"Hey peach, dinner is ready" I said poking my head into my daughter's room she's the exact replica of me, soft, warm, her curls attenuated her oval face really well, her light brown skin, my babies are biracial and Fawn took my side majorly.
"Hey baby what's I wrong" I asked concerned as she laid on her side facing the wall, she looked distressed. I sat on her bed my fingers running through her hair
"I miss dad, so much mom, I can't believe he's gone" she replied
"I know, I know, I miss him too, but just know that he is at peace where he is, watching you and Finn, he is always and will always be with you sweetie" I said kissing her head.
My 22 year old daughter was a baby at heart ever so sensitive and soft, she had taken her father's death the hardest I was so worried for her sometimes.
"How about you go stay with Linds for a few days to get a little bit of fresh air and environment? I'll talk to her parents." I said my hands on her jaw making her look up to me.
"I'd love that, you're the best mom" she said hugging me tighter
"I know, now come down and eat" I said,smiling down on her, tapping her shoulder and walking out of her room.
….
Dinner was mostly in silence and had never been same, Charlie's seat remained vacant and empty, it brought memories back, but as a mom you do your best to distract your kids and be there for them no matter what, After what seemed as a dreadful and long dinner, Fawn and I cleared up the table and I went away doing the dishes.
"Let me help with that"
I turned around and saw Xavier towering me,
I'm fine, don't worry," I replied, even though there was already a small smile tugging at my lips.
"I know," he said quietly, taking the wet plate from my hand, "but I want to."
His voice was low, softer than usual.
He stood close too close. Close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
The kitchen suddenly felt smaller.
We worked in silence for a moment, the sound of running water filling the space.
Then our hands brushed just a quick touch, skin against skin but it felt like electricity shot straight up my arm.
I froze.
So did he.
His eyes snapped up to meet mine, wide, startled, like he hadn't meant to let anything show.
But something slipped through anyway, something warm, something intense, something he shouldn't be feeling.
"Sorry," he whispered.
"It's okay," I said, but my voice came out quieter than intended.
He didn't move away.
If anything, he shifted just slightly closer, his shoulder brushing mine as he set a plate in the rack.
My breath caught without permission.
"You always work too hard," he murmured, not looking at me now, like he was afraid of what he'd say if he did.
I forced a small laugh. "Part of being a mum."
He finally looked at me then really looked and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us and the slow drip of water from his fingers.
"There's more to you than just that," he said, almost under his breath.
I didn't know what to say.
The intensity in his eyes made my heartbeat stumble.
I looked away, rinsing the next plate just to have something to do with my hands.
But I felt him still watching me.
And I knew without a doubt that spark wasn't my imagination.
"Hey man, I've been trying to connect–
I immediately recoiled from his gaze hearing my son's voice, nope I'm not doing this, not today.
"Oh mom, you're here" Finn said coming into the kitchen with us
"Mmmhm doing the dishes, apparently there's still good boys out there helping their parents" I said looking from Xavier to Finn
"Cmon mom, it's not like that, fine I'll help, go get some rest" Finn said his hands up like wanted to catch a ball.
"Alright then, good night I said kissing him on the cheek, "goodnight Xavier" I said averting his gaze.
"Goodnight" they both chorused