how it is

"God, what have I done?" Amanda found herself asking in Rox's kitchen. She'd brought Max over to spend time with Rosie. She didn't know where to start about the Pearl situation. "I just thought, Elliot would be reasonable enough. I just needed some time, you know. I hate the way we have to go through a judge for everything when it comes to this custody thing."

"Yeah, its never easy." Rox was rather subdued. She poured Amanda some lemonade.

"So how are things?" Amanda forgot to ask about their new place. Although, it was quite old. The kitchen looked pretty sad, yet a rather comfortable place for family eating. Windows stretched across the walls to let in so much light. It was quaint.

"Well, I have this job at the modern language department, in the mornings." Rox shrugged letting a smile slip. "The kids love the zoo."

"And..and Rosie's OK?" Amanda couldn't think of her not being in bliss. After all, she had Jai and Rox now.

"Yeah, she's loving pre-school. She and Jai are still getting along. There kind of like an old married couple. They have to do everything together. She even has to talk to him when he's in the bathtub." Rox chuckled. "Don't worry. She keeps the shower door closed, but they talk, endlessly."

"Wow." Amanda shook her head. She told Rox about all the music classes. How she made her way to two schools through the week. It was better than she thought it would be. A little of her, wanted to hear how Rosie missed her, but evidently..she didn't.

Amanda felt sad, suddenly. An emptiness swallowed her. She was suppose to be finally happy. There was Asa who was devoted to her. A new relative who relied on her more than she thought possible..but still something was missing.

"So how are you?" Amanda asked.

"I don't think you want to know." Rox didn't smile. Amanda hadn't a clue what was going on.