Beyond the Family Ties

Part 8

Becky's twentieth birthday came and went, and a few months later, she finished the first year of her Master of Psychology, juggling the life of being a single mother to an energetic toddler with her coursework. Laurel had grown nearly to Becky's waist, her curiosity aided by the fact that she was quick on her feet, and if left alone for more than a minute, she'd be in every cupboard, drawer or bag. She still babbled a lot of nonsense, but amongst it were intelligible words, her vocabulary expanding every day, much to Becky's delight. Freen was ever the proud documenter of such moments, catching everything on film or in photos, showing them off to their friends and her coworkers as if she was the boastful mother. Despite her bad luck with Adam at the start of the year, Freen didn't let it stop her from being a permanent fixture in Laurel's life, for which Becky was grateful for.

Over the course of the summer they went to nearby beaches, borrowing Angel 's car and stretching out on a length of golden sand hugging the shore. Becky sat in the shade of a red and white striped umbrella while Freen waded into the shallows with Laurel, after letting Becky rub sunscreen on both of them. She even ventured into the water herself, a little wary as she gingerly stepped through the cold surf, goosebumps rippling across her skin as she beamed down at the dark haired toddler splashing her hands against the rippling surface of the sea, as Freen knelt in the shallows, keeping hold of her. They went to the park whenever Freen was home from work during the day, feeding the ducks and pushing Laurel on the baby swing, pointing out colourful flowers as they held a hand each, eating ice cream and enjoying the warmth. Freen even managed to coerce Becky into taking a trip to Midvale, spending the night at Eliza's house and enjoying some time away from the bustling city. It was a relief to know for sure that they were safe from her family, and Becky found herself more relaxed than ever, for the short while they were there.

It didn't last though, and by the time they were back in the city, with the weather starting to cool down as autumn edged its way in, Becky found herself growing antsy again. She was starting her second year of her masters, and everything had come to a standstill with her course. No one would take her for her practical work. No matter where she'd applied to, all of the slots were full, or they weren't accepting volunteers, and without a placement, she couldn't graduate. She couldn't get a job in her field. It didn't take her long to figure out what was going on. It was a Wednesday in early August, the leaves just starting to wilt and turn orange, and she called up Winn, asking him if he could look after Laurel, catching a bus to his diner and leaving her daughter in his care. With a kiss goodbye, ensuring that the thrust upon babysitter had everything he needed, and Laurel had her stuffed duck, Becky left.

She'd dressed up for the occasion, and she'd seen the questions in Winn's eyes, although he hadn't asked where she was going, taking in the sleek, put together appearance of the young woman. Wearing a crisp white shirt and navy suit, a heavy navy coat with a fur collar pulled on over the top of the blazer, she looked like a businesswoman. She'd even taken the time to do her hair properly, slicked back into a severe ponytail, her makeup perfect down to her eyeliner and red lips. It wouldn't do to look unkempt and frazzled.

Catching a cab to the wealthier inner district, she watched as they turned down wide, familiar streets, perfectly trimmed trees lining the neatly swept sidewalks at intervals. The houses were all near-identical brownstones sitting side by side, expensive cars parked along the curbs, women walking miniature expensive dogs, businessmen in suits with ears pressed to their phones as they rushed out of their homes. It was barely seven o'clock in the morning, the city humming with activity as the yellow cab wound its way through the streets, eventually coming to a stop outside three connected brownstones. The usual cars were parked outside, the same as they always were nearly two years ago, and as she paid the cab driver, handing him a few folded notes, she saw a curtain move in one of the windows overlooking the street.