Perri and Her- the seventh book to series 'Perri and a Me' about Perri Kiely.

Chapter 1 Part 6

**** hey guys, sorry for the wait again. I have jet lag to thank for that. xxxx 20dv amber.****

When I get home, I use my own keys to get in because I'm pretty sure Kate, Reid and Topaz are fast asleep. I push the door open, my head aching, anger soaring through me like a wave. I can't believe what Danielle said to me. But I don't want to think about it.

I walk into the living room and its dark except for a lamp being on near the television so I turn it off. I hear footsteps coming down the stairs and I turn round to see Reid. He's in his customised DV pyjamas which makes me feel even worse.

"Reid, it's very late. You should be asleep.." I whisper, folding my arms over my chest.

"I can't sleep." He says, nearly falling down the last two steps.

"Be careful!" I say, forgetting not to shout.

I sit on the couch, getting out my iPhone and shining the torchlight so I know where I'm going. He runs up to sit on the couch and then wraps his arms around my neck. I hug my arms around his body.

I feel tears in my eyes, coming up all too suddenly.

"Mummy, I want Dad to come back. Here. I miss him." 

I fell his tears on my bare shoulder and I try to keep it together. I have to keep it together for him. I'm not sure what is greater- my sadness for Reid or my anger for Perri.

"I know.." I say, my voice cracking. "I'm sorry."

He lets go of me and I sit him unto my lap. He rests his head on my chest.

"Is he ever going to come back?" Reid sniffs, still crying.

I wipe his tears with my hand.

"I don't know." I whisper.

"He's never coming back." Reid mumbles. "Never, ever, ever?-"

"Reid, I wish I knew okay?" I shout, forgetting about being quiet yet again. "Maybe he isn't. But things don't always work out. People change."

He doesn't seem to understand anything I'm saying. Instead, he continues crying but this time, softly as if he's hoping if he cries softer, I won't even notice he's crying. 

"Don't cry, please..." I say.

He cries silently until he falls asleep in my arms. I put my hands in his brown, curly hair. I don't know what to think anymore. I'm just confused. I carry him all the way upstairs and tuck him into bed. When I shut the door to his room, I walk across the landing and cry myself on the top of the stairs.

The doorbell rings and my heart skips a beat. My thoughts wonder towards Pel. Really, Amber? You actually think it's going to be him after what just happened? I realise I have to answer it and hurry down the stairs.

I'm surprised to see Mitch. 

Okay, very surprised.

I'm stunned. I don't even know what to say. We haven't had a conversation since the whole of Danceworks was told that I had cheated on Pel with him. Why is he even here? Just looking at him gives me memories of everything that happened between us....and I just feel sick.

He looks like he's anxious too. I can tell that he wants to say something but he keeps looking away and playing with his fingers. He's in his tour tracksuit which reminds me of the last tour and also makes me  feel sick.

"Amber..." Mitch starts.

"Mitch, maybe this isn't.....a good idea." I say. "I think you should just go home-"