Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 157032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 785(@200wpm)___ 628(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 785(@200wpm)___ 628(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
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 seal the deal.
“Good,” he replies as he takes my hand and leads me downstairs to my beloved friend. This is her. This is how she operates. My birthday and Christmas presents from Owen all come from Jenna. She has been the stand-in sensible dad to Owen since he was born because his father was hopeless and my happiness is more important to her than her own. I could never repay her for everything she has done for me. I smile as I walk into the kitchen as she serves up my dinner onto a plate, and I kiss her cheek. “Thank you,” I mouth.
She throws the tea towel over her shoulder. “Congratulations on your first day.” She smirks, her eyes alive with mischief.
Owen climbs up onto the stool next to me, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
“Owen bought me flowers,” I reply.
“I saw them.” She smiles. “You are so lucky to have a son like him.”
Owen smiles a proud of himself smile.
I put my arm around his shoulders and kiss the top of his head. “I know. My little prince.” I begin to press kisses all over his face until he swats me away, laughing.
“Stop it, Mom,” he squeals. “Stop it.”
Jenna pushes my plate over to me and I look down at the casserole and mashed potatoes she has made.