tw: depictions of domestic violence.
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Over the next week, Siobhan thought a lot about calling Vivian. Most nights, she would fantasise what it would be like to have a friend. She'd never really had any, even during her childhood. She imagined what it would feel like to know she had support, that she had somebody she could turn to in a time of need. She'd act out conversations in her head, wishing they were a reality. But they weren't. She'd always been alone. That's probably what made it so easy for Roger to manipulate her, take the poor girl under his wing, and then completely control her life. And Siobhan was sure this man was going to be what ended it. She was convinced it was too late for her to get her happy ending.
It was a dull, drizzly Friday night when the blonde stepped out of the doors to the nursery, a sense of disappointment and dread washing over her; she didn't work on weekends. The next two days of her life would be spent entirely walking on eggshells around Roger, fearing for her safety.
Siobhan unlocked the door to her car, looking up from the floor, and as she was about to get in, she saw a woman sat on the curb of the car park, with her head in her hands. A little boy sat next to her, lining up rocks. Siobhan wasn't sure, she couldn't make out through the darkness but she thought it was Vivian. It looked like her. But if it wasn't, she didn't want to go over there.
Suddenly, the woman lifted up her head, moving her hair out of her face, and Siobhan noticed two things. Most important, it was Vivian. Secondly, she was crying. And without hesitation, she walked over. As she approached, the black haired woman looked up, staring at her with surprise.
"Siobhan?"
Siobhan looked at her puffy eyes and her mascara smudged cheeks. She admired her vulnerability. Siobhan always did her best to keep her feelings buried away until she was alone.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. I just don't have a way to get Jamie home. Can't walk that distance with him, and my phone died." She replied, the stress increasingly audible in her tone of voice.
"Why's that?" Siobhan questioned, "You drive."
Vivian looked up at her, "I was... at the bar down the road. His dad was supposed to pick him up tonight." She said, gesturing towards her son.
"But silly me for thinking I could trust that man to do anything, hey?"
Siobhan looked at her pitifully.
"Oh.. I'm sorry Vivian."
Viv shrugged and took a deep breath. She looked over at Jamie and ruffled his hair.
"Sorry kiddo, I promise we'll get home soon." She sighed, before planting a kiss on the side of his head. Jamie on the other hand seemed unbothered, he was enjoying lining up his little stones, perfectly content.
The blonde looked at the other woman and the small child in front of her. And for the first time in a while, she let her walls down. She allowed herself to feel the pain of others. She sympathised with Vivian, imagining how lonely she must feel. Siobhan knew all too well about being lonely. For once, she let a different emotion override her fear of Roger. She wanted to return Vivian's generosity, despite her mind screaming at her to just get home.
"I can give you a ride." Siobhan said, ignoring the horrific anticipation of what would happen to her when she faced Roger.
"Really," Viv said, standing up. "Siobhan thank you so much. Thank you." she smiled, wiping the tears from her face.
"Come on Jamie."
Vivain grabbed his hand and followed Siobhan to her car. However, half stumbling, she caught Siobhan's attention.
"Will he be okay with you?"
"I'm not off my head, I can get him to bed and sober up. Don't you worry."
As they approached the car, Siobhan turned around to speak. But already anticipating what the other was going to say, Vivian spoke,
"I'll sit him on my lap. Don't worry."
