that I didn’t push the concierge for more information on her. And that I lost my stupid phone that night. If I had known what affect she was going to have on me, I would have gotten Joshua to hack the security footage, right there and then on the spot.
The treadmill finally comes to a halt and I step off it, my fatigued legs adjusting to the hard floor. I’m panting, covered in perspiration, and exhausted. I walk into the bathroom and get under a burning hot shower. I’ve never felt so out of control of a situation before.
It’s very… unsettling.
I stand under the shower and let the hot water run over my head as I feel my body recover from its exertion.
I think on it for a long time and I know I’ve got two choices. I can make a fool of myself by trying to make her remember me, even though I know she really already does, or…
I stare into space for a moment as I think. A smile crosses my face as a plan comes to mind.
You want to play mind games, baby?
Let’s go!
Ashley
Four hours later, I turn the key in the front door. Exhausted doesn’t come close to what I’m experiencing right now. It’s 8pm. Nerves, concentration, and the shock of coming face-to-face with—and lying to—an ethereal creature has all taken its toll. I don’t think I have ever been so tired in my whole life.
“Momma!” Owen yells excitedly as he jumps from the back of the lounge and runs to meet me at the front door. I scoop him up and squeeze him tight. Coming home to him reminds me why I put myself through this hell: To provide a better life for us. To have stability. I want him to be proud of who I am.
That’s the plan, anyway.
“Hi, baby.” I smile into his hair. “Sorry I’m late. Did you have a good day?”
He grins. “I got you a present.”
My mouth drops open in an over exaggerated gesture, and I place him back down on the floor. “You did?”
He swings back and forth with his hands behind his back and nods proudly. “It’s flowers.”
I smile broadly. “Why did you buy me flowers?”
“They are first day flowers.”
I bend and kiss him.
“But I can’t buy them for you tomorrow,” he says seriously. “Because it won’t be your first day.”
“Oh, okay,” I reply. “That’s a sensible plan.”
I catch sight of Jenna hiding in the kitchen as she eavesdrops and I blow her a kiss.
“Do you want to see them?” he asks.
“Yes please.” I smile. My little man is so articulate. He grabs my hand and leads me upstairs to my room and sure enough, there on my bedside table is a vase full of beautiful, brightly colored flowers. I bend to inhale their scent. “I love them, thank you, Owen.”
He remembers something and runs off to his room. “I did something else,” he calls over his shoulder.
I smile and sit on my bed as I wait for his return. Within moments, he is back with me again. He passes me a picture he has drawn. I smile as I try to work out what it is. Hmm. Tricky. It could be anything to be honest. “I love it,” I gasp.
He points to it. “Yes, because sometimes you won’t have a coat.”
I frown. Okay, he’s lost me now. I have no idea what he’s talking about. “Oh, so this is me?”
He nods. “Yes.” He replies as he crawls onto my lap. “Of course it’s you. See?” He points to the squiggly lines in a square. “This is the hospital and you are the doctor.”
A broad smile crosses my face. “Ah, yes, I see it now.”
His proud smile beams up at me. This beautiful child is such a blessing in my life. “Where’s Jenna?” I ask.
“In the kitchen.”
“Come on, let’s go and show her my flowers. She will be so surprised.”
Owen frowns as he thinks and then gestures for me to come close so he can tell me a secret. I lean my ear down so I’m closer to his mouth.
“She knows about your flowers,” he whispers.
“She does?” I whisper back in surprise.
“She bought them.”
I smile. “Oh!” I try to act shocked.
“But I have to pretend I bought them even though I don’t have any moneys,” he whispers.
“Okay.” I kiss his cheek. This kid’s honesty kills me. “I won’t tell her you told me,” I continue. “Your secret is safe and thank you, I love them.” I wink to