Ruthless Revenge

Chapter 6

"Mommy, I'm finished," Kieran shouted from the kitchen.

"I'm coming, Keke," I shouted in reply. I wrapped my hair in a quick bun before running towards my son.

Just as he said, there was an empty cereal bowl on the counter. I ruffled his dark hair and smiled at him, "Good boy, now go wash out your mouth. I only have fifteen minutes left before my train comes."

"Okay, mommy." Kieran smiled at me before slipping off the stool and running to the bathroom. I quickly cleaned up his space and washed the bowl.

By the time he came back, I had gathered everything and was waiting for him by the door. This had become our usual routine ever since I started working for Holden, a week ago.

"Ready, mommy?" he looked up at me with his piercing blue eyes, similar to that of his father. I didn't have Holden but at least I have a reminder of the love we shared.

I smiled and nodded at him. "Yes, baby."

He gripped his tiny hands in my free hand as I opened the door. As we exited the apartment Kieran shouted in excitement. "Chrisy, Chrisy."

I lifted my head to look at the redhead that lived in front of me. I gave her a small smile. "Hi, Christina." Christina used to babysit Kieran when he was younger but one day something changed about her. These days when we see her, she looks stressed out, exhausted and sad. I tried asking her about it but she pushed me away so I gave up. I couldn't force her to tell me about her problems, especially since I had no way of helping her.

Somehow, Christina found the strength to smile at Kieran. "Hi, Keri." she lifted her hands in a high five and he lifted his free hand to accept it with a giggle.

"I drew a picture of you yesterday," Kieran said looking up at her.

"Really?" she asked.

He nodded, "Yea. Your hair was like fire but your eyes were sad."

She shrugged. "That's life, Keri. Not everyone gets happy ever after. I'll see you later." She turned into her apartment and closed the door.

I frowned and looked down at Kieran. "Mommy, why is she sad?"

"I don't know baby, she's probably just tired. She has to work very hard." I answered. Christina was only twenty but I could tell she has been through a lot in life. She's never spoken about it but looking at her was like looking in a mirror. Life hadn't been good to us.

"Like you?" Kieran asked.

I nodded. "Yes, baby. Like me. Come on, Ms. Johnson is waiting for us." We walked over to the door next to ours and knocked.

The door opened instantly to show the smiling African American woman, "You know I'm expecting you and the door isn't locked."

"It's common courtesy to knock," I replied.

Ms. Johnson shook her head and looked down at Kieran. "How is my friend this morning?"

Kieran smiled up at her. "I'm okay. Are you okay?"

Ms. Johnson smiled at Kieran. "Just some pain in my knee but I'm okay, baby."

"I'll buy you some Voltaren on my way home." I offered.

She fanned me away. "Go to work, Kieran and I will be fine."

I smiled at her before bending to kiss Kieran on his cheeks. "Be good today."

"He's always good. Now, go before you miss your train." The older woman commanded.

I chuckled and raised my hand, "Okay, I'm going. I'm going." I said one last goodbye walking out the door.