Coming here is my little way of earning Joshua’s forgiveness. He didn’t ask but I want his forgiveness. I look out the window of his room to the garden with guests. My eyes follow the girls as they mingle with strange faces. They are happy to be here. They chatted nonstop on our way, bolted as soon as we got out of the car. I can’t say the same for me. And I dread every second until I have to face my parents. Joshua’s hand settles on my shoulder, he offers me a glass of wine and I set it on the windowsill. He sits across from me and we watch together. We came in this morning. If the girls told my parents I am here with them, they are doing a great job of dodging me too. I smile at Joshua. Talking to him feels good. Better than therapy. I didn’t hold back anything but he hasn’t said a word since my outburst. No accusations.“Do you forgive me?” I ask without tearing my gaze from the girls. They are danci

Everyone is watching. Bren. Wyn. Joshua. They have been watching Brianna for the last few minutes, expecting her to stir awake and probably speak. Wyn sighs first and props herself by the elbows on her side of the bed. She looks the most frustrated. I slipped and told them Brianna spoke once, now, they want her to prove it. Joshua examines the wheelchair, face pensive as his fingers trace the buttons on one side. The buttons are for fancy since Brianna can’t use them yet. Mia, her caregiver is somewhere in the house to allow us privacy with her. I slouch on the edge of the bed, face buried in my hands. Three weeks and there has been little or no improvements yet. I should be thinking about the girls birthday party. Christmas too. I haven’t even shopped for their presents. The phone in my pocket pings with a message from Jei. Wrinkles mar my forehead. He wants us to meet now. I slide the phone into my pocket without a re

El stands at the door, gaze sliding between me and Mia with her nose stuck in the air. A fake smile etches on her lips as she steps inside. I see through it and muster a sheepish grin. “It’s time to cut the cake.” I send Mia a curt nod and follow behind El. As soon as we are alone in the corridor, she spins to face me. Hands resting on her hips, her pupils dilate with anger. “Now you are flirting with the caregiver, huh?”Her audacity irritates me more than her accusation. “What I do is none of your business.” “It’s my business if you are doing it where my kids are.” Laughter trickles out of my lips. She has nerves.“They are my kids too, El. I know what’s good for them.” I am so horny I will fuck a tree but if Mia had given herself up to me, I wouldn’t have touched her. It is one reason she is getting fired. I don’t want to find out if today is part of a

We cut the cake, take tons of pictures. My parents manage to sneak into a few. I clench my jaw as they pose for a picture with Joshua. He is all smiles as he stands in their middle, hands around their shoulders.  A wave of anger sweeps over me. I want to march there and slap the smile off his face. He keeps acting like they are the best parents a child can wish for. They ruined us. I turn away while their photography session is still ongoing so I won’t be forced into the picture. Where’s my wife? We are not done talking.  Maybe we are.  El is with T. They might be discussing business but she’s staring hard at him and her brows are furrowed in concentration. She nods at something he says, barks out a laugh and punches him slightly on his arm. We fuck and she returns to her buddy, is that it? Am I a fuck buddy? Or, fuck husband?  Changing direction to an empty tent, I grab a saucer with a slice of moist cake to eat away the jealousy

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you, Mummyyyy...” the twins flanked on each side of me drag the words out in a sing-song voice. El rolls her eyes but her smile never falters. I tilt the screen of my laptop to have a better view of her face. Her smile is not directed at me but the sight of it warms me. Our eyes meet briefly, she looks away. “Happy birthday to you.” They look at each other. “Hip. Hip. Hip.”“Hurray,” El finishes for them. She yanks her robe close and I smother a groan. I loved the view. “Thank you, my loves.” Wyn pries the laptop from my laps to hoist it on her legs, Bren relocates to her side of the couch. They cradle the laptop like a toddler, careful to keep it on their knees. “How old are you, Mummy?” Wyn asks.“I’m plus one.” “What’s plus one?” Bren asks.The laptop returns to my legs, the twins prop