Running From The Big Bad Wolf

24

Keeping my eyes closed, I patted down the bed. I only did it because I couldn't feel Rhydian. I couldn't feel him at all.

I opened my eyes to find the reason why. I wasn't in my bed. I was alone but not in my bed. I was in my mother's old room. The room I'm assuming Axel is using.

Climbing out of bed and rubbing my face, I heard the distinct noises my two year old makes. The thumping of his heavy feet. His shrill giggles. It sounds like he is playing nicely.

Then I heard the smash. There it is. I dropped my head and left the room, going back to mine to get dressed for the day. It is nothing new for Rhydian to knock something while running around. Spending the first two years in an apartment, Rhydian is use to running in the house.

I went down stairs to find a guard cleaning up whatever was smashed. Then I saw the frame. I went over to it and picked it up, gingerly taking the photo out.

It was Eli and I. I frowned at it. Why does Rhydian have to be so hyper? I turned to the guard that was cleaning the broken glass. "Where are they?"

"Outside, ma'am." He answered and I felt relieved. Because someone else was playing with Rhydian and I was having a small break. The only time I ever got a break was when I was working. That was the only time I actually didn't spend time with Rhydian. When Rhydian was asleep, I would sleep, that kid drained me. But then I would feel guilty for working and not spending time with him.

I made myself a tea and slowly went outside. I actually went outside, through the doors that were in the sitting room, on to the little verandah.

I savoured it. The fresh air. The openness. I loved it.

"Mam!" I heard Rhydian and looked to him. He was covered in dirt and grass seeds, still in his pajamas, the cuffs of his pants wet from the morning dew and his wet feet mixed with dirt created mud on the soles of his feet.

Axel was chasing Rhydian and the scene was something to smile about.

"Mam!" Rhydian called again.

"Hey, baby." I greeted him.

"Mammy, play."

I shook my head, drinking my tea.

"Rhyan, is there something you want to tell mum?" Axel asked as he stopped by us, slightly panting. It gave me some satisfaction the Rhydian is wearing Axel out too.

I looked down at my son and saw the face he was pulling. The guilty face.

"Sorry, mammy." He said quietly to me and I raised my eyebrows. How the hell did Axel get him to apologise? Rhydian has broken many things before. But not once could I get him to apologise.

"What are you sorry for, Rhyan?"

Rhydian looked down at the ground, an angry pout on his face. I tried so hard to suppress my grin.

"For breaking you." Rhydian muttered then started crying. "I didn't mean it. I don't want to break you." He babbled through his tears.

"Oh baby," I whispered as I went to my knees, taking him in my arms. "It's okay. You didn't break me." I felt my tears form as I listened to Rhydian. "That was a photo I treasure of mummy and her brother." I tried to explain, holding him tighter. "So no more running in the house, okay?"

Rhydian nodded against my chest, his little whimpers muffled.

"In future, we run outside only, okay?" I pulled Rhydian off me so I could wipe his face. Rhydian nodded again.

"Run outside." He repeated.

I gave him a small smile in return as he understood me.

"Now, let's get you cleaned up." Axel spoke, taking Rhydian and carrying him. "We have a big day today." Axel then winked at me as he walked away, Rhydian in his arms.

Wait, what?

I quickly followed them inside and up the stairs.

"What do you mean a big day?" I asked him.

But I got no answer and I didn't like that. So I waited. I waited for Axel cleaning Rhydian up, I waited till Rhydian was in fresh clothes.

Axel appeared again. "I'm going out and I'm taking Rhyan with. Are you coming or not?"

My jaw dropped but I recovered quickly. "Yes!" I shouted then calmed myself. "Yes, I'm coming."

Axel grinned and walked away and I turned to see Rhydian jumping on the spot in circles. Arching an eyebrow, I'm pretty sure this kid is hyperactive.

We left the house, Rhydian beyond excitement as I contained mine. Axel drove us to a park and Rhydian went nuts. He did everything there repeatedly. The slides, the swings, the climbing frame.

I stayed on the bench watching him. "We'll head to the shops afterwards, hey?"

I stared at Axel in amazement. "Who are you?" I whispered out, shocked that he is offering such things.

Axel sat back and shrugged, a small smile on his face.

I saw the two guards at the other end of the playground, watching their surroundings.

"You want normal. I'm trying to give you normal."