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I look back to see her frowning at me in sympathy.
With Abel no longer in my arms, I feel a bit chilled.
Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I say, “No, unfortunately, I can’t. I’m on thin ice as it is…”
To put it mildly.
Her frown deepening, Sonya nods in understanding. “Well, if there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
I force a smile for her sake. “I will.”
“Come on, sweet boy. Let’s get you inside before you catch a cold.” She beams at Abel. “I saved a couple of cookies for you, and Alex is waiting to watch the next episode of Paw Patrol.”
Struggling with the urge to grab Abel and make a run for it, I force myself to remain still as she turns away, shutting the door behind her.
Through the door I can hear her talking to Abel and him babbling back.
He’ll be okay, I tell myself when I finally turn away.
He’ll have a good night. He always does when he gets to stay with her and her son Alex.
Me, on the other hand…
The hairs on the back of my neck standing on end, I grip the strap of my backpack and walk down the block to the bus stop.
Eyes searching the growing shadows every step of the way.
I always ride the bus to work and save my tips for an Uber home.
I can’t afford a car yet, and even if I could I wouldn’t know how to drive it.
My mother never owned a car and Kyle didn’t think it was worth the trouble to teach me.
Why spend all the money to add me to the car insurance when he could just drive me when I needed it?
God, how stupid I was to believe that.
I was so stupid to believe all the bullshit he fed me.
Am I making the same mistake trusting Jude to keep his word?
Absolutely.
But I can’t go backward.
I can only go forward.
Until I figure out a better plan.
Doubt, fear, and nausea churning in my stomach, the bus ride goes by way too fast. Before I know it, I’m pulling open the backdoor of Cloud 69 and scurrying into the dressing room.
I’m all by myself as I get ready. The dressing room strangely empty and quiet.
Leaning towards the mirror taking up an entire wall, swiping mascara on my lashes, I attempt to get my thoughts together.
Attempt to figure out what I'll do if Jude shows up.
The very thought of facing him again, though, makes me so nervous I want to throw up.
