Shawn POV
I got up as early as 5 am and got prepared to go to work. I took my shotgun and tucked it into my pants pocket. "Julia," I called tapping her. She yawned and stretched at the same time then she opened her eyes.
"Good morning Shawn," she greeted.
"Morning," I replied. She sat up and looked at me.
"You're leaving so soon?"
"Yeah," I replied squatting.
"It's barely six."
"Remember what I told you last night. We were asked to be there before six and I'm some minutes late."
"Be careful." She warned.
"You shouldn't worry about me, I'll be fine. No one should step out of the gate, please. Also, make sure someone is always here to watch Poojah. If you're doing the watching, ensure that Ciara and Steve are with you."
"How about your mom?"
"She is traveling today. We're going out together and I'll take her to the airport."
"Where is she traveling to and why can't she postpone it?"
"She's traveling outta the country," I said and she frowned.
"So, I'll be the only one to look after the children?"
"Nope. Erastus and Mia are around, mind you, be careful around Erastus."
"Why?"
"I don't like him."
"When will you be back?"
"By mid-afternoon," I replied and she sighed.
"I'll be back in a few hours, you don't need to worry, okay?" I asked and she nodded. I pecked her on her forehead and her cheeks turned pink, she blushed.
"I'll escort you," she said standing up.
"With this?" I asked and she gasped.
"I can't believe I'm still putting this on," she said and chuckled.
We walked out of the room and I went to mom's room. She was rounding up with packing her clothes.
"Good morning ma'am."Julia greeted but mom ignored her.
"Morning mom." I greeted.
"Morning son." She replied.
"Mom, Julia just greeted you."
"I didn't tell you I was deaf, did I?"
"Mom..."
"It's okay."Julia interrupted.
I turned to face Julia and she shrugged.
"I'm sorry." I mouthed to Julia and she shrugged again.
"Where are you traveling to?" She asked.
"Japan." mom replied curtly and Julia sat on the bed.
"Why are you going at a time like this? Don't you know it's risky?"
"How is that your business? You had better mind your business."
"I'm beginning to suspect you."
"What are you trying to insinuate?" She asked and scoffed.
Seeing that it might lead to a quarrel, I sat on the bed beside Julia.
"Mind how you speak." I said whispering, "She's got a temper, whereas she can't do such a thing."
"How about your son, who'll be there to look after him?"
"It shouldn't be a problem when I've got three grownups here. Mind you, if anything happens to Steve I'll have you arrested."
"You're not a good mother. What mother will leave her son at a time such as this? No wonder Steve felt neglected. I don't blame him when all you think about is money, money, money."
"Mind your tongue." Mom said and growled. "Is it because I sheltered you in my home? Is that the reason why you have grown wings and are arguing with me? Remember you work under me and I can send you and your bastards into the street."
"How dare you?" Julia asked standing on her feet. "How dare you call my children bastards. You're an ingrate. Your son hated you and I talked to him, yet see how you repaid me. You opened your filthy stinking mouth to say that. What do you know about me? Tell me." Julia ranted, tears streaming down her face.
"I don't have your time." Mom hissed stuffing clothes into her bag. Just then, Ciara and Steve entered.
"Mommy," Ciara called as she stood on the bed and hugged Julia from behind.
"Get down from that bed." Mom shouted at Ciara who came down immediately, shocked. She held Julia's hand.
I was tired of all the drama.
"Which is better?" Julia asked still boiling with rage. "To abandon your children because your husband left you or to take care of your children even when you were raped."
"I can see some people did some talking." Mom said through clenched teeth.