LOGINShare
Chapter 7 Part 1
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56December 26th
Morning Sasha“Sealed the deal with Bert yet?” Tami is swinging on her chair again, clicking away on her computer. The hospital is abuzz. About as many people grievously ill or irreversibly injured as you would ever expect. And business is booming for it. Though, business is a rather insensitive way of putting it, I suppose. The hallways have a lot of foot traffic is probably the nicer way to put it.
“Not exactly,” I knew that question would pop up with her sooner or later. She loves to sneak it in there how she isn’t much of a fan of him. Mainly because she reckons they slept together at a party not too long ago and he’s awful in the sack. But half the town looks like him. He’s not exactly a rare find. “Oh?” She spins to face me, feet flat on the floor. I don’t particularly want to meet her eye. “We’re done, Tami, you don’t have to worry about him,” That will satisfy hRelated chapters
Foster Chapter 7 Part 2
December 27th, 2012Evening “More wine?” I can hear him behind me, the plates clattering together as he walks. I know for a fact Chloe would be in ribbons on the floor had she been made to eat our Bolognese. Zucchini instead of beef. Heresy, as far as she was concerned. At least, that’s the impression I get after that Thai. “Please.” I lean back in my seat. It’s sangria. Perfectly chilled. How could I say no? I stand, intending completely to help him with the dishes. But he shoots me a look suggesting otherwise. And all I can do is lean up against the dining table and enjoy the show. “You know, people at work are talking,” I tip back what’s left of my glass, holding it out for him as he approaches with the bottle. He’s never been much of a fan. “Yeah? What about?” I can’t help but stare at his ass a little while he’s set off back to the fridge. Though I must at least pretend to be completely virtuous and respectful whe
Foster Chapter 7 Part 3
April 7th, 2003Evening I do hope James left. He had trouble get in through the window. But it’s a bit easier getting out, I think. I have tried, but I’m a bit shorter. It didn’t go well for me. Damon would be angry if he found out James sneaks into the house. That’s what James says. Maybe I should ask Damon if it’s okay. Mummy always let me have friends. She was always sleepy, though. All the other kids in my grade get to do whatever they want. I heard Tami talking about how she got smokes from her mum’s purse—Damon would have a fit if I ever did that. I don’t think he smokes, though. He’s studying to be a doctor. I think that’s why all the other mums like him. I heard them say something about his money. Maybe if I smoke Tami will be my friend. Everyone seems to like her. She’s pretty, and she’s already got boobs. The biggest in the year. I bet I couldn’t even fit them in my hands. But I’m pretty sure I’ve seen
Foster Chapter 7 Part 4
December 27th, 2012EveningSasha I can picture it vividly. His teeth tugging at my clitoris. Fingers bucking up inside of me relentlessly. I’m sure I begged for mercy on that dining table, hands wound through his hair. Though the only thing that left my mouth was a strangled “Oh…” and a string of words I’m not sure of. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep when I roll over. He’s wide awake beside me with a book in hand. ‘In Cold Blood’. Figures. In any other circumstances, I’d feel ashamed I’m stark naked with this man dressed rather decently, bundled up in his duvet with a dull throb in my groin and haunting memories the evening. But I smile, as darkly as I can. I wouldn’t have half as much courage if I wasn’t half-asleep. “Can I see it?” He shuts his book. He’s a little more confused than I would have expected. “What?” It makes perfect sense to me, what. Though, I suppose I am half-asleep. And com
Foster Chapter 7 Part 5
December 28th, 2012Morning There was a time when I despised coming to work. Not too long ago, actually. There was just something about the tedious tasks and awful coffee and the fact it’s all I seem to do with my life. But now there’s Damon. Exchanging meaningful stares. Smiling in passing. Brushing hands. Quick moments in the breakroom. Going home has a bit more meaning now, too. I’m not just getting ready to sleep the day off for my next. We ramble about our days in the car home. Make dinner together. Brush knees under the table like school children. Sit and watch tele. Or get up to no good. I’ve got last night in mind. “You know…” Tami hasn’t been rocking about in her chair. Not since I swapped them this morning. Mind you, I’ve got a rather full bladder I’m reluctant to empty just because I know I’ll come back to the invalid chair. Still, she turns to face be. Albeit carefully. Sets her chin in her hands. Smile’s that troublesome sm
Foster Chapter 8 Part 1
December 29th, 2012 Morning “You totally have an egg!” Tami pulls back my hair like a child lifting their teacher’s skirt—only the ass is this blaring injury I just can’t seem to hide. I only have vague shape of myself in my sleeping monitor to try to smooth my bangs back over. At least, what’s left of them. “I don’t have an egg.” “Does it hurt?” I wish she’d just bugger off with that stupid grin as she sits there on her half-broken chair. She rocks backward and forward on it like a seesaw. It’s quite impressive, actually. I can’t wait to see her hit the deck. “Of course, it hurts.” “Oh, my lordy.” I watch her hands snap over her mouth. Something tells me I don’t want to turn around. Well. I was right. I shouldn’t have turned around. “Sasha?” I have half a mind to lie to any man walking up with a bouquet so absurd. “This is she.” Tami butts in. Almost a
Foster Chapter 8 Part 2
December 30th, 2012 Morning A corpse followed me in my dreams. An alive one. In a tattered cardigan with sunken eyes and matted red hair. She clawed at my heels as I tried to run. Grabbed me by the ankles. Stuck me with a needle and laughed as I sobbed. And a man stood by her side. Her companion. He put his hands on me. Tore me from my clothes. I screamed and I screamed, and nothing came out. When I wake up, my back is a little stiff. Mouth dry. Corner of my lips wet. I must be drooling. I should wipe it off. But I try. And try. And try. But there’s no feeling in my arm—I’m actually not sure that I can move it at all. Am I a cripple now? How on earth am I going to make a living typing away at work with one arm? This is bad. “Alright, alright, budge up a sec, will you?” I open my eyes. It hadn’t occurred to me just yet. James is staring straight into my eyes, hair a mess, face creased with sleep, ja
Foster Chapter 8 Part 3
December 31st, 2012 Morning I don’t think I’ve woken up so gently in quite some time. The wind is howling, whipping around the house like it will just pick us up and carry us off at any second. Now I know how Dorothy felt. Maybe I’ll get some nice new shoes like she did. Though, come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind waking up in some faraway land. A land where the neighbours don’t know me as Damon’s kid and I don’t have to spend each work day staring at him and just wishing I could throw my arms around him in the hallway or kiss his cheek in passing. I suppose I could. I just don’t think that I could handle the talk of it all. If there’s one thing this village is good at, it’s talking. We’d slept in separate beds again. Mainly because we weren’t sure what time Chloe would get in. And if I’m honest, I’m not quite sure how I am going to survive the nights with her here. It would all be a great
Foster Chapter 8 Part 4
December 31st. 2012 About Midnight I wonder if Tami and James will notice I’m gone. They seemed well plastered. Tami, at least. James has never been a crazy drinker. Knows his limit. I wish I did. I lost count of tequila shots about half-way into the night, which is never a good thing. I think the one I had for good measure on my way out was a bit too much. My stomach is churning. I very well might vomit on my shoes. It certainly would warm me up a bit. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m not dressed for the walk home. Still, I’m not far now. I can do it. I’m sure of it. I was a competitive swimmer, once upon a time. Can’t get fitter than that. I thought New Year’s Eve would be fun. Bit of a joke, that thought. I should have known two drinks in that all I’d be able to think about was how Damon’s probably at home happily shagging his wife and thinking about how great it is to finally
Latest chapter
Foster Chapter 11 Part 5
“Ah…” It’s the only sound I can make, half-hidden by a gasp, hands through his hair. And he pulls back. I’m just soaking. I can feel it. “That—that little sigh you do and your fingers in my hair.” And his lips are trailing from my sex down to my knee. Until he draws back. And sucks my big toe between his lips. Mouth hot. Tongue soft. I just want him to have me already. He draws back again. Lips drawing a line from my knee, dangerously northbound. I can’t take it. “I just love it when you come. I can’t get enough of it.” I can’t help it. Another “Ah…” escapes me as his mouth clamps down on me and his fingertips brush my clitoris. It seems to embolden him, encouraging him needlessly to rip me to shreds on the bathroom counter like he should have that first night. And I hate the fact he’s memorised everything that drives me to the edge, if only to bombard me with until I feel my heart could give way. “That shower is still running.” I’m talking
Foster Chapter 11 Part 4
March 1st, 1997 Morning Chloe God is testing me. Shamelessly, at that. Chris moved-in across the street. Replaced the same-sex couple I can’t say I liked all that much. They droned on about installing art pieces village-wide in the town meetings. The young children on the street don’t need to be perverted by their sins. The air already feels clearer without them. I can throw back my curtains without worrying my attractive husband will be gawked at on their morning speed-walks. All was right in the world. Until that moving truck showed up. It's almost like he followed me here. I couldn’t blame him if he did. I suppose he transferred, Damon mentioned working alongside his old boss now. I had to feign ignorance. Lest Chris know I’ve noticed. I would rather have had a little more time to build intrigue—I’m no longer that mousey-brown city seductress he knew back in London. I’ve changed. I’m the fun r
Foster Chapter 11 Part 3
February 28th, 1997 Evening Chloe Todmorden isn’t half as awful as I thought it would be. Part of me is sure I’m just in the honeymoon stage. As long as I’m undressed and ready by the time he gets home, Damon is especially pleasant. I haven’t had to spend a moment with his dreadful mother. Though, at times, I do feel a bit like a caged bird. Existing only to look pretty and sing a nice song when spoken to. The kind of bird that gets its wings trimmed should it try to fly too far. The town does know how to have its dinner parties. More than they do in London. A bunch of hippies, apparently. Damon never liked the parties. Especially not three glasses of wine in when the ladies start to get a little loud. Though, he didn’t seem to mind when I was making out on top of the table with one of the women from Todmorden Unitarian Church. I don’t think she ever told me her name. If she did, I certainly don
Foster Chapter 11 Part 2
January 25th, 1997 Midday Chloe I hadn’t even seen the house until now. Crazy, I know. It’s an old Victorian, I would assume. I’ve never cared much for architecture. A little boxy and castle-like, overgrown with ivy. Two-storeyed, he’s probably hoping to get some babies out of me. All paid for with my money, I presume. The sold sign is still up. The whole village has got this medieval look about it, completely surrounded by this lush, sweeping countryside. Far enough from London to lose the smell of the city. I’m sure every house has a vegetable patch in their yard. They’ve probably got a committee for everything. I’m sure a “homeowners committee” will come knocking down the door with a list of injunctions for the city folk set up shop across the road. Lawn too long. Car too loud. Moving truck too much of an eyesore. Ivy too modest—should cover the whole house! God, it ought to be the first thing to go. Just
Foster Chapter 11 Part 1
January 25th, 1997 Morning Chloe Want to test your marriage? Move back home. Rather, your husband’s home. On your first wedding anniversary, no less. Practically to the minute. I know, I should be sympathetic. His mother has cancer. Still, I thought I had married a man who despised small towns as much as I do. At least, that’s what he told me. He hadn’t lived until he’d seen London. Got amongst its busyness and decrepit charm. Yet we’re northbound, and rather quickly. Sat in a rental truck that feels it will topple over if we round a corner too suddenly. The provincial furniture rocking in its rump so blissfully. It has no idea it’s headed straight to its grave, never to be looked at by anyone of note again. He promises we’ll be back to the city when she’s better. Healthy as a horse, he thinks. Loins of steel. Built like a machine. She acts like one. Has never cared all that much
Foster Chapter 10 Part 5
January 6th, 2013 Evening “If you can’t even move that couch, I don’t think you’ve got much chance with your hands.” I dig in my heels a little harder. I’m determined. Besides, it can’t be that heavy. “I’m not getting a gun—I don’t ever want to fire one.” “Pepper spray?” Begrudgingly, he joins in—with a small huff and the roll of his eyes. His shoulder brushes mine. I’ve pretended not to see his eyes. Or to have heard the huff. I suck in a breath. Put my weight into it. “No weapons. I don’t want to have to count on anything.” “Okay. I get it.” I think he does all the work. The couch slides towards the dining table like it’s on wheels. Moves, nonetheless. That’s all I wanted. “This should be enough room.” I step into the centre. The rug is nice and plush. I don’t think it will hurt too much if incoordination victimises me. It will. I just know it. “What do I do?” I’m not too
Foster Chapter 10 Part 4
“What?” Now I just want to hide back behind him. Damon seems to know. He steps in front of me. “You can’t search her; you’ll need a female officer to.” “I can search her; I just can’t take her clothes off.” Again, with that smug smile. He claps his hands together. Peers around Damon’s shoulder to me. I was right to hope for two more magpies. “Now, shall we do it here, or do you have a more private place you would rather.” “Show me your warrant.” Damon seethes. “I was hoping you would ask.” I can see him fish into his pocket. “Finished my two-year probation yesterday.” “Did you know about this?” Suddenly, Damon turns to face me. Thrusts the card toward me. Looks a bit like a student ID in a fancy wallet if you ask me. With a stupid, god-awful photo of this git rather blow-up. “Know about what?” “He’s a detective, Sasha!” He shouldn’t be yelling that; I can only imagine the things it woul
Foster Chapter 10 Part 3
January 6th, 2013 Morning I’ve been staring through the tiny window all morning. I saw a single magpie on the way here. It tailed us in the car. Swooped down like we’d stolen its babe. Flew off into the distance like some mysterious harbinger of death. I waited for another. Even two. I think I would rather death than sorrow. At least death would put me out of my misery. Not give me another reason to want it. “I thought you might need this.” I hadn’t noticed he was even close. I’m a shotty receptionist. Damon is leant over me. His elbows on the counter. A disposable cup in his hands. “What is it?” I lift the lid. Foam. Dark foam. Coffee? “Cappuccino.” He’s smiling. He’s got to know I’m not impressed. “I know. No coffee with milk in it. Just try it, won’t you?” “Will it make you happy?” I’ve been struggling with the lid. I don’t know how the baristas get them on. “Very.” I take a
Foster Chapter 10 Part 2
January 5th, 2013 Midday “I think we need a redo,” When he walks back over, he knows better than to come empty-handed. A cup of steaming coffee threatens to spill with each step. A stupid, playful grin is the only warning I’ll get. I think I have a good enough idea what he’s after. I lean forward. Prop my chin up in the palm of my hand. I’m ready. “Of?” He sits on the same un-cushioned chair he did last time. The halls are quiet, Tami tapping away happily at a keyboard is the only sign of life for kilometres. It’s the palliative care ward, after all. His chair is just as disagreeable when he scoots closer. He reaches forward again, rakes the hair from my face, and I can’t help but lean in because at this point, it’s all become instinct. His lips brush mine at first. The other winding through the back of my hair. And I don’t care that we haven’t spent a moment together alone since Tuesday. That I worr
