Before we met

My phone bleeps. I don't usually bother with my phone at work but it's the end of the day and we only have a small group of children waiting to be collected- they seem to be occupying themselves with a family story book, under the watch full eye of the nursery manager blithe... So i slip my phone from my pocked and smile at the message from my 17 year old son.

"Wot time you back mum? Got some of that chocolate you like on the way back from college"

Bless him- he's obviously trying to get back in my good books after breaking his curfew last night...it was gone ten for goodness sake, he was supposed to be back by nine ..gosh he's growing up so quickly, it doesn't seem a minute since he was a tiny tot. It makes me feel old. I'm only thirty seven, some people of my age are only just starting families! I smile and wave goodbye to the last few children, as they run into the arms of their adoring parents. I turn around and begin to pack up the colourful toys that are littering the grey, worn carpet but I am disturbed by a gentle hand on my back.

"Oh hello Isla! Isn't your mummy here yet?"

The little girl gives me a blank stare. She's been here for over a month but I have never once seen her mother drop her off or collect her... It's often her father or occasionally an older lady who I can only presume is he grandmother. Maybe she doesn't have a mum... I instantly feel guilty.

"Don't worry sweetheart!" I say, lifting her up to the window.

"I'm sure your daddy will be here soon"

Isla nods her head but the worried expression remains on her young face. I hear keys jangling and for a moment I am hopeful, but I turn around to see blithe- zipping up her coat and collecting her belongings. She turns her head to face and offers a sympathetic smile to Isla (who seems set to fall to sleep on my shoulder- bless her!).

"I'm sorry Ebonie, I've got to pick the little un' up from school! Are you alright to lock up here?"

"Yeah sure!" I reply casually, thinking nothing of it.

"I'm sure Isla's daddy will be here soon- probably just held up at work!" She says, in the soft, child friendly voice that we all use in the presence of the children. Parents are often a little bit late and it's not a rarity for one or two children to be remaining a few minutes after closing time. A few minutes. It's been almost half an hour.