Babysitter With Benefits

41

Gianna's P.O.V

Helena's funeral arrives swiftly. Despite the kids being at their grandparents, and the fact you've been able to consistently avoid the foreboding feeling of death and guilt by distracting yourself in Jeremiah's embrace, the day arrives and you're faced with the morbid reality of what the kids just went through.

Today is going to be a rough day.

You arrive to the church, aware of a multitude of eyes finding their way over to you and Jeremiah. You've decided not to display any affection, as you feel it'd be inappropriate due to the circumstances, so follow alongside him, miserable you cant touch him the way you want to.

But I'm not about to make Jeremiah the man who brings his other woman to his ex wife's wake and funeral. Bad publicity.

You shift uncomfortably beside him, both your eyes trained on the open casket a few feet at the front of the room.

"Antsy?"

Well, I cant fucking touch you... cant hold your hand, and cant even comfort you in front of those people without it being suspicious, so I'd have to say...

"Ye. Uneasy"

You press your hands to your stomach as the threat of nausea fills you.

"Theres Vivian and Tom. Helenas parents"

You move your eyes to where his fixed gaze remains, and swallow as you watch Helena's parents move away from the casket. Vivian is in deep anguish, a handkerchief clutched to her nose as her cheeks glisten with tears. Tom is a different story. Impressive. Strong for his wife who is falling apart in his arms.

Where are the kids?

As if Jeremiah has heard your thoughts, he answers the question in your head.

"The kids are with their housekeeper, Sonya"

They aren't going to say goodbye to their mom?

The thought depresses you. You never got to say goodbye to your parents, and it still tears me apart. You reach for him, hand encircling his arm as you begin to protest what he's said, when you realise Helena's parents have moved towards you. You drop your hand from his arm quickly and turn to offer a polite smile.

"What is she doing here?"

Vivian regards you with a disgusted glare, and your eyes widen quizzically.

"I'm sorry?"

"Its one thing to flaunt her in front of you children, Jeremiah, but to bring her to our daughters funeral, you have some damn nerve..."

Flaunting me?

You shake your head, still in disbelief by Vivian's coldness. Jeremiah frowns.

"What are you taking about?"

"No wonder Helena was doing drugs... why she overdosed... she was still in love with you Jeremiah, and you broke her heart. Anal with the Nanny? Do you have no class?"

"Thats enough"

His voice is hushed but angered anal threatening. Vivian sniffles, wiping at her nose.

"She should leave"

Tom nods at you and you cant contain the pure embarrassment you feel at how unwelcoming they are.

"She saved your daughters life. Called the damn police when she overdosed in my house, attempting to steal from the safe in my bedroom. You should be thankful she was there"

"Oh yes, thank you for sleeping with my daughters husband"

"Ex husband"

Jeremiah wraps a possessive arm around your waist, and you reach for his arm to correct him, but he only tightens his grip.

"Now, we are going to pay our respects and leave to get my children"

"Clarissa doesn't want to go home. She says she would like to live with Tom and I, and we are going to respect her wishes even if that means having to take you to court"

Oh my god.

The previously calm air to the funeral is shattered at the mention of Rissa remaining with her grandparents. Jeremiah's anger is so palpable you're surprised the dead don't rise within the room.

"You're fucking out of your mind if you think I'm going to give you my children!"