Shattered Perfection

Thirteen

Siobhan had been called into the Knight Nursery due to a complaining, angry parent. They wanted to talk to someone at head office to complain about the food their child was eating. Of course, Roger sent her to sort it out. He had another important meeting with Janice regarding the merger. She could deal with an aggressive parent, they can't be as bad as Roger.

'For goodness sake Marjorie, isn't this something that you or Autumn could handle?' she barked as soon as she walked into the office.

Autumn rolled her eyes but Marjorie was insistent, 'the parent absolutely wanted to discuss this with someone at a higher level.' She replied ushering her towards the family room. Siobhan rolled her eyes and stomped across the corridor. As soon as she pushed open the door she smelled the familiar perfume.

'Viv?' she was surprised.

'Hi Bon bon,' Vivian replied, 'long time no see.' She gave Siobhan an awkward smile.

Siobhan was flustered. 'Marjorie didn't tell me it was you.' She ran her hands along her hair nervously. 'What, um, what is the matter with the food?' She hated how nervous she sounded.

'Nothing,' shrugged Vivian who started to rock back and forth on her heels, 'I just wanted to talk to you.' She motioned to the sofa in the room, 'shall we sit?' Siobhan nodded and moved forward, perching stiffly on the edge of the sofa. Siobhan looked at Viv's face, she looked nervous too.

'Viv what is it? Is everything ok with Jamie?' she asked, concerned.

Vivian smiled, 'Jamie is fine, thriving here thanks. No, what I want to talk about is you.' She looked up at Siobhan through her fringe. Siobhan looked confused. She pressed on before her courage failed her. 'Siobhan, I know what you are dealing with. I've been there. I can help you.' Siobhan stood up quickly, looking to escape. She couldn't talk about it, she was too ashamed. She didn't want Vivian to think less of her. 'I know you are going to say that you're fine,' Vivian stood up too, her hands held out. She moved in front of the door so Siobhan couldn't just run. She reached forward tentatively and took Siobhan's small, cold hand in hers covering it with her other hand. Siobhan closed her eyes and dropped her head. She didn't know if it was the warmth of Vivian's hands or just that she was touching her but she craved it. She was always cold now, her weight loss was becoming significant as Roger didn't let her eat much. Vivian could feel the bird like bones in her hand.

'Bon bon, please,' she begged, 'we have a plan, let us help you.' Siobhan looked into her warm eyes.

'Who is we?' she whispered, afraid if she fully voiced her consent that Roger would hear.

Vivian explained what the siblings were trying to do and that they needed her help. They both sat back on the sofa, closer than before. Vivian kept hold of Siobhan's hands. She had missed their meetings, their closeness. Siobhan hadn't touched another soul for weeks. Roger had touched her, but it wasn't something she wanted. She tentatively reached her hand up and slid her fingers along Vivian's jaw. Viv closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. 'I've missed you bon,' she whispered.

'I've missed you too,' Siobhan replied.

Vivian knew she was attracted to Siobhan, wanted to be with her, wake up in the morning with her in her arms. But she didn't know what Siobhan wanted. For the moment, Viv was happy to be her friend and shelter her from harm.

'When do they need to get into the safe?' asked Siobhan.

'As soon as possible,' Vivian replied 'they're waiting in the office to talk to you.' Siobhan took a deep breath. 'You can do this,' reassured Vivian 'I will be with you all the way.'

Siobhan looked into Viv's eyes, 'what if he comes after you? I couldn't bare it if anything happened to you or Jamie.'

It was a fear of Viv's as well, what might happen, but she knew what definitely would happen if Siobhan stayed with him. 'We will be ok, it isn't just you anymore. There is a small determined army at your back. Remember that. Be brave.'

Siobhan nodded and smiled a little, 'are you part of that army?' she asked tentatively.

Vivian smiled at her, 'I'm leading the charge, love.'

They came out of the family room, Viv kept her hand on Siobhan's back to let her know she was there. The office was crowded. Siobhan paused in the doorway. The strong, ice queen they had been used to had been reduced to an anxious, pale, painfully thin woman. Charlotte moved forward backed up by Marjorie.

'Come in Siobhan,' Charlotte said gently, 'it's ok.'

'Yes, my love, come and sit down and we'll have a chat.' Marjorie ushered Siobhan over to a chair, closely followed by Vivian.

Reece was aware that he was a tall male who might be considered imposing so he remained seated at the side of the room. He did not want to make her feel more uncomfortable than she already did. 'Siobhan, I am so sorry that you are in this position.' He said, 'My father is a manipulative, abusive man. Aut and I know first hand what he is like. Please know that you are safe with us.' Siobhan looked sceptically at them all. Vivian put her hand gently on her shoulder.

'Bon,' she said quietly. Siobhan took a deep breath.

'What do you need me to do?' she asked.