She's late

Amanda's fingers tighten on the steering wheel as she drives to Abigail's school, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts of what she's just done and what she's about to do. The school parking lot is bustling with other parents, their casual chatter a stark contrast to the storm of Amanda's thoughts. She spots Abigail waiting near the entrance, her backpack nearly as big as she is, bouncing slightly on her heels. As Amanda approaches, she forces a smile, smoothing her blouse self-consciously.

"Hey sweetie," she greets, bending down to give her daughter a hug. Abigail's arms wrap around her tightly, her small body warm against Amanda's. The innocent affection makes something in Amanda's chest ache with guilt.

"Hi mom! Did you forget to pick me up today?" Abigail asks, cocking her head with playful suspicion.

Amanda laughs, the sound brittle to her own ears. "No, of course not, silly," she says, straightening up. She reaches out to adjust Abigail's collar, fingers hesitating for just a moment longer than necessary. "I was just... distracted. Sorry I’m late."

Abigail shrugs, accepting the explanation without question. She chatters about her friends and upcoming school projects as they walk toward the main entrance. Other parents nod in greeting, but Amanda feels their gazes linger on her with uncomfortable awareness. Is it possible they can tell? Does her face still flush with residual passion? Her thighs press together instinctively as she remembers Seth's hands on her skin.

"Mom, are you okay?" Abigail asks, pulling at Amanda's sleeve. "You keep..."

Amanda startles, blinking rapidly as she realizes her daughter has noticed her distracted state. She kneels down, bringing herself eye level with Abigail. "What, honey?" she asks, forcing a steady tone despite her racing pulse.

"You keep touching your neck," Abigail says, her young face puckered in concern. "Like when you get a little hot."

Amanda's hand flies to her collarbone, where she's been unconsciously rubbing the spot where Seth's teeth had left a mark. She hadn't even noticed doing it. "Oh," she says, clearing her throat. "Just a little stiff from... from cleaning the house. You know how I get when I'm on a mission."

Abigail giggles, accepting the explanation. "You should get dad to rub it for you," she suggests helpfully. "He always makes you feel better."

The casual comment strikes Amanda with stunning force. Her daughter's innocent suggestion sends fresh waves of guilt crashing through her, mixing with the persistent arousal that refuses to leave her body. She struggles to maintain her composure as she imagines Henry's reaction if he knew she was letting his daughter suggest he soothe the marks another man left on her skin.

"Yes, I'll... I'll ask him," Amanda manages, her words hoarse. She reaches out to tousle Abigail's hair, needing the contact to ground herself. "C'mon, let's go get your brother and head home, okay?" Abigail nods eagerly, her small hand clasping Amanda's as they walk toward the front door. The innocent gesture feels like a blade twisting in Amanda's gut—this sweet girl is completely unaware that her mother is a cheating whore, that she's been spreading her legs for the boy next door in her children's beds. The thought makes her stomach churn even as it sends fresh heat pooling between her thighs.

As they step outside, the warm summer air does nothing to cool the flush across Amanda's face. She spots Sarah moving towards them, an eager inquisitive smile on her face as she catches sight of Amanda. Amanda is torn between wanting to talk to her friend, to confide in her, to reveal more details of the passionate affair she's found herself submerged in... and wanting to run and hide, to pretend nothing unusual is happening.

Sarah's eyes sparkle with curiosity as she approaches, her face a picture of eager interest. "Amanda, I was hoping to catch you!" She glances around furtively before leaning in, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. "I've been dying to know more about your... situation. How is it going? Is it everything you hoped for?"