Girl in a Hoodie: Where the Future Lies

Chapter 39

James's POV:

It turns out nothing was wrong with Riley after all. The nurses just gave her some anti-biotics after claiming that she's most likely to suffer from post-partum nausea for a couple of weeks as a consequence, but if she develops any symptoms other than dizziness, headaches or vomiting, such as rectal bleeding, then we should book her an appointment immediately.

It's been just over a week now since we left the hospital but I had an emergency meeting at work this morning which meant having to wake up early. Although I have to admit, it wasn't much of a struggle considering both Riley and I were up all night trying to put Ellie to rest but it eventually led to me having to succumb the idea of driving Ellie around the block numerous times as by way of forcing her to drift off to sleep. Hence the reason why when I walk downstairs after getting ready, Ri was lying down flat out on the sofa with blankets and pillows surrounding her as she slept with Ellie's cradle in front of her, the TV switched on but put to a low volume.

i smile at them both before walking into the kitchen to take the car keys out of one of the drawers which contained several bits of stationery. I'm guessing that another reason why Riley was so worn out is because of the move and how much unpacking and shopping we've had to do. Moving and unboxing parcels as well as having to look after a new-born is a lot more challenging and tiresome than it seems to be.

I walk back over to the sofa of which she was laying on as she silently stirs in her sleep, turning onto her side from where she had been facing the ceiling.

"Babe?" I call her softly, crouching down in front of her and lightly placing my hand over her arm, earning a soft hum in response. "I'm leaving now. I should be back by one so I shouldn't be too long," I say, citing the time had now just gone 9am.

"Mm. You need to stop for diapers too," she murmurs quietly, eyes still closed.

"Okay, I will," I tell her. I lean down and press my lips against her forehead momentarily whilst puling the layers of fabric up to cover her properly. She smiles and flickers her eyes open the slightest, making the bags under her eyes all the more evident in their presence.

"I love you," she says, pulling her hand out of the sheets to caress my cheek.

"I love you too. Text me when you get up properly though, okay?" She nods and removes her hand.

"Okay," she whispers. She watches me when I turn to face the cot, leaning over to see my peaceful daughter, sound asleep and then kiss her delicately on the forehead, right before saying bye to Riley again and then leave.

Riley's POV:

Around about an hour after James had left and I had brushed my teeth, showered and changed, I descended the stairs to check on Ellie, discovering that she was still asleep, laying on her back with her eyes closed shut and I smile, connecting my forefinger with hers and use my thumb to stroke her cheek. Despite the rush we tend to have each night and the pain of her cries waking both James and I up, it's bitter sweet because we both love her so, so much and the fact that she made it out alive and completely and utterly healthy is such a miracle, considering they were almost sure I'd end up giving birth to a lifeless baby, which I thankfully didn't.

I grab my phone from off of the table, sitting down on the sofa with the cradle right in front of me, my fingers still linked with Ellie's as I quickly type a text to James, just how he had told me to but just as I send it, a new message comes through from the last person I would have suspected.

Alexa: 60 Crisselbury Wood. Chanters Road. RL5 7ED. My address. You remember it, right? Meet me @ 12. 

I raise an eyebrow, shaking my head and put my phone back down but the thought of going doesn't leave my mind. She must want something really badly if she texted me. She never texts me. She hardly ever even contacts me for that matter and when she does it's usually to make fun of me.