Introductions
Chapter one
The wind whipped my auburn hair into frenzy. I tried desperately to push it away from my face but it was no use. The storm clouds raced across the sky, darkening the earth beneath it. I clutched my books to my chest and dashed under the porch. I loved watching storms, but being caught in them was another matter entirely. A sigh escaped my lips as I tried to smooth down my hair and tie it into a somewhat presentable shape. I could hear the crying of my baby boy just on the other side of the door. A small smile appeared on my face as I listened. Though he couldn’t speak yet, his cries always sounded like he was crying “Mama!” over and over. Still carrying my books, I entered the house.
My father, Jack, sat in his big lazy boy recliner, rocking back and forth, trying to soothe his grandson. I tried to shut the door quietly behind me but the wind caught the screen and sent it slamming into the rail of the porch. I cringed at the loud noise and shut it properly this time. I rolled my eyes. Damn ever changing weather. Give us a break mother nature! My sons crying had stopped and when I turned around, he had the biggest smile on his little, chubby face. His arms were stretched wide in my direction, asking for me to hold him. I grinned happily as I picked my little guy up and snuggled him until his laughter filled the room. “How was he?” I asked my dad. He visibly relaxed a little and let out a loud sigh in response. “That good, huh?” I teased. “ Riley, let’s just say that he’s definitely a momma’s boy.” He said with a wry smile. I smiled and crooned to my baby about giving grandpa a hard time. “You got to be a good boy for mommy, Liam.” I told him as I kissed him on his cheek.
“How’d the date go?” dad asked, running a hand roughly over his tired face. I curled my lips up in disgust. “I’m not ready for a woman with kids!” I said in a mocking deep voice; trying to do my best impression of the date I had just come from. The men I went on dates with were never ready for kids and they all left a bitter taste in my mouth when I thought about them. I shook my head as if trying to ward off the unwanted memories. I set the books I had brought home on the small end table and plopped down on the comfortable couch, snuggling Liam. “Maybe I should become a lesbian? Oh! Or maybe a nun? No guys seem to be interested.” I joked, half serious. I peered at my dad out of the corner of my eye. His face was priceless. I had to stifle a laugh. “I’m kidding dad.” I said to reassure him. “Mostly.” I added to see his reaction. He choked on his herbal tea and this time I laughed out loud. Hearing his mommy burst into laughter made little Liam laugh too and shove his tiny hands in his mouth. I looked at the books on the table. Looks like it’s going to be Liam and I with books again tonight. I let another small sigh escape my lips.
Straightening myself up and shifting Liam’s weight to one hip, I hopped off of the sofa. “Well, I’m going to the room. Its late anyway so Liam should be getting to bed.” I grabbed his little arm and waved it up and down. “Say bye bye to Pawpaw!” I crooned. As if to punctuate my statements, little Liam yawned quietly and nestled his head against my arm. I smiled warmly at him and snagged my books with my free hand as I left the living room.
I set the books down on my bed and placed a just about asleep Liam in his crib. Gently, I placed his pacifier in his mouth and stroked his head until his eyes closed completely. “I love you baby.” I whispered so I wouldn’t wake him up. I stretched my unusually tense muscles and yawned. So tired. Maybe I’ll skip the reading tonight. On cue with my thoughts, another yawn slipped out. I flipped off the lights and flung myself quickly but quietly into bed, not even bothering to get a shower or get under the covers. In the morning. I told myself sleepily, already feeling my body drift off into a dreamless sleep.
The sound of loud whimpering and whining signaled the start of the day. Nine a.m. . I yawned as I stretched my tired body. I really couldn’t complain, although he woke up four times a night to feed, Liam was pretty good at sleeping through the night. I rubbed my sleepy eyes as I pulled myself off the bed. Liam shrieked with delight when he saw his mommy through the crib bars. “Hi there! Did you sleep well?” I asked in a baby voice as I picked up a now smiling baby boy. As I picked him up I noticed black marks on my hands. My eyes widened a fraction. Don’t tell me I- I thought but stopped when I walked in front of the mirror on my dresser. “Oh my god.” I said with exasperation. Liam turned to look at himself in the mirror, quite happily ignoring the zombie reflected back in the mirror where his mother should have been. “I am an idiot. I can’t believe I slept in my make up! I look like an extra on The Walking Dead!” I complained to myself. Irritated at my own mistake, I sat down and breast fed my little guy until he was full, all the while trying to stealthily wipe away the mascara marks under his arms without interrupting him.
Once he was burped and changed, I lay him back down in his crib while I ran to the bathroom. I had hoped to avoid coming into contact with anyone before I at least had the chance to wash my face, but life had other plans. I managed to run smack dab into a rather broad chest. “Whoa!” a deep voice chuckled. I looked up startled as I backed away with a bright red face. “I’m so sorry!” I apologized loudly. “Way to go Riles! That’s a new record for you! Embarrassing yourself within literally 10 seconds of coming close to a guy!” my little brother howled with laughter. “It’s not like I meant to do it! What are you even doing up this early? Let alone inviting some weird guy into the house!” I said a little harsher than I necessary. I took a second to look pointedly at the other guy and felt my face go crimson. Wow, I thought. Chestnut curly hair, strong jaw line, chocolate brown eyes, just the right amount of scruff, glasses that actually complemented his face, I had to mentally check to see if I was drooling. He looked like he walked out of a freaking catalogue. Who the heck is he and why have I never met him? And since when does my brother have hot and clearly older friends? I wondered. “Yo! Earth to Riley! Quit eye raping my friend and maybe go wash your face. The drowned raccoon look isn’t a good one for you.” My lovely little brother teased. I didn’t think it was possible, but I felt my blush spread even further. I immediately looked down and retorted, “I was tired, okay?” as I shoved past the both of them. My brother snickered as he and his friend walked away
I hurriedly shut the door behind me as I entered the bathroom and sank to the floor. “Why, today of all days, did I have to leave my make up remover in the here?” I asked the empty bathroom as I put my head in my hands. I will never live this one down. Corey will use it against me for the rest of my life. I sighed in self derision. And I’m sure I will just be the drowned raccoon chick to his friend. “Ugh!” I groaned loudly and pushed myself up off the floor. “No time to sit around doing nothing, Riley. Liam’s got a doctor’s appointment.” I scolded myself. I removed all of my makeup and washed my face again for good measure. All traces of the raccoon girl from earlier were gone. I sighed happily as I curled my hair in soft waves. I felt so much better after getting cleaned up some. I’ll just have to get a bath later tonight when Liam falls asleep for his last nap. Hopefully. One thing I completely forgot about when pregnant was how little time I would actually have to shower. I had learned to tolerate at least 2 days between showers before I was begging my little brother to watch him, but I still hated waiting that long. I turned off the curling iron while brushing my teeth and shook out my hair as I exited the bathroom.
When I opened my bedroom door, little Liam was on his tummy chewing on his plastic dinosaur. His big blue eyes turned to me and an unadorned, bright smile covered his tiny face. “Hey there little man! Hi there!” I said with an equally bright smile as I picked my little man up. “Good morning, little man! Are you ready for an adventure?” I crooned while smothering him with kisses. His high pitched laughter filled the small room in answer. “Alrighty then! Let’s get you dressed and going!”
I set him on his changing pad and went about changing him when I heard a knock on my door. ”What’s up?” I asked the person outside my room. My little brother, Corey, opened the door and smiled seeing his nephew. “I was going to tell you some good news, but got distracted by the potato.” I glared at him as I picked my son up. “Stop calling my baby a potato! He’s the cutest baby ever!” I held the poopy diaper out to him with a smile. “Since you want to call your nephew a potato, then you get to throw away his diaper!” Corey gasped in mock horror but took the diaper all the same. He poked Liam’s tummy and smiled. “So, listen Riles. I kinda forgot to pick up the power steering fluid for your car. I still have the money you gave me and I already asked Jessie If he would take you.” The smile slowly faded from my face and I gave a short sigh of mild frustration. “Okay. I forgive you, but please try to remember next time. I can’t even turn my car without that stuff. And I have a question.” “I may have an answer.” He said, curiosity coloring his voice as he looked up.
“Who’s Jessie?”
“You don’t know who Jessie is?”
“If I did, would I really be wasting time asking?”
“Good point. He’s my friend that you ran into this morning.”
My mouth involuntarily dropped open. “Why would you ask a total stranger to take your sister and her six month old to a doctor’s visit?!” I whisper-yelled. “He’s not a stranger, he’s my friend. And you seemed pretty pleased with him this morning.” Corey teased with a knowing smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”I said while ducking down to get a onsie and hide my scarlet cheeks. “Oh, please! I was tempted to hand you a towel to catch all the drool that was coming out of your mouth Riley.” He said exasperatedly. When I didn’t answer he continued. “Riley, it’s okay to be interested in another guy. Liam will understand. So, it didn’t work out with James , that doesn’t mean you have to turn away everybody. Jessie is a good guy and I thought you guys might get along really well.” “That’s not what I’m doing. I just want to make sure that whoever I get with this time will be the right person. I don’t want to put Liam through another move or a breakup when he gets older.” I said in a low dejected voice. He gave my shoulders a light squeeze when I stood up. “Just give him a shot. If he’s a total creep, I’ll kick his ass into next week.” I laughed and pulled Liam’s clothes on him. “Fine. I’ll let him drive us, but that’s all I’m promising.“ Corey showed a triumphant smile and exited the room to let me finish getting ourselves ready. “Uncle Corey is a crazy man, huh?” I said in a baby voice to Liam as I lay him back into his crib while I hurried to get myself dressed.
We walked into the living room and the guy I ran into earlier stands up with a smile. “Ready to go? Corey said you have to be there by eleven. I’m Jessie by the way.“ He asked in a sincere voice. “Riley. Nice to meet you. Thank you so much for taking us. My car has issues.” I said with a rueful smile. I was way too impatient in buying my first car. I didn’t even really stop to see if anything was wrong with it that the seller hadn’t mentioned. You live and you learn. He opened the door for us and as I turned to leave, I saw my brother give double thumbs up. I snickered and rolled my eyes. I walked down the concrete steps with Liam on my hip and Jessie closed the door behind me. I started toward my car to get the car seat transferred but was stopped. “Corey and I already transferred it into my car. I had no idea what I was doing at first but once he showed me a bit, I was able to figure it out.” “Oh.” I said, pleasantly surprised. That was nice of them. It’s a lot harder to transfer a car seat while holding a baby. I buckled Liam in snugly and climbed in the passenger seat. His car was surprisingly clean and comfortable. It wasn’t at all like I had expected it to be. I glanced around, impressed, and my eyes fell on a laughing Jessie in the driver’s seat. “Is it that weird for a guy’s car to be clean?” I felt my face blush all the way to my ears and began to fidget with the hem of my shirt. “I’m just not used to it. Corey’s car is always a mess.” He laughed again and it was such a pleasant, infectious sound that I found myself laughing with him. “Well, isn’t that the truth! I never know where to put my feet in there.” He chuckled. I laughed again and felt the awkward tension in the car melt away. He pulled out of the drive way and we were off.
Jessie’s blue Camry zigzagged through the neighborhood, narrowly avoiding the plethora of potholes. We didn’t live in the nicest neighborhood cosmetically speaking, but it was a safe place and it was conveniently located next to parks and the library so I didn’t mind. The neighborhood entrance however, bugged the heck out of me. Six years I had been away and they still never found the time to fill the holes. “No offense to you guys but I absolutely hate this entrance.” He said with a bitter look. “Don’t worry. Everybody hates it. The city is just lazy and refuses to fix it. It messed up the under carriage of my car too.” I told him honestly. A grunt from Liam punctuated my statement perfectly. Jessie chuckled, “You agree too, buddy?” Liam smiled a big toothless grin when I looked back. I squeezed his little hand lightly and turned back around. “All right, we’re going to be going to the pediatric clinic that’s right beside the veterinary clinic and urgent care in Foley.” I said, fiddling with my phone, trying to turn on the G.P.S. “Yeah.” He said, pausing to check if he could get onto the main road. “I know the one. I pass by it on the way to my dad’s place.” He continued. We pulled onto the main road and an awkward silence took hold.
I hate awkward silences! I have to say something or he’ll think I’m boring. Come on Riley! It hasn’t been that long since you were single, Talk! “So, why are you friends with my brother?” I asked, purely trying to make conversation. I followed it up with an immediate face palm. Wow! That didn’t sound rude at all! “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it in a mean way! My brother just usually doesn’t have such mature friends.” I said quickly to smooth over my rudeness. Jessie tilted his head to the side and smirked as he changed lanes. “Is that a nice way of saying I’m old?” he asked, feigning a wounded expression. “No! I didn’t! Ugh!” I started and then groaned. I put my hands to my face to cover my burning cheeks. He laughed so much tears sprang to his eyes. “I’m just kidding! You look so cute when you blush that I can’t help myself.” He ruffled my hair with his large warm hands. I crossed my arms in indignation and puffed out my cheeks sulkily. “Cute my ass. I’m not a kid you know!” I huffed. “I know, trust me. I’m not into kids.” He said, straight faced. We pulled into the pediatrician’s parking lot and I turned in my seat to look at him head on. “What?” I asked, not believing what I heard. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t reading too much into what he said. He turned the car off and turned to face me. “I’m saying I want to get to know you. Now hurry up! It’s five till.” My eyes widened and I hurriedly exited the car, secretly grateful to the cold autumn air. I’m going to look like a fire truck if I stay around him any longer! I unlocked the car seat and pulled Liam and his diaper bag out and turned to go in the office. The last thing I saw before I opened the door was Jessie smiling warmly at me.
I Want To Know You
Chapter 2
The sterile smell of the doctor’s office filled my nose. There was a wet floor sign by where the scent was strongest. Even Liam scrunched up his face at the smell. I made my way to the reception desk and got us signed in. “Sorry about the smell. We had a bio spill. One of the kids was pretty sick and it smelled something awful. The janitor just cleaned it.” The receptionist said as she handed me back the insurance cards. “It’s alright. It was just a little strong when we came in.” I said nonchalantly. I bowed my head slightly and sat down. A newer Disney movie was playing on the small television and, being the nerd that I was, I watched it with Liam.
The door to the lobby opened and I glanced back to see who it was. I had to do a double take. Jessie was standing there, looking around, and when his eyes found me, he smiled broadly. He made his way to us and sat down in the seat beside me. “You didn’t have to come in. I’m used to handling little man’s doctor visits solo.” I said, fidgeting again. Gah! He makes me so flustered. Why did he have to come in after saying what he did in the car?! “Just because you usually handle it by yourself, doesn’t mean you couldn’t use some company.” He said with am lazy stretch of his arms. “Plus, the way you’re fidgeting makes me think you’re nervous. Liam looks completely healthy. There’s nothing to worry about.” YOU are the reason I’m nervous! Are you really that dense? “You’re right.” I said, desperately trying to disguise my erratic heartbeat.
“Could you watch him for a minute?”I asked, gesturing to Liam. “I have to go to the restroom.” Jessie grinned at my son and wiggled his foot. “I think I can manage.”He said happily as he scooted closer to him. “Thank you!” I said, relieved. I rushed to the bathroom.
I took a few deep breaths and calmed down. I smiled as I made my way back to Jessie and Liam. When I reached the lobby again, I stopped mid step. Jessie had Liam on facing him and was letting him pull his hair with a smile. Oh, my heart! This is so unfair! How can I not like this guy! My heart warmed at the sight of them. Liam was usually very picky about the men he let hold him, but he seemed to love Jessie. I put my hand over my heart, willing it to calm as I walked to them. “Am I interrupting?” I asked in a playful tone as I crouched down to their level. I brushed my hair out of my face and behind my ear. “Are you having fun, baby?” Liam happily reached out and touched my cheeks. “Say ‘Nope mommy! I’m just playing with Mr. Jessie’s hair!’” Jessie crooned happily. I smiled and turned to him. We were so close that I could feel his breath on my skin. Jessie’s eyes widened and I felt my cheeks burn. I jumped back and stood up. Jessie cleared his throat and sat up straight. I opened my mouth to awkwardly apologize but was saved by the nurse. “Liam Sanders?” I breathed a deep sigh of relief and took Liam from Jessie. I cast my gaze downward as I gathered our things and headed to the examination room.
“The father can come back too.” The nurse said encouragingly. My face blanched for a minute. “Um, no. He’s-“ I began, but Jessie finished for me. “I’m not the father. I’m just her friend.” He smiled kindly at the nurse and waved to Liam. “Have a good check up, buddy!” He gave Liam a thumbs up and sat back down and watched the movie. I carried Liam through the door and the nurse shut the door behind us.
She guided us through the halls to a scale and, once Liam had been weighed, into an empty room. “The doctor will be with you shortly.” She said politely, and then shut the door. I set all of our things down and lay little Liam on the examination table. He immediately rolled over and grabbed tiny fistfuls of the paper that covered the table. “No sir. You don’t need to eat the paper.” I scolded him lightly, just as he was bringing it to his mouth. I gently pulled the paper out of his hands and he let out an ear piercing scream that made me cringe as I picked him up. “I’m sorry buddy, but it’s not healthy for babies to eat paper.” Liam’s wails quieted down as soon as I held him to my chest. “Oh, now you’re quiet? Meanie!” I said playfully. He looked up at me with his chubby cheeks puffed out. “God, you’re cute.” I chuckled.
The doctor knocked on the door and let herself in. “Hi! It’s good to see you again Ms. Sanders. And it is always a pleasure to see this little cutie! Hi Liam! I heard you giving mommy a hard time.” She said in a sing song voice. Liam grinned at her as she tickled his tummy. I lay him back down on the examination table and watched as he flipped right back over and tried to eat the paper. “It’s good to see you too, Dr. Walker.” I told her honestly. “With the move a few weeks ago, he hasn’t been taking his naps during the day anymore. I’m trying to find a new job right now and my parents are watching him during that time. He’s so cranky until I get home that he’s driving them crazy.” “Hmmm.” She hummed absently as she did his usual check up. “There doesn’t seem to be anything physically wrong with him. It’s probably separation anxiety. Say, ‘I miss my momma!’.” Liam giggled and kicked his feet. I smiled a small smile and rubbed his belly. “I’m sorry little man. Momma has to get a job to take care of us.” He looked at me like he had no idea what I was talking about. I giggled and poked his nose. Dr. Walker straightened up and waved bye bye to Liam. “Alright. Well, the best thing I can recommend for separation anxiety is to let him cry it out. As long as someone is there with him, it shouldn’t be a problem. He will get used to it but, it will take some time and patience.” She said, moving to hand me his papers. She handed me his growth charts and smiled. “He is going to be a tall boy momma. He’s 28 inches.” I gawked at the number. He was in the 90th percentile! Of course my baby would be a giant while I’m a short stop. This sucks! Oh well. I did pray for him to be happy and healthy. If that means he must make his mom look like a midget, then so be it! I laughed at the irony of it. “That just means that you get to reach all the tall places for mommy!” I teased as I picked him up. “We can set up his nine months appointment at a later date. Ya’ll have a nice day! Bye bye sweetheart!” Dr. Walker said cheerfully and exited the room. I buckled Liam into his car seat again and we left as well.
Jessie was waiting by his car when we walked out. He waved with a bright smile as he ran over to us. “Let me help.” He said jovially as he took the diaper bag and stack of papers from me. “Uh, thanks. What’s got you in such a good mood?” I asked, suddenly very suspicious. “My boss just hired a new employee. I will finally have some help around there.” He said with a little pep in his step. I shifted the weight of Liam’s car seat to my other arm as we approached the car. “Oh? Where do you work?”I asked, making polite conversation. Jessie leaned in close and stared at me for a moment. My eyes widened and I reflexively took a step back. Too close! Has this guy NEVER heard of personal space? “Are you interested in me too, missy?” He asked, eyes dancing with delight at the thought. My face felt like it would burst into flames. “No! God! Don’t you ever stop teasing?! Why would I be interested in you?” He threw his head back in laughter and wiped his eyes. “You really are just too cute. Say what you want, but you want to get to know me, just as much as I want to get to know you.” My mouth flapped open and closed like a fish gasping for air. That is so not true! I have no idea what you are talking about! My mind screamed the futile denial that my mouth refused to utter. His shoulders shook with the laughter that he was holding back. “Your mouth won’t even let you deny it!” he snickered finally as he opened the rear passenger door for me. I hid my face behind my hair and cursed my brain to mouth filter for refusing to let me lie. Why couldn’t I just tell one little lie? Stupid conscience! “But, seriously Riley. I’m happy because if we have another employee, that means less wok for me. Less work for me, means more time that I get to spend getting to see you.” He said in a serious voice. He leveled the full force of his gaze on me. His chocolate brown eyes drew me in and, for a moment, I forgot how to speak. Ba-dump! My heart jumped in my chest. He brushed the hair out of my eyes and smiled. “You should try to keep your hair out of your eyes. They really are pretty.” He said softly, and went to get into the driver’s seat. Ba-dump Ba-dump Ba-dump! My heart hammered in my chest. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before I got into the car. What in the world is happening to me?!
I closed the front door behind me and sighed deeply. Liam was playing in his car seat, as I still hadn’t taken him out. “How’d it do?” I turned around and leaned my back against the inside of the door. Corey was looking up at me from his gaming chair, Xbox controller in hand. The ride home flashed through my mind.
The car was silent for most of the ride. I kept trying to come up with things to talk about, but my anxiety kicked in and I ended up saying nothing. Jessie turned on the radio and a mixed station was blaring an old All American rejects song. The old teenager in me came out and I happily began singing along. I kept noticing Jessie glance my way and then look away. I finally turned to him with an annoyed expression. “What? It’s a good song.” I said flatly. He shook his head and lifted both hands in surrender for a moment. He put his hands back on the wheel and said, “Nothing! I was just surprised. Most girls I have met are too embarrassed to sing along to something like this.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m not most girls.” The song changed to a newer country song and I sang along to that as well Jessie just kept smiling every time the song would change and I would sing with it.
“From rock to country and pop to a bit of rap. You certainly have an eclectic taste in music.” He chuckled. I smiled. “Yeah! I like all types of music. Well, except classical. That puts me to sleep.” We turned into the neighborhood and I started putting the papers into the diaper bag. “Well, tell Corey I said I’ll see him on my next off day. I just don’t know when that will be. I’ll probably end up training the newbie.” Jessie said, putting his hand on the back of his neck. “You sound like you’re looking forward to it.” I said sarcastically. “I’m just worried that it will be more trouble to teach somebody else than to do it myself.” He answered to my statement. “You never know. Whoever it is may surprise you.” I said nonchalantly. We pulled into the drive way and parked.
“Hey, could I text you?” Jessie asked hesitantly as he turned in his seat. I bit my lip. Should I? I thought about it, but I couldn’t make up my mind. “Here. If you ever want to talk, just text me at this number.” He said hopefully as he handed me a piece of paper with his phone number. He smiled shyly and scratched his head nervously. Cute. For all of his teasing, he’s actually kind of shy. I gave him a small smile in return and took the piece of paper. “Thanks again.”I said lowly as I climbed out of the car. I unbuckled Liam’s car seat and carried both the seat and he up the stairs. Jessie saw us off with a wave.
That’s how I ended up against the front door, with blushing cheeks and a dopey smile on my face. I admit it. I like him. I really like him.
Corey’s girlfriend, Rachel, came out of the bathroom towel drying her hair. She looked up and peeked out at me from under the towel. “Oh! How’d it go? He’s cute, right?” She said with a grin. “Hello! I’m right here!” Corey said with exasperation. “If my girlfriend wants to talk about how cute my friend is, then do it when I’m at work!” Rachel tossed the towel aside and plopped onto Corey’s lap. She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed gently. “Oh, baby! You know I only love you!” she crooned in a too sweet voice. Her short black and purple hair was still wet and she shook it out, sending water droplets flying all over Corey and his controller. She giggled and danced away as he swiped at her to pinch her sides. “Demon.” He muttered as he wiped his face. She clutched a hand to her chest, faking a wounded expression. “You wound me, sir!” She pouted and skipped over to Liam. His little mouth hung open absently as he watched the crazy antics. “How’s my favorite little baby?” she crooned as she wriggled his hands. Liam grimaced and started to cry. She backed away immediately and widened her eyes. “I didn’t mean to make him cry!” she said worriedly. I quickly picked him up and cradled him against my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. He’s just hungry. I’ll fed him and put him in his crib. He’ll be out like a light.” I walked softly to the room with Liam still crying. I sat down and began to feed him. As soon as he saw my shirt move, he instantly went quiet. As I watched him eat, I laughed quietly to myself. “You always know just when mommy needs to escape.” I really didn’t want to relive every embarrassing detail with them. That would have been mortifying. I shook my head and rubbed his arm. “I love you little man.” I told him sweetly.
Once he had finished eating, I lay him in his crib and pulled his Nightmare Before Christmas blanket over him and gave him his pacifier. I smiled as I looked down at my little angel. Something about that blanket always calmed him down. He absolutely refused to sleep without it. I wound up his mobile and crept quietly out of the room.
I closed the door and let out a deep sigh of relief. I managed to escape! No crying! Whooo-Hooo! I raised my arms and danced around in a miniature circle. I looked around quickly, checking my surroundings. God, I am glad no one saw that. I straightened out my clothes and headed back into the living room.
I made my way to the kitchen and peered into the fridge. “When did dad go home last night anyway?” I asked both Rachel and Corey. “Eh, sometime around nine.” Corey said over his shoulder. “You never did tell me how it went with Jessie.” He added after. My spine stiffened and I closed the fridge. “You had to remember that, didn’t you?” I said bitterly. I felt the heat creep up my face when I replayed the events in my head. “You just might explode if your face turns any redder.” I whipped around with a start. Corey was standing in front of me with a Cheshire cat like grin. Rachel was a few feet behind him, nearly doubled over in laughter. “What is this? Pick on riley day?!” I asked, half embarrassed and half angry. Corey chuckled and rested his elbows on the small island in the center of the kitchen. Rachel leaned on his back and stared at me. “Spill.” She said pointedly. I grabbed a pack of beef ramen from one of the cabinets and set it on the counter. I spread out my hands and leaned over the edge of the island as well.
“Ugh! You people!” I said shaking my head.”He was nice, okay? He was funny and a gentleman.” I said quickly and to the point. “Happy?” I asked sarcastically. Corey rolled his eyes. “You’re not that dumb Riles. Seriously, how did it go?” He asked with a serious expression on his usually smiling face. I sighed again and told them everything.
I told them about the ride there and how he acted with Liam, I told him about Jessie getting mistaken for his dad and even about the ride home. “Oh! He said to tell you that he’d see you on his next off day. He just doesn’t know when that will be since he may have to train a new employee they are hiring.” I said, suddenly remembering the conversation in the car. He never did tell me where he worked. I glanced at the clock on the microwave. 2:37 P.M. It feels so much later. I grabbed a pot from the rack and filled it with water. I turned to Corey again and asked, “Where does he work anyway?”. He scrunched his face up in thought. “I can’t remember.” He said, surprise clear in his voice. Rachel flicked his forehead. “You can’t even recall where your own friend works?” she admonished lightly. Corey shrugged his shoulders and looked at me apologetically. “It’s ok. I was just wondering. I mean if where he works is hiring, I want to put in an application.” I said, putting the ramen in the pot. I turned on the stove and set the pot on the burner. Corey and Rachel went back into the living room and plopped down on the couch. “So, are you going to call him?”Rachel asked, waggling her eyebrows. I threw an oven mitt at her playfully. “I haven’t decided yet, creeper.” I chuckled.
I sat down on the love seat and checked my Facebook. There were two notifications and when I clicked on them, they were friend requests. Emily Rubler and Jessie Kingston. I clicked on Jessie’s profile. I smiled when I saw the profile picture. It was the same Jessie. His picture was of him cuddling his beautiful Red Nose Pitt Bull. They both had big smiles on their faces and looked so happy. I tilted my head and smirked. What would it hurt? He is cute. I accepted his friend request and happily looked at his page. When I scrolled down, a name jumped out at me. The first name on the posts section of his page was Emily Rubler. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. The post was innocent enough; a pig in a dress. That’s odd. Why would she send me a request? I don’t know her. It was probably one of those people you may know things. I accepted Emily’s friend request, not thinking anything more about it.
I put my phone down and turned off the stove. I fixed and ate my food absent mindedly as I watched the Science Fiction themed movie that my brother had playing on the television. My eyes stayed on the screen, but my mind wandered to an old dark place. James used to love these movies. My mind flashed back to when my ex husband and I would sit and watch these movies for hours. We’d laugh and enjoy ourselves, and then the drinking would kick in. My mind flashed again. This time the scene was a fight. We were screaming at each other and there were tears in my eyes.’ I’m not a horrible mother!’ I screamed, my voice cracking as I ran to the other side of the house. Loud stomping followed behind me as well as his yelling. ‘You’re just as abusive as everyone in your life! You never do anything you’re supposed to do as a mother!’ I hid in a closet, my hands covering my ears.
I shook my head, trying to shake off the unwanted memories. ‘I’m sorry, but that’s the only way you learn.’ That one phrase from my memory stuck around. That’s called abuse Riley. You didn’t deserve that. That’s why you left. I reminded myself of that every time I started thinking about him. I did what was best for me and my baby.
My phone buzzed, startling me out of my thoughts. A number I didn’t recognize was on the caller I.D. I answered my phone cautiously. Please don’t let it be a bill collector.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Sanders?”
“Yes? This is she.”
“Hi! I’m Margret Hamilton with the Springhill Library. You filled out an application for our front desk position a few weeks ago. Are you still interested in the position?” Margret asked brightly. Oh my god! I finally got a call back! “Yes! I am very interested!” I said enthusiastically. I could hear the smile in her voice. “Great! Now, I know that when you filled out the application, it gave a summary of your duties and pay. Are you still okay with that?” She asked, her voice still just as peppy. “Yes, very.” I answered quickly. “Alright! Well, I do want you to know that we have an onsite daycare. It is in the building connected to ours. I noticed on your application that you did mention needing to take occasional time off for certain appointments for your son, so I figured you might want to know about our daycare services. If you choose to use it, there will be a monthly fee of thirty dollars taken out of your checks. This would be done in fifteen dollar installments each pay period.” She said, pausing to take a breath. “When would you be able to start?” She finished. “As soon as possible!” I answered a little too loudly. My brother and Rachel looked at me like I had grown a third head. I heard Margret laugh on the other end of the phone. “How does tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. sound?” she asked. I didn’t even need to think about it. “That’s perfect. I will be there!” I said excitedly. “Perfect! See you then!” She said in a cheerful tone. I hung up the phone and jumped up and down.
“I got a job at the library!”
Impressum
Texte: Brittany Johnson
Bildmaterialien: Km Berggren
Lektorat: Brittany Johnson
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 29.06.2017
Alle Rechte vorbehalten
Widmung:
This is a sample of the story I am writing. I put real aspects of my life into it, so it means a lot to me. This book is for me and my baby, along with my amazing little brother. He always manages to make me feel better, even if we have to have entire arguments in Supernatural quotes. I love you guys and thank you so much for keeping me sane!