“I don’t know how many years it has been, but I do know that it has been far too long, and I have no sufficient evidence,” I admit with a deep sigh. Derek only watches me, no words, no movements. “My mother might disown me. The rest of my family doesn’t even know a thing. It’s been…I have no clu
“I told you that my marriage ending was astronomically difficult. The girls are still young but holding them when their nightmares culminate into memories of our yelling at one another puts into perspective just how much they see us breaking down.” “I don’t think I can do any of this,” I admit.
“I’ve never been over here before,” I tell Derek as we enter the daycare. Bea and Tris run off to join their teacher and classmates, bringing a smile to my lips as I watch. “Well, last I checked you don’t have a kid to put into daycare,” he shoots back with a teasing tone in his voice. “I meant
My heart is screaming in my chest right now. The two men have on smiles that could cut glass. And yet, I have no idea what the right thing to say is. “I heard you’re Esme’s lawyer,” Derek finally starts, breaking the ice and reaching out his hand. “I’m Derek.” “Are you the new boyfriend, then?”
"Knock, knock," I hear Derek call from the door, and I look up to see him standing there with a small grin. "Hey," I reply, gesturing for him to come in. He holds out a cup of what looks to be coffee. I raise a brow. "Thought you might need some caffeine." Setting the cup on the table, I stick
"Did you"¦did you follow me to the bathroom?" I stammer out, not quite sure what else to say to my boss. "When you run out of your office to the bathroom and disappear for ten minutes, then it makes sense that I’m going to worry about my employee." "What?" I feel so confused after the whole bath
Ryan The rain is finally letting up as I cross the street. I avoid the streetlamps as to stay out of sight, my hoodie up and concealing my face. Once I finally reach the building, I hit the button like I was told. A few seconds pass before a loud beep sounds, unlocking the door. Truth be told,
Esme Derek and the girls stand on the other side of my front door, all smiling at me eagerly. “Come on in, girls,” I instruct, waving them in. “Sammy’s over by the couch.” Bea and Tris run in, cooing at Sammy as Derek walks past, allowing me to shut the door. I get a whiff of what might be c
I decide to call Detective Mattison, even though it’s a Saturday. I haven’t heard anything still, and now I’m starting to grow more curious and annoyed. “Detective Mattison,” he greets. “Hi, detective, this is Esme Price, the woman who’s divorce and restraining order cases came across your desk
Bea’s party ends up being a nice time. I chat with multiple other adults at the event, mostly the coworkers, and meet the kids running around. The kids sing Happy Birthday to Bea, and she blows out the candles to her pink cake. The presents are also super cute, ranging from stuffed animals to chil
“Me, too.” I look back at Derek, then at his daughter again. “You know what? Your dad has your gift from me. You want to open it now so none of the other kids get jealous?” Bea’s face lights up, and she picks up on my silliness. “Can I, Daddy?” He hands back the bag. “Your birthday, baby. What
“Oh, like drugs,” I tease. “You caught me. Setting up for kid’s birthday party is like crack. I don’t let others watch me, and it gives me the same type of high.” I can’t stop myself from snorting a laugh out. “Didn’t realize how much I missed that.” I’m still smiling, though confused by wha
Bea’s birthday party is happening at the local park of the town. They’ve cornered off a gazebo, with multiple picnic tables under the roof of the area. Presents sit stacked on two of them, taller than any of the kids. Derek and Tris are at the table with the cake and snacks. “Miss Esme!” Tris cr
“This is Esme,” I speak robotically, getting ready for whatever I need to be doing. **** The end of the day finally comes, and I grab everything that I can bring home with me. I want to catch up with everything and put my feet up. Even in these flats, my swelling is still a problem. Not only t
Monday morning, I awake to texts and phone calls all from Ryan. I’d blocked his number, but each message comes from another phone, totaling four different possible burner phones. “Why?” I ask the ceiling as though it’ll answer me. Today I’ll be going back to the office. I’ve grown stir crazy in
This can’t be good for the baby. Next thing I know, I hear ringing in my head. My eyes are super weak, and it’s difficult to crack them open. Well then. I guess I was able sleep after all. It’s bright in the room, and I can tell it’s late morning already. My tired eyes look around, finding my ph
I fall to a thunk on the ground, my hip and butt taking the brunt from falling out of my bed. My eyes are still mostly closed, but I know what’s going on. The nightmares are here once again. I know the cold sweat and the feeling of being clammy. And it seems like it’s all falling back to one thing