Frostbitten Snowdrops (WWBM)

December 3

Marcus' P.O.V

I fell asleep with Jay in my arms last night. I open my eyes slowly, his little hand on my heart as his head is nuzzled in my neck. I sigh, kissing his hair. He looks so innocent and he smells like a baby. I regret my doings a lot. It's not his fault. Nothing is his fault. I take a look at my wrist to check the time and then I remember what I did yesterday. It's been so long since I cried, but now I feel my eyes welling with tears. He was collecting that money for four years. This will eat me alive, but I had to. And, I would sell my soul to the devil if that guaranteed me that this kid won't lack anything while he's with me. I take my phone to check the time and see it's 7:30 a.m. I untangle myself from Jay as he nuzzles his head into the pillow. Walking in the living room, I see it's still dark outside and I groan. I need to take Jay with me again. I don't know if I should take him to the kindergarten or something like that. Ruth will take care of him today, but I can't bother that woman. She already has a lot to do.

Daisy's P.O.V.

I open my eyes, stretching. I fell asleep on the couch last night. Damn. I see Dorian who is fast asleep next to me and I rub my eyes. Shit. What time is it? I grab my phone and see it's already 8:30 a.m. Fuck. I jolt, sprinting to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Holy hell. I see it's sunny outside and I take my blue trousers, white shirt and blue blazer and quickly dress up. Combing my hair, I curse as I see I have to clean the litter and it's already 8:40 a.m.

Oh, God no. I quickly fill the bowls and my phone starts ringing. I can't deal with that now. Grabbing my briefcase, bag, keys and coat, I slip on my boots and slam the door, locking them. I can't believe I forgot to set my alarm last night. My stomach starts growling and I remember I haven't eaten anything since I had that bagel with cream cheese yesterday. The traffic is awful and I feel I'll be late. I feel it.

I was right. I park at 9:10 a.m. I'm fucked. I know what happened to Marcus. It will happen to me as well.

I walk in school and Ruth runs to me.

''Daisy! What the hell is wrong with you? Do you know what happened with Marcus yesterday?''

''I know. I'm sorry.''

''You have to thank God because he's not here. He has a meeting with some man about sponsoring some trip, I don't know. Go to the classroom, I won't tell anyone.''

''But, I will.'' , I say and go to the class.

As I apologise to my students, saying I was late due to a minor inconvenience, I go on with the lesson. As it finishes, I go downstairs and see Ruth.

''Come to my office.''

I obey and then I see Marcus there as well. I glue my eyes on him and he stares back. I feel like I'm about to pass out due to hunger, so I sit.

''Miss Whittle, are you alright? You're pale.'', Marcus asks and I swallow a lump in my throat.

''I'm fine, Mr Erastus, thank you''.

''So, we have a problem.'', Ruth says and both Marcus and I focus on her.

''After having talked to you yesterday, Mr Erastus came to my office and informed me about Mr Lockwood. I really tried to talk to that child, I called his mother but I was told that the number is no more in use. Since I don't know what else to do, I decided to talk to you. I know it's my job, but you two are really worried about him and ...''

''Ruth ! I can't stand that Lockwood kid anymore! He is not for school and that's it! I am done!'', Lisa, a biology teacher, screams and Marcus and I stand up.

''Lisa! What has happened?'', I ask and she point a finger at me.

''Why? Are you going to defend him again?'', she bitterly spits and I cross my arms.