Erin and the crazed Nanny (ch4)

 

Many months had passed and Laci still had not revealed her feelings to Lee. Too much had taken place in that time for her to feel comfortable verbalizing it. When she was certain that Lee would reciprocate the feelings is when she would share with him how she felt. But still, through the many months that had gone by Laci was sure her love only grew deeper for him.

In that time Lee and Erin had finally completed their family with the arrival of a son they named Christopher. Lee was over the moon with happiness for his new baby boy. He and Erin had decided together that they would have no more children and focus on the three that they had.  

 Kate was flourishing and did very well in school. Haley was a bright and loving toddler who kept everyone smiling, and Christopher, even though he was just a newborn, added a special element to the family.

Laci wasn’t sure at first why Lee would want to have another child with Erin as she was sure their relationship was pretty much over. She only saw that the negative aspects of the marriage and fixated on only that. Her crazed mind refused to see that Lee and Erin were happily married despite their lack of time together. She assumed the role of mom and wife even though it was only a figment of her imagination and was careful not to let it be known to Erin.

She had also stopped taking college classes so she could spend more time with Lee and the children, and usually as soon as Erin came home Laci would make herself scarce until Lee was due home. It wasn’t that she disliked Erin, it was more of a jealous feeling toward her that Laci couldn’t control.

One fall afternoon Lee was outside raking the hundreds of leaves that kept falling day after day. Laci noticed him through the window and decided to keep him company as he cleaned up the yard. She thought it might be the perfect time to try and have some fun with him so she jumped into one of his neat piles of leaves. At first Lee was slightly annoyed, but being a good natured man he laughed along with her and joined in.

He had worked for hours on the piles but was swept up in the fun of this childlike behavior. His first thought was that Kate would have loved this but she was in school, then he remembered how long it would take him to clean it all up again. This realization put an end to the fun. On the other hand, Laci was having the time of her life. She finally had a reason to believe that he did care for her. They were laughing and playing like two people in love she thought. This was the moment she had waited for.

As soon as Lee stood still, Laci looked at him longingly and grabbed his hand. She had waited so long to show him her true feelings and couldn’t wait to see the look in his eyes when he found out how she felt. She had waited years for this moment, the very moment they would start their lives together.

As Laci stood closer to Lee he began to feel a little uncomfortable. She had a weird look on her face, almost like she was in pain. It was the moment she took a step towards him and reached for his hand that he relized what was going on. He retracted his hand immediately, and stepped back. At first he was tongue tied and didn’t know what to say. He hoped his expression would say it all because he didn’t have the correct words yet. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings but he did want her to understand that this was not an option for him.

“Laci, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I am married. This shouldn’t be happening.” He whispered firmly.

“You aren’t happily married, I can make you happy. I know you have feelings for me.” Laci said as he tried to move closer to him.

 ”I am happily married, I love Erin and only Erin. I am flattered and I think you are a great person but that is all.” He answered as he backed away trying not to get angry.

“You don’t even talk to your wife. You spend more time with me, you can’t want her.” Laci said with anger, not understanding why he was being so difficult.

“I spend quality time with Erin. You take care of our children, of course I am going to talk with you.” He returned with an elevated voice.

“If Erin wasn’t here you wouldn’t feel guilty, then we could be together.” She replied with blazing eyes, obviously not accepting what Lee was saying.

“If Erin wasn’t here I’d be lost. This conversation is over.” He answered with finality as he walked quickly away from her towards the house hoping she wouldn’t follow him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her walk down the street in the opposite direction.

 

As he sat in the yard his mind was torn about whether he should tell Erin or just quietly insist that Laci be terminated. Erin would question his request for sure and then he wouldn’t have a valid enough reason for her.  He also began to question himself as to the reasons why Laci thought he didn’t love Erin. Did he not show her enough affection? He thought he did but perhaps it was more so in private. He held high respect for his wife and he knew that could never be argued. Had he given Laci mixed signals? Had he subconciously lead her on? No, that was ridiculous he thought. The only subjects they spoke about were the children and on some occasions about his profession. Hardly the flirtatious banter he quipped. If anything he may have slightly taken their relationship for granted and not given it the attention it required.

  

He sat for quite a while pondering the situation and hoping Erin would be home soon. He wanted so badly to hug her and make sure she was happy. As soon as this thought escaped him he noticed Erin’s carpool approaching. He stood up immediately and walked quickly to greet her, still not sure if or how he would tell her what had happened earlier.

He was just glad that she was finally home.