Sorry for any spelling mistakes or errors. Please make sure to leave rewiews or PM. I love reading all the positive support form this fandom. Thanks all for even reading this story :)
Riley's Pov)
"So this is better than like bowling or the mall right Boys?" I ask with a grin. Africa was absolutely breathtaking! Both boys nod in amazement. For once, my teen was actually amazed by something.
"So Im thinking we check into our room, unpack, sanitize, make sure there are no fleas, lice, bugs, mold or, dirt. Then, maybe take a tour around the resort." I suggest.
"And then we can take a safari, or ride an ostrich, or go skydiving, or hangout woth the lions, or-" Alex begins.
"Woah buddy. As much as Im excited about your enthusiasm in this trip. But this is going to be a safe and relaxing trip." I caution. He rolls his eyes.
"So in other words, no fun."
"I didn't say that. I said no danger."
"Same thing." He counters.
"People people people." Braydon intervenes, "Lets stop it the talkin' and get to walkin'. To the check-in. We can argue once were in the hotel room; Im low on energy I need a juice box." I smile at my youngest.
"Onward towards the check-in counter." Braydon commands, whoosing like Super-man. His red cape, and blue Superman shirt made him my little hero.
At the check-in counter the woman asks me something wierd. "Where is Mr. Matthews?" My pulse tightens, Im a single mother Matthews is my maiden name. I remember the times with Charlie where I used to practice saying; Nice to meet you Im Mrs. Riley Gardner, in the mirror. There was a point where I was actually in love with that jerk. Good god back when Id wear a different color nail polish on my ring finger and do secret santa. Those were the naive innocent days I wouldn't trade for the world.
"There is no Mr. Matthews Miss." I correct her politely.
"Yes there is, arent you Mrs. Matthews, traveling with three daughter, two sons and a husband?" She inquires.
"No ma'am. Its Miss Matthews."
No daughters. Alicia was two years after Braydon. I was 6 months pregnant and we told Alex. Braydon was too young to understand. Maya planned, a baby shower. My mom flew out to congradgulate me upon hearing I was going to have my own daughter. Josh was going through rough seas with his wife so, he'd come over everyday after work and help plan the baby shower. That's where Maya and Josh first started seriously talking. However, the spark didn't ignite between them untill four months ago. Im still hoped Maya would be my sister-in-law but she just dosent get the single parent thing.
Alex was at school and Braydon was with my mom when it happened. Maya and Charlie were both at work. Josh had taken the day off and decided to take me to the baby doctor then we'd go out for lunch. I had started to experience some sharp pains in my stomach and minor migraines. I didn't have those with the boys and assumed it was just a girl pregnancy thing so I waved it off. I told Josh and he made me get it checked out. We didn't tell Charlie because I was convinced it was nothing. Ill never forget the look on the doctor's face as he took the heartbeat. He excused himself and I knew right then something wasn't right. He came back in and made me sit down, and told me to call my husband and tell him to come home from work immediately. Josh looked me in the eyes, hugging me as tight as he could. I remember his words, whatever it is we'll get through it. But the two words, eleven letters no heartbeat have haunted me ever since. After losing Alicia Topanga Gardner, me and Charlie werent the same. We gradually grew apart, stopped sleeping in the same bed, and I was slightly relieved when he cheated on me.
Some stocky African guy taps me on my shoulder.
"Mrs. Matthews how may I help you. Im Mufasa your guide." He says leading me away from the counter. I slightly cringe when I hear the Mrs. Part but just glaze over it.
"Well for some reason they have me with a different Matthews family."
"No silly, your husbands right there." He says. Husband? Im divorced he must have me confused with someone else. I turn around as the devil himself and three girls with short-croped hair trail behind him Lucas Friar.
"See there is your husband right now and your three er-" he trails off.
"Girls Mufasa. There GIRLS. Thats the second time dude!" Lucas snaps holding up two fingers.
"Well Mrs. Matthews there is your family case closed." Mufasa says.
"Oh no this must be a mistake. Im not his wife." I clarify instantly.
"What did you say your name was again?" Mufasa asks.
"Riley- I mean Maya. Whatever just not his wife. There must be somesort of mixup here Mufasa." I press on.
"Ahh do I hear the thunder of the mountain roaring every family fights Maya. But, this is your family, and Im afraid all the rooms are booked so you must stay with your husband. Right Josh?" Mufasa asks.
"Absolutely Mufas." Lucas says giving him a smug high five. That son of a Christmas tree!
"I see what you did." I hiss through grotted theeth. The man in front of me was definitely not my kind, caring, funny brother Josh, who was my shoulder to lean on through all the tough times in my life. Lucas Friar was selfish, arrogant, cocky and a you know what. I look down at the babygirl charm Josh had gotten for me when he heard I was pregnant. My last symbol and tanglible remnant of Alicia. It clanks against all my other milestones both good and bad. I decide I need a charm representing how horrible Africa was going to be in advance. This would be one rought vacation.
"I see what you did too." He hisses back. One thing was for sure, Africa had just gotten alot more dramtic. And then I remember were here on the anual blended family vacation retreat for a week. The broshore Josh gave me promised a family-friendly romantic getaway with plenty opportunities for kids and adults. No adult activities besides sunbathing, which I was planning on participating in. Oh Im in for one hell of a week. Josh is going to get it on our 5 minute five call since long distance calls are so darn expensive. He is going to get the most strongly worded five minute rant in the history of long distance phone calls!