"Hi Trish!" Leroy yells, running towards me with a bunch of school papers. His other hand is clutching his lunch box and I kneel down, holding out my arms. He immediately runs into them, knocking me backwards.
"Careful Leroy!" I giggle, noticing how extra hyper he is today. He pulls back and giggles, his blonde hair falling over into his eyes. I reach up and brush his hair backwards with my fingers before taking his belongings from him. He intertwines his fingers through my free ones and waves goodbye to his teacher.
"Did you have a good day?" I ask him as we leave the school playground. Leroy nods, bouncing up and down on his feet.
"We learnt about animals in the jungle! There's monkeys and snakes — " he continues to babble, naming all of the animals on his fingers. I smile down at him, nodding every once in a while.
"Trish!"
My head shoots up as I study the surrounding area for the source of the voice. My hold on Leroy's hand tightens and he also begins to look around. My eyes land on a man stood on the other side of the road. He's leaning against the wall, dressed in a dark jacket. His hood is pulled over to hide his features. I choose to ignore him and continue to walk ahead with Leroy.
"That man is calling your name Trish!" Leroy says, confusion lining his voice.
"I don't know who he is. Remember what I taught you about strangers? We don't talk to them." I tell him firmly, hoping he's listening to my words. Leroy nods slowly, his eyes widening at the mention of the word stranger.
"I'm not exactly a stranger, am I Trish?"
I freeze on the spot, fear building up inside my stomach. I didn't even realise he'd caught up with me. I turn around slowly, meeting eyes with a boy I don't remember ever meeting. . .
"Do I know you?"
"Why are you acting shy? Of course you know me." He responds, a frown covering his face. I take a step back —
"How do we know each other?"
"We met last month in the club, baby."
He purrs over me, heavy eyes drifting down my body. I position Leroy behind my legs because I don't like the dangerous aura coming from this man. His eyes are dark, filled with lust but with a glint of danger. Small flashbacks begin to fill my mind and I feel physically sick to my stomach as it finally dawns on me. . . I know exactly who he is.
I did meet him in the club but because I was drunk, I barely remember that night. What I do remember is waking up in his bed the next day.
"I'm sorry, I don't remember." I lie, walking away from him. My voice is quiet, withdrawn. The embarrassment that fills me could put me off men for life. Beside me, Leroy is silent.
"Why are you so quiet Leroy?" I ask him as soon as we're a few feet away from Mr One Night Stand. Leroy doesn't respond and I tug gently on his hand to get his attention. He looks up at me before shrugging —
"What did that man want?" Leroy asks me, breaking the silence between us. I sigh heavily, guilt consuming me. I'm not exactly a good role model for Leroy.
"I don't know Leroy. I think he has me mistaken for someone else." I lie, gritting my teeth together. Leroy's frown deepens —
"But he knows your name."
"I know," I sigh, climbing up the steps to enter our house. Leroy grows silent once again and I mentally slap myself, repeatedly. It feels like everywhere I go, my past haunts me. If only I could pack up and leave this town, find somewhere new for a fresh start. The only thing that is stopping me is leaving behind the people I care about.
I push open the door and wipe my feet, listening out for any noise.
"Is mummy home?" Leroy asks me, taking off his coat. I take it from him and hang it up alongside mine.
"I'll go check now bud." I tell him.
"Mum?" I call out, yelling up the stairs. There's a pause before she responds, her voice low and croaky.
"Yeah?"
I know that tone of voice. Croaky with a hint of shame.
"Are you still hungover?" I yell up the stairs, shaking my head in disgust. There's another pause before Mum replies, her words quieter this time.
"I'm getting out of bed now Trish."
"So that's a yes then." I mutter, feeling anger build up inside my stomach. I glance at the kitchen sink, noticing it's piled high with dirty dishes. The laundry basket is full of filthy clothes and the table is a complete mess from breakfast this morning. I sigh heavily, rolling up my sleeves.
I may as well tackle it myself.
*****
I step out of the shower, wrapping a white towel around my body. My phone is pinging ridiculously, the screen flashing non-stop. I frown and reach for it.
Trish, ring me as soon as you see this - Tobias.
My stomach does a little somersault at his name before I realise something is wrong. Why would he text me? It's completely random and out of the blue.
I scurry to my bedroom, clutching my phone to my ear as the line rings on the other end.
"Come on, pick up hotness." I mutter, getting changed into a baggy shirt and loose shorts. Forget the bra, it isn't needed.
Plus bra's are uncomfortable as hell.
The ling rings continuously before beeping, ending the call. I curse under my breath, running my hand through my damp hair. My skin is slightly red from the shower and I plug in my hair dryer, ready to tackle my hair. My phone beeps once again and I lunge for it, answering the call.
"Hello?"
"Sugar, where are you?"
His voice is smooth and immediately sends shivers running down my body. I open my mouth to reply but my tongue dries out completely, making it difficult to function.
"Trish?" He repeats, his voice holding a tone of urgency. I stutter before re-gaining composure.
"Home, w-why?" I ask, running a brush through my hair. Tobias begins fumbling around with something on the other end and I frown.
"Tobias, what's wrong?" I ask him, a bad feeling settling inside my stomach. He pauses on the other end before sighing heavily —
"It's Emily . . . She's in labour."