Shattered Perfection

Nine

For the next few weeks Vivian and Siobhan had 'meetings' at the nursery. Sat in the cosy family room both clutching coffees, they would chat about anything and everything. Viv would always try and get Siobhan to laugh, telling her outlandish stories from the a&e department. Occasionally, she would notice new bruise the Siobhan had tried to cover. This would break Viv's heart, but she knew if she raised it then Siobhan might retreat into her hard exterior again. She wanted to develop her friendship with her in the hope she would confide in her. Vivian dropped Jamie into his room, he loved the staff and was always happy to bounce into the nursery. Knowing he was settled helped elevate some of the 'mum guilt' for having to work full time. As she walked along the corridor she hears Agatha the receptionist and Siobhan talking. Siobhan was trying to get her to speak nicer to the parent. She's one to talk, Vivian thought with a smile. She saw Siobhan roll her eyes. Her slim frame was being hugged by a form fitting dress and her hair looked amazing. Vivian smiled as she came up to her. 'Hello, hello,' she said cheerfully. Siobhan turned and a smile spread across her face.

'Hello Vivian,' Siobhan replied. Just seeing that smile gave Vivian butterflies in her stomach.

'There is lots of chatter about a merger with a couple of other nurseries. I guess you can't say anything about it though, right?'

'I'm sure it come up in our next meeting,' Siobhan replied softly. She smiled at Vivian and Vivian returned it with a warm smile of her own.

'Black Americano again?' she asked, her eyes raking Siobhan's form.

Siobhan's features had softened and she had lost the hard shell she normally had. Agatha was fascinated with the exchange. She could feel the sexual tension between the women but knew that Siobhan was in a relationship with the owner of the nurseries. It was an interesting puzzle.

'I shall see you next Monday at half 9.' Siobhan said sweetly.

Vivian smiled back at her, 'I shall see you then,' she said before walking out of the nursery and to her car, parked in her usual spot at the far side of the car park. Siobhan watched her go, she felt such peace and safety with Vivian. She could let down her guard and say anything without fear of reprisal. She desperately wanted to run her fingers through Vivian's hair to see if it was as soft as it looked.

'My, my' Agatha's brisk voice cut through Siobhan's thoughts, 'what a charming lady that was. Is she available for coffee meet ups for everybody?' Jealousy flared like a flame in Siobhan's chest. She wanted to shout 'Mine!' at Agatha, she did not want to share. 'Since we are trying to be nicer with the parents it would be a good way to bridge the gap.' Siobhan was shocked and angry. Vivian was hers!

'No! So, don't even bother asking,' Siobhan replied. She left Agatha muttering to herself and went back to the office to continue her work. Her mind was buzzing and she felt a bit sick. She realised what she felt was jealousy but what did it mean? She didn't want anyone to intrude in her and Vivian's relationship. They were friends but she couldn't deny the attraction she felt on her side. She wondered if Vivian felt the same. Alongside that attraction was confusion. She knew she had said some horribly homophobic things to some of the parents but did she really feel that way or was she just repeating what had been told to her as a child. These meetings with Vivian were promoting a lot of introspection and deep thought for Siobhan. She was still enduring Roger's temper and frequent bouts of violence but the time with Vivian was showing her another way. One of peace, safety and love.

A couple of days later Vivian called into the nursery office, 'Hiya Marjorie,' she called to the nursery manager. The bespectacled woman turned with a smile on her face,

'Oh, hello Vivian, you alright?'

'Yeah, I'm good thank you. How are you?' Vivian returned the smile. She always liked the manager who cared for both staff and children.