That night, they had the talk with Angela, letting her know that her mother had given him custody of her, after she came down from the roof in overwhelming joy, they discussed what they expected from her. Shawn spoke as Sylvia sat by listening as silent support.
"Now I want you to know right now, that what we expect from you is really simple. Obedience. If Sylvia tells you something, you do it. Keep your room clean, help her pick up around here, attend school, set goals for yourself, then reach them. You get home, out of your clothes, grab a snack if you want, and then get on your homework. If you have homework that needs doing on the computer, let me know... I'll connect the laptop for you here on the kitchen table. Sylvia and I have discussed something else as well. You're going to end up with friends, and really good ones. They're welcome to come here and visit as long as you ask first. We don't want them just showing up. I have work to do here as well Sylvia, so you'll have to clear it first so one of us can be in supervision. Spending nights over someone's else's house, no... no... no... firm - set - unyieldingly no! That will be until the day you turn eighteen, or maybe seventeen... we'll see. But for now... absolutely not. So don't ever ask. If that friend wants to sleep here, and their parent lets them... that's fine on the weekend if we don't have plans."
Angela stared a moment, sighed and then asked. "What about slumber parties?"
"If its not here... no."
"Well what about at Uncle Derricks, or at Crystal's?"
"Certain family members...yes. Your grandma's - yes. Derricks, yes - Crystal as well, I think that will be fine. But that's it." Shawn was very straight forward and unyielding. Sylvia almost felt sorry for her if it wasn't for the fact that she agreed with all, because the spending nights out was stopped by her. She was the one that gave Shawn all the reasons why she didn't agree with letting her child sleep elsewhere, when she was done - he was behind her one hundred percent.
"Now... in return, what you can expect from us is this. Absolute unconditional love, protection, support, guidance and fun. We will make arrangements to do things together. Often meeting up with Derrick and Meribel, as well Crystal. You'll also have time to spend with your mom. So I think with all things considered, you'll be pretty busy. Now...its your turn, what would you like from us?" Shawn sat back and pulled Sylvia to his side, she leaned there, remaining quiet and waited.
"What would I like?" She asked, surprised to hear that she had options.
"Yep...what would you like?" Shawn repeated.
"Can we go to the movies? I hardly ever went to the movies when I was with mom."
"Can do. Movies is a go."
"Annnd, can we have Chinese food once a week? And pizza too? I like pizza!"
"Yep! Can do."
"Annnd, can we go bike riding? I never got to go bike riding."
"Can do... bike riding - sure."
"Annnd, can I play my music loud sometimes and dance?"
"Sure you can... weekends, Fridays. Once a month... you can have a little get together if you like, that is if nothing has been planned."
"YES! Annnd... can I have a dog? A cat? A bird? One of those little monkey's with the funny eyes? And a rabbit?"
Shawn and Sylvia both sat staring at her, not so quick to answer. They looked at each other at the same time, dreading the thought.
"Sylvia... you already said I could... remember?"
Sylvia whimpered a sigh.
"Okay... how about this, lets wait on the dog until the baby's a year old. The cat as well, but you can have the bird now and the rabbit now. As for the monkey... ummm, no. No monkey's."
"Aaah-uh! Why do we have to wait on the dog and cat till the baby's a year old?!"
"Because we want the dog to get used to the sounds of a baby very early in its life. We also need to wait until we have everything taken care of with the house and the bed and breakfast, once all is in order and we know what our schedule and lives will be like, we can squeeze in the dog and cat."
"Hmmmm? Okay... bird, rabbit...annnd fish! Can I have a big aquarium in place of the dog and cat?"
"Oh yeah! I think that's a good idea!" Sylvia perked up. "I've always wanted an aquarium."
"Okay... good enough. An aquarium it is. Angela, your assignment now - is to do research on aquariums. There are several different kinds, research and find out what it takes to keep them - how much it will cost everything... once you can show me thorough research done, and lay out a plan for the choice you've made... we'll go for it."
"Well I need you to hook up the laptop then."
"Tomorrow, it's bedtime now."
In her room, in bed, Sylvia and Shawn sat with her talking about the rest of the week until it was time for them to leave her. They stood when she called out to Sylvia. "Sylvia, please... sing that song again... the one Crystal likes so much. I bet my dad will like it too."
Sylvia chuckled shaking her head at her, "Okay... but you'll have to get over your shyness and sing for me too once or twice."
"I will Sylvia... but sing that song again.... I want my dad to hear it." She pleaded gently.
Shawn was in the doorway where he had stopped when she called out to Sylvia, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned in the door waiting. He hadn't known that Sylvia could sing, he'd never heard her do so before. She sat back down on the bed, looking at Angela and sang "Summertime" again. Shawn couldn't believe his ears, half way through the song he had a lump in his throat with his heart pounding and goose bumps raising the hairs on his arms. Her voice was clean, melodic, rich and very close to being operatic. She mastered and controlled every note, with her heart and soul in each word. Ending the song soft and low, tapering off with a roll of the last note that made him weak in the knees to hear her end it.
"Did you know Sylvia could sing so pretty daddy?" Angela asked.
Sylvia turned around and looked at him, he was silent, speechless. He shook his head and swallowed with his heart pounding, and finally got out, "That was - absolutely - beautiful."
"Thank you." She said smiling, then turned back to Angela. "Now... go'ta sleep."
"Okay... goodnight daddy, goodnight Sylvia."
"Good night." They both said and closed her door walking down the hall when Shawn grabbed Sylvia's hand and pulled her to him, he gently placed her against the wall and stared down into her face. Really studied it... so long they were both breathing deep, he lowered his face to hers, and kissed her there in the hallway. A long, stirring kiss that bordered on discovery and wonder, amazement even, that this wondrous creature... was actually his.
Chapter 58
Another busy day followed. Two relevant matters were on the agenda, getting Angela registered at the Tomah middle school and getting ready for their court appearance in the case against Ray Olivetti. Sylvia was awake by 6am, nervous and shaky dreading having to go to court. She sat on the side of the bed, afraid to move, not looking forward to the possibility that she may end up throwing up again. Sitting upright was the trigger, didn't matter how still she was, bile was rising once again. She shot up from the bed and rushed into the bathroom.
Shawn had been laying on his side towards her, his eyes opened hearing her, turning to his back looking up at the ceiling, his hand went to his forehead stroking his hair back.
"Geez, when is that going to stop." He whispered to himself, wondering now if this one should be their one and only. To hear her so sick made his own stomach ache, he felt her nausea and now - she was vomiting as soon as she woke. He sat up in bed, wondering what to do. Deidre had also been nauseated, but she never threw up, she was just queasy for the first three months and then it suddenly subsided until it stopped. So it had not been so bad, neither was he so in tune with her as he was with Sylvia.
She was at the sink now rinsing her mouth, he stood and walked slowly to the bathroom, almost afraid to show himself, after all... he had wanted this. He wondered when she would start showing her resentment for having to go through it. He tapped softly on the door, "Babe... can I come in?" He
asked quietly opening the door without waiting for the answer. She was rinsing her tooth brush after rinsing her mouth out about to scrub her teeth. Watery eyes met his, and despite how she felt, she smiled at him.
"Good morning." She murmured softly.
Shawn felt his eyes water up he felt so awful, part of him wished she'd told him to, 'Fuck off!' instead of that smile and soft sweet greeting, making him feel even worse than if she would just tell him off. She didn't, instead she rubbed salt into the wound by reaching up and caressing his bristly cheek, feeling sorry for him that he was obviously upset by her morning sickness. "Aaah, what's wrong babe? I'll be okay - it'll pass... I just have to ride it out, that's all."
"I'm sorry Sylvie."
"Sha-awn... aaah ... I'm okay. Really I am." Sylvia went and hugged him, feeling his arms wrap around her and squeeze tight.
"I feel like shit! Laying there hearing it - I didn't know you would be so sick."
"Well, its just the way it is for now. Will you wake Angela? I need to wash up and jump in the shower, and then get our breakfast so we can go to the school. What if we're in court and can't get out to pick her up in time?" She asked turning from him to brush her teeth.
"I'll give Shanna a call and see if she can run and pick her up." He answered going to wake Angela and call his sister.
Their morning had begun. Sylvia laid out one of her dress suits that she would be wearing when they returned from the school. Shawn was in the shower, as Angela was in the other bathroom. Sylvia put on a pair of nice jeans and one of her nice cotton tops, about to button it up and noticed that it was too snug across her breasts. The closing was pulling and leaving gaps between the buttons. She sighed... took it off and found a dressy short sleeve, turquoise pull over knit with a mock turtle neck collar that came only to the top of her jeans. She stared at her breasts, they were definitely on the rise. "God I hate this, titties gettin' big already." She complained to herself. "Oh well." She did her hair and make up and went into the kitchen and started coffee and breakfast. As queasy as she still was... she was in heaven. Something about the domestic setting of having a family to care for again gave her a sense of pleasure she thought would not be there. It was because of Shawn. It was totally different this time around. A good man made all the difference in the world as to how she felt having to do these things once again. She was making grits, biscuits, bacon and eggs, in no time at all, the food was done. She decided to go in and check on Angela and knocked at her door.
"Sweety? Can I come in?"
"Yeah." Angela called back.
Sylvia walked in to see her standing in her underwear staring into her closet.
"I don't know what I wanna wear." She explained.
"Wear something warm, its a bit cool out, and its supposed to rain most of the day today. Here, how about this knit top with a pair of your new jeans? Your clothes from California will probably be here today, if not, tomorrow so you'll have more to choose from." Sylvia went on.
"I like the clothes I have now Sylvia - its just..." She took a really deep breath, walking to her bed and laying out what Sylvia gave her, going and getting her socks and shoes.
"Its just you're scared? Nervous about the new school?"
"Yeah... I don't know anyone." She admitted, dressing.
"Trust me, that will change. Just take a deep breath, don't think about anyone but your teacher and getting on track with the school curriculum here. Let them approach you, and believe me they will. I happen to know, that you're quite a likable person. Now come here, we need our morning hug." Sylvia coaxed. Angela looked up smiling and didn't hesitate. They stood a moment squeezing each other as Sylvia explained, "If we happen to run over in court, your aunt Shanna will be there to pick you up, okay?" She felt Angela's head nod.
"Emm em! That was a good one." Sylvia made the growling grunt sound smiling, again letting her be the first to let go. Angela giggled, in no hurry to break free, but needing to get dressed so they could get going she finally pulled away with a smile on her face. "You get dressed now, don't want your breakfast to get cold."
"Okay Sylvia." She called out as she closed her door leaving her to dress. Coming down the hall from the room, Sylvia could smell Shawn's cologne. He always wore Devin, by Aramis. The scent was incredible and made her dreamy eyed and hungry to see him. He came out of the room with only his jeans and socks on, pulling his shirt over his head... a navy blue turtle neck, soft knit. His hair was wet and uncombed, he'd trimmed up his beard, but hadn't shaved it off. She didn't mind, it made him all that much more masculine and appealing.
She turned away spinning in disbelief that this man was her future husband. That he loved her to the extent that he did. Had she seen him on the street anywhere, she would have never given him the time of day, she had him automatically stereotyped as stuck on himself and a dater of blond white women only. Considering Deidre, she knew she wasn't that far off the mark. Lost in her thoughts she went on to put plates on the table and giggled when he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck. "What's on your mind woman? It better be me!" She stroked his hand laying on her lower belly. "Maybe you, maybe not."
"WHAT!" He pulled her back tightly against him biting into her neck. Sylvia squealed laughing out, "YES YOU! Of course you!" She laughed turning in his arms to wrap hers around him. With his hair damp and hanging over his forehead black and spiky he was adorable.
"I don't know what I feel like eating more, you or what you've prepared." He hugged her close, one hand clamped onto the cheek of her ample bottom, giving it a caress and a squeeze.
"Shawn! Angela's going to catch you, stop it."
"I've got an appetite lady that I fear needs seeing to."
"Then what I've prepared should suit you just fine." She informed him, pulling herself out of his clinging arms, turning to get a plate, her bottom heating up from his gaze, so intently on her rear she felt as if his hands caressed her there.
"Shawn!" She snapped turning to look at him, his lust meter was banging in the red zone.
"Later..." He promised her with that look in his eyes.
They were on their way in the SUV, with all of the necessary paperwork to register Angela, she sat holding her school supplies and peering out the window at the passing scenery wondering what the school would be like.
"You think school here will be easier or harder?" She asked them both.
Sylvia didn't know so couldn't answer.
"Pum'kin, I don't know... but we'll help you with whatever you need."
The school was not an overly large one, but it was very clean, laid out low and long. Quite a few vehicles were pulling up and dropping children off. Shawn parked in front, was the first to climb out so as to open the door for Sylvia and Angela. They walked in together with Angela in front, children coming from every direction as Shawn held the door open for his family.
In the office, they walked up to the counter and waited while various students came in and out, needing passes and checking with the office receptionist for whatever they were there for.
Two women ran the office in the earliest hours, both white, one of the women looked to be in her late twenties, the other in her forties. The one in her twenties came up to the counter, looked at Sylvia who stood where a person second in line might stand, smiled and said, "I'll be right with you." She then went to Shawn, smiling. "Yes... can I help you?"
"We're here to register our daughter in school, she's transferring from California."
"Okay... did you bring her school records and transfer papers?" She asked him.
"Yes..." Shawn leaned forward to look at Sylvia who laid them on the counter saying, "They're right here."
The woman looked from Shawn to Sylvia, suddenly realizing they were there together. She swallowed, started turning red, stiffly nodded and in the blink of an eye, her entire demeanor changed. She turned from them steaming from within and walked to her desk, picked up the paperwork that needed to be filled out and tossed it o
n the counter before Shawn. Sylvia and Shawn stood stunned, taken by surprise. From that moment on, she no longer made eye contact with them, especially not Sylvia, acting as if Sylvia was not in the room after that. Her body language shifted, she became stiff, her features hardened as if she were fighting back words on the tip of her tongue, the tension in the air sparked to life and grew instantaneously overwhelming. Sylvia sighed, cynically smiling while she shook her head. 'Here we go!'She thought.
The tension was so intense the forty something other woman looked up to seewhat had changed in the room. She looked at Shawn who was glaring at the younger woman, and then at Sylvia who backed up and sat on the benches against the wall in the office, not in the mood for it, not today. Because of the way she felt, she knew she would handle it all wrong and decided to just sit down and chill and let Shawn take care of everything.
"Excuse me, hi... I'm Pauline, are you all here to register your daughter in school?" She asked trying to cover over the awkward silence. Shawn wasn't making it easy on her as he stared at the younger woman, his jaw clenched tight as he fought not to speak or else lose it in front of his daughter. He stared so long, she grew uncomfortable and couldn't stand his hostile glare, so looked up at him with wide eyes, at first trying to put on a brave front but he was relentless.
"Excuse me sir... ummm, please lets just get her registered okay?" Pauline asked nervously, caught off guard and shaken by her co-worker's unacceptable reaction to the interracial couple. It put her in the middle and she was trying to break the tension so turned to Angela smiling. "Hi, what's your name? You'll be going to school here now?"
Angela looked at Pauline, then up at her father and then back at Sylvia, who smiled at her sympathetically. Angela turned back to Pauline and shrugged.
Shawn was still staring the young woman down, his jaw locked and angry, his nostrils flared, unwilling to break it off. It was that, or go off on her. After more than a couple of minutes ticked by, his eyes became harsh and aggressive, so much so that she could stand no more, shame and embarrassment washed over her, making her turn an even deeper hue of red, she finally burst into tears and ran from the office, just as three teachers entered with the principle. Shawn then turned to Pauline.
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