1. Like a Good Neighbor 24


    Date: 7/30/2024, Categories: Fiction Author: Rhiannon57

    ... leaving her home at night to care for the baby. After delivering her daughter he constantly complained about her being fat and undesirable. Finally, Ryleigh’s parents convinced her to leave home and move back home with them. Since he controlled all the money, she had to go to work to make ends meet. Thankfully, she started with me, and things were getting better.
    
    After a while, Ryleigh asked me about my life so I tried to explain it as best I could. Unfortunately, my history contained the tragic loss of people close to me. I didn’t go into detail about Jennifer because we were not close enough for me to confide in her. By the time dinner ended, I would say we were well acquainted.
    
    By the time the end of the year was coming Ryleigh felt she was where she wanted to be physically. She weighed about one hundred fifty-four pounds, but it was pure muscle. She was getting a lot of attention from the guys at the gym although to her credit she paid little mind to any of it. I got the impression that she lived her life for her three-year-old daughter.
    
    It was early November when Ryleigh approached me and asked if I would like to attend Maci’s fourth birthday party. I agreed but asked what I could bring as a birthday present. You cannot go to a four-year-old birthday without bringing a present. Ryleigh rattled off a couple of things Maci had asked for but because money was a little tight several items were omitted.
    
    Since the IPAD had been omitted I decided to get her one ...
    ... with a case. I did not say anything to Ryleigh because I am sure she would have objected to me paying more than I should. On the way home that Friday night I went to the electronics store and purchased the IPAD with the best protective case they had in the store. I also bought an Apple Gift card so Maci could download a few programs to play with.
    
    Ryleigh had given her parents’ address and informed me that the party began at two in the afternoon. I took a shower and dressed in jeans and a pullover t-shirt with sneakers. I grabbed the presents and left a few minutes before two o’clock. I drove across town and pulled up to a modest home in a well-kept older subdivision. I parked in the front of the home and walked up to the front door. I rang the doorbell and several moments later Ryleigh opened the door.
    
    “Hey Jace, good to see you. Please come on in.”, she offered.
    
    I followed her to the back of the house where several adults were seated and talking. There were also three young girls on the floor playing with dolls. Ryleigh took my hand and led me around the large sofa.
    
    “Jace, these are my parents. My dad Steve and my mother Melanie.”, she stated.
    
    “Jesus Christ, she told me you were big, but I had no idea.”, her father said standing up.
    
    “Comes with the job sir. It’s very nice to meet you.”, I replied, shaking his hand.
    
    “I’m pleased to meet you as well son. Ryleigh has said so many good things about you.”, Melanie said.
    
    “Nice to meet you ma’am. Ryleigh is a ...
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