Free My Never: a novella by Renee Swann Page B

“I know a part of you still loves her – and I’m okay with that.” I shovelled
cake into my mouth. “But she’s screwing with your head. And that’s not okay with me.”
    His
arms wound around my waist. “Did I say sorry yet?”
    “You
have a soft spot for her. But someone needs to put their foot down.”
    “And
that someone is you?” He arched an eyebrow, his lips curling upwards.
    “I
suppose it is.” My stomach rumbled. “Mm. I’ll cook us up some eggs and bacon.”
    He
picked up his phone. “I’ll call her doctor.”
     
    I transferred the
scrambled eggs to a plate and snitched some as I waited for Troy and Lauren. My
tastebuds recoiled at the flavour. Bad eggs? Or was it my cooking? I spat the
spoonful into the sink and rinsed my mouth. My stomach spasmed. I retched.
Stars danced before my eyes. My fingers gripped the counter.
    “Mon?”
    I felt his soothing hands on me. I sucked in deep
breaths.
    “Are you sick?”
    I
managed a nod and gestured towards the plate. He loped over and grabbed the
spoon.
    I
lunged at him. “No! It’s disgusting!”
    Too
late. It was in his mouth. He shrugged. “Tastes fine to me - great, actually.”
    “Really?”
I sat.
    “Yep.”
    What
was going on with me, then?
    He
massaged my shoulders. “I’m gonna drop Lauren home. She doesn’t seem to want
our help, but I care about her too much to let her drive.”
    I
nodded.
    “You’ll
be okay?”
    “Yep.”
I thought for a beat. “Pick me up some anchovies and chocolate?” I felt his
lips press into my hair. “Ooh, and some fries.”
    “Sure.
Will you be mixing those things together?”
    “It
sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?” I hopped up and grabbed the bag of cookies.
    “Yeah
…”
    I
felt his eyes on me.
    “You
feelin’ okay?” he said.
    “Yep.
Starving, though.” I shoved a handful of cookies into my mouth.
    His
brow creased. “Cool. I’ll be back soon.” His lips skimmed across my forehead.
“Don’t eat all the food.”
    “No
promises.”
    * * *
    “What would you like on
your sandwich?” I said.
    Ruby
leaned against the counter. “PB and J.”
    “That
was my favourite, also.” I retrieved the peanut butter.
    “Is
Mummy mad at me?”
    I
smothered a slice in jam. “No, Sweetie.”
    “She
seemed really mad.” Her bottom lip trembled.
    I
abandoned the sandwich and bent to her level. “Mummy’s a bit sick. But this is
not your fault.”
    She
avoided my eyes.
    “Okay?”
    “My
arm hurts.”
    “How
bad?” I applied some pressure to her elbow. “Does this hurt?”
    She
winced. “It really hurts.”
    “Okay.
I have to take you to the doctors.” I reached for her hand.
    “I
didn’t finish my cereal.”
    I
grabbed the sandwich off the counter. “I don’t think you will be going to
school today.” I dialled Troy.
    He
answered on the second ring. “Mon?”
    “Can
you meet us? I think Ruby’s arm is broken.” I heard his breath catch.
    “Sure.
I’ll be there a-s-a-p.”
    “See
you then.”
    Ruby
tugged on my sleeve. “Is Daddy coming?”
    “He’s
meeting us at the doctors.” I locked up. “Hop in, Kiddo.” I yanked the
passenger door open.
    She
climbed in and I helped her with the seatbelt.
    She
tightened it. “Will he be angry at Mummy?”
    I
met her eyes. “I don’t know.”
    Her
face hardened. “Don’t lie to me, Moni.”
    I
breathed a sigh. “Okay. Yes, he will be upset that she hurt you.” I leaned in
through the window. “That’s because he loves you so much.”
    She
smiled. “That’s a good reason.”
    I
nodded and slid into the driver’s seat.
    “He
loves you, too,” she said.
    “So
he tells me.”
     
    We arrived at the medical
centre. Two minutes later, Troy sprinted in. He hugged his daughter to his
chest. His lips brushed against my cheek. “Thanks for looking after her.”
    “No
problem at all,” I said.
    He
sat beside her.
    “There
are at least three people in front of us,” I said.
    “My
arm really hurts.” Ruby cradled it in her other