If Walls Could Talk

Ten

"You're sure you won't need any help?" Skye asks as Calum finishes packing a day bag for Nika.

"I promise, it's a day off and Nika and I are going to spend it with my mum. Explore Sydney, sleep, call your family and talk for hours. Have a day for you. We'll be back tonight sometime." He laughs.

"Explore Sydney, that does sound nice." She grins, sitting down beside Nika who is quietly playing with a couple toys.

"You're welcome to use the card I gave you for anything you need today too. It's still a business trip, even on your day off." Calum adds as he swings the backpack onto his shoulder.

"I can afford my own excursions and food. Thank you though." She rolls her eyes, turning to Nika. "Hey, have fun with Nana and daddy today okay?"

"Nana!" Nika giggles excitedly.

"Let's go, Alex is waiting to take us to see Nana." Calum nods, reaching out for her.

"Bye, Skye!" Nika waves as she settles onto her dads hip.

"Bye, Nika." Skye laughs, taking a long breath as the door closes behind the two of them.

Climbing off the couch she wanders into her room, finding her shower bag and a clean towel. If she has all day she's getting ready for it.

Before she has a chance to reach the bedroom door her phone is buzzing loudly, making her turn back. Smiling she abandons her plans, curling into the bed as she swipes to answer the FaceTime call. "Hi mama." She grins.

"Hi!" Her moms warn and tired face fills the screen.

"What's wrong? You look stressed, I mean, more stressed than usual." Skye frowns.

"They are predicting a very low volume tourist season this summer, and I'm worried." Her mom sighs, giving Skye the indication that she is already more than worried.

"What? Why?"

"The Corona Virus. It's traveling through the world like crazy and it's going to hit eventually. They think it will shut down the US for at least a few months, maybe longer. If no one can travel then no one will be at the inn, and Asher won't have people to take on tours, and I don't know. If the people you work for are home will they still need you? I'm just worried we might be heading for our worst year to date."

"They can't shut everything down right? It isn't that bad is it? I mean, I'm in Australia right now and nothing is shut down. And we are so much closer to China than you are."

"The city has sent out emails to the businesses about the likelihood of things like Jeep Safari being canceled all together. We make so much money over Easter week with Jeep Safari, if they cancel stuff like that we are in trouble, Skye. And I don't want to worry you, because you already give everything you can to your brothers and I, but I'm really scared we may end up losing everything in this."

"Mom, I won't let that happen. I refuse to let that happen. I can send my entire paycheck if I need to. My boss already wants me to use his money for gas and such since I am usually driving around with his kid and doing errands for him. Plus, if I eat at home I don't pay for groceries. The only money I need is for my phone bill. And I'm at the end of my pay off contract, so if I don't upgrade even that could drop significantly in the month or two. I can send more. You and the boys need to stay safe, and you need to keep the house."

"Skye, you do so much for us already. We can't make you give up even more for us."

"I want to. I can't let you and the boys live like that. Don't keep things from me mom. If it's getting hard let me know and I'll figure out what I can do to help you out."

"I'm so sorry, baby, I wish I could have provided you and your brothers with a better life than this." Her moms eyes well up suddenly.

"Please don't cry, mom, please. You gave us what we needed, unconditional love. Fuck dad for walking out and leaving us like this. It isn't your fault we had to live like this."

"I hate relying on you to help keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I hate that you are a full grown adult and you are sending money back to keep your brothers and I afloat. You should be out enjoying travel and experiences with your money not sending it home to your family like this."

"Mom." She almost laughs, her heart aching, "I am traveling. I have traveled so much with my job and seen so many amazing places and had experiences I never would have had elsewhere, I get all that, and I do it on someone else's pocket book because I'm working while I do it. I want to help you out, mom. I always have. Since the day I got my first job when I was fourteen, It has always been to help you and the boys."

"Don't you understand how wrong that is though, Skye? I should have been able to provide for you guys so you didn't have to take on that responsibility at fourteen."

"Don't you understand that I enjoy helping out the people I love, and I want to do this for you guys. Just let me know what you need and I will find a way to get the money to you. Every last dime I can possibly spare."

"I was blessed with more than I ever could have deserved in you, Skye. I hope you know that. I am so proud to be your mother."

"And I am proud to be your daughter, mom. Please, just let me know what you need okay? I have some money put away, not a lot. But some from the few checks I've got since starting this job. The money I usually keep for my use. I can send it over as soon as I'm back in LA."

"We are okay for right now."

"I'll have Bryce and Asher tell me honestly if you don't, mom. And they will tell me."

"Save your money for you, Skye, if nothing else you can use it to come visit sometime. It's been ages since we got to see you in person."

"You needed the money more than the visit in December, mom. As much as I hated missing some time at home with you guys, I wouldn't take back what I did. It kept the lights on and the Christmas dinner you three had special."

"Ya. I just miss my girl. It has been too long since I got a Skye hug."

"Trust me, I am missing my mama too, and your hugs. As soon as I find the time and money I will be visiting you and the boys. I promise."

"Thank you, Skye. For being so generous and loving towards your brothers and I." Her mom nods.

"Family before anything. And anything for family."

"Am I keeping you? Shouldn't you be taking care of that beautiful little spitfire you're nannying?"

"She is with her dad today. His mom lives here in Sydney so they went for a family day. I was told to enjoy a day off to explore or sleep or talk to my family. I think I like that option best."

"I like it too. But you're there and sitting in your hotel. You should enjoy the day off in a crazy city far away from home."

"I'd rather be on that lumpy couch with you watching Friends." Skye chuckles.

"Do you have any of the seasons downloaded? We could watch together from so many thousands of miles apart if you'd like."

"I'd love that, mama. Let me get my laptop connected."

———————————
More insight into Skye's home life.

We are over 2K reads and only at chapter ten. 🥺🥺 thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving this story.

Vote and comment!

I love you guys!!!

~M =)