Chim-Loveline

Chapter Three

"How dare him. He spent two years torturing ME just because he felt guilty!" I'm pacing back and forth in Kimberley's flat. She sits on the couch in front of me. "I can't take this Kim. I knew something was up all along and so did Joan, she didn't even try to stop him." My voice cracks, I feel tears flood my eyes. "I thought things might actually change..." I fade away.  

"Things will change Cheryl." She breathes calmly.  

"How Kimberley?! It's all going to get worse from here. He could come back to hurt us, or worse, Garry or Joan. I can't let that happen, but I have no control. Joan may know what's been going on but she STILL won't give up on him, the look in her eyes told us she wants him to stay with us still, she's seen him since, without Garry. I know she's trying to work things out. I can't live with him again, if he comes back I have to go." 

"Where the hell are you going to go Chez? " 

"Away. Far, far away." I whisper, staring at the floor. 

~ 

"Mummy Cheryl's back!" Garry screams as I slug up the driveway.  

"Where've you been Cheryl Ann?! I've been worried sick!"  

"Don't give me that pathetic lie, mother." I mutter as I walk through the front door, right past the two of them.  

"Chezza we need to talk about this. I need to know how you feel. I told him he could come live with us" 

"Suddenly my feelings are important, yeah?" 

"Cheryl your feelings have alwa-" 

"Bullshit Joan! You let him stay when he almost killed me. You let him stay when he told you he was glad Andrew died. And NOW you're going to let him live with us?!" 

"He left that...that sk- woman. He promised. He promised he'll change for us. Please give him a chance." She speaks softly, but with a hint of fear.  

I knew you would do this!" I scream. 

"I don't know what else to do, pet. Garry needs a father and you do too."  

"I don't need any of you." I walk swiftly down the hall and slam my bedroom door.  

~ 

It's dark, early in the morning. I open my window, taking in the fresh morning air. I check my phone for the time. 3:30. He's coming in less than 8 hours. I climb out the window with a full backpack; Kiera's head is poking out between the two zippers. I run. The cold, crisp air burns my lungs as I go. But I don't stop. I know exactly where I want to be.  

~ 

Kimberley opens the door, a cigarette in her other hand. Music is playing in the background, there's another girl in the kitchen. "Cheryl...?" She's surprised to see me, but she also sounds angry.  

"I'm sorry for coming over so late- er, early I mean." 

It's okay. Are you okay?" She looks behind me to see the full bag on my back. "Are you leaving them?" Her eyes go wide.  

"There's nothing else I can do." I say, staring her directly in the eyes. The girl that was in the kitchen is now standing behind Kimberley, her head on Kim's shoulder, arms wrapped around her.  

"Who's this, babe?" The girl looks to Kimberley. 

"Er, Nadine this is Cheryl; Cheryl, Nadine." Kimberley answers tensely.  

"Hiya." Nadine says smiling. 

"Nice to meet you." I smile back weakly. 

"Nads, can you give me a minute with Cheryl?" 

"Of course, darling." Nadine smiles and pecks her neck. "I'm heading to bed, if I'm asleep; wake me when you get in." She looks at me and smiles, and in an instant she was down the hall. 

"Who's that?" I ask Kimberley. 

"My, er, girlfriend." She answers hesitantly.  

"She was never here before." My jaw tightens. 

"She was, before you got to town. " 

"Why'd she leave?" I feel jealous.  

It doesn't matter, Cheryl." She shakes her head. "What matters is what you're doing. You can't leave your family."  

"I'm leaving Kimberley. I came here for your help. But I'm doing it either way, with or without you." 

"What do you want me to do, Cheryl?" 

"Come with me." I look down. 

"I can't. I can't take care of you. I can't take care of Nads, let alone myself, and I don't even know you Cheryl. We've talked, that's it. I'm a person you vent to when you're feeling alone. You don't know anyone else around here, that's why I approached you." She speaks softly, the sweetest sadness in her eyes. "I'm sorry; I can't help you beyond this, Cheryl."