Second Chance at Love

Chapter 10

Getting ready for work on Monday, almost seemed like torture. I still feel so tired from all the events from the weekend. I still have some of Kaylee’s friends here. Their parents were still out of town on business and I don’t mind keeping them here until they're back. They should be alone after everything that happened.

Being so many girls I here in the morning is quite the hassle though. Each taking there turns to shower and brushing their teeth. I’m the last one to get in.

Coming out after finally getting all pampered and dressed up, Sandy is already there with my Ice Cap. Thank god! I need the caffeine this morning.

“Good morning. You almost ready?” She asks, taking a sip of her coffee.

“Just about. Kaylee, are you girl ready for school? The bus is almost here!” I yell out from the kitchen.

“We’re coming, mom.” She yells back.

Rushing to get them all their lunch ready, they finally step inside the kitchen.

“I hope you all like chicken salad sandwiches because that’s what you’ll all be eating at lunch. I’ve also put in some fruit mixed granola yogurt and a couple of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. You each have a hot chocolate with whipped cream and caramel pieces. Be good now.”  

Yes, I’m that mom. The one that always goes all out to make a lot of special little things.

“Thank, mom. I’ll see you tonight.” She says, picking up the lunches.

“See you tonight sweet-pea. Have a good day. If there’s anything, I’ll have my cell phone on me today, ok?” I tell her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I will, I love you.”

“I love you too BB. Now get going girl, or you’ll miss the bus!”

“You know, I hate you some time,” Sandy says, laughing.

“What are you babbling about now?” I say, looking at her in a slightly mocking face.

“You have it so together. The perfect mama. Getting lunches ready and special hot chocolate for her and her friends. You make it look so easy, and I’m just like, here’s 5$ Alex, get yourself a lunch at school. You make me sick, you’re the perfect mom.”

“I’m far from perfect and I sure as hell don’t have it together and you know it better than anyone. I don’t do this every day. They’ve had a really bad weekend. I just wanted to do something special for today. I’m sure other kids at school will have heard about Friday’s party by now. So, I at least wanted to make them smile this morning. Today’s going to be hard enough as it is.” I say, more seriously in the end.

“I know, I was only teasing. How did it go after we left yesterday?” Sandy asks taking another sip of her coffee.

“It was alright. We spent the rest of the day watching movies. I got a call from Mackenzie’s mom. She out of the hospital now, but she’ll be staying home for a few days. She was pretty out of it when she woke up. She doesn’t remember much after she got out of that house with Kaylee. I still can’t believe some little s**t from there school could do this. It scary just thinking about it. I thank god it wasn’t Kaylee that was drugged. Not that I’d want it to happen to anyone.”

“I know. I asked Alex to keep an eye on her today. It’s a pretty traumatic thing to go through. She’s hade enough to deal with in the past year. He seemed worried about her. I think he has a crush on Kaylee.”

“Seriously? Alex likes Kaylee like that?” I ask in surprise.

“He didn’t say so, but he got so red when I asked him if he did. You should have seen him. It was so cute!” She says, mimicking pinching his cheeks.

“I’m sure it was,” I say laughing at her.

“We should get going if we don’t want to be late for work. Are you hoping in with me?”

“Sure, let’s get going.”

***

Opening my store today. I feel unmotivated. But I still have a job to do.

Getting my display’s out, I get everything done for the opening.

Taking my order binder out, I get everything sorted out and place my restocking order in our system. I get a few boxes open and put new merchandise on the floor.

Having my part-timer employee taking care of customers, I get busy on making a new display for our new arrivals. I don’t notice someone walking in and stand behind me.

Straitening up to look at what I just placed on my display to make sure it looks good; I feel a presence behind me. Looking back over my shoulder I jump in surprise.

“s**t! What the hell are you doing here Mathieu!” I semi yell through gritted teeth.

“I just came to see you. I wanted to see how you were doing after everything that happened this weekend.” He says, with a small smile.

Gosh, he still has such a sexy coy-ish smile…

Dam it!! Don’t get infatuated with him, he’s a jerk!

Turning back around so he doesn’t see my reddening face, I try to keep making my display.

“Tasha, please. Can you at least look at me?” He says in a sad sounding voice “I really meant what I said the other day. Please, can you give me a chance to make it up to you?”

Can I believe him? I’m so scared to get hurt again. What should I do?

Slowly turning back around, I take my time lifting my head up to look at him. I can see the hurt on his features.

“Here, this is for you. You still like these, right?”

Handing me a box of Hazelnut filled chocolate balls, I stare at them, stunt. He still remembers. Feeling myself tear up, I push the box back to him.

“I can’t take them, please leave, I have work to do,” I say leaving him standing there alone, heading toward the back store.

“Tasha…” I hear him calling after me.

Closing the door behind me, I get in the washroom. Locking the door behind me, I place myself against the door. Not able to hold my tears any longer, I place my hands on my face, letting myself fall on the floor.

Why did he have to show up here today? Why does he have to be so sweet and nice to me now? Couldn’t he be like this back then?

Letting myself cry a few more minutes. I splash some water on my face.

Get yourself together. You still have work to do! I chastise myself. I can’t let myself get this emotional while at work.

Finally leaving the washroom, I pray Mathieu has left. Looking around after coming out, I don’t see him anywhere in the store.

I let out a relieving sight. I don’t want to bring my personal issues at work. Walking up to the counter, I notice the box of chocolate laying there, with a note on it.

Taking it in my hands, I read it.

‘I won’t ever give up on you. I made that mistake once. I’ll never let it happen ever again. I’ll see you soon. Luv, Mat’