TNN ONESHOTS

Where is he? - E & C & SS & VC & J

Siobhan and Courtney had been friends for years. They didnt only know eachother because of the nursery but the two women went to school together, sharing countless memories and adventures. One afternoon, they were hanging out in staff room, making coffee when Eric, who was working at the nursery, joined them. He was there to put up a couple of picture frames to make the room look more inviting.

Courtney seemed excited to introduce him to Siobhan, hoping they would all get along but the blonde was confused as to why she was so excited for them to meet. but decided not to question her.

As the conversation flowed, Siobhan noticed that Courtney was being a bit dismissive towards Eric. He was sharing a story about his passion for art and DIY but Courtney kept interrupting him with sarcastic personal remarks. Siobhan felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She could see Eric’s enthusiasm dimming with each comment.

Finally, after Courtney made a particularly harsh joke about Eric's artwork, Siobhan decided enough was enough. "Courtney, that’s not fair," she said, her voice steady but firm. "Eric is a colleague and he deserves our support, not criticism. Especially with ofsted we cant afford to have any fallouts now." Siobhan told her in her cold tone.

Courtney raised an eyebrow, surprised by Siobhan's sudden defense of Eric. "I was just joking, Siobhan. Lighten up!" she replied, but Siobhan could see that her friend’s tone was more dismissive than playful.

“Jokes can hurt, you know,” Siobhan continued, looking directly at Courtney. "Eric is brave for sharing his passion with us. We should encourage each other, not tear each other down." She told her calmly, Courtney could tell that this came from the heart she knew how her past had shaped her into someone she wasn't.

Eric looked at Siobhan, gratitude shining in his eyes. Courtney, taken aback by Siobhan’s words, paused for a moment. She realized that her comments had crossed a line. “Okay, maybe I went too far but its just a bit of mother and son bonding,” she admitted, her tone softening. “I’m sorry, Eric. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Courtney finally said but it was clear that she didn't really want to say it, but she felt she had to.

The tension eased ever so slightly, and Eric smiled, appreciating the change in atmosphere. He didn't realise that his mothers appology was fake. Siobhan felt a wave of relief wash over her as the three of them continued their conversation, this time with more respect and understanding. "Thank you mrs Siobhan,  umm Shibby, no um i mean mrs cross" Eric panicked while fiddle with the tool kit in his hands. "Eric, Siobhan is fine but Shibby will do." She told him as he nodded. "I better go and find Reece, hes got my list of jobs so i dont lose it again. Marjorie told me she won't write me a new one. Bye mum, and bye mrs Shibby Cross, ugh knight" Eric started "Go quick,  reece just walked past." Siobhan told him to distract the young boy from stressing over names again.

Once Eric had left the room Siobhan looked at Courtney with an unreadable expression. "I know growing up it wasnt easy with Aggie and how everything happened with your father but you cant go putting all of that onto Eric. Yes, growing up i had it tough but im here doing what i can to keep it all away from Jamie." She told her coldly to which Courtney folded her arms. "Im protecting him, something you will never understand because you will never have your own child!" She snapped back.

Siobhan didn't know what to say, she was speechless. Courtney left the room, leaving the blonde all alone. She took a deep breath before moving through the building towards the preschool room. Siobhan let herself in. With a quick wave to Charlotte, she made her way inside to pick up her step son, Jamie. He was sitting at a tiny table, engrossed in a colorful puzzle, his little brow furrowed in concentration.

"Hey, buddy! Ready to go home?" Siobhan asked, kneeling down beside him. Jamie looked up, his face lighting up with a big smile as he jumped up from his chair.

"Yes, Mumma Bon Bon! I did the puzzle all by myself!" he exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. Siobhan felt a wave of pride wash over her as they left the nursery, hand in hand.

They drove home, with Jamie chattering away about his day, the games he played, and the new friends he made. Siobhan listened intently, her heart swelling with love for her little boy. However, she felt guilty that she had picked him up a whole hour earlier than usual but she just needed to be close to him, she needed to be apart of his day.

Meanwhile, back at the nursery, Viv was just about to collect her son. She glanced at the room. "Where's Jamie? He should be here," she muttered to herself as she made her way to the office, questioning Marjorie but she just shrugged, equally as puzzled.

After a while, Viv decided to call Siobhan, hoping to find out what was going on. When Siobhan answered, her voice was cheerful, "Hey, Viv! We just got home. I picked Jamie up early today!"

Viv's confusion deepened. "Early? But I thought he was supposed to be at nursery until we both finished work. I was just about to go pick him up!"

Siobhan chuckled lightly, "I must have mixed up the times. I hope that’s okay!”

Viv couldn’t help but laugh at the mix-up, but she was also relieved to know Jamie was safe at home. "Well, I guess I’ll have to hear all about his adventures later. Just don’t do that too often, or I’ll get worried!"

As the call ended, Viv shook her head, still amused by the unexpected twist of the day. She knew one thing for sure: Jamie would have a lot to share when she got home.

Siobhan sat across from Vivian at their kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. She stirred her drink absentmindedly, her brow furrowing as she gathered her thoughts. Vivian noticed the change in her partner's demeanor and leaned in closer, concern etched on her face.

"Hey, what's bothering you?" Vivian asked gently.

Taking a deep breath, Siobhan finally spoke, "It's Courtney. She made me feel really bad about myself and stuff today." Siobhan muttered, she hated opening up but she couldn't hide from viv.

Vivian raised an eyebrow, encouraging her to continue. "What did she say?"

Siobhan sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. "We were talking about parenting, and she just… she said that I’m not a 'real' mother because I don’t do everything perfectly. She basically implied that I need to prove I can take care of Jamie, like I’m somehow failing him."

Vivian shook her head, clearly upset. "That’s ridiculous! You’re an amazing step mother, Siobhan. Jamie loves you, and you do so much for him."

"I know," Siobhan replied, her voice trembling slightly. "But it just got to me. I’ve been trying my best, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Hearing her say that made me question everything. Like, am I doing enough? Should I be doing more?"

Vivian reached out and placed a comforting hand on Siobhan's. "You are doing enough. No one is perfect, and every mother has her struggles. Courtney’s words don’t define you or your abilities. You love Jamie, and that’s what matters most."

Siobhan nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Viv. I just need to remind myself that I’m not in a competition. I want to be the best for him, but I also need to be kind to myself. Thats why i took him home early."

"Absolutely," Vivian said firmly. "You’re doing a great job, and Jamie is lucky to have you. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions make you doubt that."

As they continued their conversation, Siobhan felt grateful for Vivian's support. She realized that the love she had for Jamie was what truly made her a mother, and she wouldn’t let anyone take that away from her.