Officer Daddy

Chapter two homeless

It didn't take me long to pack our stuff. All the furniture and appliances came with the little apartment. Because we don't have a lot of money, Colten's toys are scarce. He has Bumby, his toy bunny he had before, two action figures, and a batman plushy. Those are all relatively small objects and Bumby stays with Colten at all times. I had a suitcase with my one pair of gym shoes, a tank top, a sweater, two pairs of jeans and a few t-shirts. Colten had his two pairs of gym shoes, a couple of t-shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, a few pajamas and his winter coat, all of which he was outgrowing. We fit it all into one big suitcase. Colten also had a little batman backpack he kept his toys in. I had $400 in emergency money in my pocket and not a penny more to our name. Colten understood that we were moving but we didn't know where our next house was going to be. I didn't want to burden his young mind. I took one last look at the small place I called home for the past two years. I took a deep breathe, grabbed hold of Colten's little hand and the suitcase in the other and walked out. We left the apartment building and started heading down the street. Colten was unusually quiet, somehow sensing I needed to clear my head a bit. I let my mind wander back to the day I lost my job.

I was running late, Colten had the flu and our neighbor, Mrs. Chester, was taking forever to pick Colten up. I felt bad leaving him like this but we needed the money badly. I had to think of the costs kindergarten would bring. I hastily kissed Colten's overly hot forehead and ran out the door, heading for Bills Custard Cafe. I silently thanked The Lord for the walk being short as I pushed the door to the restaurant open. My co-worker, Abbi, sent daggers my way for my tardiness. I made a mental note to bake her cookies as a thank you for covering. I rushed towards the back room to grab my apron and hand-held notebook. I headed to my section while knotting the apron behind me, time to begin my shift.

After a 9 hour shift on my feet and one break, I was more than exhausted. I was behind the register finishing up a bill when I heard the familiar jingle of the door opening. I sighed without looking up, knowing I was the only one left to deal with the customer. It was my turn to lock up tonight. I called out "Excuse me? It's closing time. Sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave." I heard a raspy laugh and I jerked my head up as the last customer left, leaving me all alone with Him... "Did you miss me Eden?" He sneered at me. My heart leaped into my throat. To say that I was terrified was a understatement. The man from my nightmares was standing clear as day in front of me.

"No. I didn't. How'd you find me? You're supposed to be in jail." I tried to keep my voice steady. I was for sure He could hear my heart pounding. "Aww honey, you can't keep me away." He pushed off the wall and started making his way towards me. I stumbled back. "Word on the street is that you got a little boy with ya.. Is that true? You shacking up with some other guy, you filthy whore? You going behind my back and fûcking around with other men?" He spoke angrily. Despite me trying to stay strong and stand up to him, I crumbled and cowered away with old fear. "N-no.. I adopted h-him. He had no one else." I stuttered. "Well, then that's not a problem, my love. I'll have my guys dispose of the little brat soon. And then we can be together. Because, if you remember correctly... I. Don't. Share." He laughed as if he just made a joke, I knew better though. He wasn't joking in the least. I was paralyzed with fear as he slowly made his way over to me. Colten's round little baby face popped into my head and I knew I couldn't be the terrified, reckless teen I was two years ago. It was as if Colten's face broke the spell. I sprung into action, knowing I was much closer to the open door than He was. I spun on my heel and ran like a bat out of hell towards the door. I reached the door and kept going.

I ran left, opposite way from my home. I wasn't taking any chances. I glanced back once to see how close He was. I almost tripped over my own feet to see He was leaning in the door jam, watching me with a sick smile spread across His face. The scar running down His cheek, big and mean looking. The memories still fresh in my mind. I took a back road and made a few turns and went up to my 5th floor apartment through the back entrance. I started the long haul up the stairs, trying to block out all the horrid memories. I quickened my step, I had to see if my baby was alright. I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized I didn't lock up the restaurant. But, I wasn't risking going out there again... Not while He was free.

The next morning, Bill himself called to yell and scream at me for not locking up his shop. He said it was destroyed. I knew He did that after I left. He didn't take any money which didn't surprise me. He has enough of it. Needless to say, I couldn't exactly tell him that my crazy, drug dealer, ex was just released from jail and was after me. So, I kept my mouth shut and apologized profusely about the damage. Bill said I was fired but I was just glad I didn't have to pay for the damage done.

I shake my head, attempting to clear my head of that day. I glance down to see Colten dragging behind a bit. We had been walking for a little over 4 hours and it was getting dark. His little legs weren't going very far. I sighed and scooped him up on one arm as he wrapped his little arms around my neck and rested his head down. I silently begged God to cut us some slack. As if on que a little motel came up on our right. I quickened our step and headed towards the neon sign. I pushed open the door and stepped inside. I was immediately engulfed by the smell of pot. I rolled my eyes and rang the little bell on top of the desk in the middle of the lobby. A sloppy man in his 30's came stumbling out. "Well hello." He attempted to smile.

"We need a room." I cut straight to the point. Ignoring his eyes eating me up. "That'll be $49." His glazed brown eyes drifted across the room. I pulled out my wallet and set the money in his sweaty hand. He leaned down and grabbed a key. "Room 21" He stumbled back towards the back room. I quickly found the small room. I set Colten's limp body on the bed and looked around the room. A microwave sat on top of a mini fridge in the far corner, a queen sized bed sat in the middle, a dresser and a mirror leaned on the wall, and a door which I assume led to a bathroom was on the other side of the room. I didn't bother changing, I just laid down next to Colten and pulled a blanket over the two of us as I let the darkness take over my body.

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I hope you like it so far. I might put this on hold until I become a better writer. Now and then books are really hard to write if you aren't skilled. Don't fret though! I have other book ideas I've had cluttering my head for a while now. So, please comment and tell me what I should do. Put it on hold, and start a different book and then come back to it or continue this one? Please help.. I can't decide. 😭 thanks!

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