Me. Her. Him - Chapter 64

by Jacob1395

Background
Angela has spent nearly half her life hiding from a man in her past. But when he finally tracks her down, it isn't him she's scared of. It's what he knows.

Background: Angela is shocked when William, an old friend from her past, who she hoped never to see again, comes back into her life, after he applies for a role at her work and successfully secures the job. William’s sudden reappearance puts Angela on edge. She’s terrified he’s discovered her secret, which she needs to protect her family from. William’s convinced Angela knows what happened to his former girlfriend, Caz, who hasn't been seen for twenty years, and that something terrible happened to her. The only person, who can help Angela, is her once best friend, Michelle, but Angela hasn’t seen Michelle for more than a decade. Faced with the threat of William’s return, they know they’ll need to work together to save their future, even if this does mean reopening old wounds, and revisiting a past they'd rather keep buried.

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July 2002

‘She’s such a tiny thing, isn’t she?’ Michelle says, bouncing Rebecca on her knee. Rebecca makes some gurgling noises which brings a smile to my face.

Caz is asleep in her room. We said we’d let her get some rest and look after Rebecca for her. I picture the four of us in ten years’ time. Michelle and I will be the closest people Rebecca has to family, if Caz still insists on not making contact with her own parents. I imagine her calling me Auntie Angela. I’d definitely be up for doing any babysitting if Caz needs me to.

‘Yeah and quiet, isn’t she?’ I remark.

‘Thank God, the last thing I could be dealing with right now is a screeching baby.’

‘Well, don’t speak too soon, she’s only been home for a couple of days, she might not have had time to find her lungs, yet.’

As I say the words, I stiffen, thinking that at any moment Rebecca might let out a howl. But she remains silent.

‘Do you reckon Caz is alright though?’ Michelle says, looking over her shoulder towards Caz’s room.

‘I think she’s still exhausted,’ I say. ‘Plus you can imagine the emotional trauma as well, of carrying a baby for nine months. Some people love being pregnant, don’t they, but others, they vow never to have any more once it’s out.’

I think back to when I was sitting in the hospital with Caz, at how dejected she’d seemed. It had made me feel uncomfortable sitting there. Perhaps she just needs to get used to the idea of being a mum. It pains me to think that Caz isn’t as enthusiastic as I would be in her shoes. I’d be taking Rebecca out for little strolls in her pram, showing her off. I’d feel bursts of pride every time someone came up to admire her.

‘Motherhood isn’t for me,’ Michelle says grimacing.

‘Oh really, you look so comfortable holding her.’ I snuggle next to Michelle and stroke Rebecca’s soft head.

Michelle looks down at Rebecca and I see a faint hint of a smile on her lips. ‘I don’t mind looking after them, but I like to think I’ll be able to give them back after a few hours. So listen, I was thinking, and it might be a good idea for Caz as well. Why don’t we spend a weekend at my parent’s place in Norfolk, get out of the heat and grime of London and into the fresh country air?’

‘Will they mind us turning up at their place, with a baby in tow, as well?’ I ask.

‘I don’t even need to let them know about that, I’ve got my own key. I just need to double check with them to make sure they’re not using it at the weekend, and then it’s all set for us.’

‘What about getting there?’

‘I’ll drive,’ Michelle says. ‘I’ll be able to rent a car. Come on, Angela, you’ll love it, I promise. This is just what Caz needs. A few days away in the country air will be great. She might start to see sense after a weekend away and start to think more seriously about the future.’

Rebecca turns her tiny head and fixes her eyes on mine. I want to scoop her up in my arms, and hold her against my chest. Again, I think how perfect it would be if she was mine.

‘Okay, sure. I’ll speak to Caz, see what she says,’ I reply.

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Character List:

Angela Watkins - Protagonist

Paul Watkins - Angela's husband

Rebecca Watkins - Angela's daughter

Michelle Blake - Angela's former best friend

Kirsty - Receptionist (Angela's friend)

Olivia - Angela's boss

William Harris - Angela's former friend

Caroline (Caz) - Angela's friend

Hayley - Angela's former friend