Resenting mum (Casualty)

30

Chloe knew how she was struggling with being a new mum. She felt as though it was all too much for her. She needed to somehow make things work.

She wasn't due back at work for a couple of weeks. And she was feeling more alone than ever.

She loved being a mum. But it was so hard for her to be on her own day after day. Iain was great. But he had to work. She knew they needed to pay the bills.

It wasn't easy at all. Ava was growing everyday. But Chloe couldn't help but feel like she didn't have a bond with her baby which broke her heart.

She knew she did. But for some unknown reason, she felt alone.  She had to somehow make it all seem okay.

All she knew was that her mental health had taken a turn. And she was struggling with so much. But she kept it all to herself.

Morning came and she walked into the living room. Iain was there with Ava. She sat with them and smiled. "Are you okay?" Iain asked as he kissed her.

Chloe nodded. "Yeah. I'm just happy to be with you and our baby girl."

"We're happy too. Sucks when I have to go to work. But someone needs to pay the bills and bring the sick people in," Iain said.

Chloe smiled. "I can't wait to get back to work. But I also don't wanna leave her either," she mumbled.

Iain took her hand and kissed her. He smiled. "It's okay. We can put her in the hospital crèche and keep an eye on her," he told her.

Chloe knew he was right. But it still didn't stop the thoughts. She knew she was scared of her baby getting a bond with someone else.

***
Chloe opened the door to see Aria. She let her in and smiled. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?" She asked.

"I've taken a day off. To spend with you and my gorgeous niece. Where is she?"

"Sleeping. But you can still spend the day with me. It will be fine," Chloe told her. She sighed. "I'm just finding it so hard. I'm so alone during the day."

Aria took her hand. She smiled. "You're not alone. I'm always here for you. I'll always be here if you need me," she told her.

Chloe looked to her. She knew she needed to open up. But she couldn't. She was scared of being judged. "Have you taken a test yet?" She asked.  Remembering how her sister was late.

Aria nodded. "Yeah. I am officially confirmed pregnant. I had an appointment with a midwife. And they confirmed. I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do," she told her.

"Make it work. It's all you can do."

Aria smiled. "Maybe I could take your little madam for the day."

Chloe nodded knowing how things were so hard for her right now.

***
Iain walked into the flat. He saw Chloe fast asleep on the sofa. Ava was fast asleep next to her. He smiled and picked her up. But he had no idea how Chloe was about to find herself spiralling with her mental health.