That night, Steven and Liv slept in my bed, we entangled ourselves together to protect each other from anything that was to come. I was not going to let anything happen. But I knew it would be difficult to get Liv to school tomorrow when all she would be able to focus on would be the note. I had to speak to her teacher tomorrow morning and explain the situation. I didn't want to because it would draw unwanted attention but Liv's safety was more important than outing me to the school as her Mom.
I tossed and turned the whole night thinking of the day ahead. I didn't know what it would hold or how it would pan out. I wasn't ready to have to face facts that her Father was threatening my daughter and me. I felt Steven grab me throughout the night to get me to stop fidgeting and kneeing in him the back but I couldn't sleep.
At about 4 am, I walked down the stairs and sat in the kitchen nursing a hot chocolate. My head was spinning, I wasn't able to think of anything other than Liv's father. I was overthinking every scenario that could arise and it was making me anxious. I sat at the island and drank my warm drink waiting for time to pass. Waiting for it to be time to get ready for the day ahead. Liv and I were going into school earlier to speak to her headmistress and class teacher.
"Hey, what are you doing down here?" Steven startled me.
"Can't sleep." I mumbled laying my head on the cold surface.
"I know its been a rough night for you, why don't you come lay on the couch with me and you can get some sleep. I'll wake you up at 6." He said to me. I nodded and he pulled me to the couch. I laid down curled into him with my head on his chest and the minute I closed my eyes, I was asleep. I knew I wouldn't be sleeping for long but some sleep was better than no sleep.
The next time I opened my eyes, Liv was already downstairs eating her breakfast all ready for school. Steven had also freshened up a bit and was ready to go. It was just me now and I had to hurry.
I walked up stairs into my bedroom and pulled out some casual clothing to head into the school in. I would be going to set afterwards anyway so there was no reason to dress up. I put on a little makeup that would at least make me presentable.
I headed downstairs and grabbed my bag and went to the car without a word to either Liv or Steven. I sat in the drivers seat and waited for them to make an appearance. I wasn't really in the mood to talk this morning, I just wanted to get this over with so I can go to work even if I will constantly worry about Liv while I'm there. It worried me that her Father will come and abduct her while I am away from her.
"You don't have to do this Lauren, I can do it for you if its too soon." Steven said as I pulled out of my driveway.
"Yeah Mom. I can talk to Principal Mathews. I don't mind if you don't feel like it right now. It's only been a few hours and I know you didn't sleep well last night." She told me and I nodded and looked at her through the mirror.
"I know but I'm your Mom, I'm supposed to protect you and I will. I will talk to your teachers and keep you safe. I promise." I said as I pulled up to the school. Iit wasn't that far of a drive to the school and usually she walked.
I followed her into the building to the principals office and just prayed that she was actually in there and wasn't busy so I could see her.
"Hi, How may I help you?" The receptionist asked.
"I'm here to see Principal Mathews." I said to her and gripped Liv's hand hard.
"Of course, Go straight in." He said and I knocked on the big solid door and waited for an answer.
