Chim - Traffic

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

When Cheryl arrives home work late one Thursday night she's quiet, giving a non-committal answer of 'whatever' when I ask her what she wants to eat.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I'm stood in the kitchen, pouring us some juice, as she stands in the doorway, watching me quietly.

"Nothing, doesn't matter." We proceed into the living room, getting comfortable.

"It does if it's on your mind." She glances at me quickly before replying.

"It's just a case I had today. The victim was nineteen, and her family said she was about eight weeks pregnant. She was stabbed, Kimba, just left in the bushes of some park. I had to photograph her body and take samples and try to figure out what wound killed her and it's just so awful." She starts crying and I pull her towards me, attempting to soothe her. "How can someone do that Kimba? Take a woman's life, and her child's. I know I'm not supposed to let work affect us but I couldn't help it today. It's sick."

I kiss away her tears until I see a hint of dimples, pulling back to look into her eyes. "You're only human Chez. You'd be a robot if you didn't let this stuff affect you."

She giggles lightly, taking my hands before I continue. "Besides, I have something that's going to cheer you up. Two things, actually. Firstly, we're ordering Chinese tonight, your pick. Secondly, my mum and dad are going to come visit us for a few days, if that's ok."

Cheryl brightens instantly, nodding her enthusiasm. "Of course! When are they getting here?"

I shrug lightly, kissing her cheeks again. "Nothing's been booked yet, I wanted to check with you first. They want to come see the house, probably want to know all about work too. You sure you're up for that?"

I poke Cheryl gently in the stomach, teasing her. "Yes baby, you know how much I love your parents."

I nod, knowing she's telling the truth, but also knowing that my parents', and sometimes even my own, wealth can intimidate Cheryl. It isn't intentional, we both know that, but Cheryl has confided in me how guilty she feels coming from her background, no matter how ridiculous I tell her this is. "Tell them to come as soon as they can. Now, where's the takeaway menus?"

***

"Kimberley, darling, it's so good to see you!" My mother hugs me tightly, Cheryl letting go of my hand as I embrace her back. My dad approaches me the same way, his arms holding me with tenderness. My mum greets Cheryl, embracing her before commenting on how much she likes her current hair style. I take the suitcase from my mum as my dad hugs Cheryl before grabbing the other again, the four of us leaving the train station.

"I'm a little bit peckish sweetheart, where's the best place to grab some lunch around here? Our treat." I glance at my mother in the rear view mirror.

"I know just the place, Mum, but you don't need to pay. You're here on holiday after all." She shakes her head at me, tutting as my dad's stomach grumbles.

"Nonsense. Now, I hope this place isn't far, we don't want your father passing out!" We giggle at her joke and my parents settle into conversation, allowing me to sneak a look at Cheryl. She's sat quietly looking out of the window, fiddling with her fingers, a giveaway for how uncomfortable she feels. I reach over and take her hand, bringing it to my lips, gaining a small smile.

After a few minutes we pull into the restaurant car park, I turn off the car and step out, light raindrops beginning to fall. We hurry inside to avoid getting wet, being seated quickly as soon as my dad tips the hostess. Once our jackets and handbags are hung behind us on our chairs, we consult the menu, my parents each picking a salad, while I opt for fish and chips and Cheryl chooses a burger. The waitress takes our order and returns minutes later with the bottle of wine my father requested. Our conversation flows easily, my parents asking with interest about our jobs, expressing their eager excitement about seeing the new house for the first time. I cast my mind back to the previous day, Cheryl obsessively cleaning the place at least three times over. I don't think I've ever seen her hoover so much before. Needless to say, the house now looks spotless, fully ready for us to arrive home.