to work for the first time and I have an anxious pit in my stomach.  It has wound up being months since I've even stepped foot in that place, but just like the first time I had sex with Shawn, I know I need to trust myself enough to go through with what I want.  Seeing that work is still something I want to do, I know it's time.  Tiffany will be there and I have faith in the fact that my best friend will help me no matter what.  I can also bank on the fact that my boyfriend will make an appearance as well which makes me smile.

Things have been so great with Shawn lately.  My mom and Sofi are going out of town for the weekend to spend some time with Aaliyah and her mom, meaning Shawn and I get the house to ourselves. 

We haven't had sex since the first time, but I remember teasing him at the kitchen table the other day about the next time we are alone; and seeing as this weekend we will be alone; I can't wait to reward him for being so patient and understanding with me.

Mama told me about the conversation she had with Shawn that day as well and my heart has never been happier. 

How did I get so lucky?

Shawn Mendes is literally the best thing to ever happen to me.  I find myself kicking myself for ever denying that I had feelings for him, but I think the time we spent as friends has only made us stronger as lovers.  I think back to our college days and I can't say that if I was with him then, things wouldn't be like they are now, but we were still just getting to know each other and I definitely think it would have been a different dynamic between us if we had started dating then.

I'm currently talking to mama as she's packing for her weekend away.  She's busy pulling outfits together as I sit on the edge of her bed, looking at one of the pictures of her and papa.

"Mama... How did you know papa was the one?" I ask curiously. 

Mama and papa had the love I wish Shawn and I have one day, and maybe we already do; he already feels so different than any other relationship; but I just don't want to miss something.  Ya know?

"Oh honey; I knew he was the one the moment he wrote me the first love note he gave me.  The words he had written on that page filled my heart with all the best feelings, and he expressed his desire for me in a way I didn't think a man was capable of." She says.  "Shawn reminds me a lot of papa.  I think you have someone very special Camila." She adds.

"I agree mama.  I think I've found my one!" I sigh happily.  "But I'm afraid that I'll ruin it; that the pain I've suffered will one day be too much for him.  But I love him too much to lose him."

Walking over to me and embracing me in a hug as tears start to stream down my face, she says "You aren't going to ruin anything Camila.  He has been by your side this whole time.  He is not going anywhere; he's waited too long for you and I can see it on the way he looks at you; that boy will love you until the day he dies.  Just enjoy being in love my dear; treasure that feeling and let him love you and take care of you!" She smiles at me as she cradles my face in her hand, giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"You are so strong; but you are even stronger with him.  I think he's your person for sure chica." She adds as she steps aside and closes her bag, grabbing some last minute items to pack in her smaller bag as we walk into the hall.

Sofi meets us there as we walk down the stairs.  She's smiling from ear to ear and I can tell today's a good day for her.

"Why are you so smiley sis?" I ask.

"Oh no reason!" She say mischievously as she winks at me, placing her bag by the front door.  The Mendes' will be by the pick them up in just a little bit.

"Sofi!" I warn as I follow her into the kitchen.

She looks at me and laughs as she seems the frustration on my face. 

"Will you stop pouting Mila!" She chuckles.  "I was just going to say I hope you enjoy your alone time this weekend; but make sure you disinfect all the surfaces before we get home!" She smirks.  I playfully smack her on the arm and I gulp at the realization my baby sister is teasing me about having sex. 

She should not even be thinking about this kind of stuff right now!   Adios Mios!!

"Sofi!" I screech.  "What I do in my free time is none of your business!" I shout at her while giggling.   Sofi simply rolls her eyes at me and gives me a side hug.

"Ok sis! But seriously!  Let yourself live in the moment." She winks as I actually take her words to heart.

Live in the moment.  That's all we can ever do!  Which has also given me an idea for when Shawn gets home from work tonight.

A car horn breaks us out of our sisterly moment as mama yells that the Mendes women are here.  I walk them to the door and follow them outside to say hello to Karen.

I greet her on the drivers side as I wave to Aaliyah in the back. 

"Hi ladies!" I smile warmly at them both.

"Hi Camila!" They reply in unison, both with huge smiles on their faces.  "Good to see you!" Karen adds.

"You to mom!"

Shawn and I were over at the Mendes house for lunch one day just the two of us and his parents when we got to talking and Karen and Manny basically ended up telling me that I can call them mom and dad if I want to; "You have a second set of parents that love you just as much as your parents; god rest Ale's soul; do."  Manny had said.  I remember crying like a baby after that and realizing that Manny is really like a second dad to me.  From then on Mr. and Mrs. Mendes have been "mom" and "dad."

I had talked to my mama about it and she cried when I told her what Manny had said.  She actually encouraged me to lean on them whenever I felt like I needed to or have Manny there for me when I needed a man's perspective on something.  I can't help but be in awe and appreciate how well my family and Shawn's family get along.  It's been years, and I feel like now we are one big, happy family.

Mama and Sofi are done loading their bags in the back as they climb into their seats and buckle up.  I wish them all good luck and safe travels as they prepare for their girls weekend.  We agreed that Shawn and I would go keep Manny company while they were gone at least a couple of times this weekend so when Shawn gets home from work, we are planning on having dinner with him.

Karen pulls out of the driveway as my phone dings, I grab it as I wave goodbye to my family and once they are out of view, I go back inside and look at my phone.

Be home in 30 minutes.  Will you be alone?! 😏

A text from Shawn.  Him and his emojis crack me up, and he's been using some of them a lot more than he has in the past.

Yes baby I'm alone.  Why coming home so early?

I reply back as I wait for his response.

'Live in the moment' still rings in my head and an idea pops into my head as I realize with me being alone, and Shawn getting off work early; we now have time for some 'fun' before we meet Manny for dinner.  A wicked smile crosses my face as I get another text from Shawn.

Wanted to see you my little sunflower.  It's been a good day, but we had a bummer of a case and I just need to see my girl.  Olivia gave us the rest of the shift off; plus she knows you're alone and urged me to go home ❤️

I can't help but smile as I read his text.  All his little pet names for me.  Olivia as we call his Commander now has always tried to find ways to make sure I feel safe.  She's been really great with Shawn and for that I'm grateful.

Awwww babe! I miss you too 😘. Hurry home my love.  I have something for you 😉

I respond as I slide my phone back in my back pocket of my jeans and get to work on my surprise for Shawn's arrival home.

Time to 'Live in the moment.'