Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 36: Jamie

* It's a little long... I just felt like there was no way Vivian could be away from Jamie for so long 🤷‍♀️

Vivian had really been missing Jamie, but with the uncertainty of what Roger was capable of—and the plan she and her friends had in motion—she wasn't ready to bring him home yet.

"Bon Bon, do you want to come with me to my parents' house to spend the day with them and Jamie?"

Siobhan's eyes lit up, a flicker of warmth breaking through the guilt she'd carried for weeks. "I'd love to, Viv. When do you think he'll come home, though?"

Vivian's smile faltered. She slipped her hands into her pockets, her gaze lowering briefly. "After things with Roger... and this plan... are settled."

Siobhan's heart sank. The guilt pressed down harder, her shoulders slumping as she dropped her head. "I'm so sorry, Viv. I'm sorry I caused this. That I—"

"Stop."

Vivian knelt in front of her, her hands gentle but firm—one resting on Siobhan's knee, the other lifting her chin so their eyes met. Her voice softened, but her words were steady. "Listen to me very carefully, Bon. This is not your fault, baby. It's all Roger. He's the one who brought this chaos into your life... into our lives. But I love you, Bon. I'm ready to fight for you—for us. We'll get through this together, okay? You and me."

Siobhan swallowed hard, her vision blurring as Vivian leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her lips. The tenderness undid her, and she melted into Vivian's arms with a trembling sigh.

Vivian pulled back just enough to kiss her cheek before standing and grabbing her phone. "Hey, Mum. Siobhan and I want to come down for a visit. I'm really missing Jamie, and... we need to talk about some things."

The line was quiet for a moment before she heard Jamie's excited voice: "Hey, Mommy! You and Teacher Bon Bon are coming?!"

Vivian's chest ached, her heart swelling at the sound of her little boy's voice. "Yes, darling. We'll see you in about an hour. Love you so much."

Her mother's laughter came through the line. "He just zoomed off. We'll see you two soon."

After ending the call, Vivian pressed the phone to her chest, her eyes shining as she turned back to Siobhan. "Come on, let's get ready."

Vivian took Siobhan's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as she led her upstairs. They both dressed comfortably—Siobhan in her favorite sweater and jeans, Vivian opting for a casual blouse and leggings—before heading out to the car.

The drive started out quiet, with soft music playing in the background. But halfway through the journey, Vivian noticed a shift in Siobhan's demeanor. Her love, usually so composed, was twisting her hands together, her leg bouncing rapidly against the floorboard.

Vivian glanced over, observing silently for a moment before breaking the silence. "What's on your mind, baby? You okay?"

Siobhan let out a nervous laugh, her voice shaky. "I'm about to spend my first day with your son outside of the nursery. Not to mention... meeting the love of my life's parents!" She groaned softly, covering her face with her hands. "What if they don't like me? I don't want to lose you, Viv."

Vivian's heart ached at the worry etched on Siobhan's face. Without a word, she pulled the car over to the side of the road and parked. Turning to Siobhan, she cupped her cheeks, gently lifting her face until their eyes met.

"Love of your life, huh?" Vivian teased, her voice soft.

Siobhan blinked, realizing what she'd said. Her face flushed a deep red as she stammered, "I—I didn't mean—"