Chim - Traffic

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

"Happy birthday Cheryl." I open me eyes to find Kimberley sat up next to us in the bed, holding a gift box on her lap. I raise meself up, smiling.

"Thank you." She passes us the box and I open it slowly, finding a beautiful silver charm bracelet inside. "Oh wow. This is gorgeous."

She lifts it out, pointing at the first of six charms dangling from the chain. "This is a book, because we met in university. This is an apple, due to me being a teacher and this is a microscope, for your work in forensics. This is a calendar, to represent the time you weren't here, because as much as we want to forget it, it's had such a big impact on both of us, we can't just forget it ever happened. Added onto that, these are angel wings, to protect you. And this is a heart, because I am so in love with you."

By the time she finishes I'm crying, but smiling back at her. "It's amazing. Thank you so much."

She wraps her arm around us and we share a quick half-hug before going downstairs, Kimberley ordering us to stay sat at the kitchen table while she makes breakfast. As she's monitoring the bacon the phone rings, and I answer, speaking to me mother for a short while and opening the package that was sent by her the previous weekend, finding a bright yellow sundress inside. I thank her for the gift and hang up, tucking into the bacon sandwich while Kimberley collects the gifts the girls had left behind last night. I open each of them, finding a pair of heeled boots from Nadine, a bottle of tequila from Sarah and a dream catcher from Nicola. I call them all to express my gratitude and before I know it, it's lunch time. Kimberley and I had discussed going out to eat, and I had agreed, but now the time had come I could feel the nerves starting to build.

"We can stay in if you want to, Chez." Kimberley says, watching us glance out the window.

"No, no I want to go. I'm just..." She comes closer, taking me hand.

"I know."

I sigh turning to face her. "Can we go to a little coffee shop instead? I don't think I can handle a restaurant yet."

"Of course, whatever you want." She smiles, and I nod before heading up stairs to shower and dress.

***

When we get home from lunch we're both smiling widely. Aside from a little panic at the loudness of the cappuccino machine, which I had overcome by using Deborah's breathing exercises, the afternoon had gone well. I was constantly on edge, and I didn't know when, or even if, that would go away, but I had left my house for three hours without breaking down in tears, and that was a win in my book.

"Sit here, I'll be back in a second." Kimberley says, gesturing at the sofa. I do as she asks, closing my eyes at her request when she returns. "Ok, open."

I find her stood in front of us, holding a small birthday cake, several candles burning and illuminating the pink icing. She sings happy birthday to us and I blow out the candles, hugging her as she sits, placing the cake on the coffee table.

"Thank you so much, babe. I've had an amazing day." I say, watching her smile grow.

"I'm glad, but isn't over yet." She reaches to the side, retrieving and handing us the Wii control. "Netflix is yours for the night."

***

"Ok, yes, we'll be there. Thank you Mr Leeds."

I enter the living room as Kimberley hangs up the phone call, giving us a small smile. "That was John Leeds. I told him that you want to testify, and he's arranged a meeting for us in an hour. He said it's urgent, he's got to talk about something with you."