Chloe carefully stretched as she awoke, her eyes quickly darting to Freyja who was sleeping soundly beside her bed. She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her chest slowly rising and falling, a wave of relief washing over her that her baby was okay. In all her life Chloe had never felt such a powerful bond with someone, almost instantly. The way that Freyja looked at her with such admiration and unconditional love made Chloe's heart feel like it was about to burst out of her chest. She winced as she leaned over and gently picked up her baby, cradling her gently as she gazed in wonder at her, still not quite able to process how perfect she was. Her eyes flickered upwards as she heard the couple across from her laughing at something their baby had done. She shot them a small smile, quickly looking away as they locked eyes with her.
"I'll never be alone anymore, now that I have you." she whispered, smiling at her baby as Freyja reached out to touch her cheek.
"You're so cheeky." she giggled, gently taking her hand in hers and wriggling it, chuckling to herself when Freyja watched her closely, completely mesmerized by everything that was going on around her. Chloe jumped slightly as she glanced up and noticed that someone was standing at the end of her bed. She frowned when she realised that it was the father from the bed opposite her.
"Hi, I'm Kieran, I hope you don't mind me coming over here, but my wife noticed that you are alone." he said quietly, shooting her a small smile. Chloe nodded slowly, biting her lip to fight the tears that were filling her eyes.
"I was wondering if there is anything that I can get for you?" he offered.
"For me?" she checked, not entirely sure why a complete stranger was being so kind to her. He nodded slowly.
"That's really kind of you." she whispered, no longer able to control the tears that were rolling down her cheeks.
"Nobody should be alone when they are in hospital, particularly when you have a new baby." he said, smiling sympathetically at her. Chloe nodded slowly, quickly wiping away the tears that were rolling down her cheeks.
"Is she your first baby?" he asked.
"Yes." she smiled, glancing down at Freyja as she made a series of small noises.
"She's beautiful." he told her.
"Thank you." she smiled.
"He's our second." he told her proudly, glancing over at his wife and smiling at her.
"Congratulations." she smiled.
"I should get back to them, but if there's anything you need, make sure you ask." he told her.
"I will, thank you so much." she smiled. He nodded slowly, before quickly making his way back to his wife. Chloe smiled at her across the room, mouthing thank you to her.
"See there are good people left in the world Freyja." Chloe said softly, carefully placing Freyja onto the bed beside her and turning onto her side. Freyja watched her closely as she placed her hand on Freyja's abdomen, gently stroking small circles. She frowned to herself when she noticed a change in Freyja's body language. She began to fidget, making small sounds.
"What's wrong little baby?" Chloe asked, instantly sensing that something wasn't right. She frowned for a moment as she listened to the radio that was playing on the hospital ward. Her heart plummeted as she instantly recognised Lee's voice singing the song.
Here's a woman who did more than any woman could.
Helped a man in need, and felt like he was all of hers.
Gave him something to believe in when life gets him down and hurts.
But with time it got harder and money weren't round no more.
He'd be drinking more than he ever done before.
He was broken and he'd take it out on her when he got home.
Till one morning came he woke up with the bottom low.
Looked around and a long time now he hadn't been alone.
On the mirror was a message left with the lipstick that she owned.
It said: I don't love you no more.
I don't love you any more.
The pain is too much.
Just to watch you give up.
And I can't love you like before.
