The Unconventional Family...Shaun and Amari

Amari walks into the tiny, yet well decorated condo that she called home nearly 9 months ago, with a heavy 10 month old Leila resting on her hip. Boxes are neatly stacked up in the corner of the kitchen, indicating Shaun is now moving back into the space after being gone for over a year and a half. 

"Rock Candy" was on tour for all of spring and summer this year, right before that Amari moved back home to Houston with her parents. Shaun of course was not all too happy about it, but he came to understand that it was better for Leila. Having support and family is what Amari needed and Shaun wouldn't be able to be around 24/7. Amari also in turn agreed to fly with Leila and meet him at different destinations around the country while he was on tour, so that he could spend time with their daughter. 

That night after things went sour between Peter, Luke, and Cynthia...these two had a deep heart to heart. They realized that they had to put aside their animosity and get along for Leila's sake. So both have agreed to start over, be friends and co parent together, be a family but not be in a relationship. So far this arrangement has worked well.

Amari calls out for Shaun, as she closes the door behind her...

 *Amari* "Shaun?!...We're here..."

 Amari pauses at the door making sure she's not barging in, 

hearing footsteps coming from the bedroom Shaun 

appears in the doorway. He is naked expect for a bath towel

 wrapped loosely around his waist.

*Shaun* "That was fast...I was just about to hop in the shower."

Amari quickly replies with an apology. Like I said these two have

 come a long way in getting along for the sake of Leila.

*Amari* "I'm sorry traffic was way smoother than I thought

 it would be...I can come back."

Shaun immediately replies, as he walks closing the gap 

between them, he steps into the kitchen.

 *Shaun* "Mari, it's fine...My plane landed a little later than I expected.
Hey baby girl...You're getting so big daddy almost don't recognize you!..." 

*Leila wiggles* "Da da!..."

Amari cannot help but notice he got lean again after being on tour for months at a time. She feels a fluter of nervous butterflies realizing that the father of her child is once again in the "rock god celebrity status" spotlight. This comeback tour boosted Rock Candy's popularity once again and critics and fans have been raving about the new album. Amari can't deny it, it is good...she's a fan too, and right now she's having a fangirl moment, trying to keep her wits about her. So far they have avoided most of the paparazzi and press, but she wonders now about how this break in tours will affect her and Leila, she replies....

 *Amari* "Shaun...I....really I can come back...let you settle in.."

*Shaun* "Nonsense, Mari....c'mon don't get embarrassed. I got some toys
 for her. She won't get bored..."

Shaun points to the living area, there is a large trunk 

with toys for Leila. He made sure to have the place

 somewhat ready for her visit.

*Amari* "I'm not embarrassed. I just, I don't want to intrude on your space...I know you just finished touring and I didn't know if you were alone or not..."

*Shaun* "Now why would I have someone here when I know you're bringing Leila..."

*Leila* "Da da!..."

Then Shaun turns his attention to his daughter, who is very happy to see him. Leila has quickly won him over, all that anger and resentment dissipated after he spent time getting to know this amazing little human being. Even though it's been hectic, Shaun and 
Amari have made it work.

 *Shaun continues* "This is the only girl I'm interested in seeing right now...

Hey Lala...you ready to hang with your old man?"

Leila bounces in her mother's arms. She's also ready 

to get down and explore. It was a long car ride

 with a soon to be toddler in tow...

*Amari* "You happy to see Daddy?...Yeah  I think you are...."

*Leila* "Da da, Da da!"
*Shaun* "I see someone has binky bunny..."

*Amari* "Oh she goes everywhere with binky...We must not forget

 about binky. Right Lala?..."

Leila bounces again, and fusses to get down
 she's getting more restless...

And both of them can see that.

*Shaun* "Okay just give me like 10 minutes...You two just make

 yourself at home, okay?

*Amari* "Okay..."

*Leila squeals* "Ma ma!..."

She squeals and wiggles she wants to be let down. She is almost walking any day now and she'll be toddling around. 
Amari sets down her diaper bag...

*Amari* "I know angel...I'll sit with her in the 

living room while we wait..."

*Shaun* "Okay...I'll be back, Lala!...Daddy has missed you."

Amari nods and Shaun disappears into the bedroom. Leila is

 so happy to be free to explore, her and mom check

 out the new toys that are in the shiny new toy box.

*Amari* Mmmm, this is yummy! Would you like to try some?"

A few minutes later they find a cute little tea set and Amari 

pretends to sip tea and enjoy it while Leila watches 

with fascination. She gets up wanting to

 take a sip of the tea too..Shaun steps out and quietly

 watches them for a moment. Seeing how much Amari has changed since she gave birth, that spitfire is still there but it's focused now and she truly has been a wonderful mother to their daughter.

*Leila* "Ma ma!!..."

*Amari* "Mmmm this is delicious.. Here, you try some..."

Amari holds out the tiny little teacup and Leila

 wobbles as she stands and tries to take a few

 steps to get to it. She's unsure...

*Amari* "You can do it Angel...C'mon!"

Shaun has only seen video lately of her taking her 

few steps...He gets super excited when he sees 

it in person. Startling Amari and Leila...

*Shaun* "Oh my god! Look at you, Lala! Can you walk to Daddy?"

*Leila smiles, bouncing* "Da da!..."

*Shaun* "Yeah come on, come to daddy....Lala"

Shaun turns quickly to look at Amari.

*Shaun* "I thought you said she wasn't walking yet?"
*Amari* "She's not...She is still a bit wobbly...My mom
 says it will be any day now."

Leila then looses her balance and falls back on her bottom. 

Shaun quickly comes in and scoops her up. Every kid

 loves being flown around by dad...Shaun is 

completely smitten by her. This little being has really 
changed his outlook on life. Luke was right.

*Shaun* "Super duper, Lala!...."

Leila giggles and it's that pure innocent sweet 

laugh that a child makes, so happy, so content, 

so well loved and well cared for it shines 
through in her bubbly giggles.

Shaun flies her up, down and all around and Leila giggles with delight. Dads play so differently than moms do. Amari gets worried that she'll get dizzy. She knows Shaun is very happy to see his daughter it's been some weeks since they last saw each other right before the band wrapped up their tour.

*Amari* "Just be careful, Shaun...She might get a little dizzy..."

*Shaun* "I know, Mari...It's alright I got her. She's fine."

Shaun pulls Leila in close and holds her against him, she 

smells like a baby and the scent is oddly satisfying...

Something he never liked or cared for before....

*Shaun* "So what time do we need to be at Luke and Laura's house?.."

*Amari* "Around dinner time, 6pm is what Laura told me...I still need

 to change my clothes, though. Is that what you're wearing?..."

Shaun takes a seat in the chair that is opposite Amari. 

Leila is now fascinated with the new shiny necklace 

and her father's long dreadlocks...

*Shaun* "Yeah I'm good, it's just Luke and Laura..."

*Amari* "Well I can't go like this I've been in these clothes all day..."

*Shaun* "You checked into your hotel already?..."

*Amari* "Yes of course...all our stuff is there."

*Shaun* "Then go get ready and I'll stay here and

 watch Lala. Then we'll come pick you up."

Amari scratches the back of her head. She's never left Leila with anyone but her own mother. Now granted, Shaun is her father but Amari still struggles with it. It's like leaving a part of her behind, Leila and her have been one since the day she was born. Shaun has been great these past few months but Amari still wonders how long this state of nirvana will last between them. They tend to fight when they are around each other for too long. Their relationship before Leila always worked 

better when it was more of a long distance one....

*Amari* "Shaun...I...It's fine I can change real quick then meet you at Luke and Laura's...

Believe me I'm now a pro at getting myself ready in a jiff..."

Shaun looks down at Leila, who is happy and content in his arms, he knows this is hard for Amari. He does not want to start a fight,

 things have been very good between them, 

but he does deserve some one on one time with Leila. 

*Shaun* "I'm sure you are but you also deserve a little time to yourself. Just go

 relax and get ready. I'll take care of her. See she's happy. We'll be fine."

Amari cannot deny she'd love a nice hot shower that lasts 

longer than 5 minutes...but then she thinks about 

being separated from Leila and then she is not so sure 

she wants that luxury... 

*Amari* "Are you sure?...I...I mean...as much as I'd love it.
I just..I don't want you to be overwhelmed."

*Shaun* "I'll be fine. You forget I'm the oldest of 2 younger siblings, Mari..."

*Amari* "I know...but..."

*Shaun* "Mari, I don't want to argue. I'll call you if I 

need anything...I promise."

*Amari* "Okay, okay....then I better go now, that will give me a

 couple hours to get ready."

Amari gets up and Shaun follows her with 

baby Leila in his arms. Amari stops and turns around 

to give Leila a kiss goodbye.

*Amari* "Mamma will see you in a couple hours, okay angel? 

You have fun with Daddy, and don't give him a hard time."

Amari smiles and winks at Leila...Shaun reassures

 her that they will be okay.

*Shaun* "She'll be fine, Mari..."

*Amari* "What if she finally walks on her own while I'm gone!?!..."

Amari is so torn about leaving Leila...

*Shaun* "I'll make sure to record it...but don't worry...2 hours is not much time

 anyways before you know it we'll be on our way to come pick you up..."

*Amari* "Oh wait, her carseat...you need her carseat."

*Shaun* "I got one...I told you I've been making sure things are ready for her. 

I've got food in the fridge and anything else she needs. She'll be fine..."

*Amari* "You have a carseat in that vintage hot rod?..."
*Shaun* "No...I have a carseat in that new vintage VW van that Malcolm restored for me.
It's down in the garage that way we can avoid the cameras and paparazzi...." 

*Amari makes a face* "Oh! Ummm okay...."
*Shaun* "You're gonna have to get used to it, Mari..."
*Amari* "I know I'm trying...just don't hesitate to call me if you need to.
 And don't forget binky bunny...."

*Shaun*  "I know.....your number is on speed dial if i need you...."

Amari finally makes her exit and heads off to hotel that she will be staying in for a couple weeks while Shaun settles in

 and they spend time as a family doing things for Leila 

until he is on tour again in the spring. They want her to have a happy childhood despite their failed relationship.

*Shaun* "I don't know about you but I need a snack...let's see what 

kinda goodies we got in here...You hungry, Lala?"

Leila kicks her legs and babbles as she 

watches Dad...She is quite a content little one.

Then a short time later Shaun heads out with Leila to 

go pick up Amari for their small intimate family 

dinner at Luke and Laura's house.

Thanks so much for tuning in and reading along...
Next week's episode will most likely be on Sunday again to give me a 
little more time with everything that is going on.
I want to thank those of you who helped with money for PicMonkey,
Thank you guys and gals so much!!!
💖 I really truly am thankful...THANK YOU!💖