Alec babbles, not a care in the world, and I soon know why. “Wow, little dude. You could clear a room with that diaper. How about we get you changed?”
An older woman pops out of thin air with a kind smile and tired eyes.
“Thank you for letting me sleep in, but I can take it from here,” she says softly, and I know she's the nanny, but I find myself disappointed that our time is over.
I really enjoyed the last half hour. Hopefully Shina invites me back again.
Shina
Having a screaming match with my niece at six in the morning was not what I wanted to do when I am dead on my feet.
But alas here we are.
“I hate you. You're not my mother!” she shouts at me again, and I laugh, shaking my head.
“You're right,” I yell back, done with her shit, and that shocks her. “I am not your mother, but I am the one responsible for you right now. The one who loves and cares for you. Who is working my ass off to give you a good life. A happy and healthy, safe place to live.”
She opens her mouth and closes it a few times. Tears well in her hazel eyes, making them sparkle, and I see what this is really about from the hurt flashing across her face.
“Why hasn't she called? Do I really mean that little to her? It's almost Christmas. The twins are still young, and Alec hardly even knew her, but me… I have been by her side for fourteen years. Am I just nothing to her?”
“Oh, baby,” I whisper before pulling her into my arms and holding her as she breaks. Big heaving sobs escape her lips, and it shatters me.
“I don't know anything about what's going through your mom's head, but I can tell you that you matter to me. And to Kenna, Xander and Alec. You are the most important person to them all. You are loved beyond means.”
She scoffs and pushes me away, wipes her cheeks and avoid my eyes. So strong…
“It's okay to be vulnerable, Leena. Even the strongest people break from time to time. It keeps them human.”
“I wasn't doing anything bad. I snuck out to the pool house and ate junk food and played video games with my friend Bethany.”
I sigh and rub my tired eyes. “Okay, but from now on just stay inside and use the den.”
She lifts her head and gives me an excited smile. “Really? I can have friends over?”
I rub my chest and hide the shake of my hands.
I struggle with people I don't know coming into my safe place, but by doing this I am causing Leena to miss a crucial part of being a teenager.
“Two conditions… no boys, and no one gets the gate code. You can buzz them in with the button in the kitchen.”
She rushes me and gives me a tight hug. “Thank you, Aunt Shi. Thank you.”
I pat the back of her head and breathe in her vanilla shampoo and innocence.
“Okay, now let's go help the twins get ready and then get to school.” I yawn as she pulls away, and then walks down the hall to Kenna's room.
She has a pep in her step, and I smile. Though it terrifies me, maybe it's time for some change around here.
Chapter Four
Shina
The door slamming pulls me out of one of the best days of rest I have had in a long time. And it's all thanks to the man whose arms I'm wrapped up tight in.
I can hear the kids giggling downstairs, and though my eyes are still closed I know that school must be done for the day.
“I like this,” Rock mumbles into the back of my neck, pulling me closer to him. I sigh and crack my eyes open.
