Another month has flown by. It was a month before christmas and Hailey was trying her best to save up and do her shopping while Hayden was still in school. She decided to treat both herself and Hayden to wonderful things this year. She bought his gifts first and gift wrapped them and hid them, secondly she walked towards the jewel store to purchase the diamond set she saw a month before. When she got there she soon learnt that it was no longer there and someone had already purchased it. This made her feel sad. When she first saw it she was so mesmerized by its beauty that it took her breath away but she knew she did not have the money for it. Since that day she saved and saved every penny she can and for what? To find out later on that someone had already taken it... A single tear rolled down her cheek as she thought more about it. She hoped whoever had it would treat it with the love and admiration she shared.
Making her way towards Hayden's school she pulled and tightened the coat around her body. It was really becoming cold and winter was almost here. She rubbed her hands and blowed it, as her fingers refused to get warm. Pushing her mitten covered hands under her arms she realized that someone was approaching. It was Miss Lola. One of Hayden's teachers. She smiled at her kindly as Hailey returned one of her own.
"Hi Hailey, I am sorry I forgot to inform you that because of the christmas celebrations, Hayden would have to stay a bit late." Miss Lola said, apologetically.
"Oh" Hailey was disappointed. She was expecting to spend some extra time with Hayden. Although she was proud that he was playing Joseph in the school play, she missed him alot.
Miss Lola, sensing her discomfort continued. "I would drop him home as soon as we are finished. I promise."
Hailey smiled and they shook hands. She looked on as Miss Lola walked back into the school. Sighing she made her way home.
Without Hayden she realized that her life was absolutely and unquestionably empty...
***
The first thing Hailey did as she walked through her doors was make herself a hot cup of cocoa. She dropped five little marshmallows into it and smiled down at it. This was Hayden's favourite drink. Clasping her hands around the handle she lifted it to her mouth and took a sip. The heat slid into her mouth, down her throat and into her happy tummy. She smiled as she embraced the warmth. Making her way to the living room, she sat on the couch and switched on the television.
Seconds turn to minutes and minutes turned into hours. Precisely two hours later, Hailey was lying on the couch, tucked under a blanket and fast asleep. Suddenly a sound erupted through the silence. It was the doorbell. She sprang up and ran towards it. Joy flowed out as her son had finally reached home! She pulled the door open, smiling widely but stopped suddenly. Standing on her doorstep was not only her son but also another person. Her eyes widened in shock and all she could muster in her thoughts was- Mr. Grumpy?
She looked down at her son through shocked eyes, and then at their joined hands. What was going on here? Why was her son smiling widely at this stranger? Was he hurt? No he didn't look hurt! Oh god if anything happened to Hayden she would kill this man.
"Mommy!" Hayden let go of Mr. Grumpy's hand and jumped towards her. Still speechless she bent wrapped her hands around him tender body, squeezing him to make sure this was all real and she was not dreaming.
"Mommy you are squashing me !" Hayden protested, laughing to himself at her silly behaviour.
"Oh sorry baby." Hailey let go, but still held his hand in hers.
Looking up at the stranger standing on her doorstep she found him staring blankly back at her.
Before she could muster up a greeting Hayden spoke. "Mommy this is Batman! " He hopped in excitement.
