Free Reckless by Jennifer Loren Page B

look at her tearful eyes and seemingly sincere, apologetic face feeling guilt like I have never felt before.

Chapter 7
    Ava
     
    The house is silent. Peaceful, when I arrive late from work. I shouldn’t be surprised, but it is still unsettling. With a deep breath, I cautiously walk through the house practicing my innocent expression. I finally find Sean lying in our bed and looking suspicious himself, relieving me of my guarded composure. “You look as if something is on your mind.”
    “It’s been a long day, is all.” he said, forcing a smile.
    With a soft sigh, I assume his issues. “I can understand why, considering what I have heard.”
    “And whom did you hear it from?” He asks, with his piercing eyes flashing.
    “First, there was your mother. Then Abbey followed right after, telling me for the second time what happened today with Rebecca.” He nods, leaning back further into the pillows that he positioned perfectly behind himself. When his expression turns somber, I crawl into bed and try to reassure him. “So, tell me how I can get your smile back?”
    He manages a weak smile. “You already did,” he said, welcoming me into his arms. “I love you.”
    “And I love you.” I said.
    Cradling me in his arms, he tightens suddenly. “I love you so much, Ava,” he whimpered.
    “Sean? What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing. Sorry, I’m overly tired and I was worried about you being out so late is all.”
    “If it’s something your mother said, I can talk to her and …”
    “No baby, it’s alright. I think today brought up some bad memories, which are making me that much more grateful for the life I have now.”
    “Are you sure?” I ask as he traces his fingers along the edges of my face.
    Nodding, he smiles sweetly at me. “Promise me you won’t ever lie to me?” He asked, holding my eyes with his.
    “Sean?” I said trembling.
    He immediately shakes his head as tears well up in my eyes. “I’m sorry, forget it.” Kissing the side of my head, he twists my body around him as I try to fight my own tears. With all my fears coming to the surface at once, I can’t hold them back. I fist his shirt, fighting the tears from falling any further. What if he finds out? I don’t know how I will ever begin to explain why I kept it from him.

~
    I have started working from home every other day, so I can spend more time with my daughter. Today is one of those days.My once true love of architecture is slowly fading into the background behind my family.“Okay Lillah, are you ready to go outside and play?” I asked my rosy-cheeked daughter.
    She nods anxiously. “Yeah.”
    “Okay, let’s go.” I said, picking her up and grabbing her arm floats on our way out the door. The pool is warm and feels incredible. I ease Lillah in as she squeals and giggles. “Watch Mommy, Lillah.” I move down under the water, just enough to get my mouth under and blow bubbles. I come back up to her overly excited wiggling, “You ready to try?” She nods. “One … two … three…” I help her gently under the water and then back up again. “Good job, Lillah.” I said, clapping along with her.
    “If you need to learn how to swim, Ava, you can watch me.” I turn to see Rebecca setting up her lounge area by the pool, sporting pieces of fabric that barely cover key parts of her.
    “Thank you, but I think I got it down. I am trying to teach my daughter now.”
    “How sweet.” Rebecca said, lying back in the chair without ever glancing my way. Ignoring the Bitch to my side, I continue with Lillah. “Ava!” Rebecca screamed.
    I pop up out of the water. “What’s wrong?”
    “Your … dogs.” she shakes her hands at them with a sour face. “They’re everywhere! Do they need to be out here?”
    I narrow my eyes at her as the boys try to get Rebecca to throw their ball for them. “Are they bothering you?” I asked.
    “Yes, they are. They stink and are constantly bringing me that disgusting thing. Can you do something