E I G H T E E N

Time went by as it came; everything had gotten better now that we were vindicated. I had gotten a lot better, but I felt myself change. I became overly protective, having my eyes and ears on every business that concerned Michael and my kids. One has to be wary of any attack.

Louisa came to visit today, and it is clear why.

She was still hooked on me doing a favor for her son by allowing Leo to tutor him; at least she was patient enough to wait this long after I had pushed our meeting several times.

Her son Rocky was with her, and they both sat in the living room, waiting for me to join them. As I headed in their direction, Seth had walked into the house, and I began having flashbacks about the hurtful things I said to him a week ago. I have been so busy that I rarely needed him, and with Michael forcing this joint family thing down my throat, Seth wasn’t that useful.

“S—” I felt my lips move, wanting to call him back, but I stopped myself from doing so. I didn’t regret the things I sa