Hate yourself [mlm]

Hatred and worry

[Clive's pov]

I didn't sleep last night..  only continued working..  trying to put together dates and places..  the killer moved from Victoria to here..  in just the span of..  5 days..?  The first recorded victims were over there..  now,  they're here..  far too close..  and far too soon..

I realise it's nearly time for me to leave for work.. and my attention is drawn to Mitchell, who's asleep on the other end of the couch. Curled up and wearing his hoodie

I smile and get up to find a blanket from the linen closet

I drape it over him and pat him gently. "I have to go to work now.. I'll see you tonight.." I whisper to him

I hate to leave him here.. I fucking hate it..

...

[Vincent's pov]

I can't bring myself to get up out of bed

I'm flipping through Mitchell's notebook and admiring his works..  I'm starting to get the feeling that his favourite animals are cats..  he draws them a lot..  and is really damn good at it

That'd be something we have in common..  I used to have a calico cat when I was younger..  her name was daisy and I spent every waking moment with her..  she was a gift from mum..  and I recall thanking her at random moments for getting her..

I'd be playing with daisy in the living room,  and whenever mum would come in,  I'd say  'thanks for getting daisy' and she'd give me the biggest smile

I miss that smile..  mum's been so upset since the recent case of what happened to her coworker.. and I couldn't possibly blame her..

That's enough motivation for me to get out of bed

I find her room down the hallway and see that her door is open

"Hey mum" I say in my best chipper voice

"Hi honey, I'm just getting ready for work.. I actually wanted to ask you something.."

"Yeah?" I sit down on the bed

"You wouldn't mind coming with me, would you? I just.. it doesn't feel right leaving you here by yourself.. I worry too much" she says, putting her hand on my shoulder

"Of course I will. I'll just go and get dressed.."

...

[Ligaya's pov]

The 1 minute drive to the coffee shop is a lot less stressful with Vincent in the car with me..

I park the car in the general parking lot and we get out and head to the shop

"Now,  I'll just need you to stay at the table closest to the counter,  okay?  Don't talk to anyone,  and stay where I can see you,  alright?"  I urgently explain

"I understand.  And don't worry,  I'm not a kid anymore.  I'm not just gonna walk up to people and introduce myself.."  he answers with a grin

I laugh nervously  "I know..  but you understand why I'm worried,  don't you?"

He nods

I make my way to the counter and check in with my boss Timothy,  Vincent takes a seat at the table that's closest to us

"Who's this?"  Timothy asks sternly as usual

"My son Vincent.  I used to bring him in here when he was little,  long before you got your job here.  Don't worry,  he won't bother anyone."

He gives Vincent a quick glance,  then looks to me  "no problem.  Just make sure he stays out of the way"  he answers before walking away

I roll my eyes at the pure bitchiness of his statement,  but return to my work nonetheless

...

The day feels shorter than usual,  probably because I'm not as worried about Vincent..

He's in my view at all times,  and we can't help but smile at each other whenever I walk past

It's incredibly relieving to know that he's fine..

I finish up my shift and sit across from Vincent

"Hey honey, I'm sorry about today.. was it boring?"

"No, not at all! I like it here actually. I'm okay with coming with you more often until schools starts" he says happily

"Aw sweetheart,  you don't have to.  Don't you have that friend you like to see most of the time?"  I reply,  referring to the dark haired boy who I answered the door to that one time

Vincent stays quiet for a moment,  then answers  "Y'know,  maybe he can come over more often?  Then I won't have to go with you to work every day,  and still be watched over by someone."  He says

That would be very helpful..  I don't want him to be bored here..  and it is good to see friends..

"Of course!  Only if that works with him."

"I'm sure he'll be okay with it.  In fact,  I think he needs it.  He doesn't go to school and his dad is working everyday"  he adds

"Oh,  poor boy..  In that case,  share that with him."  I say

Vincent pulls out his phone

Timothy walks over to our table.  "Ligaya,  you're going to have to leave soon.  I don't want workers hogging up the tables."  He snaps

I sigh,  and I catch a glimpse of Vincent giving him a stern look then returning to his phone

"We were just leaving,  c'mon Vinnie."

Vincent tucks his phone away and follows me to the car

The drive home is pleasant when it's just the both of us.. and I can take my time on the road..

I usually drive a little faster than necessary when it's time to go home..  I just get so worried about Vincent..

I know he can just call me..  but I worry..

I worry far too much

...