BOMAW 7-9

by Mercedes Keyes

  "Is that fair though?"

  "Is it fair of you to impose what you envision of him, on him? Maybe he has other plans."

  "You on his side I see."

  "No, I'm on both of your sides. Because just as my mother wants you for him, so do I. You're good for him. However, being with him, is not going to be easy on you. Just as I imagine, his being with you, isn't going to be any easier on him. You're both accustomed to having things your way. True?"

  "Yeah."

  "Sounds like to me, both of you are going to have to learn to give a little with each other. An-n-nd, this may sound unfair, but he's not going to be changing anytime soon. You may be the one having to change and give in the most. Not all the time mind you, but - you will have to learn to let him take the lead in some ways. And because of Sylvia, I know that's going to be hell for you. You've been independent and doing your own thing longer than she has; question is - is he worth it? Do you want him enough, to be willing to be the one to back up every now and then. If you're not willing to do that, and you fight him at every turn, its going to destroy any chance of you two making it. I'm just being brutally honest. I know me, I know him, and I know how we were raised."

  "Well, you're not the only one who has said as much. Sheila and Dennis said the same thing. Dennis is on his side, so is Sheila."

  "No... they're on your side as well sweety, they love you. I - love you. Sylvia loves you. My brother - is - in love with you. We're all, on your side. Because we all, want to see you two make it. So, yes - he must learn to compromise, but so must you."

  Vivian's sigh carried through the phone-line to him. "Think he'll call me tonight?"

  "If he doesn't, don't panic over it."

  "Should I call him?"

  "No ... leave it alone for tonight, okay?"

  "Okay ... thank you Shawn, for being honest and fair. I guess I better let you go now."

  "Well, I called you remember? So, you call anytime you need to talk. Anytime... I mean that."

  "I know, it's going to be a long night. Anyway, thank you, talk to you later, bye."

  Chinese delivery arrived, smelling wonderful.

  Kids returned with an incredibly huge arrangement of flowers.

  Isaac was ready with his line.

  Shawn, Crystal and Angela were busy setting the table and getting the food out.

  Benjamin stood at the bedroom door.

  {{ Knock knock knock }}

  "Who's there?" Sylvia asked, flipping through TV channels, her stomach growling. She was hungry and wanted to come out now, but didn't care for facing the family.

  "Benjamin."

  She looked at the door, scrambled up from the bed walking to it, "Shawn put you up to this?" She asked right away.

  "No ma'am, he didn't. I have a few things here that I brought and I don't know where to put them, Shawn said that I needed to ask you about it."

  "Well what is it?"

  "I have them here, can you look them over real quick and tell me where they go?" He asked.

  Sighing, Sylvia opened the door, to look up at him, and then down at one of the most beautiful assortment of flowers she'd ever seen. Also, standing below him, was Isaac, a single rose in his hand. He offered it up to her.

  "You can come out now grandma, its okay. I'ah be good. Don't want you mad at me no more. Gran'papah Shawn says the noises you make are baby making noises. That's okay gran'ma now I unner'stan'. I'm sorry." His eyes were so doleful and sad, his mouth pouty, making Sylvia ease down to one knee. "Grandma's not mad at you baby."

  "This rose for you gran'ma."

  "Thank you sweety." Sylvia looked at her grandson, loving him more and more, she couldn't imagine her life without him and his little brother, even if he did embarrass the heck out of her. "Come eat now gran'ma, we got lots and lots of food."

  "Yes, please - if I'm going to stay for dinner, it would be nice if you were at the table as well. And uh, what do I do with these?" Benjamin asked, holding up the rest of the flowers.

  Sylvia stood, smiled at him, took her grandson's hand and bid Benjamin, "Follow me."

  She went down the stairs, bracing herself, yet, no one looked at her, they were busy setting up the food. All the wonderful scents hit her square in the nose and made her stomach growl. She was also starting to feel light headed. Shawn pulled out a chair, the place setting for her, the first set up.

  "Excuse me madam, your place is waiting." He winked.

  She simpered, shaking her head. "I have to get a vase for these, beautiful flowers. Thank you." She returned softly.

  "Crystal, take care of those flowers for your mother." Shawn directed. Crystal wasted no time, leading Benjamin to the counter with them so he could lay them down. She took down two vases, with there being so many and passed him one; opened the drawer, pulled out a couple of nippers, passing him one, with her showing him what to do, they arranged her mothers flowers together.

  Isaac led Sylvia to the table. "Sit right here gran'ma, this where you sit my gran'ma." He informed her, patting her on the rump to sit down.

  Sylvia sat in her chair as her husband stood over her, picking up her plate and pointing at various dishes as if to say, this? What about this? With eyes big and stomach growling she yes and no'd her choices. Angela was making everyone's else plate. However, what did not escape Sylvia's notice was that her son was sitting on the sofa with Darren, facing the TV. Every now and then, his shoulders would shake as if he were biting back laughter.

  "Shawn, Mundo's still laughing at me." Sylvia informed him with narrowed eyes at her son.

  "MUNDO! You laughing at your mother!?" Shawn barked.

  He turned around, "No! Uh uh... I ain't - no." His eyes were filled with tears, fighting with all his might.

  "Mundo!" Shawn reprimanded again.

  "I'm straight! For real. I ain't laughing at you, ma-mama. I ain't - really I'm not." He chewed his lip.

  Crystal and Benjamin came with the flowers and sat both vases on the table in the center and took their seats.

  "Mundo, if you wish to sit at this table and eat, you will not make one snicker, you hear me?" Shawn warned.

  Mundo stood taking Darren's hand, leading him to the table, trying with all his might not to look at his mother. He was chewing on his bottom lip, the inside of his mouth, his tongue, trying to inflict pain. He glanced up at Shawn and that almost undid him, he glanced quickly away.

  "Mundo!" Shawn called out to him again, now biting on his own tongue not to laugh.

  Sylvia sat trying to maintain her own serious stare, but felt the humor bubbling up in her as well. "Ya'll ain't right. Mundo stop laughing at me!"

  "Mama I ain't laughing at you, I swear I ain't!" He let go of Darren's hand and walked to his mother's chair wrapping his arms around her, leaning down to kiss her neck and cheek, making her draw up, giggling. "I'll be good mama, promise okay?" He was holding onto her, his body fighting not to laugh. "Go sit down boy, yo'silly butt." She simpered. Mundo kissed her loud on the cheek and took his seat.

  In no time at all, everyone was sitting around the table, enjoying their food. Shawn sat in disbelief, enraptured by them all. His family. The most beautiful picture his eyes ever beheld. They were loud, laughing, joking around, all talking at the same time - Darren yelling out to be heard, Isaac standing on his chair, leaning on the table trying to drop his egg roll back on the platter with the others, after - he'd bitten out of it and found he didn't like it, spitting the contents from his mouth to his plate. Angela catching him before he took a tumble. Crystal scolding him for trying to drop a wet baby spit soaked egg roll back with the others. Mundo and Benjamin laughing and teasing. He loved this. He couldn't hide the smile on his face, he turned to look at his wife, his pregnant wife. She was watching him. A smile on her face, and love, admiration and devotion in her eyes.

  "I love you." She murmured softly, for his ears only.

  Touched, feeling emotional because this was his dream, this is where, in his entire life, he'd wanted to
be; he leaned towards her and they kissed.

  "Aaaaah, here we go! See see! Ain't learned nothing! Em hm, we know where that's gone lead!" Mundo stood fixing more food on his plate, instigating the other's to calling out the same. "Here we go again!" They all razzed, singing it out like the old rap tune by 'Portrait' from the 90's, at the same time. Mundo doing the cabbage patch to the tune, with Angela cracking up at him. Making Sylvia and Shawn laugh, lips still pressed together. Sylvia leaned away with her husband caressing her cheek, they're kids singing in the background.

  "Hey! You all might as well know this right here and now! My wife is beautiful, not to mention, sexy as hell! And I'm just a man who appreciates that! Okay? So for all of you who sleep under this roof, beware of bumps in the night!"

  "SHAWN!" Sylvia screeched.

  They were all laughing this time. Benjamin rolling his fist in the air. Mundo and Crystal doing a high five. Angela laughing shyly, mouth covered.

  "Baby come on, if we all gonna live together - let's get this understood. A man like me and a woman like you? They're not stupid baby."

  Sylvia felt herself blushing at her husband's words, she finally realized that she might as well give up the fight, gazing at him she shook her head, saying, "I can't believe what you've done to me and my life, Mr. McPherson."

  Shawn leaned to her, "All good I hope? No regrets?" Said without a smile, she could see it in his eyes, that he was sincere in needing to know.

  She smiled, shaking her head, "No regrets."

  Shawn straightened and went on to eat and stated to Angela and the table at large, "Well - wife, offspring ... I want you all to get yourselves prepared. Thanks to Benjamin, I've gotten caught up on a lot of my work and have a great deal to deliver. Since Angela is out of school, I think we all could use a little vacation. Sooo, what do you all think about us, all of us, heading to California? Angela needs to spend time with her mother and I need to get with the James's about work and other matters. Any reasons why either of you can't go?"

  "When are you talking about us going?" Sylvia asked.

  "Asap ... soon as I can get a flight out, this weekend, Sunday? Cheaper flights and faster availability." He informed her, eating as they discussed it.

  "This weekend? Sunday? Shawn, what about the building across the road? Our home, remember? And the appliances are going to be delivered Monday." Sylvia asked.

  "Jake and Shanna are here. We'll have Shanna come and wait for it, have them put all in the garage until we get back."

  "Shawn..." She groaned.

  "It'll be fine, we'll only be gone a week or two. I need you to meet the James's, I need this family put on my Insurance and I'd like to do it in person. Angela needs to have some time with her mother and I have to take her there. Remember, no more trips with me leaving you behind; I meant that. I go, you go." He informed Sylvia, "So, start thinking about what you'll be needing and lets get packing."

  "YES!" Angela cheered.

  Sylvia made a face, her mind already working on what all she'd have to get ready.

  "Crystal? You going honey? I think you should, all things considered, you need a breather." Shawn suggested, thinking about Victor's phone call earlier. Hell if he was going to leave her here to have him tugging her back and forth on his emotional rollercoaster. Best thing for her, was to get her as far from him as he could for the time being.

  "What about my divorce date? I've slotted it for a court date in two weeks" She asked and informed him.

  "We'll schedule our return for the day before." He answered. "I want you to get away, have some fun and let go of the stress and rest of it for now. Okay? Do this for me, for you - let's go and get away from it all."

  She took a deep breath, "And our anger management meetings?"

  "We'll resume when we return. In fact, I'll alert Chad of my business needs, and he'll have to understand. To get away will do you good."

  Looking around the table at everyone waiting for her answer, she nodded, "Okay, I'll go, sure - let's do it."

  "Good girl. Mundo?"

  "I just went on that interview for that job dad, remember?"

  "Did they hire you?"

  "Nooo, but the interview went good, they could call me at anytime for it."

  "I don't care, this is a family trip, if they call they call. You'll have to find something else when we return; you're going with us, as I said, family trip, I want you with me. Besides, there are some people I want you to meet."

  Mundo was grinning, "What the heck, I ain't never been to California - let's do it!"

  Sylvia had been covertly watching Benjamin, she could see that he was waiting to be asked. She kicked Shawn under the table. He looked at her, she tossed her eyes and head towards Benjamin. Shawn smiled, "Benjamin?" He looked up, and his heart was in his eyes. "Have any plans?"

  "No sir, no definite plans."

  "Would you like to join us?"

  "If you don't mind, sure, I'd love to, I've never been to California either. That would be great."

  "Well it's settled then. We're going to L.A. Everyone get to packing, I'll be booking us a flight for Sunday."

  "Shawn tomorrow is Friday?" Sylvia reminded him.

  "Plenty of time to pack baby, plenty of time. Aren't you excited? I know I am, I can't wait to introduce you to mama JoJo. I can't wait."

  Again, Sylvia was already packing in her mind, going through her closet as her family sat around, now fully excited and animated about the sudden trip. Angela was over the moon talking about seeing her friends again. Her mother meeting all of them. She was clapping, saying, "Wait until you guys see my dads condo - it's so nice there!"

  The phone rang.

  Smiling, Shawn rose to head into his office to answer it.

  "McPherson's residence."

  "Shawn McPherson? This is Jeremiah Franklin, do you remember me? I'm your ex-wife's lawyer."

  Shawn froze, then closed the door to his office from the noise of his family.

  "Yes, how can I help you?"

  "We need to talk. I'm thinking of flying there, to Wisconsin, to speak with you."

  "What is this about?"

  "I don't think it's something that can be discussed over the phone. In fact, I know it's not."

  "I'm flying my family out to L.A. Sunday, so that Angela can spend some time with her mother, can it wait until then?"

  "Absolutely! Fantastic! How many of your family is coming?"

  "There's eight of us, why?"

  "We'll uh, have a limo waiting, a few uh, guards."

  Shawn froze. "Guards? Why do we need guards?"

  "Just as a precaution that's all. Can I ask you for your flight plans please, I need to schedule it."

  "I wanna know what's going on?"

  "I'll explain everything when you get here. Your flight plans?"

  "Give me your contact details, I'll ring you back with them."

  "Good enough, I'll be waiting." Jeremiah hung up.

  Shawn stood holding the phone, wondering what the hell was going on now.

  Friday morning, Chicago...

  Vivian splashed her face again and looked once more in the mirror. The bags were still under her eyes. She opened her medicine cabinet and used the eye droppers hoping they would clear the pink away from them being dry and scratchy. She was doing everything she could not to think. Not to cause the tears to start rolling again. Her stomach ached. She was tempted not to go into work. Dean, Stephanie and Janna. They would be in her face, they would be able to see something was wrong. She looked at her hand. The ring was gone.

  "Aaaah!" She cried out wanting to kick herself.

  She sat on the toilet, her face down in her hands.

  All night, she'd dozed off and on, waiting, hoping that he would call.

  She'd gone too far. She knew she had. Despite what his brother said, Vivian had a feeling it was over. Otherwise, he would have called. He would have come back. He'd done neither. This not far off the last fight they had where her mouth had gone too far
, said too much. When will I learn? She agonized. She took several deep breaths and stood, forcing herself to get ready for work. She would stiffen her spine and deal with Dean, Stephanie, and mainly Janna. Vivian wasn't stupid. Something told her, Janna would gloat about this, that they'd broken up. Vivian tried soaking her eyes with a cold face clothe hoping to get rid of the bags under her eyes. Fifteen minutes later, it had only helped a little. She had no more time to spare, she dressed, did a bit of make up; not much, the last thing she wanted was to pile on the make-up only to end up looking foolish, especially if the damn tears started rolling again. Tears mixed with self-pity, anger at herself and hurt that he could go the entire night and not once, phone her. He couldn't be in love with me; so she thought, felt. She locked up her house and made the walk to the bus stop; unable to endure it, the standing there and waiting, she phoned for a taxi, hoping it would get there before the bus. It did, she climbed in and rode in the back seat thinking about the night before again for the hundredth time. Wishing with all of her might, that she'd handled that whole scenario differently. If he never contacted her again, never called her again, she had no one to blame but herself. "I should have called him." She murmured softly to herself.

  She wouldn't do it.

  Doing so would make her just as the other women he had, begging him, doing anything to keep him. While Vivian knew she would do almost anything to keep him, she couldn't let him know that. If she was going to spend the rest of her life with a man, it had to be a man that could not live without her. If he could, then she needed to deal with the loss, no matter how bad she wanted, this man. She wondered if she was insane. Financially, he fell short of what she'd always wanted. He was arrogant. Full of himself. Demanding. Controlling. He'd hit her! Albeit, on the ass, but still - he had hit her. He was pushy, domineering to the highest degree. Oversexed. Overly endowed so that at times, it hurt. Like the other night, when they'd made up from the other fight. He was a very strong man. His body very solid, and his strokes deep and strong. The hard, thick size of him pushing to enter her body was still a shock to her system. Even with her legs down, she'd been full with him. Forced to take the driving force of every hammering penetration. Thinking about it now, made her heart beat within her chest with the same intensity of that night, having him there above her, his forceful pelvis pounding against her, driving each thrust hard and deep. She shook her head. He refused to give her the tiniest bit of control over him. That night was a declaration to her. The way he had her was a loud announcement of which one of them was the man. He was! He was, the worst type of Alpha male. No woman, not even her, would tame the power within him. Yes, he must be the worst type. Trying to be fair, she rethought that. "Well, not the worst type. He'd doesn't beat me. He's not abusive." She was forced to admit. Just, stuck on making sure she knew that he was the one in charge in their relationship. Of that, Vivian had no doubt as she wondered why she wanted him still? What woman with half a brain would want a man like Jacob Patrick McPherson? As if asked to raise her hand, she did, ever so slightly. She was slumped in the back seat, caught herself and how she was sitting and sat up straight; correcting her clothing. There were many fish in the sea. Guys that wanted her. At her job, men that made damn good money. They were good looking, and pliable. There was Dr. Laek Chan... he wanted her. Right now, she could get anything she wanted out of him, she knew she'd be able to call the shots; and he earned a six figure salary. Yet... she wanted neither of those choices.