Time skip: (now the night they are going out for drinks)
It has been about two and a half weeks since the ball. Siobhan worked at the nurseries regularly now, working there instead of head office to shield her from Roger. No one had heard from him since the ball, which put everyone on edge.
Siobhan had always been the kind of person who projected an image of confidence and control, hiding the sorrow fact she had none of her own. Roger stole it all from her and ripped it apart infront of her. For the past few weeks, the group had noticed a change in Siobhan; to them, she appeared to be thriving. She came into work every day, engaged in conversations with a newfound warmth that had been lost before. Siobhan had become more friendly, showing her true self. A kind and shy woman rather than the cruel, sharp person she had often presented as in the past. While she maintained her sternness, a trait that had earned her respect, she balanced it with a friendly demeanor that she was slowly learning.
Yet, beneath this mask, lay a heart still heavy with fear and a mind clouded by the haze of booze. The truth was that Siobhan was far from okay. Work was the only place she felt she could feel covered, not overshadowed by the relentless urge to drink, to escape the memories that haunted her. The smell of liquor on her own breath would sometimes trigger thoughts of Roger. Each sip of whiskey was an attempt to drown out those memories. She often found herself at the bottom of a bottle, the wine swirling in her glass, taunting her in a way. It felt like an unbreakable cycle. The more she drank, the more she thought of Roger and the more she thought of him, the more she drank. The thought of seeking help was terrifying; what would people think? Would they still see her as the strong, capable woman they believed her to be? Or would they see her as weak, a failure for not being able to cope?
She already felt vulnerable for the past couple months; her breakdowns, the way she begged silently for help and no one noticed. Until Vivian.
"Siobhan?" Siobhan jumped slightly as she was snapped from her thoughts. "you still coming out tonight?" Marjorie asked.
"yes, kings arms?"
"8pm!"
"I'll see you there" She smirked watching Marjorie stroll off down the hallway. Her grin slowly faded, she was alone in the nursery, left to lock up but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. The car park was empty and so was the building. "Im just being paranoid" she thought to herself as she walked home. She opened the door, greeted by Vivian who wrapped her arms around her neck. Jamie bounced in between them with his teddy tucked between his arms. He dragged Siobhan upstairs into his bed and thrusted a book towards her.
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Vivian's PoV:
I watched Siobhan as she sat on the floor with Jamie, reading him a book. Her voice was soft and calming. It was the sweetest thing, especially since Siobhan is usually such a stern woman. Seeing her so gentle and nurturing was a whole new side of her. Jamie melted into her arms as he drifted to sleep. I couldn't help but admire how naturally she took to it. It made me feel warm seeing them together. My two favourite people, close and cuddled up together. I carefully stood up and snuck out of the room. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that Jamie was in such good hands. I'm definitely in love. I just hoped one day soon we could make it official. Knowing she could be mine. That she could be safe with me. That's all I could ever want. Siobhan quietly crept down the stairs, picking up the parcel placed on the counter. She let out a hushed, excited gasp and began to open it on her way back to the bedroom. I couldn't help but laugh slightly. Siobhan has such a kind and loving soul. I'm glad she trusted me enough to let it shine. She deserved that sense of belonging. I hope she believed that belonging was with me. The few kisses we have shared have gone unmentioned like she had forgotten. Never to be spoken about again. I couldn't help but wonder if she liked me at all. I push down my worries and let her lead me back to the room.
