Chapter 7
Kimberley's POV
I've taught four classes already this morning, still four to go. Thank god for the coffee machine or I wouldn't have even made it through one lesson. Thanks to Cheryl's note, I had ended up with less than four hours sleep, not good when you're teaching a hall full of kids, the basics of musical theatre all day.
Cheryl's POV
I've been sat in this bloody meeting for two hours and nothing even remotely productive or conclusive has been said. "Don't you Cheryl?" I snap out of my thoughts to see all eyes on me. "What?" I question. "I said, you'd like a couple of months off before you get back in the studio." Lily says as she shoots a glare in my direction. "Oh, yes please. I'd like some time with me family before I get back into a crazy schedule." I answer as I flash my management my best dimpled smile. I watch on as they glance at each other before Hilary speaks up. "Three months. That's all we can give you." "I'm sure that'll be fine, Cheryl?" Lily says as she gives me a gentle nudge. "Yeah, that's great. Thankyou." I smile. "Great, we'll put it in the diary and pencil in some studio dates for after that." Hilary concludes. "See you soon Cheryl."
"What was wrong with you in there?" Lily scowls as we head for the car. "Nothing, what are you on about?" I say confidently. "You were clearly on another planet Cheryl." Lily shoots at me. "Well meetings are boring." I reply. In truth i'd been thinking about Kimberley. I haven't heard from her since last night and i'm worried i've pushed her too far.
Kimberley's POV
"Right come on you, let's paint." I say as I scoop Lola up and sit her down on a chair at the breakfast bar. Lola's eyes widen in amazement at the array of colours in front of her. I plonk down beside Lola and pick up a paintbrush.
We've somehow ended up finger-painting. Very messy finger-painting. As well as finger-painting on paper Lola has managed to cover my face in paint. "Mummy look." Lola beams as she holds up the picture she's just created. "Wow!" I reply with an exaggerated gasp. "Can mummy put this on the fridge?" I ask as I take it from her. She nods and produces a beaming smile. I pin it on the fridge with a few magnets and return to the table. I've just dipped my finger in a pot of paint when I hear a knock at the door. "You keep painting Lo, i'll be two seconds, okay?" Lola simply nods as she dots paint all over the paper before her with her finger.
I open the door with my non-paint covered hand and my breath hitches in my throat. She looks gorgeous, dressed down in joggers and a white vest top despite the cold winter weather. Her hair is thrown into a messy bun on top of her head and her face is completely free of make-up. "Oh, it's you." I say, a down beat tone laced within my voice. "Kimberley, please." "Please what?" I snap. "Please don't do this." She whispers. "Do what?" I question. "Push me away. Please can we talk?" "I'm busy." I say sharply. "I can see that." She whispers with a small smile. "Was that all you wanted?" I ask. "Kimberley please let me talk to you. I'll wait until Lola's in bed." She's practically begging me now. "Wait in the living room. I've got to tidy up, bath Lola then put her to bed." I say rather reluctantly as I step aside to let her in. "Thankyou." She whispers as I shut the door and head off to the kitchen.
I place Lola in her cot for the third time and once again her eyes shoot open and she begins to cry. I pick her up and rock her gently in my arms. "Lo, you need to go to sleep babe. Mummy's got work tomorrow." She says nothing simply clings to my jumper with her fist. "Everything okay?" I turn my body towards the door and see Cheryl stood there looking slightly scared. "Yeah. She just won't settle." I reply as I turn so my back's to her again. "Do you want me to-" "No. Thank you." I reply abruptly. "Sorry." She whispers quietly. "Don't be." I turn around and flash her a brief, small, smile.
