Chapter 7: Fallen
Chris
As the days turned into weeks, I watched with a sense of wonder as Ethan and Shawn grew increasingly accustomed to having me around. They greeted me with smiles and hugs whenever they saw me. I insisted that she bring the boys with her when she came to work. Of course she refused at first. but daycare is expensive and she changed her mind. At first, I was her only client so it was just practical. As she got more clients it was a easier way for her to see them even with her working more. i suspect her friend had something to do with her changing her mind too.
"Hey, Chris, can we go to the park today?" Ethan asked, His little voice breaking me out of my thoughts, his face lighting up with excitement at the prospect of spending time together.
"Can you play catch with us, Chris?" Shawn would chimed, his eyes wide with anticipation as he brandished his favorite ball.
Ethan frowned "But I wanna do the swings!" Shawn stomped his feet and pouted, stage one of impending temper tantrum. Great.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth flood through me, knowing that they saw me not just as their mother's friend, but as someone they could trust and rely on. But it wasn't just the fun and games that brought us closer together.
"Alright, boys, let's sit down and talk about this," I siad, my voice firm but gentle as I intervened in their squabbles and disputes. "Now, fighting isn't going to solve anything. You need to learn to communicate with each other and work through your problems like men."
And as we talked, I could see the wheels turning in their minds, the seeds of wisdom taking root and blossoming into understanding. They were still young, but they were eager to learn, eager to grow into the men they were meant to be.
"Okay. Sorry." the said in unison. I smiled "Now we have time to do both so there is no need to fight and argue. they both smiled and i told them to go get their shoes and a jacket, is was still early spring and it loves to rain. I opened the back door where Shayla was with bella working and let her know where we were going. she smiled and waved me off. i smiled, glad she is trusting me this much.
But it was Ethan who truly captured my heart, his quiet strength and resilience shining through even in the face of adversity. After we headed to the park and they both got to play for a while, shawn was occupied playing on the jungle gym at the park and Ethan came up to me.
"Chris, can I talk to you about something?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course, Ethan. What's on your mind?" I replied, concern lacing my voice as I reached out to squeeze his shoulder reassuringly.
And as he poured out his heart to me, revealing the pain and shame he felt at being bullied at school, my heart broke for him. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, he looked to me for guidance, for support, and I knew that I couldn't let him down.
"Listen, Ethan, I know it's tough, but you're stronger than you think," I said, my voice steady and sure as I looked into his eyes. "And you don't have to face this alone. We'll figure out a way to handle this together, alright?"
He nodded, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes as he leaned into my embrace. And in that moment, I knew that I would do whatever it took to protect him, to help him stand tall in the face of adversity.
"Hey, how about we sign you up for boxing lessons?" I suggested, a smile playing on my lips as I saw the spark of excitement light up Ethan's face. "It'll teach you discipline, confidence, and how to defend yourself if you ever need to."
And as we made plans to tackle Ethan's bullies head-on, I felt a sense of pride swell within me, knowing that I was making a difference in his life, however small. For he was more than just Shayla's son – he was more, they were both so much like her. Fierce yet so kind and loving, good people, these were the kind of people that deserved good things.
Shayla
I sank into the plush cushions of my couch, the phone pressed to my ear as I leaned in eagerly, ready to spill all the details of the charity ball to my best friend, Tasha. It had been days since the event, but the memory of that magical night still lingered in my mind, warming me from the inside out.
"So, spill the tea, Shayla! How was the ball?" Tasha's voice crackled with excitement on the other end of the line.
"Oh, Tasha, it was amazing!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "Chris looked so handsome in his suit, and the venue was absolutely stunning. But you'll never guess what happened!"
I launched into a detailed account of the evening's events, from the elegant décor to the sumptuous meal, pausing only to take a breath as I recounted the most memorable moment of all – the kiss that had taken my breath away.
"And then, just as the night was coming to a close, Chris asked me to dance," I gushed, a dreamy smile spreading across my lips as I relived the moment in my mind. "And as we danced, he looked into my eyes and told me how much I meant to him. It was like something out of a fairytale, Tasha."
Tasha let out a delighted squeal on the other end of the line, her excitement palpable even through the phone.
"Oh my goodness, Shayla, that's amazing! I knew there was something special between you two. And what about the boys? How are they taking to Chris?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of Ethan and Shawn's antics, their boundless energy and infectious laughter filling our home with joy.
"Oh, they adore him, Tasha. It's like they've known him forever. Chris is so good with them, guiding them and offering advice like a true father figure. It's incredible to see."
Tasha let out a soft sigh, the sound tinged with longing.
"Wow, Shayla, it sounds like things are really starting to fall into place for you. I'm so happy for you, girl."
A surge of warmth flooded through me at her words, a sense of hope blossoming within my heart.
"Thank you, Tasha. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. At first i was feeling guilty but not anymore. Maybe this time around i can have something real."
As I hung up the phone, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. For the first time in a long time, I dared to believe that happiness was within reach, that love was waiting just around the corner. And as I thought of Chris and the boys, of the laughter and joy they brought into my life, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them with courage and determination, knowing that love would always lead the way.
The sun streamed through the windows of our new home, casting a warm glow over the freshly painted walls and gleaming hardwood floors. It was a modest yet cozy place, filled with the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities. And as I looked around at the empty rooms, a sense of excitement bubbled up within me.
"Alright, boys, let's get to work!" I called out, clapping my hands together as Ethan and Shawn darted into the room, their eyes shining with excitement.
"Can I have my own room, Mom?" Ethan asked eagerly, his face lighting up with anticipation.
"Of course, sweetie," I replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You can have the room at the end of the hall. And Shawn, you'll have the room right next to Ethan's."
The boys cheered with delight, their voices echoing through the empty house as they raced off to explore their new surroundings. And as I watched them go, a sense of pride swelled within me, knowing that this was the start of a new chapter in our lives.
Over the coming days, we worked tirelessly to turn our new house into a home, unpacking boxes and arranging furniture with a sense of purpose and determination. And as the rooms began to take shape, filled with the warmth and love that only a family can bring, I knew that we had made the right decision in striking out on our own.
But it wasn't just the physical space that was changing – it was our lives as well. With the landscaping business bringing in steady income, we were finally able to afford a place of our own, free from the constraints and obligations of the past. And as we settled into our new routine, I felt a sense of freedom and independence wash over me, knowing that we were building a future on our own terms.
"Mom, this place is awesome!" Ethan exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he explored the backyard, his imagination already running wild with possibilities.
"I'm glad you like it, Ethan," I said, smiling fondly at my son. "We're going to make so many memories here, I just know it."
And as we stood there together, surrounded by the warmth and love of our new home.