Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 34: The Encounter

The next morning, Vivian finally messaged Mia back.

To Mia:
You and Char come have dinner with us tonight. We really need to talk through things with Siobhan. She isn't thinking clearly... she just wants to be free— can't blame her for that. And even if we go through with this plan... we can't fly by the seat of our pants!

Vivian placed her phone back on the bedside table. Turning toward her blonde beauty, she watched Siobhan sleep peacefully. Brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, she whispered, "I love you, Bon..."

Siobhan stirred awake, her lips curving into a faint smile as she leaned into Vivian's touch. "I love you, Viv," she murmured in a raspy tone. Her eyes fluttered open, catching the soft light filtering through the curtains.

Vivian's face lights up as a smile appears across her face, "Good morning, sleepyhead!"

Siobhan groaned playfully as she pulls the covers over her head. "What are you doing up so early? I'm usually the one dragging you out of bed..."

Vivian bites her lip and scrunches her face as she pulls the cover down from Siobhan's face.

This isn't going to be easy... I need to brace myself for her reaction.

"I was just messaging Mia. She is coming over with Char tonight for dinner."

Siobhan narrows her eyes pushing herself up against the headboard. "Mia and Char? Why?"

Vivian hesitated, slightly looking away, before confessing, "I, um... kinda went off on Mia about encouraging your plan... so they are coming over so we can talk about Roger and how to move forward."

Siobhan clinched her jaw and in a low and controlled, "Vivian..."

Vivian reached for her, placing a hand on her thigh. "I know, baby. I know. But you told me about it—you're serious about going through with it. And I get it. I know you're eager to be completely free, but it's a dangerous plan."

Siobhan dropped her head, her voice soft and breaking slightly. "I just... I just wanted you to know what I was thinking. I didn't mean to drag Mia and Char into this... I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me. I've already caused enough..."

"Baby, stop." Vivian cupped Siobhan's cheek, her tone gentle but firm. "You didn't drag anyone into anything. But if we're going after Roger, we need everyone on the same page. Mia knows Roger and Bennie better than anyone. Now that this plan is back on the table, we have to do this together."

Siobhan's gaze met Vivian's, her resolve softening. "Dinner?"

"Dinner," Vivian confirmed with a soft chuckle, leaning in to place a tender kiss on Siobhan's lips.

The couple finally got out of bed and made their way to the kitchen. After a quick breakfast, Vivian opened the fridge, surveying its sparse contents. She moved to the cabinets, frowning as she realized they'd need a few more ingredients for dinner.

"Bon, I'm going to have to do a quick run to the store," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "You want to come with me?"

Siobhan leaned against the doorway, her arms loosely crossed. "Yeah, I'll go," she said with a small smile.

They quickly got dressed and headed out the door, falling into an easy rhythm as they drove. But the moment they pulled into the car park, Siobhan froze. Her eyes locked onto a car parked two spaces over, its make and color all too familiar.

Her chest tightened, and her breathing quickened.

There's no way that's Roger's car. He doesn't do his own shopping. Breathe, Siobhan. It's not him.

Vivian turned off the ignition and reached for her seatbelt, but stopped as soon as she saw Siobhan's face. The lightness in her expression vanished, replaced by worry.

"Baby, what's wrong?" she asked softly, resting a steadying hand on Siobhan's knee.

Siobhan tore her gaze away from the car and forced herself to meet Vivian's eyes. "It's nothing—really," she said, her voice thin and unconvincing. "I thought I saw Roger's car, but that's not possible. He never does his own shopping."

Vivian's hand stayed on Siobhan's knee, her thumb brushing small circles of reassurance. "Are you sure? We don't have to go in if you're not feeling up to it."

Siobhan shook her head, inhaling deeply and forcing herself to exhale slowly. "No, it's fine. I'm fine. It's just... my mind playing tricks on me." She offered a shaky smile, trying to convince them both.

Vivian didn't look convinced, but she nodded anyway. "Okay. But if you change your mind, we're leaving. No questions asked."

Siobhan closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she stepped out of the car. She quickly made her way around to Vivian, slipping her hand into hers. She needed to feel grounded—needed to feel Vivian close.

They entered the store, heading straight to the aisles with the ingredients for dinner. Moving efficiently, they grabbed the last few items for their spaghetti meal. Just as they were about to check out, an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air.

"Siobhan."

Her whole body froze. The color drained from her face as her chest tightened. She gripped Vivian's hand like a lifeline and slowly turned.

"Roger..."

Vivian's instincts took over. She stepped in front of Siobhan protectively, her posture rigid, her grip on Siobhan's hand firm. Roger's lips curled into a smug smirk.

"Well, nice to see you again, Vivian," he said, his voice dripping with mock civility. "No need to get all protective—relax."

Vivian's glare was sharp enough to cut steel. If looks could kill, Roger would be on the floor.

Behind her, Siobhan's voice came in a trembling whisper. "What does he mean, 'again'?"

Vivian's heart skipped a beat. She kept her eyes locked on Roger, her tone low and urgent. "Not now," she murmured to Siobhan.

Her voice grew sharper as she addressed him. "Leave us alone, Roger."

Roger chuckled—a low, chilling sound—and gave a lazy shrug. "As you wish." He turned and walked away, his steps unhurried, his presence lingering like a dark shadow.

Siobhan was trembling. Vivian turned to her immediately, wrapping her arms around the smaller woman. "It's okay," she murmured, her voice soft and soothing. Siobhan melted into her embrace, finding the safety she always felt in Vivian's arms.

Vivian pulled back slightly, cupping Siobhan's face in her hands. "Let's get out of here, huh?"

Siobhan nodded numbly, letting Vivian lead her back to the car. Once inside, she stared down at the floorboard, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What did he mean, 'nice to see you again'?"

Vivian let out a heavy sigh, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she braced herself. "The day I had that nightmare... he ran into me in the hospital car park," she admitted reluctantly. "He threatened me. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. You were so happy, and I didn't want him to ruin that."

Siobhan's fists clenched in her lap, her jaw tight as her mind raced. This encounter wasn't just a reminder of Roger's looming presence—it was proof. He wouldn't stop. And all it did was solidify her resolve.

She had to take action— soon.