Always You

Chapter 11

{Meg}

This morning was a rush as I needed to get Abby ready as well as have a shower. Then my uniform wasn't dry, I'd forgotten to make myself lunch last night and I woke up later than normal. I felt frazzled from the moment that I woke up.

Then added to that Layla was watching Abby for me today.

I don't know why I felt more nervous at the thought of leaving Abby today than when I leave her with Gracie. It's not like Layla is irresponsible. She may be a bit of a joker but she can have her serious moments.

When I came downstairs and Layla took charge, making sure we were all ready to leave with plenty of time, I was able to relax slightly. The way she made sure I ate and packed me a lunch was really sweet. It felt nice to have someone care about me. Gracie would help when we stayed there but she was family, Layla was just a friend. Wasn't she? The way she took care of us this morning felt like more. I had to catch myself from kissing her on the cheek when she made me toast.

Why was that my first reaction to her kindness?

As it came time to leave my stomach was in knots worrying. Will Abby behave? Does Layla know how to handle a two-year-old?

Part of me knows my worrying is stupid. I know Layla has looked after her nephews and niece, she used to babysit when we were teenagers. She is great with kids; they seem drawn to her. But this is my baby being put into her care. It feels weird leaving her.

I was a little distracted heading into work, wondering if I was going to get a phone call from Layla.

Work was its usual fun self. In other word's a nightmare. At least this helps distract me from worrying about Abby and Layla.

I've been asked to put stock out. So, after grabbing the boxes of new stock I head to the aisle. The first thing I do is check the dates and that is when the fun starts. Has anyone rotated dates? Some of them are out-of-date and others are not far off. I take a deep breath and clench and unclench my fists. Do not kill co-workers. After taking one more breath I get started clearing away the out-of-date stock, before moving the rest of the stock into order. Once started I get into a rhythm but still end up taking an hour on this one section. The amount of stock I need to throw away is ridiculous.

Before chucking it all in the bin I show my manager who is thankfully one who aims to improve the store. He's young but came from another store like me and knows how different the store can be.

His reaction is like mine was and he promises to have a word with the staff but we both know most of them won't change. Even when I was busy sorting it all out, one of my co-workers walked past asking why I was going to so much effort. They're of the mind-set that this is a shitty starter job, so why bother when they don't want to stay.

It may not be the most glamourous of jobs but it's still decent work. The pay is good as well, with progression benefits. If I'm going to do a job, I want to be proud of the work I'm doing and know that the customers are being taken care of. After all, if the store gets a bad review that is turned back on my work. It's not wrong to have pride in what you do and considering that work helps keep my child fed and clothed I consider it a job worth doing.

--__--__--

"Mummy." Abby says, rushing up to give me a hug.

"Hey baby girl. Did you have a good day with Layla?" I ask, finally relaxing now I'm home and have my child in my arms. My worries for Abby came back on the way home with me a little worried about the fact I didn't hear from Layla today. I kept telling myself it was stupid but still didn't fully relax until I saw her.