Hidden

Clean Shaven

"This is pointless." says German annoyed.

"It's not." I reply as I fluff his hair, "Even this will make Violetta happier."

"Angie, she thinks I'm going to die, getting my hair cut won't change that."

"Correct, but showing you are making changes to become yourself again will help." I say as I even out the sides, "I'm no hairdresser but I can use a pair of clippers."

"Angie, why are you helping me?" says German sadly.

"Because you need it and so does Violetta." I reply, "Now you need a shave, where's the stuff for it?"

"Left cupboard." says German.

We are in his en suite and he is sat on the toilet with hair around him on the floor. He isn't wearing his shirt so the hair doesn't get everywhere and as he is topless, I can see how things have changed.

"So," I say looking in the mirror to see his reflection behind me, "Why did you stop eating?"

"I haven't stopped eating." he replies.

"Stob being stubborn, would you prefer me to say, why have you stopped eating properly? You had muscles when I left. Now look at you! It's extreamly obvious."

"That was four years ago. People change." says German defensivley.

"Not like this though." I say as I begin to shave his face. German does not pull away, he lets me continue.

"Why would you care Angie? Why? You left!" he says frustrated.

I remain calm, especially as I'm holding a razor to his face, "True, but you didn't exactly beg me to stay."

German's face drops, "You hated me, what could I have said that would have made you stay?"

"I don't know, but it would have meant more if you'd have tried." I say as I remove the last bit of hair.

"Now, you look a bit more like yourself." I say stepping back.

"Why Angie? I really don't understand why you are doing this?" he pleads.

"Because there is a little girl who needs a father and you're not in a suitable state to be one." I say as I hand him his shirt.

"You said it yourself Angie, Violetta isn't a little girl anymore."

I smiled sadly, "I know."

German looked confused but I wasn't in the mood to explain.

"Also, I hear you don't eat at the table with the family anymore but that's not happening. You'll be eating with us tonight and you'll eat properly."

"You sound like my mother." says German smirking almost, but still rather annoyed.

"Sometimes it takes a mother, to make a father." I say smiling.

German smiles back but it is half-hearted. His eyes are faded grey and lost.

Then I heard my phone ring and I saw Marie's name flash on the screen.

"Excuse me." I say as I step outside and head for my room.

"Figured you must have got distracted so decided to call you." says Marie, "You've got ten minutes to talk before I need them in bed."

"Thanks Marie." I say as I know she will hand Valeria the phone.

"Hi Mummy!" comes her voice over the phone, "Miss you already!"

"Miss you too sweetie," I say and tears brim in my eyes, "Have you had a good day?"

"Yes!" she cries, "I have a surprise for you too, Marie says she will help me."

"That sounds lovely sweetie but make sure you are good for Marie, okay?"

"I will be good Mummy, I promise." she says, "But I promised Flor that we'd talk a little longer, so I'm going to go now Mummy. Will you phone before school?"

I knew that it would be the early hours when she would be leaving for school, but I so badly wanted to speak to her.

"Yes I will. I promise." I say down the phone.

"Great! Night Mummy! I love you!" she cries.

"Goodnight. I love you too." I say, on the verge of tears.

I look up and see Violetta standing in the doorway.

"I just thought I'd tell you I'm back."