The Secret The Cheerleader Doesn't... - Chapter 65: Chapter 65

Ani POV
I observed Cassie and the twins interactions. The moment they saw Cassie these two haven't stopped talking - especially Jessika.
"And this douche made me trip in front of everyone!" Jessika shouted, catching the eyes of the other customers. I just glared back at them, silently and respectfully telling them to mind their own business.
"Not my fault you're a klutz!" Jakob teased, earning him a flick by Jessika. I chuckled at that. These two have always been filled with piss and vinegar.
"It's great to hear that you two had fun," Cassie said, putting some meat into the kid's bowls, "but keep your voices down. It's not like we're alone in here."
"Not our fault everyone else is boring," Jessika said, earning her a flick by Cassie. That got both Jakob and I. It had been a long time since I had cried as I laughed.  I couldn't stop myself... I almost fell over.  Soon my real laugh came out, making Cassie and Jessika join in.  Our table was filled with laughter and snorts - furthering our giggles.
~
We stopped by an ice cream place for the kids.  Cassie tried to argue over who would pay but I said, "I invited you out.  Next time you can pay."  She stared at me for a bit but gave in.  She went to sit with the kids, stealing a spoonful from each of them.  Of course Jessika whined about it while Jakob and Cassie laughed.
A little smile came onto my lips as I watched them. Suddenly the older man behind the counter spoke up, "A great sight, huh?"
"Excuse me?" I said, confused.
"Seeing your family being happy," he smiled, "when my past wife and I had our family, I lived for these little moments. Seeing them laugh and be happy... that's all I needed."
Glancing back at them I saw Cassie taking pictures of them, Jessika whining, and Jakob forcing Jessika in the photos. All that was missing was Jaelynn making her silly faces.  "I get that," I said.  I handed him forty dollars, "Keep the change... consider it as a tip for great service."
I headed back to the table, clearing my throat.  All the fun stopped, making me a little disheartened, "I packed the kids stuff.  I can go put them in your car if you want."
"It's Friday though," Cassie said, shocked, "we agreed the weekend."
"Friday night is kinda part of the weekend," I smiled, "go get your bags.  They're in the trunk.  Make sure yo grab your school bags as well, you'll need them for Monday."
"Okie!" Jessika hopped out of the booth and hurried to the car, dragging Jakob with her.
I took a seat, rubbing my eyes a little.  Though I only worked for 9 hours today, I was still exhausted.  "Are you sure?" Cassie asked.
"Yeah," I surprised my yawn, "the kids will love it.  They must be tired of seeing my face every night."  I thought my joke would make her grin at least but she just looked... sad.
Luckily the kids came back just in time.  Jessika was on cloud nine, "Mama, can we watch movies until eleven?"
"Any homework?" Cassie asked.
"I told them they could do it tomorrow," I said, getting looks from the kids.  I never said that... and they knew that.  It's Friday night.  No reason to stress anymore, "Sorry that I didn't run that by you."
"That's fine with me," she said, "but it's done tomorrow."
"Yep!" Jessika said, chowing down on her ice cream.
Jakob took a seat next to me, "And you mom?  What are you doing tonight?"
I felt odd.
But I just smiled, "Going straight to bed.  I'm too old to be partying anymore."
"Is Jennifer coming over?" Jessika asked, having the air around us shift dramatically.  I glanced up at Cassie, seeing how uncomfortable she was.  This was my fault, so I had to clear it up.
"Nope," I said, "she won't be coming around ever again... well, not with consent."
Jessika just nodded, scooping her ice cream.  Knowing I was making it awkward for them, I got up and took my stuff, "Well I hope you two have a wonderful weekend.  If you get time, watch Maleficent.  Greatest movie of all time."  I was going to hug them and kiss their heads, but I stopped.
It would probably make them uncomfortable.
Instead I just waved and headed outside.  When I got in the car, I looked back at them once more.  They were back to laughing, smiling and enjoying each other's company.
Will they ever smile like that with me?
As I was driving home, the Bluetooth in my car told me a call was coming through, but I declined so I could just relax.  I admired the lights of the city, the people laughing and music all around me.  Then I replayed what I saw tonight.  Seeing the twins laughing like that, smiling... genuinely smiling... it was medicine.  I felt lighter after that.
As I pulled into the driveway and headed to the door, I stopped when I saw her standing on my doorsteps.  Gritting my teeth, I demanded, "What the fuck are you doing here?"
She stood up, staying where she was.  She was still blonde but her hair was longer now, "I think we need to have a talk, Antonia."
"I disagree," I said, "and you're on my property, without my permission.  That's trespassing."
"Call the cops."
"I will if you don't leave in the next minute," I said, putting my keys in between my fingers, "we have nothing to discuss Jennifer.... I believe I made it very clear that everything between us is done.  I love Cassidy and want to save my family... I don't want you."
"See you did all the talking," she came down the steps and neared me, but I held out my hand, creating a barrier, "as a therapist, you should know both parties are allowed to seek out closure."
"I also know that closure doesn't need to be achieved by breaking a boundary," I said, "now, get the fuck off my property and fuck off."