silent tears

14

Stella

"Yaay!! Mummy uncle Connor is here!" Nev's high pitched voice reached my ears from downstairs. I quickly got up and marched towards the door, descending the steps.

I smiled wide when I saw him with Nev in his arms tickling him and making him laugh. "Hey!" I chirped hugging him, he hugged me back, his hands lingering on my back for a moment. I cleared my throat and slowly backed away feeling a bit awkward.

"So," I began holding my hands behind me and leading him to the sofas. "What brought you here?"

He looked shocked for a moment and later rolled his eyes," wow so now I have to have a reason before visiting my best friend " he feigned hurt. I laughed.

"Of course not...but there must be a reason"

He rubbed his chin. "Not really....was passing by and just decided to visit" he shrugged, leaning in the chair.

I nodded. "Oh...I see, meaning you're not staying for dinner?"

He nodded. 

He looked around frowning. "What?" I asked.

"Mum and Dad are gone?" He somewhat asked.

I groaned. Not wanting to talk about them. "Yea...almost like a week ago"

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why?"

I sighed. "Can we not talk about this..."

"Let me guess had an argument?"

I nodded. "Yea...normal arguments" I relaxed on the couch. "About Nev's dad and a whole lot.."

"Mom!" Nev called from the kitchen.

"What is it honey?!" I yelled back.

"Aunt won't give me chocolate!" He sounded really angry now. I rolled my eye and headed into the kitchen with Connor following.

I folded my arms and raised my eyebrows at the sight. Aunt Gina towards over him with the box of chocolate in her hands high above his reach. Nev tugged at her dress struggling to put her hand down.

"Come on!" Nev yelled in frustration.

I sighed and walked up to him lifting him into my arms. "What did I tell you about so much chocolate?" I said in a stern voice.

"But I can't resist.." He whined.

"Go to your room and leave the chocolates alone"  I put him and pointed upstairs. He hung his head and dragged his feet upstairs.

I pushed a strand of hair from my face and gave Aunt Gina an apologetic look. "I'm rea-"

"Don't worry about it " she shrugged me off smiling widely. "Continue with your friend" she giggled.

I turned to find Connor smiling. "What are you smiling at?"

"He reminds me of little me" he chuckled.

"Of course he would. Stubborn" I walked pass him.

He gasped, placing his hand on his chest feigning hurt. 'I was never stubborn and you know that"

I laughed hard and hit his chest playfully.
"Was just kidding come on" I played along.

He chuckled and watched the time, tutting, "I have to leave Ella.."

"Where are you off to anyway?"

"Conference..." I palmed his face. I could clearly see he was tired. "Get some rest. You look worked out"

He smirked. "The ladies love it"

I rolled my eyes raised my hands in mock surrender. "If you say so...hey! Will Finn be there?"

His face changed immediately his name left my lips... Uh??

His eyed darkened and he balled his fists. I placed my hand on his arm. "Are you alright?"

He quickly smiled washing the serious face away. I frowned.
"Yea....I don't know yet...I don't really know who are going to present " he quickly stood up and reached for the door.

"Goodbye then..."

"Yea whatever " he shrugged me off  and quickly walked away. I stood back confused.

Aren't they friends anymore?... Why the sudden change in character?.... I'd have to ask Finn when I see him tomorrow.

*************

I sit back in my chair feeling so tired for the day. When would I ever rest?!. I massage my head for sometime and get up , pausing when I hear a knock on the door. I beckon whoever it is to come in and move back to my seat.

I smile widely when I see the man of my heart approach me. I quickly get up and run into him for a hug. He places a kiss on my neck and laughs.

"Hey,...missed me?" He smirks. I roll my eyes and pull away.

"Nah...not really" I joke. He places a hand on his chest and feigns hurt.

I playfully nudge his tummy and laugh walking towards my desk.

"Anyway...just wanted to take you out for sometime... It's your lunch... Right?" He furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the clock.

I nod. "Where?"

He cups my cheek. "Anywhere.."

I giggle. "Fine then.."

My phone suddenly starts ringing and I pick it up. Aunt Gina...

"Hello, Aunt..."

"Stella...there's is trouble!"

My heart drops. What could it be?

"Why....are you okay?"

"It's not me sweetie, it's Nev!"

My heart suddenly starts to pound in fear. My son...what has happened to my son?!

"What happened to him?!...where is he!  But its not even time for him to go home from school?!"

Finn gives me a worried look and palms his face.

Aunt Gina pauses before releasing the bomb. "The school management just called me to tell me a certain man just came to take him away while they were at break"

"What?!" I suddenly feel the tears trickle down my face. Who could that be?!...my son!

Nev!...where could he be...I drop the phone and fall to the ground. Impossible... This news is so terrible. Finn holds me close to him and tries to console me. But I don't hear anything. All I want is my boy...he's the source of my joy.

I quickly wipe my eyes and get up, pick my car keys and rush out with Finn following closely behind me. The school will have to explain to me... How could thy be so careless?! Don't they have a security system... That someone could just enter and take my son away!

They have a lot to explain!