Chapter Five

Florence visits Wayne to try and make it up with him, but it doesn't exactly go to plan. Meanwhile, she's also helping with the case of Stephenie Morgans, which is also challenging.

Chapter Five; Impossible

Remembering my thoughts from yesterday, as soon as I opened my eyes the next day, I forced myself out of bed and got into a quick, hot shower. I used my extra special, extra softening, deep conditioner and straightened my hair after I blow dried it. I put on my non-pregnancy clothes meaning skinny jeans and a cute top, with lots of jewellery and some make up.

When I looked into the mirror, I couldn’t believe who I saw but I knew it was my old self. The Florence I used to be, the student, the daughter, the sister, the friend but now I had added to that, I was now a mother-to be and that had now moved to the top of my importance list. 

Today, though, was about Wayne. But it wasn’t about trying to get back with him, however ’hot’ or ’normal’ I  might have looked, it was about trying to make amends, trying to make things……acquaintance, normal even?

Or was that just completely impossible?

I was all ready by ten o clock, so I did something drastic! I began to clean and tidy my room! Which is complete shocker, so yes do be shocked, and then well…my Mum knocked on the door. ‘Yeah?’ 

‘Can I come in?’

‘Um, sure.’ I said, ‘You might be a bit shocked…’

‘Why? What’re you doing?’ She asked, suddenly all worried. I opened the door, and watched her eyes nearly pop out of her sockets when she saw me, but I didn’t pay attention, I just carried on tidying up, finding things that I had absolutely forgotten about.

‘Florence, why are you all dressed up? What-What’s going on?!’

‘Nothing.’ I said sweetly, smiling at her. ‘I just thought I’d make myself look decent, because everyone knows when you look good you feel good!’ I told her, and to be honest, it was definitely working.

Then I thought to myself that maybe Mum should try it, as her hair was all messy, and she was still in her old pyjamas. Which reminded me to get her some new ones for Christmas.

‘Florence!’ Mum yelled at me.

‘Mum! I told you, there’s so particular reason-’

‘You’re meeting that boy again aren’t you!’

I stared at her, wide eyed and speechless, ‘What flaming boy?’

‘That boy last night!’

‘Mum! There is no boy-’

‘Oh sure! So you’re just getting dressed up for nothing are you?’ She raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to explain.

‘I don’t have to explain everything to you Mum, I’m sixteen!’

‘Yes, you’re still a ‘teen’ that’s why I need to know everything.’

I rolled my eyes at her, ‘I’m pregnant Mum, I feel like crap. I just thought I’d make myself look nice!’

‘If it’s not a boy, then what is it!’

‘Mum! Stop it! You’re over thinking this too much.’ I told her, my voice beginning to tremble a little.

‘I don’t think it’s nothing Florence, there is something going on and I will find out.’

She said, and then walked out of my room, still watching me with narrowed eyes.

When the door had closed, I turned away and began to redeem my possessions, and then without thinking, I looked under my bed and I saw it. My body began to ache after a while, because I had become completely frozen and couldn’t stop staring at it.

Staring at the pregnancy test that sat within the dust under my bed….

I tried, with all my strength, to force my arm under the bed, and reach the plastic stick, but my arm wouldn’t move. It was frozen, absolutely numb. I huffed, ‘Just get it Florence!’ I whispered to myself, trying again to push my arm, but it actually hurt to move it, it emotionally hurt to move it.

I turned away from my bed, and leaned against it. Throwing a hand through my hair, and then struggling to stand back up again. forget about it. I told myself, there’s nothing you can do now, it doesn’t matter.

I quickly finished tidying my room, and then put my jacket on, adjusting my hair and found my shoes. My phone began to ring just as I pushed my feet into my boots, so I crawled to the beside table to answer it but just as I did, they, whoever called, hung up. I frowned at the screen when I saw it wasn’t a number I recognised, and reminded myself to block the number later. 

But right now, I didn’t have time. I needed to get to Wayne’s, remembering that it was a Saturday, and Wayne would probably be going out soon.

He was never one to stay in bed all day, but I certainly wasn’t going to chase him all around town. 

I asked myself this question; should I call him first? Make sure he’s home? Or just go? Cause Mum couldn’t really stop me, she was still in her pyjamas, it’s not like she’s gonna chase me. Though I’m sure she would, Hahahaha. 

Before I changed my mind, I shut my bedroom door and slung my bag over my shoulder, checking I had everything to survive for a few hours as I walked down the stairs.

I opened the door as quietly as possible, but failed to close it without a slam. I waddled quickly away from the gates, and down the street, making my brain remember where Wayne lived. I swear, when you’re pregnant, everything goes on holiday….including your intelligence, and memory.

Wayne’s house was the second house on Lexton Avenue, just a few streets away from mine. I began to slow down when I had nearly reached his house, I folded my arms when a cold, brisk wind blew and then opened the gate before walking up the steps to the door.

The white framed door, with glass windows waited for me to knock, but as my breathing began to speed up, I was so panicky that I couldn’t even move.

Then to my horror, things got worse, as I saw the shadow of someone moving towards  the door.

I quickly went to turn away, forgetting that there were steps there and nearly fell over, just as Wayne’s Mum opened the door. ‘Oh!’ She exclaimed, and quickly grabbed my arm before I fell to the floor. ‘Florence.’ She smiled, ‘Are….are you alright there?’

Wayne’s mum is lovely, Wayne does some qualities from her but appearance wise, it‘s all his father, though his Mum is pretty.

‘I-I’m fine, thank you Mrs Harley, I was just um….looking for Wayne…’ 

‘Oh darling, he’s just in the shower. He’s got a job interview today.’ Mrs Harleys face did have a few wrinkles, but for her age of late 40‘s, she didn’t look so bad. She was wearing a flowered blouse with a pink cardigan and a long black skirt. Her hair bounced around her face in curls, the deep colour of brown matching her eyes.

‘A job interview?’ I repeated, the words surprising me just a little. I never though that Wayne would be in the same sentence as ‘job interview’.

‘Yeah, at a local bar.’

‘Yeah, well that makes sense.’ I whispered, looking away for a second.

‘Sorry dear?’ 

‘Oh nothing! You know what never mind, I’ll come back later-’ I began to make my escape just as Wayne came running down the stairs, with only a towel covering up his manly parts.

I couldn’t help but stare, and then his mother followed my eyes and turned round to see him. ‘Wayne darling! Put some clothes on!’ She said, her tone extra high.

Wayne did not move, he was stood absolutely still like a statue. He just stared back at me, with big wide eyes, probably wondering what the hell I wanted.

Or maybe, just maybe. He was delighted to see me.

But that’s like….impossible.

Wayne slowly began to redeem his muscle movements, and walked the rest of the way down the stairs, and pulled up his towel. His Mum smiled at me, and then quickly walked away, while Wayne glanced at her and then walked towards me.

‘Hi…’ I said quickly, because the silence was absolutely killing me.

‘Flo.’ He said, his voice all husky, ‘What…..what are you doing here??’

‘Wayne….I…’ I began to try and explain, ‘I…-’

‘Florence, just say it! I don’t know why you’ve even bothered..’ He said, with an irritated tone.

He’s right you know, why have you bothered?

‘I’ve bothered because I don’t want us to end up being enemies Wayne, I still love you, I mean there will always be a part of me that will love you…’ 

Wayne rolled his eyes, making fury reel through my body, ‘Wayne! Don’t roll your eyes, I’m being serious! I was going to ask you, if wanted me to put your name onto the birth certificate…you know….Bridge-Harley?’

‘Why would you even ask? I don’t want anything to do with the baby or you.’

‘Really?’ I asked, absolutely serious. ‘You never ever want to see your child, you’re not coming to the birth and you don’t want to be on the birth certificate?’

Wayne looked a little stunned, so stunned I thought he just might drop his towel. ‘I’m serious Wayne, I’m asking you right now, for the last time…’

‘No, I don’t.’ He said, ‘Now will you leave me alone?’

‘Of course, that’s fine. To me and this baby, you’re dead now.’ I told him, before I walked away, and didn’t look back. I hoped that the last words I’d just spoken, had really torn him apart, and he’d rethink his answer.

‘Florence wait!’ Wayne began to call a few minutes later, just as I knew he would.

But I kept walking, and I didn’t turn round. I didn’t even glance over my shoulder for a peak, I just carried on walking. 

‘Florence! Stop, please.’ His strained voice made my heart ache, I just wanted everything to be alright. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, deciding whether to turn around or not. ‘Flo, I love you. I’ll always love you too….but…’ Wayne finally admitted, but I wasn’t keen on the ending word.

I turned around before I could change my mind, ‘But?’ I quickly walked back towards him, failing not to laugh at Wayne out in the open, with just a towel. 

‘I’m scared Flo! Look at me!’ Wayne waved his hands in the air, but then quickly grabbed his towel before it slipped. I couldn’t help it when my smile turned into a grin.

‘I’m not meant to be a dad, Florence…’ Wayne said, trying to make his eyes meet mine, ‘You’ll be a wonderful Mum, but I won’t help at all. I’ll just make it worse…’

‘How could you make it worse?’ I asked, laughing once. ‘I need your help Wayne, I need you. You’re the father, this baby…our baby needs you! It needs a father.’

‘But…I can’t. I just can’t.’

‘No such thing as can’t, Wayne.’ I walked closer to him, wanting to put my hand against his cheek, stroke it lightly and reassure him that he’d be a great dad.

But was it true? Or was I just kidding myself because all I really wanted was happiness?

Would he be good a dad? Or would he just go out and get drunk every night? And then we’d have to married but he wouldn’t really want to.

‘You know what? I’m just gonna go, you obviously really don’t want to be involved with this baby-’

‘I’m scared Florence!’ He interrupted me, ‘I can’t….do this.’

‘Does your Mum even know? Does she even have a clue?’

Wayne shook his head, and I tried to breathe calmly. But I couldn’t believe that Wayne was actually ashamed of this.

‘Why doesn’t she know?’

‘She would be ashamed of me….’

‘Knew it.’

Wayne looked deep into my eyes in that moment, without a blink. ‘Not because you’re pregnant Florence. She’d be ashamed because I don’t want to be a father to the baby.’ His voice was so small, I could feel his emotions in the air and inside me.

‘Well that’s understandable.’ I said under my breath. ‘I heard you’ve got a job interview in a local pub?’ I laughed, ‘See this is why, isn’t it? Because you’re a alcoholic and don’t even deny it!’

‘Funny Florence, real funny.’

‘I’m not laughing Wayne, I’m just telling you the truth.’

‘I am not a alcoholic! I haven’t even got the job yet and I have to go now cause I’m going to be late.’

‘Just tell them your pregnant ex girlfriend was trying to make things okay…’ I winked at him playfully.

‘Not funny!’

‘Bye Wayne.’ I began to walk away, and this time I didn’t look or turn back.

As I walked home, the sky began to become covered in clouds and I knew that it was going to rain. It was just my luck, I couldn’t believe how the weather had changed in less than an hour.

Though it is October.

It was nearly twelve when I reached my road, and I couldn’t help but gasp a little when I saw a police car on my drive.

Charlie and Rebecca were waiting for me, in my living room. Was it bad that I wanted to run away, right now? Because I knew exactly what they’d want to ask me.

I had to be brave, because maybe they don’t know anything. But they don’t know that I know…..which makes it all much more complicated.

I got out my keys that I remembered to take with me, and unlocked the door to let myself in. Mum came rushing out of the kitchen, and looked at me with wide eyes, ‘Florence!’ 

‘Hi Mum.’

‘Rebecca is here, she has some news.’ Mum said, her voice low and vague.

‘Oh?’

Mum nodded, ‘She’s in the kitchen.’

‘Okay…’ I muttered, and then followed her into the kitchen, taking my coat off as I walked.

‘Hi Florence.’ Rebecca smiled, ‘How are you?’

‘Oh I’m fine thank you, yourself?’

‘Good thanks. Um, I’ve got some news.’

‘Really?’ I asked, like I had no idea. ‘Good or bad?’ I grabbed a cup from the cupboard and filled it up with apple juice then sat opposite Rebecca at the table.

‘Did you see the news yesterday?’

‘Um, yeah I might of.’

‘Well, Stephenie’s mother was on there, and Stephenie’s been kidnapped…’

‘No!’ I gasped, really trying out my acting skills now, ‘Oh that’s awful!’

‘Yeah, well it seems that Lewis has fled, and so he may be the one that’s kidnapped her.’

‘Her boyfriend?’

‘Yes, and apparently Stephenie’s Mum doesn’t get on well with her dad…’

‘Oh, so he’s involved?’

‘He could be. We’re trying to get hold of Sarah at the moment, but we haven’t been able to.’

I swallowed silently, beginning to imagine that Sarah was now on a plane, and flying out of the country.

‘What do you want me to do?’

‘Well if you’re free, you could come back to my office and I’ll show you how to use a programme that will help track down Sarah.’

‘Do you think she has something to hide?’

‘Maybe, because why else would she be running?’

‘True.’ I said, taking a gulp of my apple juice.

‘So, are you free?’

‘Yeah, but how long will this take?’

‘Are you in a rush?’

‘No, I just have some things to do.’

‘Oh I see.’ Rebecca smiled, ‘Come with me now, and you’ll be back before two.’

‘Is that okay Mum?’ I turned round to glance at my mother.

‘Oh yeah that’s fine, I’m taking Leo out to town anyway. You better take your keys.’ Mum told me, walking back out of the kitchen once she’d made a cup of tea.

‘Kay, I’ll um just get my keys…’ I told Rebecca before I set down my cup, and walked out before Rebecca had a chance to nod. I, as fast as I could, walked up the stairs and shut my bedroom door once inside. I grabbed my phone from my bag, and began to text a message to Sarah. Was this wrong? Was I disobeying the police? Or was I just simply helping my friends?

Sarah hadn’t really done anything wrong, she just didn’t want to the police to know about the complications between her and Michael.

I wasn’t committing a crime.

I wasn’t very surprised when Sarah text back five nano seconds later, informing me that she was already on a train to France, to stay with some close friends. I really wanted to call her, but knew that would be too risky, so I quickly sent her one more text and then deleted them all.

I grabbed my keys from the bedside table, and walked back down the stairs, breathing carefully. My phone buzzed in my pocked just when I got to the kitchen door, but I didn’t dare look at it.

‘Ready.’ I smiled, walking into the kitchen.

‘Good, lets go.’ Rebecca answered, and then stood up from her seat.

‘Bye Mum! I’ll be back later.’

‘Bye, see you later.’ Mum called back.

Rebecca got into the driving seat, and gestured for me to sit next to her. I couldn’t decline, though I had wanted to sit in the back. I wondered when I’d be able to answer Sarah’s text.

‘So, how’s everything with you then?’

‘Oh um, fine I guess.’ I said, with a small smile.

‘Good, how’s the tummy?’ Rebecca glanced at my stomach and smiled.

‘Oh it’s fine.’ I smiled back, ‘Getting bigger everyday.’ I gently rubbed my stomach.

The rest of the journey was awkwardly silent, and then finally we arrived at the police station. It was a small, old building but I knew I’d be surprised when I saw the organisation inside it. Rebecca parked up, and then I got out as Rebecca did, we walked towards the main doors, and then up some stairs to, Rebecca’s ‘department’.

This was obviously a posh name for her office.

She opened the door, and quickly closed it behind her, gestured for me to sit down on one of the small sofas that sat against the far wall, and then she sat down behind her desk, where her computer and files were waiting on the table to be used.

‘Would you like a drink Florence?’

‘Um sure. Hot chocolate?’

Rebecca smiled, ‘I’ll be right back.’ She walked out of the room, and closed the door behind her.

As soon as she was gone, I quickly got out my phone, and looked at Sarah’s text, trying to remember that there were probably cameras watching, so I had to stay calm.

Don’t say anything about knowing me, pretend to be absolutely oblivious. Delete my number now, I’ll call you later x

My eyes widened as I read the text, and I automatically began to delete all her messages and her number from my phone.

I returned my phone back in my bag, and just a minute later, Rebecca also returned carrying cups of hot liquid.

‘Hot chocolate for you.’ She passed the cup to me, then added, ‘Be careful, it’s hot!’

I smiled, slipped the hot chocolate once then placed in on the side table next to me.

‘Florence, could you do me a favour?’

‘Um sure?’ I smiled lightly.

‘I just need to drop off some paperwork to my boss, so I’ll get this programme up and you can start playing with it?’

‘But I don’t know how to use it-’

‘You’ll soon get the hang of it!’ Rebecca exclaimed, and in the next second I was alone again. 

I frowned, finding it a little weird that Rebecca had left me again. 

Should I be suspicious? Or just believe her?

Well, here goes nothing. I thought as I stood up and walked over to the computer, on the screen was a list of different names, but then I noticed something. They all had the second name ‘Morgans’ and so, I realised that these people were related to Sarah.

Rebecca wanted me to call all these relatives and ask about Sarah! 

Wow.

I sat down in Rebecca’s seat, feeling just a little bit cautious. I looked up at the computer screen to see thousands of sticky notes all stuck around the screen. One had me glued for a few seconds more than the others; Sarah Morgans. Late twenties. Daughter kidnapped, bad relationship with daughters father. Sarah Morgans has appeared to have fled the country. Stephenie kidnapped by boyfriend and taken to father?

How the hell did they know all this?? 

My heart was feeling very, very numb. To be an honest person, all I wanted was to get out of here right now, and run home.

Well waddle home, but same thing for me.

I sighed at the screen, really not wanting to do this. I didn’t want to call up Sarah’s relatives! I didn’t want anything to do with this, I didn’t want to be involved.

I had my own problems.

I was just about to lift up the phone, when Charlie rushed through the door, and saw me sitting in Rebecca’s seat.

‘Florence!’ He looked at me, a little confused. ‘W-What’re you doing here?’

‘I’m helping Rebecca out, with the Stephenie case?’

‘Oh right course. What you up to there?’

‘Oh, Rebecca wanted me to use this new software or something.’ I said, as Charlie began to walk round to look at the computer, ‘Oh right I see, you know what your doing?’

‘No, not really.’ I gave a shy, non humorous laugh.

‘Oh.’ Charlie laughed, ‘I’ll help you out.’ He said, grabbing a stick note and a pen, then began to copy something down from the computer screen.

‘Just call these people, ask a few questions about Sarah or Steph then write anything down if it’s necessary.’

He gave me the sticky note, written on it were five names from the list. ‘Oh okay, thanks.’ 

‘That’s okay. If you need anything, then just come find me. I’ll be about.’ 

I nodded, ‘Kay.’ I muttered as Charlie opened the door, but then he seemed to had forgotten something as he turned back round again. ‘I forgot to ask, did Rebecca say where she was going?’

‘Something about dropping off paperwork to her boss?’

‘Oh thanks!’ Charlie exclaimed, and rushed back out of the room.

I stared at the closed door for a second, finding all this rushing about a little suspicious.

The first name on the list, stared at me; Sylvia Morgans 

I’m thinking it’s a great aunt or her grandma? But Sarah’s grandma wouldn’t be alive, and Sarah’s Mum is dead…

Hmm.

I quickly tapped in the number into the phone, and put it to my ear, waiting as it began to ring. I didn’t know if what I was expecting but I seemed to be a little surprised when someone answered on the fifth ring.

‘Hello?’

‘Hi, my name is Florence. Can I ask who this is?’

‘It’s Sylvia Morgans.’

‘Oh, hello Sylvia!’ I said, ‘I’m calling about you’re niece? Sarah?’

‘Sarah….I don’t know a Sarah.’ Sylvia told me, sounding confused.

‘Oh, what about Stephenie does that ring a bell?’

‘No, I don’t know a Sarah or a Stephenie. Sorry.’

I frowned, ‘Are you sure?’ I asked again, then sighed, knowing that if Sarah was right there, she’d tell Sylvia to keep quiet. ‘Sylvia, I’m not a police woman. I’m actually just a sixteen year old girl, I’m helping out with your relatives case, so please tell me the truth if you haven’t already?’

‘I’m sorry. I do not know anyone called Sarah or Stephenie. Please do not call again!’ Sylvia abruptly slammed down the phone, making me jump away from the phone.

I tapped in the next number on the list, crossing my fingers that this one would be more successful than the last.

‘Hi, it’s Florence Bridge here. Is that….’ I quickly paused to read the name, ‘Ashley Mitchell?’ I wrinkled my nose as I said the name, trying to remember where I’d heard that name before.

‘Yes, who’s asking?’

‘Um, I am. Do you know anyone by the name of Sarah or Stephenie Morgans?’

‘Oh yes,’ The male voice said, ‘Stephenie is my niece.’

‘So your Sarah’s brother?’ I began to smile.

‘No, I’m Michaels brother.’ The man corrected.

I swallowed quickly and slammed down the phone. Okay, right! Next one…

‘Hi I’m Florence, do you know anyone by the name of Sarah or Stephenie Morgans?’

‘Nope sorry, cya.’ The teenage voice said.

Well that was helpful.

I wasn’t having much luck, and then finally, I got down to the last name; Scarlett Howell…I slowly typed in the number, and then waited. 

I was just about to hang up when, finally, someone bothered to answer. ‘Hello?’

‘Hi, is that Scarlett Howell?’

‘Yes, who’s asking?’

‘Hi Scarlett, I’m Florence I’m helping out with a police investigation involving Sarah and Stephenie Morgans. You were on the list of relatives, do you know anyone by those names?’

‘Why yes….I do.’ Scarlett answered cautiously, ‘I’m Sarah’s sister.’

‘Oh right, well hi Scarlett.’

‘What did you want…’

‘Florence. Florence Bridge.’

‘What a lovely name.’

‘Thanks.’ I smiled to myself, ‘Um sorry, to interrupt whatever you was doing. I was just wondering if you’ve seen Sarah lately?’

‘No, I haven’t. Why?’

‘Oh, well Sarah’s daughter Stephenie. She’s um, been kidnapped by her boyfriend, and maybe been taken to her father, whom Sarah doesn’t have a good relationship with?’

‘Yes, that’s right. They never really got on, Sarah was devastated when Michael left her, and then course, he kidnapped Stephenie.’

‘Oh right okay. Does Stephenie know her father well?’ I asked, already knowing the answer.

‘No, she thinks he’s dead.’

‘Oh.’

‘Yeah, she may be a little surprised when she sees him.’

‘Sarah’s fled, there’s no sign of her anywhere. Do you know where she is?’

‘I might, but I can’t tell you Florence.’

At that moment, my mind began to speak, Um yes you can! I know Sarah! It was very frustrating to pretend like I didn’t know any of the things Scarlett had told me. 

‘Can I ask you why you’re helping out with this case? Is it work experience or something?’

Oh god.

‘Um no, its actually because I was a witness..’

‘Of what?’

‘I saw Stephenie get attacked, I was sat in my car. I saw it all happen..’

‘Oh. How…how did the police know?’

‘The security guard obviously saw me, and he wrote down the cars number plate.’

‘Your car?’

‘No, no not my car.’ I said, ‘My mums, I’m only sixteen by the way.’

‘Oh, I see.’ 

‘I’m sorry to have disturbed you miss Howell.’

‘No, no it’s fine. I hope I’ve helped you out, if you need to call again then do as you wish.’

‘Thank you, bye Scarlett.’ 

‘Bye.’

I put down the phone, and then began to make some notes. I soon realised that I didn’t really find out anything important, but I hoped that Rebecca would appreciate it anyway. 

Rebecca was back in the room ten minutes later. With a light smile, she asked me about what I’d found out.

‘Well, I didn’t find out where Sarah might be, but apparently Sarah doesn’t have a good relationship with Stephenie’s Dad, and she told Stephenie that he’s dead.’

‘Okay, anything else?’

‘Not really, but the last person I called, Scarlett Howell is Sarah’s sister and she said if I need to call her back I can,’

‘Okay good, that’s good. Thank you Florence.’

‘That’s okay, is there anything else you want me to do?’

‘Not just yet, I’ll give you another job to do in a second. Have you seen Charlie?’

‘Yeah, he’s looking for you.’

‘Oh is he? Oh okay.’ Rebecca said, then turned around before walking out of the room again, ‘Actually Florence, if you want you can go home. I can handle everything else now.’

‘You sure?’

‘Yeah, I’ll call you if I need you.’

‘Kay.’ I nodded.

‘Do you want a lift home?’ Rebecca asked.

‘Oh no, I’ll be alright. Exercise will do me good!’ I laughed.

‘Well okay then.’ Rebecca followed me out of her office, ‘I’ll see you later.’

‘Kay, bye!’ I quickly walked out of the police station and down the road.

To be an honest person, I was glad to be out of there. I felt very uncomfortable and hesitant, but I was glad that I noted down Scarlett’s number for myself.

As soon as I was away from the police station, I got out my phone and enthusiastically tapped in the number. I walked along the streets, waiting for Scarlett to answer.

‘Hi Scarlett. It’s Florence, I called you not long ago?’

‘Who? Sorry, there’s no one here named Scarlett.’

‘What? A-Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely, I think I would know don’t you!’ The woman exclaimed, then gave a nasty, sly laugh.

‘Okay, sorry. Bye.’ I said, confused as I hung up the phone.

As I walked back home, I checked the number over and over. I was so sure it was the 

same number but I knew I could of mistaken one number with another.

It was so frustrating.

As it began to rain, I walked faster still going over the number in my head. I hadn’t brought a umbrella, and my jacket didn’t have a hood. I was gonna get soaked! 

I walked as fast as I could, without hurting myself and looking stupid. Then as I crossed the road on the high street, a car passed, and hooted at me. I turned around, trying to look for the car through the rain, I then realised that it was a car I recognised.

Wayne’s Mum.

I stood frozen, which matched my body temperature  perfectly at the time, and stared as she pulled up on the curb, and wound down the window. ‘Florence? Is that you?’ She sang, her voice sweet and gentle.

‘O-Oh h-hi Mrs H-Harley.’ I stuttered because of the cold, trying to smile without hurting myself. Mrs Harley got out of her car, a black Peugeot, and stepped onto the path. ‘You alright Flo? You look ever so cold.’ She opened up her umbrella, her eyes squinting when she smiled.

I’m fine, I’m just on m-my way home.’

‘Oh well let me give you a lift!’ Mrs Harley insisted, putting her arm round me, ‘We can’t let you freeze to death.’

‘Are you sure? I’ll be fine you know.’

‘Surely not! Of course I’m sure.’ Mrs Harley exclaimed, with her soft voice.

‘Thanks.’ I smiled, feeling a mix of gratefulness and awkwardness stir together in my stomach. 

‘You’re absolutely welcome.’ She answered as she got into the driving seat, ‘I’d be a bad person if I just left you!’ She laughed a little.

An awkward silence swept through as Mrs Harley drove away from the town centre, but I decided that it was okay, because she was obviously concentrating on the road.

‘So is Wayne at his interview?’

‘Oh gosh!’ Mrs Harley exclaimed, with her sweet voice, ‘You’ve just reminded me dear! We need to go pick him up!’ She explained, and then took another look at me and smiled, ‘Sorry, I can drop you home first if you like?’

‘Oh no! Don’t worry, it’s all fine.’

‘You um, don’t mind?’

‘Course not.’ I smiled with innocence. Of course I bloody mind! She doesn’t even know I’m pregnant with her grandchild! S**t! 

‘So are you two on okay-grounds with each other then?’

‘Well, I wouldn’t say that.’ 

‘So this mornings ‘talk’ didn’t go well then?’ Mrs Harley asked lightly, recognising the tense atmosphere.

‘Well, not as good as I’d had liked it too.’ 

‘Oh I see.’ Mrs Harley said, her high voice not so happy as it could be.

I took a deep breath, and decided that I needed to tell Mrs Harley something that I should of told her a long time ago.

‘Mrs Harley….’ I began, just as she turned into our neighbourhood.

This made me begin to rush.

‘Oh lovie, please call me Eve!’

‘Eve? That’s your name?’ I looked at her in surprise, ‘That’s such a lovely name.’ I smiled.

‘Why thank you dear. Florence is also lovely, your mother is good at choosing names.’

I laughed once, ‘Well, actually, there’s a story behind my name. But I won’t go into that.’

‘Oh, is it one those names parents name after where the kid was conceived?’ Eve instantly guessed from my expression.

‘Aha.’ I laughed more, ‘Lets leave it that.’ I cringed a little, then sighed. 

Eve laughed once, ‘Well that’s information I never needed to know!’ 

I smirked, and then pushed myself to tell her, because this would be my only chance.

‘Eve, I…I have to tell you something.’

‘Oh?’ She looked at me, now with a warm but worried smile.

‘Wayne didn’t tell you why we um….spilt up did he?’

‘No, he didn’t give a reason dear.’

I nodded, ‘Please don’t….hate me.’

‘Why would I hate you dear? You’re a lovely girl!’ Eve exclaimed, a little shocked by my comments, ‘Whatever it is, I’m absolutely sure I won’t hate you.’

My god, I thought, she’s too nice! 

‘Eve, I….I um.’ I couldn’t get it out. I tried, I really did try but as Eve pulled outside my gate, my heart pumped faster, and all I wanted to do was to get out of this car and run inside. But I needed to tell her, I needed to! She would understand, she said she would. She wouldn’t hate me….

Would she? 

I felt the sweat beginning to drip down from my forehead, my palms were sweaty too, and I knew that if I spoke, I’d stutter. I quickly pulled a piece of my hair behind my ears, distracting myself. Eve turned off the car, and pulled her keys out, then looked at me with a very sympathetic and patient expression.

‘Just say it.’ She murmured, ‘It’s never as bad as you make out lovie.’ 

I wanted to cry my heart out, she was being so nice to me. Nicer than anyone’s ever been since I’ve been in this situation! She’s nicer than my own mother.

‘I’m really sorry.’ I began to sob, failing to hold back the tears any longer, ‘I’m pregnant.’ I sniffled, ‘W-Wayne’s the father.’ 

I slapped my hands onto my face, hiding myself away from the shame.

Eve hadn’t said anything in the minute that I told her, she was still staring at me, and then finally it sunk it. ‘Oh Florence.’ She said, crying a little bit herself, ‘Oh my dear girl.’ She tried to hug me, but my whole body was stiff.

‘Don’t be ashamed, it’s okay…’ She said softly, patting my knee ‘I’m not mad at you, I don’t hate you…’

I slowly lifted my head, ‘Promise?’ I sobbed, ‘I’m so sorry Eve…I-I…I-I’m s-sorry!’ I began to stutter.

‘Oh lovie, it doesn’t matter. It’s okay!’ 

‘I can’t believe how nice you’re being.’ I sobbed, ‘I-I can’t do this, I’m sorry! I-I’ve got to go.’ I said, and rushed to open the door, practically falling it out of the seat.

‘No wait! Florence, wait let me help you!’ Eve ran over to the other side of the car, and helped me out, before I slid down to the cold ground.

‘C’mon, lets get you inside.’ She said softly, holding me up, walking me to my door.

Mum was soon stood at the front door, staring at us both with shock horror.

‘Florence!’ She exclaimed, her tone irritated with a mix of worry. She stared wide eyed at me and Eve as she spoke, ‘What’s happened?’ She glanced from me to Eve then back to me again. 

When no one spoke, Mum’s impatience began to take control, ‘I said, what the hell has happened?!’ She quickly pulled me away from under Eve’s arm, grabbing me tightly on the wrist. Eve jumped a little, looking at me, with such sympathy. ‘Florence just told me, about her pregnancy.’ 

‘Oh.’ My mother replied, staring at Eve with irritation, ‘I see.’

‘Look, Mrs Bridge…’ 

‘Please, call me Claire.’ Mum replied, a little coldly.

‘Okay.’ Eve smiled, ‘Claire, I think Florence needs all the support she can get right now. So, for me, d-don’t have a go at her…’

‘What made you think I was going to have a go at her?’

Eve’s face turned ghostly pale, and as she tried to explain her point, she stuttered, ‘No, I was just saying….I m-mean.’

‘What!?’ My mother asked again abruptly.

‘Nothing.’ Eve answered, ‘I’m sorry I disturbed you, I must go.’

At that second, I remembered. ‘Oh Wayne!’ I cried, ‘You need to go pick him up!’ 

‘Yes yes I know Florence, it’s okay.’ Eve told me lightly, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t tell him anything.’

‘It doesn’t matter.’ I mumbled, ‘It’s become very complicated.’ I looked down at my feet.

‘By complicated Florence means that, Wayne doesn’t want to be part of his baby’s life or Florence’s life anymore.’ Mum defined my speech.

‘Mum!’ I quickly gave her a ‘not helping’ look, but she gave me the exact same look in return.

Eve began to turn around, but I grabbed her shoulder just as she was about to step down from the door. ‘Eve don’t go.’ I said, ‘I need to explain.’

‘I think you’ve done everything you can Florence. I need to speak with Wayne.’

My expression must have had a sudden change because she then, with an assuring tone, added, ‘Don’t look so worried Florence. I won’t be hard on him, I just need to know why.’

I nodded, and tried to smile. ‘I’ll see you, um later…’ 

‘Bye Florence.’ Eve replied, and began to walk back to her car.

Mum pulled me inside and shut the door before I could wave to Eve as she drove away. ‘Florence, I need to talk to you. What happened today?’

‘It’s complicated. But I’m sure you can guess?’ I looked at her, all knowingly.

‘Florence, just tell me what happened!’

I rolled my eyes, ‘Mum, do I have to tell you?’

‘I’m interested Florence, I want to know.’

‘You’re not usually interested! In fact you’re never interested!’

‘Florence, what happened?’ Mum asked again softly.

I sighed, giving in. ‘I went to see Wayne.’ I told her, tears till running down my cheeks.

‘Why?’

‘Because I still love him Mum, and I always will! I asked him if he wanted his surname on the birth certificate but he couldn’t care less.’

‘Oh Florence..,’ Mum tried to hug me, but I automatically jumped away.

‘Don’t!’ I shrieked, ‘Eve has been more of a mother to me than you could ever be! You don’t know when to give me enough support.’

‘I’m sorry!’

‘It’s not good enough.’ I told her, ‘Not anymore.’

I struggled up the stairs, and then collapsed into bed, wishing everything and everyone would just disappear.

Author's Note

May be typos. Any criticism is always appreciated, hope you like it and are following the story. If its getting confusing yet, then do tell me!!! :) THANKS <3

Reviews

[Dahlia Phoenix]

So much drama and Wayne needs to grow a set of balls. -.- Seriously.

Florence from what I see is trying to do right by trying to at least give him a chance but from the way I see it, he doesn't deserve to be close to that baby. With this progress of the story I get a feel of what you're trying to show. Great chapter. Keep it up.

[paradise]

awesome

[Robbie~xoxo~]

Wayne is definitely going to regret his actions... he really needs to open his eyes. He's about to be a dad! This is getting good!...keep it up! Great job!