Author's Note: Liking the response so far. :) I have some plans for this story, but I'm not quite sure how long I'm going to make it. So, enjoy the next chapter! You guys will be introduced to Alicia, by the way. ;)
Seth awoke the next day, his alarm clock blaring. He decided to set it, so that he could get Aaliyah up in time to take her to school. She must not have been disturbed by the alarm, because she was still snoozing comfortably. He shook her lightly, pressing his lips to her tanned cheek.
"Wake up, princess," he told her, watching as she slowly blinked to consciousness. She turned on her side, snoring lightly once again. Seth tickled her, causing her to jolt up with giggles.
"Stop it, daddy!" she screamed, scrambling out of the bed. By now, Hazel was awake, whining about the noise. Seth stood up from the bed, taking Hazel in his arms.
"School time," Seth said, guiding Liyah into the bathroom. "Brush your teeth, and don't forget to floss. I'll run your bath for you," he said, walking over to the gigantic bath-tub in the master bathroom. For being on his own, he could admit to himself that he was doing a pretty good job. He dreaded the fact that he'd probably have to get used to being by himself.
He sat Hazel on the edge of the tub, and turned the water on. He poured some bubbles into the running water, allowing it to rise.
Aaliyah was brushing her teeth, humming the theme song to her favorite cartoon. She began to bounce up and down, swinging her hair around. Seth allowed himself to smile for the first time in a week. He loved his daughter so much.
"Okay, super star. Come take your bath so I can take you to school," he announced. She rinsed her mouth and turned to him.
"But mommy usually takes me to school," she responded, a frown on her face. Seth felt a sting, thinking of his wife. He didn't have a clue to where she was. For the past two days, she's been MIA. Did she even care to see about her children? Seth didn't think his situation could get any worse.
"She's not home to take you, is she?" he snapped, regretting his words as soon as they came out. Aaliyah pouted, crossing her arms.
"Where is she?" she asked, demanding an answer. Seth opened his arms, and Liyah contemplated on whether or not she wanted to walk into them.
"Come here," he said softly, taking a deep breath. Being that Liyah couldn't stay mad at her father, she fell into his arms, holding on tightly. "I don't know where she is right now. Me and mommy are going through some things right now, but I don't want you to worry about it. Your mommy is fine, though. I know she'll be home soon, but for right now, I really need you to get ready so I can take you to school. Okay, pumpkin?" he said, kissing her forehead. She had dozens of questions, but she simply nodded. Seth hated the fact that he had to tell her about what was going on, but she was old enough to know. That's what made it worse.
…
After dropping Aaliyah off at school, Seth returned home with Hazel and Jasmine. He had picked Hazel up a breakfast happy meal, and fed jasmine her formula, and some baby apricots. He was beginning to feel relieved that he had quit his job as a construction worker weeks earlier, because if he hadn't, he wouldn't have anyone to take care of the girls.
Seth took out his phone and stared at Alicia's cellphone number, taking a deep breath. He wasn't going to call her. Why should he? She was supposed to be the one begging at his feet for forgiveness. The thing that he hated the most about this whole situation, was the he was still in love with her. He was angry at her, but her loved her so much that it killed him inside.
"Daddy, I sleepy," Hazel said, running by his feet. He was seated on the couch, watching as Jasmine swung back and forth in her swinger.
"Nap time?" he asked, picking her up. She nodded enthusiastically, settling onto Seth's lap. He began rocking her, as she rested her head on his shoulder. Even though Hazel was capable of falling asleep on her own, she still enjoyed getting rocked to sleep by Seth. He didn't mind much, either.
After a few minutes, she dozed off. He laid her down on the couch, and looked over to Jasmine. She was also asleep. He stood to his feet and flexed his muscles, turning toward the kitchen. His heart practically skipped a bit at what he saw. Alicia was standing there, staring at him with red, puffy eyes.
"Alicia," Seth breathed, confusion written all over his face. He didn't even hear her come through the door. Even though she was in tears, she was so beautiful. Her caramel-toned skin, her plump, pink lips, her long eyelashes, and curvacious body– there were no words for how impossibly gorgeous she was. He almost felt the urge to forgive her for every sin she ever committed... almost.
"Seth, I..." she began, trailing off. She didn't know what to say. After being gone for two days, seeing him again was overwhelming.
"I can't even look at you," he spoke, turning away from her. That's when she became desperate, making her way toward him.
"Please listen to me," she pleaded softly, reaching to grab his arm. He backed away before she could make contact with him, scooting against the counter top.
"Why should I? After what I saw the other day, that was it for me. It showed me that everything we ever had was bull," he spat. She gasped, her eyes pooling with fresh tears.
"Now that's bull! Seth, I know that what I did was wrong but-
"But what?" he demanded. She clamped her mouth shut, shaking her head.
"I was being stupid," she cried. He nodded in agreement.
"Damn right, you were," he muttered. "And that's why I took the liberty of getting the girls tested." Alicia looked up at him with horror filled eyes.
"You did what?" she gasped.
"I got a paternity test on them. Good thing I did, too. I have to look out for myself," he said triumphantly. By now, Alicia's tears were streaming freely down her face.
"How could you do that? How could you even formulate that kind of thought in your head? Those kids are without a doubt yours!" she said, raising her voice.
"How the hell am I supposed to know that for sure!" he shouted back.
"When have I ever lied to you?" she said back, almost immediately. Seth gawked at her words.
"Are you kidding me? For starters, you lied on our wedding day. What happened to your vow to stay faithful to me? You obviously couldn't keep that promise. Who knows, you've probably been screwing around on me throughout our whole marriage!" he screamed. He prayed that he hadn't woken the girls.
"I swear, I didn't do that. I know this doesn't make it any better, but... this was the first and only time that I've ever done something like this," she said, her tears clearing up. She inched closer to Seth, but he remained stiff as a rock.
"I can't trust you," he whispered, shaking his head. "I love you so fucking much, but you hurt me. I don't think I can ever forgive you for that," he declared, tears stinging his eyes. Alicia's body began to tremble with sobs, as she clenched her fists.
"Seth, I love you. I've always loved you. I was such an idiot, but you can't do this. We have three kids!" she said, walking closer so that their bodies were barely touching.
"Exactly. We have three kids, so why didn't that stop you from cheating on me? Why wasn't having three kids enough for you to stay faithful to me? Don't pull that card on me, you have no right," he shot back. She stayed silent, nodding slowly. "And where the hell were you? Getting dicked down by your little boyfriend for two days?"
Seth was using vulgar language, which he usually never used. He was just so angry, he didn't know what to do.
Alicia shook her head, wrapping her arms tightly around him. For a split second, Seth wanted to forget about all of their problems and hold onto her forever. The smell of her hair, and the feel of her soft skin, he almost did just that. He was stronger than that, though. He grabbed her arms, pulling them away from him. She stared at him with a mixture of confusion and hurt.
"I want a divorce," he said, causing her jaw to hit the ground. No matter how much it pained him to say those words, it needed to be done. He had to leave.
Author's Note: I know this chapter wasn't too long, but don't hate me! :P Lol, let me know what you guys think is gonna happen. Is Seth REALLY gonna divorce her? Can't wait to read your responses. (: