Dearest - truly flung out of space

34 - Rocks in the way

The confession of Carol brought us back together. I finally understood why this topic was so hard for her.
I kept my promise and helped her through the encounter with Therese. She opened up to me two more times and told me even more detailed information about Therese. It was an honor that she trusted me so much.

Weeks went on and we fell back into our daily routine. Today was an ordinary Thursday, or so we thought. Rindy came back from school, feeling disappointed and exhausted. She had a math test today and even though she studied so hard, she didn't really succeed in the test - at least she said that. Carol and I decided to treat our little girl to a little TV evening.

Rindy decided to watch the newest Barbie movie. She cuddled up on the sofa while me and Carol prepared some snacks. Once everything is prepared, we join the little girl on the couch and start the movie.

We're halfway through the movie. Rindy is laughing and giggling the entire time while Carol is shaking her head at how cringe the movie is. I chuckle at the reaction of my girlfriend and chew some popcorn.

The day seems to end on the perfect note until the doorbell rings. I jump up, a little confused about who might be interrupting our little TV evening.

I open the door and reveal a brunette woman dressed in very formal attire and holding a notepad. My eyes roam over her body, trying to find a small hint of where she might be coming from. And that's when I see the CPS tag on her notepad. My heart sinks as I realize that Harge took the next step. He is not backing down right now.
"Miss Y/N? I am here to talk to Miss Aird and her daughter about something. Are they available? I was told they live here," she explains with a firm tone.
I nod and try to swallow the lump in my throat.
"Y-Yes, of course. Please, come inside," I answer, my voice shaking with fear.
The lady steps in and introduces herself as Mrs Miller. She says she works for CPS and has gotten a complaint about the apartment and the living conditions for the little girl. I know immediately who has filed the complaint and it breaks my heart into a million pieces. I knew that Harge would not back down but now that he took this big step, I am genuinely scared of him. My mind doesn't want to accept the fact that he was willing to do this to his own daughter. Carol would not be able to overcome the loss of her daughter. And Rindy would certainly not have a good life if she had to live with her father.

Mrs Miller enters my apartment and takes a look around. Her eyebrows are raised as she takes notes of the furniture. I shoot Carol a scared look which she reciprocates immediately. She gets up from the sofa, telling Rindy to keep watching the movie while she walks over to Miss Miller to introduce herself.
They talk for a little while - Mrs Miller mainly explaining the reason for her visit. The color from Carol's face fades as she realizes who is the reason for this encounter.
"Miss Aird, I have a serious concern from someone who is close to your daughter. They are very concerned about the living quality of Rindy. Their complaints mainly revolve around the small space that Rindy has for her own. As well as that, they have made comments about the fact that Rindy is left alone in the afternoons. I, as the CPS representative, need to make sure that the life of the little girl is not in danger in any way. May I ask you a few questions in private before I talk to Rindy myself? If possible, I also want to speak to Miss Y/N so I can understand the situation of all people. So, Miss Aird, are you ready?" Mrs Miller asks and heads towards the kitchen. Carol follows her and they close the door, starting their talk.

I am left behind with Rindy,
"Y/N, who is that woman and why is she here? She said she has concerns about me? Why? I'm happy here, I don't want to leave," the young brunette whispers, her voice filled with uncertainty and a little bit of fear.
"It will be alright, sunshine. She just... She just wants to ask some questions, nothing to worry about," I reply, praying that she doesn't notice the fear in my voice.
Rindy nods and focuses her attention back on the screen.