Girl in a Hoodie: Where the Future Lies

Chapter 54

Riley's POV:

I ended up scrolling through my Instagram feed, not bothering to send a text to James when I have a feeling it would most likely be Desirée who reads it. I don't know why he would leave his phone with her but I don't think I want to know either. So I just continue to distract myself with photos before coming across one on Em's account, advertising a new make-up brand she had managed to create and fund for herself, apparently raising money for a nearby children's clothing charity. I like the post and go through some of the comments before reading one from Hunter which said, 'You're so beautiful😍 proud of you✨'. I heart his comment as well but then look up at the sound of chatter coming from inside. 

The girls were still playing around outside despite it being a bit darker as it had turned into the evening and we were all eating out. Everyone else was sat on chairs on the grass since the sprinklers had been turned off almost an hour ago but I still remained by myself on the patio porch. I listen to Dad introduce himself to Deborah and Ian and they begin to talk about Ellie. She seems to be the main topic of conversation everyone currently in this household can relate to. I had breastfed her only a while ago but stopped when she fell asleep against my chest. She was wearing a pink baby grow which had the words 'Mummy's Miracle' on it because, although the pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected at first, I still gave birth to her when I thought I wouldn't, due to the vanishing twin syndrome effect. I can't imagine what I'd do with two babies to look after, but having this one daughter has made me see and learn things I didn't know before.

The three adults soon come outside to join us. Dad nods at me but that was all. Ian offered him a glass of beer. I payed attention to what Dad's response would be as I was hoping he would refuse to drink, but he doesn't. He does quite the opposite and takes the whole bottle off of him. I told Ian about Dad being an alcoholic so I guess he was just trying to be a good host by offering to him. He must not have expected Dad to take it. So I decide to interfere. It was for the good of all of us.

"Um, Dad? I thought you were taking a break from drinking for a few months?"

"Yeah, I was. This is just a one-time thing. Don't stress, Riles," he tells me. I bite my lip, feeling slightly unconvinced but after he opens the can, he pours the beverage into a small glass which makes my worries die down. Laci soon entered the garden as well as she had gone up to call Josh in her bedroom for a bit. It was only about a five-minute call though, and she smiles when she sees me before joining my side.

"Did you know that Jasper and Isla have been on call for almost three hours now?" she inquires with a gasp of shock but also pride as she slides in beside me. I laugh a little. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good. You?"

"Stressed. Work is exhausting," she claims. I nod in a partial agreement.

"So is being a mother," I sigh.

"Hey, I know everyone's been asking about Ellie today but... are you okay?" she asks softly. "You know that if you ever need help with childcare you can always call any of us, right? You're not in this whole mothering thing by yourself, Ri. We're all here for you."

"I know. I'm coping, though. Being a mum is quite possibly the most amazing yet exasperating stage of my life so far," I chuckle. "But I love her. I knew I would when I first laid eyes on her on the hospital bed."

"That's exactly what James would say about you," she tells me, making me smile and blush a little. And as if on cue, it's James who comes into the garden next and I happen to be the first person he makes eye contact with. It doesn't mean I'm the first person he greets though. That goes to both mine and his parents, then Rose who instantly jumps on him and he carries her in the air, spinning her around before setting her back down, then he waves at his older sister briefly before joining both me and her at the table away from the children and other adults.