Part 12:
You guys are already acting married? Mara observed. We’ve been dating for 12 hours. Mason said. Yeah, but you’ve been living together for 4 months. You skipped all the normal steps. There are normal steps? Elena asked. Yeah, like awkward texting and wondering if you should call and not knowing if you’re exclusive yet. Mara stabbed a pancake.
You guys went straight to co-parenting and shared bathrooms. We don’t share a bathroom, Mason protested. Not yet, Sophie said ominously. Elena nearly choked on her coffee. Later that morning, while the kids were occupied with various weekend activities, Mason found Elena in the laundry room. We should probably talk, he said.
About about what this is, what we’re doing. Elena folded one of Sophie’s shirts. What do you want it to be? I want you to be my girlfriend, partner, whatever word works. Mason leaned against the dryer. But I need to know you’re okay with the complications. What complications? The kids. The fact that we live together.
The fact that if this goes wrong, it affects everyone, not just us. Elena sat down the laundry. I’ve thought about that and and I’m terrified, but I’m more terrified of not trying. Mason crossed the small room and pulled her close. I don’t want to hurt you. Then don’t. It’s not that simple. Yes, it is. Elena looked up at him.
We’re both broken in different ways. We both have baggage, but we’re also both here trying. That’s enough. What if it’s not? Then we figure it out together. She touched his face. Stop waiting for it to fall apart and just be here with me. Mason kissed her deeper this time, like he was trying to prove something.
When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing hard. “The kids are going to have so many opinions about this,” Mason said. “They already do. It’s going to be chaos. It’s already chaos.” Fair point. The next few weeks settled into a new rhythm. Mason and Elena were officially together, which mostly meant they held hands during movies and kissed goodn night in the hallway and dealt with three children who had absolutely no boundaries when it came to commentary.
“Can you guys not be gross at breakfast?” Ethan complained one morning. “We’re just holding hands,” Mason said. “Yeah, but you’re doing that thing with your eyes.” “What thing?” “That looking at each other thing. It’s weird.” Elena laughed. “Sorry our happiness offends you.” “It doesn’t offend me. It’s just weird seeing dad act like an actual person.
What was I before? A robot who made money and drove us places. Ethan, Mara warned. What? I’m just being honest. Mason looked at Elena. Was I really that bad? You were grieving. Elena said quietly. You were doing your best. My best was apparently robot level parenting. Your best kept us alive and together.
Mara said that’s what mattered. The vulnerability in Mason’s expression made Elena’s chest ache. That afternoon, Elena got a call from an unknown number. She almost didn’t answer, but something made her pick up. Hello, Elena Brooks. A woman’s voice professional. Yes, this is Amanda Chen from the Department of Family Services.
I’m calling about a case that was flagged in our system. Elena’s blood went cold. What case? A complaint was filed suggesting that you’re living in a home with minors while lacking proper background clearance. The complaint also suggests you may be engaging in fraud regarding your employment status. What? Who filed this? I’m not at liberty to say, “But I’ll need to schedule a home visit to verify the living situation and your relationship to the children in the household.” Elena’s hands were shaking.
This is ridiculous. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding, but we do need to follow protocol. Would next Tuesday work? I need to talk to Mason, Mr. Carter first. Of course. I’ll call back tomorrow to confirm. The line went dead. Elena stood frozen in the kitchen. Someone had reported her.
But who? She called Mason immediately. Family services is investigating me. What? Elena explained the call, her voice tight with panic. Someone filed a complaint. They’re coming to do a home visit. That’s insane. You haven’t done anything wrong. I know that. But what if they decide I’m not supposed to be here? What if they think I’m some kind of threat to the kids? Elena, breathe.
We’ll handle this. How? I’m calling my lawyer right now. Don’t worry. But Elena was worried because she knew exactly who would file this kind of complaint. David. That evening, after the kids were in bed, Mason’s lawyer called back. They put him on speaker. The complaint is anonymous, but it’s clearly malicious, the lawyer said.
They’re claiming Elena lacks proper clearance to work with children and that she may be financially exploiting the family. That’s garbage, Mason said flatly. I know, but family services has to investigate. The good news is you can easily prove Elena’s employment is legitimate. You’ve been paying her salary, filing taxes, everything by the book.
What about the background check? Elena asked. We’ll get one done immediately. Rush processing. It’ll be clean and that’ll resolve their concerns. What if it’s not enough? Elena’s voice shook. It will be. This is a nuisance complaint, nothing more. Whoever filed it is trying to cause trouble, not protect anyone. After the call ended, Elena sat on the couch feeling sick.
