Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 100: Messages

AWorldOfHerOwn don't be too mad... 🙃

Vivian woke as the rays of light trickled into Ciara's bedroom. She blinked her eyes slowly as she looked around. Ciara's hand still lazily wrapped in hers and Siobhan laying behind her with one arm around her waist. Her body jerked in a silent chuckle.

As she began to move, the price of sleeping on the floor all night was making itself known. She slowly tilted her head side to side letting out a little sigh as her neck cracked.

Siobhan began to stir. A soft whisper left her lips, "Morning, Viv." As she started to sit up, she groaned quietly. Vivian turned her head, "Bon, what made you think it was a good idea to lay on the floor with me?"

The two women began to stretch. Vivian placed her hand on her lower back. Siobhan began to twist her torso attempting to loosen her tight muscles. A joyful laugh echoed from under the bed. Ciara rolled out and into Vivian's side. "You stayed with me all night?" The brunette smiled down at the sweet girl that was smiling back at her. "Of course we did, sweetie."

Ciara wrapped her arms around Vivian, "Thank you... and I'm sorry for..." Vivian brushed her hand over Ciara's back, "There's nothing to apologize for— we are here for you." As they released from the hug, their expressions softened in an unspoken understanding.

Then Ciara walked over to Siobhan. She sat in her lap gently. "You two really love each other, don't you?" Siobhan laughed, "We do, but what made you say that?" Ciara smiled with a hint of mischievousness, "Well... you are old, but you still laid on the floor with Mrs. Vivian. Doesn't it hurt?"

Vivian snorted before she realized. Siobhan gasped in mock offense. "Well, just so you know. Mrs. Vivian is the older one, okay..." The brunette playfully nudged Siobhan. "Hey, stop telling all my secrets." All three of them laughed together. Ciara wrapped her arms around both women holding them close.

Jamie barreled down the hallway hearing the laughter. He sprinted and jumped onto the back of Siobhan and Vivian. "Good morning, mums! Good morning Ciara!" Silence fell over the four of them as the warmth of the moment filled their hearts.

The morning routine flowed as if nothing ever happened. Giggles and cheerful voices filled the home as they prepared for another day. Siobhan was going to be in the nursery again today. Vivian was going to drop Ciara and Jamie off. For now, the women both wanted to be there for drop off and collection. They wanted to be there to support each other as much as they could.

They pulled into the car park along with several other parents. Siobhan and Vivian both stretched as they stood from the driver's seat of their cars. The blonde leaned over, touching her fingers to her toes. "Viv, I don't remember it hurting this much sleeping on the floor in my 20's." The brunette rolled her eyes, "Just wait until you hit your 40's."

Jamie and Ciara hopped out of the backseat. They took each other's hand and walked over to join the two women. Ciara looked up, her eyes sparkling with joy, "Mrs. Siobhan, can I hold your hand too?" She melted at the precious request. "Absolutely." Vivian took Jamie's hand and they all, together, entered the Knight Nursery.

All four walked through the hall and to the preschool room. Charlotte's face lit up seeing the happiness radiating off them. "Well good morning, how are we today?" Ciara and Jamie spoke in unison, " We are great— no awesome!" Charlotte giggled at the responses, but they weren't completely done with their answer. "My mums are sore because they slept on the floor all night and they are old."

Sorscha heard Jamie's claim and burst into laughter. "They really are old aren't they Jamie?" Her comment earned an enthusiastic nod from Jamie and Ciara. However, Vivian and Siobhan both glared at her through their narrowed eyes. Siobhan stated plainly, "Sorscha, aren't we the same age?" The Irish woman chuckled, "Yeah, but I didn't sleep on the floor last night so..."

Vivian and Siobhan finished the handover quickly. Vivian walked Siobhan back to the office as a ping sounded from the blonde's phone. Before she pulled her phone out of her pocket, she gave Vivian a kiss goodbye, "I'll see you tonight." She leaned in for one more kiss. "Hmm... I love you, Viv."

As Vivian walked away, Siobhan saw who sent the message. "Um, Viv. You might want to read this with me." She turned back quickly, her eyes widened and her hands began to shake slightly.

From Shadow:
Siobhan, you are going to have to go down to the police station again. Let me know when you have your lunch break. We need to talk.

As they finished reading that message, another ping sounded as the phone vibrated in Siobhan's hand.

Ciara's Caseworker:
Good morning, within the next week we will be scheduling supervised visits with Ciara's siblings and mother.

Vivian and Siobhan looked at each other. Their breaths caught in their chest. They didn't say anything. They just held each other. Charlotte noticed the shift as she caught a glimpse down the hallway. Her heart jumped into her throat.

I have no idea what just happened, but they seem to be seeking strength from each other right now. I've never seen a couple with a deeper connection than Viv and Shibby. I'm going to talk to Shibby later— and I'll tell Mia to reach out to Viv...