The Unexpected

58

Leahs pov

Veronica came back home yesterday. I slept over again just so Jen can have a helping hand since we needed to help Veronica take a bath, i helped make dinner and all that. But I left this morning since I had some errands to run and bills to pay.

I spent most of my day shopping for food for the house. Then on my way home I passed by a bakery that sold the most popular desserts. So I thought, maybe I should stop by and get something. So I did.

I walked into the crowded bakery and waited in line to order my food. It took about 10 minutes til it was my turn. And I knew I had to get chocolate chip cookies. I'm thinking about her and how she kind of got hurt that I didn't get her cookies the other day. But the cookies here are better than Panera bread.

After buying a few things, I left. Jen had taken a few days off after Veronica graduated kinder just so she can spend time with her since she works everyday till 3 pm. She never asked but if she wants me to watch Veronica every time she has work I'd love to. It means I get to spend more time with my daughter.

-

The next day, I went to Jens work to join her for her lunch. We are out at this patio of the cafeteria they have. It's super nice.

"I got you something else" I said and dug through the bag. She starts smiling a lot and reaches out for the cookies.

"Thaaaank you hehehe"

"You're welcome" I said.

"Best way to start my first day back." She says. I smile back.

"I have a question"

"Hm?"

"Your mom is watching Ver right now. Right?" I asked.

"No I had hired a baby sitter for her. I forgot to tell you. Because mom works today and Vanessa does too"

"Jen you know I'm not working during the summer!" I exclaimed. I didn't mean to. She just widened her eyes. "Sorry" I said. "No you're right. I just felt bad leaving her to you"

"She's my daughter and we had this talk. I want to spend more time with her and this would be a perfect opportunity." I said and shook my head.

"Okay damn. I'm sorry. I'll have her stay at your place then"

"Okay"

"Okay" she repeats. Then it got awkward.

"I'm just curious why I wasn't your first thought. You're wasting money to pay some baby sitter. I work like a little bit more a few days after school ends and then the first few days before school starts but that's it." I said.

"I said I'm sorry"

I furrowed my brows then looked down at my food.

"I don't want us hiding shit from each other anymore so"

"I'm not hiding anything else Lee. I just felt guilty if I'd leave her to you. I knew if I asked that you'd say yes even if you can't just cause you'd feel bad." Jen says.

I didn't respond and continued to eat.

"Don't argue with me with this topic. I'll leave her to you tomorrow"

"We're not arguing" I said.

"Okay well..." she pauses and doesn't say anything else and just sighs.

"What did you do today so far?" She asks. "Nothing"

"So you just woke up and came here?"

"Mhm"