BLOSSOM

Chapter 2

Millie's POV

I sat in the living room of Mrs Andrews home, my knees shaking as I tried to keep my toes from bouncing. This is the fourth time in a week I am placed in this situation. And I know it isn't good. I fear the consequences of my actions which will be judged in a few minutes. How could I be so occupied that I failed to take responsibility? I tried my best not to slip up again but in less than 24 hours I'm back to the same spot of judgement.

How could I fail him?.

I took a deep breath willing the tears to be at bay. All I do is cry and if a tear slips down now, it won't be of any help to my situation.

My head snapped up at the creak sound of the Persian white door announcing Mrs Andrews presence as she carried my son, Adrian, with her. A stray slipped down betraying the emotions I try to keep at bay. I wipe it off quickly as I need to be strong at this moment and act tough.

“Miss Millie”, Mrs Andrews began, her voice heavy with disappointment. “Today I don't have much to say or any advice to give.Im afraid my hands are tied, Miss Millie. Your actions and behaviour so far leaves me no choice”.

“I beg of you please don't do this. I promise to make things right. Please”. I begged.

“What time is it, Miss Millie?”. Mrs Andrews asked

I scrambled for my phone hitting the dead piece of machine. The screen glowed after a good few minutes of frantic shakes. “It's 10pm ma'am”

Mrs Andrews noosed, her voice firm “Is 10pm a suitable time worthy enough to pick up a child from school. Miss Millie?”.

“No ma'am”

“What did you give your boy for lunch?”

I bow my head letting the tears flow, unable to hold them back. I shook my head in the negative. Normally I could order out for the next day or make a quick sandwich for him from the leftovers I had but today I totally forgot to do either.

“Today Adrian took a sandwich to school. A sandwich which caused him food poisoning because of how stale the meat in it was. Are you aware of this Miss Millie?”

“No,” I replied.

“Good, the school nurse reached out to you but no response. What if it went south? What if it went so serious that it landed him in the emergency unit and the only emotional support that a six year old should have is nowhere to be found.

What if , maybe next time, it wasn't just food poisoning but he needs blood transfusion then what would have happened. Where is his mother”

I buckle down at the scenarios Mrs Andrews professes.”Please Mrs Andrews. Adrian is my life. Please don't take him away from me. I work into the wee hours and endure torture just for him. Yes, I make lots of mistakes but I can assure you it's not intentional. I have made lots of sacrifices, please don't take away my purpose to live”.

“Again, I am sorry my hands are tied. I have always fought the school council for your case. Held them off from submitting a statement to the Social State Services and Children's Right Service but I can't hold them off anymore. Miss Millie. You are not meant to go out of the state till the court’s final verdict. I'm so sorry. This was the last straw” .

My heart wretched painfully as I processed everything Mrs Andrews said. I'm going to lose Adrian forever, they will take him away!

My fingers trembled as I picked up the court order.

“Is there anything you would love to say to Miss Millie?”

What could I possibly say?. Everything is spiralling out of control. I'm about to lose a very important part of me . The sole purpose of my existence and there's nothing that can be done about it.

“Alright then, if there is nothing left to say. I think you should be heading home” Mrs Andrews said, forwarding Adrian towards me. I took the warm body of the love of my life. His red lips formed into a pout as he settled in my embrace, his lashes fluttering .

How will I live? Oh God!

“Did you cook dinner, Miss Millie?”. Mrs Andrews asked breaking the trance that captivated me as I stared at my child

“Excuse me?”

Mrs Andrews rephrased “I had a little contract coming in so there’s excess food for an old lady like me which shouldn't be so. So I packed a few boxes that could store you and Adrian for weeks”.

“You shouldn't have bothered Mrs Andrews” I say, already feeling guilty for putting the woman through so much.

“Oh shush, it's no Biggie”. Mrs Andrews countered. “You lots are sticks and bones. It's no big deal. I'll pack them, so pick them up on your way out”.

I thanked the lady as I adjusted Adrian on my shoulders, picking up the bags and getting ready to leave.

“Won't you hail a cab”. Mrs Andrews suggested. “It's quite late, the weather is harsh tonight. I don't think it's safe to walk around alone at night with all this load plus a young child in your arms.”

“Don't worry mam”. I smiled trying to reassure the old lady. I do not have enough finances on me for a cab. How pathetic can my life be? “I'll manage just fine. Thank you again for all you do. Goodnight.

Ignoring the painful jabs of my lungs as I took in deep breaths of the cold air that blew around, I squeezed Adrian tighter. I walked further into the dark night with only the street lamp as my partner and 2 sets of eyes watching my every step hidden in the shadows.

As the sun rose, I edited the last pages of the report. It was 6 in the morning and I did not sleep a wink last night. I worked late to keep my thoughts from my current dilemma. The weight of what is meant to happen hit me like a ton of bricks. Adrian in a foster home is something my feeble heart couldn't take.

The sound of a shattered window had me ducking over the bed sheltering Adrian from its shards. I pressed down hard on Adrian's lips to stop the scream as another window glass shattered, shockwaves piercing through the air. My heart raced as I looked at the holes in my windows.

“What was that Mommy?” Adrian whispered when everything seemed to be calm. His tiny fingers gripping the front of my shirt, eyes popping in fear.

I looked down searching for any injury or sense of discomfort. “It was nothing, just some lousy neighbours”. I smiled down, placing a peck on his head.

I lied. In my neighbourhood, the people here are far from lousy. I know exactly who did that. It's a warning from my debtors —the Carlo's brothers.

I crawled over to the window peeping for any sign of threats. I let out a breath at the fact that they were gone. I bent down picking up the shards and clearing the mess.

I remember years back when I fell in love with an asshole, Derek, Adrian's father. An illusion I created for myself since I never felt loved. Derek messed with bad guys but I didn't give a sh*t as long as he wasn't killing anyone. The dickhead stole from them and fled leaving me behind to pay the debt. Derek was caught by the police later on and jailed. The Carlos —they don't care if Derek is serving time, they want their money.

I have been good at hiding from them these past years. Always changing states and towns– never staying too long. But they have caught up with me and now with the court order I'm trapped.

My eyes locked onto the stone wrapped up in bloodied clothing. The putrid smell had my nose crunching up in disgust. I covered my nose, it was as if air itself decayed.

I untie the fabric. Fear's icy grip clawed my heart as I read the menacing message: “My money or your son. 2 days”