Shattered Perfection

Eight

Every day that Vivian dropped off or collected she checked whether Siobhan was at her desk. But each day she was disappointed and the pit of worry in her stomach grew. She didn't know why this woman seemed to affect her so much, she was beautiful, stunning. But she could see past her icy demeaner, her armour that would encase her and see her fragility and vulnerability. It made Vivian want to scoop her up and never let go. Finally, the Monday meeting came around. Vivian was distracted throughout work. Her friend, Carl nudged her elbow as she stared off into space during her lunchbreak, 'Earth to Viv, hey are you in there?' He waved a hand in front of her face. Vivian blinked and laughed.

'Oh, sorry Carl, did you need me?'

Carl sunk down into the chair next to her with a sigh, 'no you were just miles off, again. Still thinking about her?'

'I've got a meeting with her this afternoon before I collect Jamie,' replied Vivian.

Carl had seen the bruises and burns, he knew domestic abuse when he saw it. 'Viv, you can't help her until she wants help and clearly, she didn't this time.'

'You didn't see the terror in her eyes, she can't think clearly with him dominating her all the time. I have to give her the option. She has no one, no family or friends. Someone has to make the first move.' She replied. Carl sighed again.

'Well, I hope you get a better reception this time,'

Vivian pushed open the warm, inviting doors of the nursery with one hand while the other held the two coffees. The building emitted a warmth into the gathering dusk. The majority of children had been collected with a few in the one room with a couple of adults. As she walked to the office she bumped into Charlotte who was bundled up in her coat, car keys in hand. 'Oh, hey Viv,' Charlotte smiled.

'Hey Charlotte, how's it going?'

'Fine, better now it's the end of the day!' Charlotte laughed. 'Hey, actually I wanted to say thank you for speaking to Siobhan, she went to hospital and her wrist has a bone bruise. I don't know what you said but I think it helped.'

Vivian watched Charlotte's eyes. She was as perceptive as Vivian and didn't miss much. They held each other's gaze, 'No problem, in fact I've got a meeting with her in a moment. I hope she's been taking it easy.'

'I'm not sure she knows how to,' Charlotte replied. 'For that you need peace and quiet.'

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. Vivian nodded, 'yes you do.' She took a deep breath. 'I best go to the meeting. Have a good evening Charlotte.'

'Thanks, you too.' Charlotte replied.

Vivian walked into the office. 'Evening Marjorie,' she said.

'Oh, hello my love!' Marjorie replied with a smile, 'ready for your meeting?'

'Yes' Vivian replied softly.

'Well, Siobhan tripped at home and has hurt her wrist and back, which is unlucky isn't it?' Marjorie held Vivian's gaze a beat longer than necessary.

'Oh, that is terrible luck.' Vivian replied, turning to Siobhan, 'how is it feeling?'

'Sore, what do you think?' Siobhan replied waspishly.

'Still her cheerful self!' replied Marjorie rolling her eyes, 'the family room is free for you, unless you want me to take the meeting?'

'No thank you Marjorie. Come on Siobhan, I've brought coffee.' Vivian said holding up the cups. She turned her back on Siobhan and walked across the corridor. After Siobhan had crossed the threshold Viv closed the door behind her.

'Now, how are you really?' she said softly. Siobhan kept her back to her.

'Fine,' Siobhan whispered, 'really I'm fine, please don't tell them.'

Vivian looked at Siobhan's sloping shoulders and her heart broke. 'I won't, I can't anyway, patient confidentiality.' She made her way in front of Siobhan and lifted her chin with her finger. 'I brought some more dressings, for your back. Would you like me to change them?'

Siobhan blushed and glanced at the door. 'I can lock it.' Vivian said walking over and locking the door, placing a chair in front of it just in case. 'Let's have a look at you love,' she said gently. Her tone of voice made Siobhan tingle, she was confused with her feelings for Viv. She desperately wanted to be in her presence all the time but she couldn't be attracted to her, could she? Vivian helped Siobhan remove her shirt before reaching into her bag and pulled out the supplies she had taken from the hospital and snapped on some gloves. She made no mention of the fresh bruises or the handprint on her side. She slowly peeled the bandages off Siobhan's back, the blonde woman hissing softly.

'Sorry,' murmured Vivian, noticing goose bumps erupting on the back of Siobhan's neck where her breath disturbed her hair. She carefully cleaned and dressed the recovering burns. 'You're doing a good job of keeping them clean and dry. I expect it's difficult by yourself.'

'I manage.' Siobhan muttered. The feeling of peace and safety washed over her while Vivian cared for her wounds. She dropped her head forward, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She was so tired. Vivian smoothed the edges of the bandage and placed her hands on Siobhan's bare shoulders.

'All done, let's get you dressed.' She took the shirt from Siobhan before threading her arms through and pulling it over her head. Siobhan's always perfect hair was slightly ruffled and Vivian couldn't help but run her fingers through it to smooth it out.

'Viv,' Siobhan said softly. Vivian looked down into Siobhan's eyes.

'What love?' she murmured.

'Thank you.'

They spent the next ten minutes talking about nothing while they drank their coffees. Viv tried her best to make Siobhan's wry smile dance across her lips. 'Same time next week?' Viv asked. Siobhan's eyes lit up.

'That would be nice,' she replied with a small smile.

They walked to the door. Before stopping and facing each other. Siobhan reached out slowly and stroked Vivian's cheek. She held her breath. 'Thank you for being my friend.' Siobhan breathed before opening the door and walking across the corridor. Vivian took a deep breath, smiled to herself before walking down the corridor to get her boy.