Halloween had rolled around a lot quicker than Vivian had expected. She had planned to spend the night taking Jamie trick or treating. This was their first halloween in the neighbourhood and Vivian was really hoping he could meet some other children his age in the area.
However, being a single parent and a nurse, sometimes plans were interrupted. There was a shortage of staff at the hospital, and Vivian had to work a double on halloween day. Her heart broke as she knew this meant Jamie would miss out on trick or treating. He had been so excited; himself and Viv went to the shops a few weeks earlier to pick out a costume, Jamie picking out a spider-man costume. It was his latest obsession. But now, it would collect dust in the closet. Viv felt deflated. It was the day before halloween and now she had to break the news to her son at the last minute.
As Vivian made her way to pick up Jamie from nursery, she was in her own head, wondering how she was going to explain this to her son. As she made her way into the building, Viv was suddenly brought from her thoughts when she heard a voice that would always bring a smile to her face. Siobhan.
She could hear the blonde having a conversation with Marjorie in the office, she couldn't help but smile. Her sarcastic attitude always made her giggle.
Just as Vivian went to keep walking down to collect Jamie, Siobhan appeared in front of her. The two looking straight into each others eyes, grins appearing across both of their faces.
"Hiya, Bon-Bon, you alright?"
"Hello Viv, I'm okay thank you, how are you?"
Viv couldn't help but look down. She couldn't shake the guilt that was eating her up that work had to take priority over her son once again. She knew he was too young to full understand, but it still hurt nonetheless.
"Viv, are you okay?"
"What- yeah, yeah i'm okay."
Siobhan looked deep into Vivs eyes, tilting her head slightly, she knew she wasn't telling the truth. The pair could read each other like a book, they'd had enough time together during their meetings, they'd learnt to pick up on shifts in the other's body language.
"Viv," The blondes voice was so soft, Viv could've broken on the spot. "what's wrong?"
"Uhm-" Vivian couldn't quite get the words together as she felt a lump form in her throat.
"It's uhm, it's about Jamie."
Siobhan's eyes widened immediately.
"Is he okay? Is there something wrong?"
"Oh god, no, no. It's just, the hospital is really short staffed, so I have to work a double tomorrow, meaning-"
Siobhan swiftly cut Vivian off, "so you can't take him trick or treating?"
"Yeah."
"I'll take him."
Viv looked up in utter shock. She couldn't quite believe what she had heard, and by the look on Siobhan's face, it seemed she had shocked herself too.
"Bon, you really don't have to-"
"No." Siobhan looked up at Viv a smile appearing on her face. "I want to."
Vivian really couldn't quite comprehend what she was hearing. Siobhan, the woman who, despite her job, typically couldn't stand children, was offering to take Jamie trick or treating.
"Uhm. Are you sure? You really don't-"
"Viv, it's fine. It might be fun, and you know I've said I'll always help out with Jamie where I can."
