Message in a Bottle

Harsh (4)

Chapter 4

*Ciara's POV*

I wake up to small feet jumping on my legs. "What Masey?" I ask groggily, rolling over to see Michael gone.

"Daddy!" He yells, still jumping.

"Uh- I don't know where he went," I stammer, sitting up and taking a look around the colorful room, which was full of clothes that were out of place. I grab my phone and look at the time, it was 8 am. Where could Mike be? He's rarely ever up this early, except if he has work, which he doesn't have until later. A part of me was curious as to where he was, but another part of me felt relieved to have him out of the house.

"Come on," I wrap Mason up in my arms and carry him into the living room, placing him on the couch.

I almost had forgotten about last night and how I talked to the person who wrote that message- or Edward. That's what he said his name was at least. While we were on the phone I felt my hands shake, I was deathly afraid Mike would walk downstairs and catch me in the act. I just couldn't believe that tonight I was going on a date with somebody other than Mike.

I get the remote and click on Mason's favorite television show which is Barney. I find the purple dinosaur the most annoying thing in the world but Mason finds the show entertaining, so I would go for anything that keeps him occupied for a bit.

I sit on the couch for a second, maybe I could watch an episode with him? I used to love this show when I was younger, it seems like Barney has been around for forever. The feeling passes once I hear his annoying, yet famous theme song ring in my ears and I stand up and pace over to the kitchen. Mason was too into the show to notice I had left the room.

I go over to the counter and look at the pile of bills stacked up against the wall. There's another issue I had to worry about, but Mike's family helped out a lot with money. They were loaded, that's how we were able to afford this house.

My parents were never a big help, that's one of the main reasons why I never went to college. Well truthfully, I could of went to college either way. I had a softball scholarship for one of the best colleges in London but then Mason interfered with that dream of mine.

It doesn't even matter to me now though, well, not as much as it used to. I would rather be there for my son than go to school to become a surgeon, which is what I planned on doing all through out high school. Things have changed now and I'm always going to be there for Mason, I will not make the mistakes my parents made.

I hear the door creak open and I spin around to find Mike dressed in a black tank top with his dark blue, ripped jeans. He cautiously shuts the door, trying to remain silent. He was facing the other direction but when he turns around he's in shock, "why are you up so early?" He questions.

"Mason woke me up. Where were you?" I ask, trying not to sound clingy because Mike hated clingy.

Mike ignores my question, "where is my breakfast? If you were up and I wasn't home, you knew I would come home hungry!?" He screams, squeezing my wrist. Pain shoots up my arm and I wince and try to pull away. "You don't do anything for me! Now get cooking or I'll break your arm like a twig, you can do something around here once in a while!" He threatens.

"I'll get it for you baby, I promise." I try to smile through my fear. It takes a moment, but finally, he releases the tight hold. I whimper as I look down, a red hand print is already present on my delicate skin.

"I want three eggs today. And if you just had to know where I was last night, I was working to keep your ass of the streets," he snorts as he takes a seat. Mike was a police officer... that's the main reason why I haven't gone to the police, because how can I when he is the police?

"How was work, my love?" I say, trying to sound as delighted to make his breakfast as possible. Mike has to have things done a certain way, if they were done incorrectly, I would know. I dig into the cupboard in search for a pan to place the eggs in. I place it on the stove and get out three eggs and three slices of bread. I slide the bread into the toaster, and search for the butter dish as he starts to talk.

"I'm sick of my boss. He's giving me crazy hours."

"I can tell. You must of gotten no sleep last night."

"Look at me when you're speaking." Mike demands.

I spin around, staring him directly in his eyes. His dark, cold eyes. I swallow, "You must of gotten no sleep last night." I repeat.

"I didn't."

"You work too hard, you should take a week off."

"How can I do that Ciara when I have to pay for your shopping habits?" He kicks the chair next to him. I head back to tending to the food, the eggs were almost done.

"Oh, that reminds me. Jordan is coming over tonight and I need to help her find a dress. Is it okay if I go?" I lie. After looking in my closet last night, I realized I didn't have any clothes that would give off a great first impression, and I wanted to look my best, of course.

"How long will you be gone?" He inquires.

"Maybe an hour or two," I reply sheepishly.

"Only if Mason stays here with me." He announces.

It felt like my stomach had dropped, "okay." I manage to say weakly.

"Okay." He says with more power than I had used. "I have to work again today, so don't be out late."

"I won't." I promised. We both know what would happen if I came home even a minute late.

*

Yeah, Mike's a dick, I know.

PLEASE FAN

VOTE

COMMENT

AND LIKE!

Remember, the more votes, reads and comments I get, the sooner I'll update! But THANK YOU ILASM!

Follow my Instagram: @cravingstyles !

- Ali <3