LOOKING TROUGH YOUR EYES

CHAPTER 9

Lindsey was arranging some documents that she had to take to work the next day, when her phone rang, it was Emma. She sounded somewhat annoying.

-          You asked me to talk to my son to be careful, you said that Sheryl was "very vulnerable" - she said sarcastically and complained, she told her that Jair had left school crying because Sheryl had ignored him all day, he left her a note to meet and she never came.

Lindsey was surprised, she told her that she would talk to Sheryl and ask her what happened and why she didn’t go to the pool.

-          Sheryl! - called Lindsey

The girl ran downstairs immediately, her mother told her what Emma had said and asked why she’d done that. Sheryl told her that she hadn’t found that note, there was only the letter in the shape of a heart on her desk, it didn’t have a name on it, but she though it was from Jair, she even went to look for it in her living room at his classroom, that's why it took her so long to come out of school.

-          Where is the letter? - Asked Lindsey

-          I can't find it - said the girl - I'm sure I put it in my math notebook, but I've already looked in the whole backpack and can’t find anything

-          Mmm ... what color do you say the ink was written with?

-          Gold, why?

-          I doubt that Jair wrote it in gold ... you say it disappeared, right?

-          Yes, really mommy ... I'm sure I put it there. I would never do something like that to Jair - she said almost crying

-          Don't worry princess, I do believe you… it's just… I think that note was from Ethan, do you have the box where you kept the necklace on Sunday?

-          Yes, it's in my room

-          Bring it, please

Sheryl ran to get the purple box she had left it on her nightstand. Lindsey was reflecting, everything seemed to indicate that that voice was Ethan's, but ... her daughter was right, why to them? Did he really wanted to protect them? Or was it that… would he feel guilty? Maybe none of that would have happened if she had never carried the baby. On the other hand, what was special about that necklace? Why was everything Ethan gave them disappearing, except that necklace? Why the little letter that he left for her daughter? Why the little bee that bothered her every time she was with Jair? Was he really the one who sent the bee? Besides ... how did he manage to communicate with them? Would he talk to someone else? Doubts began to overwhelm her, her gaze clouded for a moment.

-          Mommy - said her daughter with a very soft voice - I can't find the box

-          Don't worry about it, my girl, I suspected that - she said while hugging her - I'll call Emma in a moment to tell her that the note flew off or maybe someone took it, I'm sure Jair will understand. Now go to finish your homework

Sheryl went to do her homework and Lindsey spoke to Emma, explaining that her daughter hadn’t found the note and had gone to Jair's classroom to wait for him.

-          Actually… there is something we should talk about, but it's a bit complicated. I think we should talk about it face to face, can I buy you a coffee? - Lindsey said on the phone

-          Well, I’m kind of busy these days... is Saturday okay?

-          Clear! Anyway, I also have a lot to do ... by the way, Sheryl also has something to tell Jair, but since we are in the middle of the week, I think it is better that they focus on their studies.

-          Okay, I'll explain to Jair that it was a mix-up, and Sheryl will tell him everything more calmly ... on Saturday too?

-          Sure! Instead of coffee, could you come to my house for lunch? So the children will have more space to talk

-          Okay. There we’ll be, can my husband go too?

-          Of course, we’ll be expecting you.

As soon as they said goodbye, Emma went to her little boy's room, who was still a bit hurt.

-          Jair, my boy, don't be sad anymore. I just spoke with Lindsey, she told me that Sheryl didn’t go because she was waiting for you at your classroom, it seems that the note flew and she didn’t read it. Anyway ... they say there’s something they want to tell us, do you want to go to their house for lunch this Saturday?

The boy didn’t answer, he got out of bed, wiped away his tears and ran to hug his mother.

Lindsey, for her part, explained to Sheryl that it was better to wait for the weekend to tell Jair everything, she understood and thanked her.

-          I couldn’t have done it alone, thank you very much mommy - said the girl sweetly while hugging her mother

She finished her homework and Lindsey her job. They wanted to watch a movie, like they usually did, but it was too late so they went to sleep.

The next day, at school, Sheryl and Jair went out together at the break. She apologized, but didn’t give him an explanation yet. They both knew they would have time to talk on Saturday, so they tried to put the subject aside and started playing and talking about other things. They had no problems with the necklace, since Sheryl had learned to hide it very well, she kept it in the little pocket of her blouse, so it was close to her heart, but out of the sight of people.

Lindsey was going through a lot of things too; every day, Mike would surprise her with some detail, it could be a bouquet of roses, a hot coffee with a beautiful message next to it, a good morning hug, a text message at night ... let’s just say it was a beautiful week.

When Saturday morning finally arrived, Sheryl went to her mother's room early.

-          Good morning mommy! - she greeted her enthusiastically - the big day has finally arrived! - She said even more excited - I really want to thank you for everything you are doing to help me - she said while hugging her - but you know, I have also realized that now you are happier ... does the sparkle in your eyes have a name? - She said in a mischievous tone

Lindsey laughed and told her about Mike, Sheryl listened carefully to the whole story and at the end she said:

-          How nice that you’ve been able to find someone like that, when will you introduce him to me?

The mother was surprised, her daughter, far from being angry or uncomfortable about a "new dad" was being very understanding and mature for her age. They agreed that she would present him to her next week, because this week they already had too many very important things to do. They got out of bed and began to clean the house, cooked a delicious lunch and took a bath. By this time, it was already 12 o'clock. Emma called, said they would arrive in half an hour, Sheryl was very excited, a little nervous, but happy because at last she would get rid of a weight.

At 12:30, there was a knock on the door, they had arrived!

Sheryl hugged her teddy moon, hid the necklace very well and ran down to receive the guests.

Jair was wearing a leather jacket, gray jeans and a white T-shirt, he also had dark glasses that made him look even more handsome, he wore white sneakers and his hair was messy from the wind; he was the cutest boy ever seen. Sheryl blushed when she looked at him, she couldn't lower her gaze, he was taller, so she had her face raised, her gaze fixed on that little angel face. He also looked at her, "and I thought she couldn't look prettier" he thought to himself. She was wearing a brown skirt, a striped T-shirt and black boots, the wind was amusing itself playing with her long golden hair.

 Lindsey noticed their gazes and touched Sheryl's arm, to warn her not to be so obvious, as even Emma had noticed.

-          ow! Good-good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Walker - Sheryl greeted embarrassed, at the same time she looked away to go to Emma and her husband - good afternoon Jair - she continued, while her little eyes returned to have that special shine

They all greeted each other and the Walker family came in, sat at the table and got ready to eat lunch. While they ate, they didn’t talk much, they all seemed to be afraid of breaking the peace that was felt in the environment. Anthony, Emma's husband, was the first to finish; he thanked for the food and got up from the table to answer a call, Jair and Sheryl finished right after him, they both thanked and went to the living room to talk.

-          You look very pretty today… I mean, you always look beautiful. But today too, I mean ... prettier than usual ... sorry, I don't know what I'm saying - Jair said ashamed

-          Thanks a lot. You also look very good - replied the girl with a shy laugh

There was an awkward silence for a few seconds, until he asked:

-          Why did you walk away when I asked who you were talking to? Why didn't you go to the pool?

-          Mm…. Well, it's a long story. But you have to promise me that you won't think I'm crazy - Sheryl said in a slightly worried tone

-          I would never think that - Jair answered caressing her flushed cheeks

Sheryl's little face turned completely red, she looked like a little tomato; she c****d his head gently into Jair's hand and smiled. After a moment, she began to tell him everything.

Meanwhile, Emma and Lindsey had already finished eating, they were talking, looking at the children from time to time. Lindsey explained everything that had happened to her in detail, Emma was surprised, she didn’t know anything about Melany, she told her that her family had moved only 2 years ago.

-          Although, now that you mention it, Anthony has been very strange lately. As you may have noticed, they call him so often and he starts talking for a long time, sometimes he even leaves in a hurry as if his life depended on it, then he comes back somewhat giddy, it hadn't crossed my mind that it could be because a woman, he was always affectionate and kind, that's why I fell in love with him, he was very detailed and he was always loyal. His mother never agreed with our relationship, she thought I only loved him for his money, so she’d always try to introduce him to a million young, beautiful girls; however, he politely dismissed them, he always knew how to give me my place ... until almost a month ago, he started receiving those strange calls, I thought they’d be from his work, but now that you tell me about Melany, I really don't know what to think… - Emma said worriedly, turning her head towards the door, where her husband was, still on the phone.

-          Well, I don't think it's her. Strangely, she’s been with Paul for quite some time now, I think things are going well between them. I can ask him if you want me to, he’ll come tomorrow for Sheryl ...

-          yes! Please, that’d make me very calm, I don't want Jair to have to see his dad with another woman, we’re all he has; As I was saying, we forced him to leave his friends in the other town, because Anthony was offered a better job here.

By then, Sheryl had already told Jair everything, he couldn't believe so many things, but he couldn't doubt what that soft voice, sweet as honey, was saying to him.

-          Wow ... but are you sure Ethan doesn't want us to be friends? why? Did something happen between you two? Is it really necessary that you always wear the necklace he gave you? Where is the teddy I gave you? - he said trying to hide his jealousy.

The girl smiled, explained that she couldn’t detach from the necklace because, despite everything, she felt protected with it.

-          Melany is a very bad woman, sometimes I feel like she wants to get rid of me and when I'm not wearing the necklace, she appears to me very often ... that's why I ran out of the bathroom that day ... the teddy is in my room, it always accompanies me when I sleep. Thank you very much, when I hug her I feel that you are by my side - she said blushing again

Jair hugged her, pressing her face to his chest,

-          I’ll always be with you – he said

From that day on, there would be no secrets between the two of them. The mothers were very happy with their friendship; they were glad that they got along so well.

The Walkers decided to stay a while longer, the parents had tea while the children went out for a while, Sheryl went out on her cyan bicycle that had a bouquet of beautiful flowers in the front basket and Jair, on the black skateboard that his older brother, Owen, had given him just before leaving for college. They spent almost half an hour around the neighborhood, they didn't say a word, they just watched the sunset; the sun was just on the horizon, the afternoon had been painted gold and the warm atmosphere invited the birds to sing, it was autumn and leaves were falling from the trees, the air breathed was peace and tranquility. The children felt the wind on their faces, they looked at each other, they smiled and laughed out of nowhere, they had never felt so free, so happy, so complete.

In the evening everyone said goodbye and the Walkers left. When they were alone, Lindsey told her daughter:

-          You know, I really like Emma and the friendship you have with Jair is very beautiful, but remember to always be careful around everyone ...

-          What do you mean?

-          It's not for anything in particular, but be careful. Remember that Melany is always on the prowl

Sheryl nodded and, with a smile on her lips, ran up to her room to hug the teddy that Jair had given her, she already missed him.

The next day, like every 15 days, Paul came very early to pick up his daughter, but she wasn’t ready, for the first time in so many years she’d fallen asleep. As he got ready, Lindsey took the opportunity to ask him how things were going with Melany.

-          Everything is fine - he said annoyed

-          I'm happy for you, you don't have to be mad, it's just a question ...

-          Sure, surely you want things to go wrong so you can laugh and claim me for leaving you

Before Lindsey could answer, Sheryl came downstairs ready to go. They left and she could tell that her father was somewhat uncomfortable.

-          Excuse me, my dream was very nice and I didn’t want to wake up - apologized the girl

-          Don’t worry. I understand ... but don't let it happen again, you know we have very little time to be together. Anyway ... how was this week?

Sheryl excitedly told him all about Jair, but her father's face was growing grim and annoyed.

-          Is there anything bothering you? - She asked, interrupting her story

-          Is nothing. But I can't believe that you would rather dream of that boy than get ready to go out together, knowing that we can only see each other once every 15 days. But it doesn’t matter ... I see that today you don’t bring the necklace - he said changing the subject

Sheryl noticed a gleam in his eyes, Paul gave a devilish smile that made her scare.

-          Nope. I do have it with me ... it’s here - she said adjusting her T-shirt so that the necklace could be appreciated

Her father didn’t answer, they had already arrived at Deyner's restaurant, where they had had breakfast for the last years.

-          Good morning Mr. Smith, hi Sheryl! how are you? what would you like to eat today? - Said the smiling young man

-          Hi! The usual, please - the girl replied happily

-          Okay ... and you?

-          Just a latte - Paul said coldly

Deyner left and Paul stayed talking to Sheryl.

-          I might not come for a while. Melany wants to travel a few months

-          But I'm going to miss you a lot, how long are you planning to be away?

-          I don't know, but I think it’ll be almost a year

-          But…

-          We didn’t make the decision yet - said Paul interrupting her - but I warn you so that you won’t be surprised if I don’t come next time - he concluded coldly - anyway, you already have that little boy to entertain you - he said with a contemptuous gesture

Sheryl was about to object, but Melany appeared from behind.

-          Hello love - she said greeting Paul - Hello Sheryl, how are you? - She said approaching her

-          Hi. I’m fine, thanks. I need to go to the bathroom for a moment - she said trying to find a way out so he wouldn't have to be near her

When she was alone in the bathroom, she didn't know what to do; she didn't want to call her mother because she didn't want to worry her, but she also didn't want to be around that woman even for a second. Suddenly it occurred to her to call Ethan, but how would she do it? She didn’t know how to communicate with him, usually the voice only appeared out of nowhere, but since she began to hide the necklace she hadn’t hear it again, she was very worried. She took the necklace in her little hands and whispered "Ethan, I need you." Immediately, a little bee came out of the necklace. Sheryl was surprised, the bee had returned, she was scared, she thought it would sting her again. But the little bee soon transformed into a beautiful butterfly in front of her eyes. It was now a beautiful golden butterfly, its wings, when moving, seemed to have the shape of a heart, it reflected the rays of sun, it seemed to be made of gold. The butterfly landed on the girl's right hand, right on the little golden mark she had. Sheryl felt protected, the voice hadn't said anything to her, but she felt that someone was there with her, protecting her.

-          Let's go - whispered the butterfly

The girl came out of the bathroom and, when she reached the table with the butterfly in her hand, Melany stood up scared.

-          I'll wait for you at home - she said to Paul with a threatening voice - bye girl - she said to Sheryl. She quickly left the restaurant.

-          where did you get that? - Asked Paul pointing to the butterfly

-          She flew in through the window. It's very pretty, isn't it?

-          Yes, but let her go - he said while frightening it

The little butterfly flew over Paul's head and, in front of Sheryl's eyes, it changed color, it was now dark green, but its wings were beginning to turn transparent, hardly noticeable anymore. The girl was impressed. Paul, seeing that her daughter's gaze was fixed up his head, looked up, but the little butterfly had already disappeared.

-          What's going on? Is there something over my head? - he asked

-          No, it's just ... it's that the little butterfly was taking its time to leave - said the girl, thinking that it wouldn’t be the best thing to tell him, perhaps he would tell her again that it was something from her imagination, as he did every time she told him something

Deyner arrived with their orders, they ate in silence, lost in their own thoughts. When finished, Paul asked in a very harsh voice:

-          All right, where do you want to go?

-          Are you upset? what did I do?

-          Do you think it doesn't bother me that you always give Melany dirty looks? It was like you made her leave

-          But I didn't do anything ...

-          Never mind, forget it. Where do you want us to go?

-          Wherever you prefer - said resigned the girl

-          Very well. Like I told you before, Melany and I are going on a trip for a while, so I don't want to spend any money. Since you don't know where you want to go, we’ll walk through the town.

Sheryl was very hurt, she liked the idea of walking with her dad, but it bothered her that his reason was to save money to spend with Melany. Paul paid the bill, for the first time, didn’t leave a tip; However, Deyner noticed the little girl's sadness:

-          Sheryl, I can't let you go like this. If you leave sad, people will think that this restaurant is the worst - he said to make an excuse - here! - He said giving her a candy

-          thanks! - Said the girl, as she approached to thank him with a hug. Just before she hugged him, her father yanked her away.

-          It's time for us to go - he said very annoyed

The girl had no choice but to leave immediately, she just said goodbye from afar, waving her hand. Deyner was very surprised, but said nothing.

They walked all morning, Paul looked strange, his eyes seemed to want to cry; however, his tone was harsh and raw, his face looked angry and uncomfortable, from time to time, it seemed that he wanted to give his girl a hug, but he refrained and started walking with faster and faster steps.

-          Don't trust me - he said softly. He was going to say something else, but his mouth seemed to close against his will

-          why? - Asked Sheryl

-          walk faster! - shouted Paul in a very rough voice

The girl lowered her gaze, she was worried, she remembered that when she was 3 something similar happened, her father began to act strange and the next thing she knew is that her mother suffered because her family was destroyed. She was very worried.

The weather was cold and the wind was so strong that it lifted the leaves of the trees that were scattered on the ground, Sheryl was very well dressed, she had a yellow parker and a pair of blue gloves. Paul, on the other hand, was just with a short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, he had a coat in his hand, it was a brown sweater, in fact ... Sheryl felt she knew that sweater. "Of course" - she thought - "it’s the sweater that grandmother gave us when I was 3"

-          It's getting cold, why don't you bundle up? - Asked the girl shyly

Paul seemed to ignore her, but suddenly, he stopped abruptly and hugged his girl, and with tears in his eyes, he said:

-          Always remember, dad loves you very much, but I must leave, it’s the best for everyone

Sheryl was very confused, she didn't know how to react. She hugged her dad and wanted to ask:

-          when…

-          Now we'll go to the zoo - he said, interrupting her, his voice harsh again. He stood up and took her roughly by the hand

Sheryl couldn't be more worried, she felt that she was no longer by her dad's side. She saw that this man looked like her father, but she felt him very distant, in fact, it was as if someone else had replaced him. She felt scared, she needed someone to help her again, she needed someone to protect her. She thought of Ethan and suddenly a flock of beautiful golden birds appeared in front of them, passing in their midst, forcing Paul to release the little girl's hand. She took the opportunity to take the necklace with both hands while whispering "thank you."

They continued on their way to the zoo, this time keeping some distance from each other. Sheryl didn’t stop turning, she felt that someone was following them, she couldn’t see whose, but she could feel someone's eyes, fixed on each step she took. They arrived at the zoo and, to Sheryl's surprise, the Walkers were there. She wanted to run to greet them, but her father took her tightly by the hand, forcing her to stay by his side. The girl was scared, sad, worried ... she no longer knew what to do, that day had already been quite strange, and she was increasingly afraid, she no longer wanted to continue with that man, she no longer felt comfortable next to whoever it was even if he looked like her father. She shed a couple of tears and, almost immediately, she heard a tender chirping of a little bird, it seemed to be by her side; she felt the warmth of a hug, as if someone was hugging her from behind, she turned around immediately, but there was no one. She got even more scared. Suddenly, her necklace began to glow, Jair realized that his friend was there and ran to greet her. He hugged her, forcing Paul to let her go. Sheryl felt good again, her whole world returned to normal. This time, a few seconds were enough, they released quickly. Emma came over to say hello as well.

-          Hello Sheryl - she said with a smile - good morning sir ...

-          Smith. Nice to meet you, are you? - Paul asked coldly

-          We are the Walkers, Jair is Sheryl's friend, they go to the same school. is everything alright? Sheryl, what is it? Your eyes are watery

The girl didn’t respond, she looked at her father with fear and took a few steps back to get away from him.

-          Do you want me to call your mom? - Emma asked, understanding that the girl wasn’t comfortable with that gentleman

-          Leave it! It's all good, today is the only day I have to spend with my daughter - Paul said almost shouting

Emma bent down and wiped the girl's tears with a handkerchief from her purse.

-          What's going on, Sheryl? You know you can count on us for whatever you need - she said sweetly

The girl hugged her and whispered in her ear: "Please tell mom to come pick me up"

Paul took her roughly from the back saying:

-          Very good, you already greeted your little friend and her family. Let’s keep walking

She quickened her pace with the girl's hand between her fingers. Emma and Jair were very surprised.

-          How strange - said Emma - when Lindsey told me about her ex-husband, she described a much calmer and more kind man, even after leaving with that woman ...

-          mom! You have to call Sheryl's mother right away, can't you see that that's the most urgent thing? - Jair said very worried

Emma did it right away, and in less than 20 minutes Lindsey was at the zoo, meeting the Walkers.

-          Good morning, thank you very much for calling me. I don't know why Paul doesn't answer his cell phone and it seems that Sheryl's number is blocked… where are they? - said hastily

They took her with them. Sheryl still had fear in her eyes, it looked like she was going to cry at any moment.

-          honey! - Lindsey called her as she hurried over