Shattered Perfection

Thirty Eight

Vivian returned to work on the Monday, leaving Siobhan to continue her recovery. She didn't want to leave her but she couldn't take more time off. She kissed Siobhan deeply before heading out of the door. Siobhan used the opportunity to contact a therapist. They had discussed it over the weekend and both agreed that talking to a professional would be beneficial. Siobhan didn't want to burden Viv with talking through upsetting experiences even though Viv was willing to give her the time. She took the advice from Woman's Aid and contacted one of their recommended therapists, a woman specialising in domestic and financial abuse and coercion. Siobhan was going to see her at the end of the week.

Siobhan was eating and sleeping better than she had in months and it was starting to show. Her face was losing the hollowness and dark circles round her eyes. Her bruises were now a wonderful array of green and yellow. She was due her stitches out from her cheek in a couple of days. She was still jumpy at loud noises and didn't feel too comfortable being on her own at home but she was determined to do it. She could feel her confidence growing slowly.

After lunch, she made her way to the Knight nursery. She was meeting with Marjorie and Autumn to discuss her future employment. She was a bit nervous being out and about by herself. Roger wouldn't let her go far without checking in with her and demanding she should come home. As she sat in the car park at the nursery her new mobile pinged. Shrugging off the feeling of déjà vu she fished it out of her bag. It was a message from Vivian.

'Hey lovely lady, I hope the meeting with Marjorie and Autumn goes well. I'm sure it will. I'm missing you like mad and can't wait to see you later and hear all about your day. Love you xx'

Siobhan smiled to herself. It may have been initial déjà vu but her relationship with Vivian was nothing like it was with Roger. She felt a warm contentment flood her body before quickly typing out a reply.

'Hey Viv, I'm just about to go in. I'm a little nervous. I'll tell you all about it later. I can't wait to see you either, missing you lots. Love you xx'

She slipped the phone back into her bag before stepping out and walking in through the front door. Charlotte was ushering some toddlers down the corridor, she gave Siobhan a cheery wave.

'Bon bon!' a little voice called out brightly. It was Jamie, his face was alight with excitement.

'Hello Jamie,' she said, 'are you having a good day?'

'Yes' He called 'bye bye' he gave her a wave, his other hand holding onto Charlotte.

'See you tonight,' she called after him. Turning she walked into the office.

'Hello my love!' said Marjorie brightly.

'Afternoon Marjorie,' she said, 'Autumn.' She acknowledged. Autumn nodded at her. She sat down. Marjorie smiled at her.

'You're looking well.' She said.

'Thank you.' Siobhan replied. 'I'm feeling a lot better.'

'How's Vivian?' Autumn asked raising her eyebrow. Marjorie shot her a look.

'Viv's fine thank you. Back at work today.' Siobhan replied not rising to the bait.

'How are you doing at home by yourself?' asked Marjorie looking concerned.

Siobhan took a breath. She had spent so long with a façade, a mask that kept people out. Learning to let people in was difficult. 'It's ok, but I'm still finding the quietness unsettling.' She said quietly.

'I bet.' Marjorie replied. 'Well, shall we talk about you returning to work when you're ready?' She said brightly. Siobhan nodded.

'Reece and I have spoken to the lawyer about getting your back pay. That should happen in the next couple of months.' Autumn said softly. 'You are still on the board of directors.'

Siobhan nodded. 'We will be filing the documents to take over the nursery and vote my father off.'

'What about Janice?' Siobhan.

'She's being voted off too.' Marjorie said wrinkling her nose in distaste. 'Horrible witch.' She muttered. 'Sorry, not very professional.'

'But correct.' Autumn agreed. The corner of Siobhan's mouth turned up in agreement.

'When do you think you would like to come back to work?' Marjorie asked. Siobhan had discussed this with Vivian.

'I would like to try next week.' Siobhan replied.

'Do you want to start off with a week of half days?' Marjorie asked.

'Yes, I think that's sensible. I am feeling a lot better but I do fatigue quite quickly.' Siobhan admitted.

'Great, we're looking forward to having you back.' Marjorie said smiling. Siobhan blushed slightly, no one ever looked forward to seeing her before.

Autumn reached for a file on her desk. 'The lawyer has been in touch, he wants to go through potential questions you might be asked if you take the witness stand.' Siobhan immediately tensed up, her hands clenched into fists in her lap. Autumn didn't miss the shift. 'Is this something you feel you can do at the moment?' Siobhan stared at her fists in her lap for some time. Marjorie and Autumn shared a glance.

'My love,' Marjorie approached her touching her shoulder lightly. Siobhan jumped.

'Sorry,' she said quietly. 'Not yet, not now,'

'Ok,' Marjorie said softly. 'That's not a problem, you don't have to do anything you don't want to.' Siobhan took a deep shuddering breath.

'Siobhan.' Autumn said seriously. She looked up and met Autumn's steady gaze. 'My Father and Janice will go to prison for a long time. You are free. You are a strong woman and have a strong woman by your side. Once the court case is over, you will never have to think about them again. They will be part of your history, not your future. We are all behind you and will support you in any way possible. You can do this.' Siobhan held Autumn's gaze for a while longer before nodding firmly.

'Ok.' She replied.

That evening Vivian returned home with Jamie, who she'd collected en route. He had told her all about seeing his Bon bon at his nursery earlier. When they came through the door he ran to Siobhan and threw his arms around her legs. She crouched down and gave him a proper hug. He then skipped into the living room where Vivian had put his favourite cartoon on tv. She walked back to Siobhan and enveloped her in a hug, sighing with contentment.

'How was your day,' she said, her voice muffled by Siobhan's hair. Siobhan buried her face in Viv's neck.

'It was ok.' She said. Viv pulled back and looked at her more closely.

'Just ok?' she asked carefully.

'It was lovely seeing Jamie earlier.' Siobhan said smiling.

'Don't change the subject. What happened?' Vivian said worriedly. 'Was it the meeting at the nursery?'

Siobhan shrugged, 'Partly, I'm starting back next week on half days to see how I go.'

'That's good,' encouraged Vivian. 'I can sense a but here.'

'But the lawyer wants me to talk through what I'd say on the stand if I get called as a witness.' Siobhan finally admitted. Vivian hugged her again, knowing how difficult Siobhan was going to find this.

'Are you going to?' Viv asked. Siobhan nodded.

'Autumn spoke to me. I can do it.' She repeated.

'Yes you can.' Viv responded.