Gina was on day four of babysitting. After she got out of school, she picked up Ronda on her way, Mark was nowhere to be seen. Of course, she knew he wouldn't be around, his wife had said so. Not getting home till almost twelve. She made dinner for him and Ronda, leaving his on the stove. She was watching a movie on TV when the door opened and slammed.
"I'm trying, I just want the same effort from you. I have done everything you've asked for.", he tried not to yell.
Gina felt awkward. She quietly packed her bag to leave.
"She's your daughter too. What about her? Spending another week away from her. She's going to feel like you abandoned her", Mark said.
Gina saw the frustration on his face.
"Whatever", Mark finally said before hanging up and throwing his phone.
He took a deep breath and turned. Gina stopped when he looked at her. He forgot she was here.
"Sorry, I, forgot you were here", he said.
"Its fine. I didn't mean to overhear", she said.
She went to walk passed him.
"Leftovers are in the microwave", she said softly.
He nodded.
"Want a ride or want me to walk you? It's pretty late", he said.
"I'll be fine", she said.
He nodded.
"Gina, as you heard, she'll be gone another week", he said.
"I can watch Ronda.", she said with a smile.
He returned it.
"Thank you", he said.
She nodded. He walked her to the door.
"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you? I can lock up and walk you half way at least", he said.
She nodded, giving in. Ronda was sleeping, so he locked up the house. They walked silent for a bit.
"That's the great thing about this town, it's so peaceful", he suddenly said.
She nodded.
"What are you reading?", he asked.
She lifted the book and showed him.
"It talks about different languages around the world", she said.
"That's pretty neat. Do you want to learn a new language?", he asked.
"I'm trying. It's called Nahuatl. Only spoken in some parts of Mexico", she said.
"Maybe you can teach me some of it some time", he said.
She blushed.
"Sure", she said.
Getting to the corner, she stopped them.
"I live just down that way, I don't want you walking me too far from your home.", she said.
He nodded. He placed his finger under her chin. Lifting her head to meet his eyes.
"Thank you for everything you are doing for Ronda", he said softly.
"Of course. She's a sweet little girl", she said.
He knows he shouldn't have, but he couldn't help it. She was beautiful. He leaned in and kissed her. She pulled away.
"Mark", she said.
"Shit, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, I don't know what I was thinking", he said.
"I should go", she said, before turning on her heels and quickly walking away.
He sighed and licked his lips.
The next night, Gina was afraid to see Mark, no, not afraid. Nervous. The front door opened and Mark walked through. He kept his eyes on her.
"I'm working from home the rest of the day. If you don't mind staying still", he said.
"I don't mind", she said.
He nodded and left to his office. As she was finishing up dinner, Mark walked in, kissing the top of his daughter's head.
"Finishing your homework?", he asked.
Ronda nodded. Explaining what she had to do. Gina would take glances at him, only to find out that he was doing the same thing.
"Take your backpack to your room and wash up for dinner", he said.
Ronda nodded and did exactly what he told her to do.
"We need to talk", he said.
"About?", she asked.
"I thought about it, long and hard. I kept telling myself that kissing you was a mistake and don't do it again, but it wasn't a mistake. I wanted too. I still want too", he said.
She looked at him.
"I know you're only sixteen, but I can wait. That's if you want me too. I see the way you look at me", he said.
She shook her head no. Going back to the dinner. He walked over to her and placed his hands on her hips.
"Tell me I'm wrong and I won't pursue you", he whispered in her ear.
She opened her mouth, but she couldn't say it. He tilted her head and connected their lips. He pulled her away from the stove and lifted her onto the counter.
She moaned.
"I'm going to hell for this", he whispered.
"Then so am I", she replied.
"What happened?", Mark asked.
"She got sick. Pneumonia", she said, sitting beside him, holding his hand.
"What was her name?", he asked.
"Scarlett, I remembered how much you loved that name. So I gave it to her", she said.
He smiled.
"She was seventeen when she had the twins, Nicole and Brianna", she said.
"She had twins", he said happily.
Gina smiled and nodded.
"Quinn, is Brie's daughter. Nikki just had hers, a girl too, Daisy", Gina said.
"Wow", he said.
"Tell me about it. Now our eighteen year old great granddaughter is pregnant with our great great grandson", she chuckled.
"We're that old", Mark laughed.
"Speak for yourself", Gina said, nudging him.
He laughed softly. Sighing.
"I guess we should tell them what happened", Mark said.
Gina nodded.
"I just want you to know Gina. I've always regretted not leaving with you that night. If I could rewind time, I would choose you", he said.
She leaned into him and kissed him.
"I love you", he said.
She smiled.
"And I still love you", she replied.
Mark had taken the day off. Gina skipped school, wanting to spend the day with him after he asked her. They were on his couch eating and laughing. She was teaching him Nahuatl like he asked. Then some how ended up kissing.
"We can't. You're still married", she whispered.
"I'm sure she's cheating on me too", he replied.
"So is that all I am? A way to get back at your wife?", she asked.
He ran his fingers through her hair.
"No. You are what I wish I waited for.", he whispered.
He connected their lips. Clothing coming off one piece at a time. She had never been with a man until now. He was gentle and patient with her.
"Mark", she moaned loudly.
Her nails digging into his back. They had made love twice before she had to go and pick up Ronda. Mark leaving her in bed and going in her place.
"I'll be back soon", he whispered.
Kissing her shoulder and neck. She smiled happily and nodded. Her body was sore, but a good sore.
They spent their time that way. Making love or making dinner together with Ronda. They had said I love you the night before. She knew he meant it. Not wearing his wedding band anymore.
As she walked into his house with Ronda after picking her up. She stopped.
"Mommy, your back", Ronda said, running into her mom's arms.
Mrs. Calaway was home two days earlier than expected. Gina could feel her heart break. Was this it between her and Mark? Did he know she was back?
"Thank you so much Gina, I owe you big time.", Mrs. Calaway said.
Gina shook her head and nodded.
"Your back early Mrs. Calaway", Gina said with a smile.
She nodded.
"Conference ended early, thank god. I missed my baby", Mrs. Calaway said.
Gina smiled. The front door opened again.
"Hey", he said, not noticing his wife.
She moved away from him and that's when he saw her. She wasn't looking their way. He cleared his throat and walked over to his wife.
"Your home early", he said.
She stood and nodded.
"Yeah", she replied.
She didn't acknowledge him after that.
"Let's go see what I brought you from Hawaii. Mark, please pay Gina", she said, before leaving upstairs.
Mark swallowed and looked at Gina. He waited till his wife was out of view.
"Let me think of something. I don't want to stay with her longer than I already am. I also came to a conclusion", he said.
"What?", she asked.
"I'm going to change the laws. One more than the others. As soon as it passes, you and I won't have to wait till your eighteen.", he said.
She smiled. They quickly kissed. He grabbed his wallet and paid her for the week.
"I love you and I promise, we will be together soon", he whispered to her.
She nodded.
"I love you too", she whispered.