The Secrets We Keep

Part 3

Hailey POV*

Today is my first day at work and Ryders first day at day care. I got up extra early so I could get Ryder situated and not be late, because kids can be slow in the mornings. I took a shower and did my hair and then got Ry up and dressed ready for preschool. By the time we got the door I knew for sure that I was gonna be a little, it was 6:45 and I have to get to work by 7am. After dropped Ryder off I checked the clock it read 6:56, the district is not that far from the preschool so I rush over and got there just after 7am. First, I went to the desk Sargent to get my locker and other stuff. When I got upstairs everyone told me to see Voight. " Hey, Upton Why were you late? um traffic" should I have told Voight at least is what went through my head. The day went by slow there was no case . After we all finish Adam ask if anyone want to go to  Molly's " yeah sure"  said Kim, Vanessa, Kevin, and Jay. When I didn't answer they all look at me. So I gave them some fake answer like I was tired, but in reality had to pick up my kid from preschool. They left me alone.

Months went by and cases came and went, but jay and I's friendship grew stronger. Surprisingly no ever questioned me when I used the "I'm tired" excuse most days. Jay and I did our thing on most tough cases but Ry was asleep when he came over. On one weekend a couple months into my new job, I took Ry to the park to meet some kids his age.

"Mommy" he says happily. "what baby, you find something" I say, "Can you take me to the playground" he says and that's when I see him, Voight. After I see him I try to keep my head down so he wouldn't see me. But then Ry walk directly in Voight's direction. As soon as we get to the slide I hear my name being called by a raspy voice. " Upton" He says with confusion." Hey" I reply, "what are you doing here"? I can't lie anymore so I say My son Then I call Ry's name and he comes over.

"Mommy, who's that?" he says. Hey Ry can you say hi, this is my boss, "hi" he says then runs off to play. "Sorry about that still try to work on being polite". How come you never told me him, does Jay know". " I never told you guys because I didn't want anything to happen to him" I say. "What's his name?" huh I say "you keep saying Ry, so what's his name"? " His name is Ryder Jace Upton". " He's a cute kid Hailey, so is there anything else you want to say". " No "I says then I start asking the questions like, why are you here?" I was just out for a walk" he said. " So where's Ryders father are you with him or what"? The question was so sudden it hit me like a bag of bricks and after a minute I start to answer. " His father is dead". "I'm so sorry Hailey", "yeah me too" I say.

Hope y 'all like this chapter.

Sincerely, Cici