Hold my heart, it's beating for you anyway

chapter 9

I take Scarlett for a walk in the afternoon. Tony is resting anyway and I've done all the jobs I needed to. I want to go and visit them. I miss them so much and all the stress with Vic is making me feel more alone. It doesn't take long to get there.
"Hey my two favourite men" I whisper. I take Scarlett out of her pram and introduce her to them. She just gurgles. I tell them all about my new job and how Vic is being a pig to me but I seem to have a friend in Jaime. I put a sleepy Scarlett back in her pram and promise to visit again soon. I blow them both kisses before starting the short walk home.
I am back in time to give Tony his next round of pills. He seems brighter after resting. And Vic has gone too. I get Scarlett all sorted out and settled on the floor in the lounge with Tony and her toys so I can prepare some food for them. I'm hungry but don't like eating Tony's food. I feel guilty. I set the table, help Tony in and pop Scarlett in her high chair. She gurgles at me, a smile on her face. She soon finishes her food and I start clearing up.
"Aren't you having anything?" Tony asks. I shake my head, and tell him I'll grab a sandwich later. I put Scarlett on the floor and start washing up.
"I have a dishwasher you know" Tony says, smiling.
"I know. Jaime told me. I've never had one so I'm just used to doing it this way" I say, shrugging my shoulders. He walks over and starts drying.
"Oi, you're not meant to be doing that" I say, scowling at him. He pulls tongues at me and carries on. Stubborn man. I finish up and get Scarlett ready for bed. I'm exhausted but have to help Tony get ready. I go back down once she's asleep and Tony gestures for me to sit down. I do, rubbing my eyes.
"I heard you singing last night" he says.
My hand goes to my mouth.
"I am so sorry I woke you" I say, expecting him to be angry.
"It was beautiful. But such a sad song. Is it from a film?" I nod.
"Phantom of the opera. It's been a favourite of mine for a very long time" I tell him, sadness threatening to overwhelm me again.
"You seem dreadfully sad for someone so young" he says, looking me straight in the eye. I look away. In that precise second he looked so much like someone else it was scary. Not in a bad way. In a 'what the hell just happened' way.