Mason kissed her deeper this time, like he was trying to prove something. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing hard. "The kids are going to have so many opinions about this," Mason said. "They already do. It's going to be chaos.
It's already chaos. " Fair point. The next few weeks settled into a new rhythm. Mason and Elena were officially together, which mostly meant they held hands during movies and kissed goodn night in the hallway and dealt with three children who had absolutely no boundaries when it came to commentary. "Can you guys not be gross at breakfast? " Ethan complained one morning. "We're just holding hands," Mason said.
"Yeah, but you're doing that thing with your eyes. " "What thing? " "That looking at each other thing. It's weird. " Elena laughed. "Sorry our happiness offends you. " "It doesn't offend me. It's just weird seeing dad act like an actual person. What was I before?
A robot who made money and drove us places. Ethan, Mara warned. What? I'm just being honest. Mason looked at Elena.
Was I really that bad? You were grieving. Elena said quietly. You were doing your best. My best was apparently robot level parenting.
Your best kept us alive and together. Mara said that's what mattered. The vulnerability in Mason's expression made Elena's chest ache. That afternoon, Elena got a call from an unknown number. She almost didn't answer, but something made her pick up.
Hello, Elena Brooks. A woman's voice professional. Yes, this is Amanda Chen from the Department of Family Services. I'm calling about a case that was flagged in our system. Elena's blood went cold.
What case? A complaint was filed suggesting that you're living in a home with minors while lacking proper background clearance. The complaint also suggests you may be engaging in fraud regarding your employment status. What? Who filed this?
I'm not at liberty to say, "But I'll need to schedule a home visit to verify the living situation and your relationship to the children in the household. " Elena's hands were shaking. This is ridiculous. I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding, but we do need to follow protocol. Would next Tuesday work?
I need to talk to Mason, Mr. Carter first. Of course. I'll call back tomorrow to confirm. The line went dead.
Elena stood frozen in the kitchen. Someone had reported her. But who? She called Mason immediately. Family services is investigating me.
What? Elena explained the call, her voice tight with panic. Someone filed a complaint. They're coming to do a home visit. That's insane.
You haven't done anything wrong. I know that. But what if they decide I'm not supposed to be here? What if they think I'm some kind of threat to the kids? Elena, breathe.
We'll handle this. How? I'm calling my lawyer right now. Don't worry. But Elena was worried because she knew exactly who would file this kind of complaint.
David. That evening, after the kids were in bed, Mason's lawyer called back. They put him on speaker. The complaint is anonymous, but it's clearly malicious, the lawyer said. They're claiming Elena lacks proper clearance to work with children and that she may be financially exploiting the family.
That's garbage, Mason said flatly. I know, but family services has to investigate. The good news is you can easily prove Elena's employment is legitimate. You've been paying her salary, filing taxes, everything by the book. What about the background check?