Yesterday surely felt like a dream. It was too unreal and right as I stand on the balcony, drinking my coffee just to warm up, because of the cold day, I think back to two years ago.
I was still way too young compared to now, maybe a bit naive and hopeful of a better tomorrow, whenever a day became the yesterday.
Being married surely changed my life in so many ways, I lived a life of waiting as my heart continued to beat for Keith. I never really opened up myself for people to actually get to know me, therefore I lost myself in everything to do with Keith.
The divorce kinda opened my eyes yet still hurting my heart. I reunited with my friend James as well as made new ones, London and Theresa. Living on my own brought me back to when I was knocked into the reality of not having my mother around. Where it was just me and me alone.
Yes my heart was breaking but I was starting to make decisions for myself and actually picture a life without him. But then he suddenly did a 180 turn and showed me another side of him. Something I've never seen him do, be so caring and gentle with me, though he does tend to be demanding at times but my love for him has just grown. Yesterday he discarded the term friendship and kissed me, I don't even know what this could mean, I'm actually confused.
I don't know what this is, or where we are going but a big part of me wants to hold on to it. I don't want to over think things or jump to conclusion, everything is in his hands really.
All I know is that the finalisation of the divorce is approaching, and anything is possible.
Today I haven't seen Keith, I woke up with a note and rose on my nightstand. The note was from him, telling me that he'd be gone for most of the day and that he'll surely be missing me, that he'd call when he had free time.
He hasn't called and I'm pretty sure he's busy. That's the whole reason for Aspen, his business is the reason and I completely understand.
Today I'm just missing my friends and I need my phone back. But how can I get it when it's with Keith?.... He hasn't given it back to me and I worry he doesn't plan on it , anytime soon.
Sighing I walk back into my room and head over to the nightstand, where the rose still lays. Picking it up, I take a whiff off of it , a small smile grazing my lips. How sweet.
No, I need to get out of my room.
Getting out of my room and heading down stairs to the kitchen, I stop in my tracks when I see Mrs Davies with company.
Mrs Davies's eyes move over to me and immediately the conversation stops, she rises from the stool, standing up straight.
"Mam, I'm sorry, did you need anything? "
" Oh no Mrs Davies, please continue on, don't mind me." I say.
Feeling an extra pair of eyes on me, I move my eyes from Mrs Davies to the female beside her, she's about my age, short black hair, brown eyes, she's a bit taller then me and she's wearing a scowl on her face. I notice her standing right next to a baby stroller. That's when I hear baby sounds.
" Oh hello." I say, walking over to her and peeking at the cute baby, who looks up at me curiously.
" Who's she?" She asks Mrs Davies, pointing at me.
" Riley stop being rude and this is - "
" Yeah yeah, she must be the famous boss's kid. I know, rich brat who thinks money grows from trees. Look whoever you are, can you excuse us, we were kinda in the middle of a conversation. "
Wait a minute, she thinks I'm Keith's - " I'm not - ."
" Riley stop! How dare you - "
" How dare I what? Tell the truth. I'm pretty sure she's the reason you've been away for so long. Listen here you little bi - "
" Don't even say another word young lady!" Someone snaps from behind me.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see Joe approaching us, his face stone cold and eyes hard.
"Before you think of going any further, I'd suggest you get out and learn some damn respect!" I've never seen Joe like this.
" Joe - " I try saying but he cuts me off, his eyes intent on Riley.
" No Kea, I will not stand by and watch anyone disrespect you. Listen to me little girl, this." He points at me. " Right here is a woman of heart and worth. She should never, in any circumstance be disrespected, less much from you. The same person who Mr Keith Salvatore has supported their family from the start. Especially you."
" I - "
" One shouldn't disrespect another person when they don't even know them, especially in their own house."
Riley gasps taking a step back.
"You're - "
" She's - "
" It's okay Joe. We don't need to say anymore." I interrupt.
He opens his mouth to say something but I shake my head, not wanting him to scold her any longer.
" Could everyone please excuse Riley and me." I say.
"Mam - "
"It's okay Mrs Davies." I nod my okay.
After some hesitation, they both leave us be.
There's tension which I'd like to squash.
" She's a beautiful baby." I speak up, glancing at her beautiful baby.
" Thank you." I turn to her, where she looks down, rubbing at her arm nervously.
"Would you like to seat down? "
She nods, settling down on the bar stool.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?"
" Why are you being nice to me? I mean I was mean, rude and -"
" Well I treat people the way I'd like to be treated." She avoids my eyes. "Besides I think you aren't a bad person but just angry and frustrated." Her eyes snap to me.
" I - "
" You want to apologise but can't. You can't find the right words."
"How did you know?" Her eyes widen in surprise.
"Well let's just say I know a person who's found it rather hard to do the same, for a Long time."
"Did that person finally do it?" She asks curiously.
A small smile plays at my lips.
"Yes, but I think he's still learning." I nod.
" I feel bad. I shouldn't have done and said what I said."
"Yes you shouldn't have but it's already done, all we can do is look past that and start over." I suggest.
" O-okay." I hold out my hand to her." I'm Akiandra but everyone just calls me Kea."
" Riley."
"Are you related to Mrs Davies?"
" She's my aunt. She's the only guardian I have left , after my mom pretty much abandoned us. Gosh she must be disappointed, she won't even babysit for me anymore." She mutters the last part to herself.
" I don't mind doing it." I perk up.
"W-what no, I couldn't ."
" It's okay, I mean where ever it is you have to be must be very important."
She bites down on her nails, reluctance in her eyes. I totally understand why she's unsure, I'm a stranger in her eyes and this is her baby.
" I really don't mind and if it makes you feel any better, your aunt will keep a very close eye on me." I say.
"Okay, I'll be back by 8. If it gets a little late you can just give her to my aunt. I don't want to intrude any more then I already have."
"It's okay and if you don't mind me asking, where is it you're going?"
" I'm helping out a friend, he um asked me to be his date for his homecoming dance."
"Oh that's nice." I smile at that.
"Yeah it means a lot to him." She mumbles, looking far off.
Ooh I get a sense that someone has a crush.
"Well I think you should get going, you know to prepare and stuff." She checks her watch, her eyes widening.
"Oh my God you're right." She jumps out of her chair.
"Everything is here, and if she gets fussy you can just -"
" Call your aunt, got it." I finish for her.
"Yeah, thank you again." She says before looking down at her daughter." I'll miss you my pretty Bella. Love you." She kisses her cheeks before nodding and walking away.
I smile down at Bella.
"Hey Kea?" I look up at her, where she's standing at the doorway.
"I'm sorry." Her eyes hold truth and I accept.
I watch after her retreating back before looking back down at the beautiful baby."Oh my, you're so cute." I mumble, staring in awe.
*****
Baby giggles fill the room as I blow raspberries on Bella's belly. My smile widens at the sight of her cute face staring up at me. Babies have always had a special place in my heart, taking care of her has been one of the most fulfilling things I've done. A sudden yearn for having kids fills me, making me picture a happy and long life with Keith and a family we would have.
Our own mini Keith and Kea running around. A beautiful picture indeed.
"Ba ba ba." Bella's blubbering knocks me out of my thoughts.
" Aren't you the cutest thing." I lean down, rubbing my nose against hers, earning a giggle.
"You know Bella, one day I hope to have my own little one and you two could be play mates."
She looks up at me curiously, it's like she understands what I'm saying.
"Yes and maybe even be the best of friends." I pick her up, pecking her little chubby cheek. " And can I tell you a little secret Bella." Her bright blue eyes stare back at me.
" I am in love with Keith, I'm so in love with him it hurts. I don't want to divorce him, I want a long life with him and finally be truly happy."
For some reason, her eyes brighten up, and a big smile lits her face. I frown a bit when I notice that Bella is actually not looking at me but behind. Its as if something has diverted her attention.
That's when I feel it, someone behind me.
I glance over my shoulder, my smile wavering a bit at seeing Keith standing just a few feet from me.
Oh no.