It does get better. (Autumn Knight)

Chapter three

TW : Abbandonnement

''Hello the Knight Nursery''

I said while picking up the phone.

''Autumn? It's Charlotte.'' ''Hello Charlotte, what can I do for you?'' ''I'm so sorry but my little one has caught a sickness bug from school. There is no one to stay with her so I can't come in. I am really sorry.'' ''It's okay, we'll manage hopefully she feels better soon. Bye''

I hung up the phone and looked at the schedule. There was no one to cover for her so it had to be me. I let a huge sigh out and then it dawned on me, it was the mother's day craft today. We had invited all the mom's to join us for a special morning. I always tried to stay clear of the rooms on that day's for obvious reasons but I really had no choice today. I closed my eyes and bit my lip in anger. I still had a few minutes to compose myself before going in the classroom.

***

28 years ago

''Mommy please don't go. I will be nice. Don't leave me here alone.''

I said while sobbing. The front porch was packed with her suitcases. I was pulling on her as hard as I could, when I felt someone grabbing my waist and pick me up.

''It's okay Aut' come with me.''

''NNNOOO I want to go with mom! Let me go!''

I was fighting hard to get out of Reece's arms, but he was to strong for me. The only thing I could do was watch as mom packed the car.

'' Mummy, please stay!''

I yelled while she got in the car and never looked back.

When I finaly got free from Reece I began chasing the car. I ran as long and as far as my legs could hold me, then I collapsed in tears by the side of the road.

After a few minutes I felt Reece's arm again, wrapping me up, but this time he was soft. I threw myself against him and sobbed heavily.

''Why did she leave?''

I said between sobs.

''Was I bad? Didn't she love us?''

''I don't know Aut, I really don't know''

He said softly while stroking my hair. I looked up at him and wiped some of my tears away.

''Are you going to leave me too?''

He looked straight into my eyes before saying.

''Never''

He gave me a little kiss on the forehead and stood up while grabbing my hand.

''Come on, let's go home''

We walked back in silence while I was still soflty sobbing.

***

Seeing her leave that day had broken me completly. I still remembered the feeling of waiting for her to come back day after day. The first year I still made her cards for every occasion. I would put them on my desk, hopping to give them to her when she came back, wich she never did. No one knew this but I still had them, hidden away in a safe.

The phone ringing startled me back into reality.

''Knight nursery?''

''Autumn? It's Carly, I am going to be over ratio and Char's still not in. Have you seen her?''

''Sorry, she's not coming in one of her daughter is sick. I lost track of the time i'm coming. to cover for her''

I hung up the phone, closed my eyes to brace myself for the day and left the office.