Chapter 35

***Gina***

Angelica looked so sweet sleeping. When she realised I was there with her, the look on her face and the reaction I got was what I was hoping for. Its Saturday afternoon and I am here till Tuesday. It’s the longest time I’ve had with her since we met. I sat back on the bed and she rested her head on my lap. I caressed her head.

“I wish you didn’t have to go back tomorrow.”

“I don’t.”

“What?” She turned to watch me.

“I don’t. I’m going back on Tuesday.”

“How come? What about work?”

“Well I took two days. We get two days a month and haven’t had any reason to use them before.”

“So you took the time for me?” She asked like its something unbelievable.

“You say that like it’s hard to believe.”

“I just know how you like working.”

“But if I get the opportunity to be with you I would jump at it. You know that.”

She turned again. This time so she can’t see my face. “I still wished you had taken the job here instead of New York.”

“But you understand why I did right?”

“Yeah.” She sighed. She still dwells on my decision and I sometimes wonder if she thinks of my choice as totally her fault. She did go with that other girl at her school but in a way I needed a reason to pull back. Ever got so involved in someone, ever loved someone so much that it hurt more than anything pain familiar. I wanted to be with angelica all the time. No one knows this, but I have a ring for her. At first I thought maybe if I disguise it as a friendship ring then it would be like I’m pressuring her into something she wasn’t ready for. It was better that way, for both of us.

“Angie, I would have gone to New York even if you hadn’t done what you did.” She tried to say something but I cut her off. “No, I have to say this. I mean I needed space. Not because I need to figure out what I want, but because I needed to not want you so much. I don’t know if you understand, but you were like an obsession, an addiction. I was great at acting all cool and collected, when honestly I was dying inside. I know you love me but it wasn’t enough.” She turned to look at me again. “I needed to know that I can not be with you, and survive, and not completely fall apart.” She didn’t say anything but I know she heard me. “Anyway, so what are you up to doing while I’m here.”

“Hummm, you really want me to answer that?” She asked in a mischievous, provocative voice. I couldn’t help but laugh. She can be so adorable. “Cant you just lie in bed with me and hold me? I would really like that.”

I shifted my body. “How does this feel?”

She moaned into my chest. “Perfect.”

***Tina***

Angelica and Gina spent most of the day in the room. Gina came out first. Bette, Renee and I were in the back yard. Renee was having a swim, Bette was catching up on some work and I was reading.

“Hi guys.”

“Hey you.” Bette responded.

“God, I didn’t realise how tired I was.” She found a seat on a lounge chair.

“Where’s sleeping beauty?”

“She’s in the bathroom.”

“I’m really glad you that you made it this weekend.”

“Me too.” And she smiled.

Angelica soon joined us, and being the big baby that she is made herself small enough to fit with me on the lounge chair. We talked and laughed. Aiden and the twins joined Renee in the pool, and then eventually Gina. When Gina came out in a bathing suit I saw a familiar look in Angelica’s eyes. The one I get when I see Bette in her bathing suit. I tapped her to get her attention. “Huh?” She jumped.

I leaned to her ear, “Do you need a towel to wipe up the drool?” I teased her.

“Mom?!”