Chim - Traffic

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

My eyes open before my alarm sounds, filling with tears instantly. It's been three days since Cheryl had vanished, and today I would be appearing on the BBC with Sarah, who I can hear is already in the shower, to keep her face in the public eye. I climb out of bed slowly, going into the ensuite, washing quickly and pulling on a t-shirt and jeans, knowing they will dress me at the studio, given what Nick had told us. As I check my phone it registers with me that it's New Year's Day, and hits me that I haven't seen Cheryl since last year. As I repeat this to Sarah, who is downstairs and already dressed as well, she lets out a sob, embracing me.

An hour later, the sky still dark, we arrive at the studio. As expected, my outfit is changed and I try to hold back my tears as my make-up is applied. We're given mic packs and introduced to the presenters, who are extremely sympathetic. Nick runs through the interview with us one last time but despite my best efforts at paying attention, I zone out.

Before I know it, the interview is over, my make-up predictably ruined by the tears I've cried. I'm in the toilet cleaning it off, Sarah doing the same, more tears mixing with the water. As we leave, Nick approaches us.

"Kimberley, I've just received a call from the producer of Crimewatch. They would like to do a reconstruction of Cheryl's last known movements and air it on their show at the end of January, if Cheryl isn't home by then. They would also like you and Joan to be interviewed live on air, with Dina. Would you be willing to do that?" I nod quickly, determined to do absolutely everything to find Cheryl.

As we leave the studio, the press waiting outside crowd around us, firing questions. Once we're in the car and it's easier to breathe, I take out my phone, already knowing there will be no messages waiting concerning Cheryl, but checking anyway. I take the opportunity to call Joan, who agrees to Crimewatch as quickly as I did, also commenting on the interview.

When we arrive home Sarah prepares breakfast, which I eat slowly. The rest of the day drags and ends the same way the previous three have, me lying in bed, on Cheryl's side, crying myself to restless sleep.

***

"And that was the last time Cheryl Tweedy was seen. We're joined now by her mother, Joan and partner, Kimberley. Thank you both for joining us. Now Kimberley, I want to come to you first, it was a month yesterday since Cheryl went missing. How has this month been for you?" Kirsty Young, the Crimewatch presenter, turns to me, resting her fingers on her chin.

"Awful. I can't describe how much we miss her." She nods understandingly, before addressing Joan.

"If you could say anything to the people who have Cheryl, or know what's happened to her, what would you say to them?"

Joan takes my hand and I squeeze it as she speaks. "Just let her come home. Tell us where she is, where we can find her. We love her so much, and she belongs with us, her family and friends."

The interview continues for a few more minutes before the show ends, Kirsty thanking us again for being on the show and Joan and I are left alone for a moment.

"This is so bizarre, Kimberley." She says, looking around the set.

"I know, it doesn't feel real. Every morning I wake up and for a split second I think it's a bad dream. Then it hits me again." Her eyes fill with tears and she covers her mouth, trying to hold herself together. I hug her tightly, my own eyes surprisingly dry, as they have been all day. I actually think I've used all my tears over the last month, my body has no more water left. Obviously, this isn't true, and is proved as such when I glance at Nick, approaching us, a solemn look on his face.