Retribution

Chapter 4 - Sweet and Sour

"He's asking where you are," she said. "And he's demanding to put Harvey to bed."

I broke out in a cold sweat. My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would explode. I felt like I'd been caught doing something I shouldn't, even though everything was innocent, and we weren't even together. The roots of his abuse were going to be as hellish as a verruca to remove.

One step at a time, Louisa. Don't forget the small victories. One brick doesn't make a wall, but gradually putting lots of bricks together gives you what you need.

I was out with another man. That was a huge step for me. I was living my life, finally, with no one pulling me down or telling me I can't do something. He couldn't do anything right at this minute. I was fine. I refused to let myself think of what could happen when I next saw him.

"This is why I want a dog, Mum. Do you get it now? He wouldn't even be there right now if he knew I had one."

"Yes, I get it. I never said I didn't. It's just the money aspect, that's all. Anyway, we'll talk about that later. What do you want me to say to him?"

"Tell him I'm at Charlie's or something. And let him put Harvey to bed. No use arguing with him—at least he'll be gone quicker if you just let him get on with it."

An exasperated sigh sounded down the phone. "Lou, it's that laid-back attitude that got you into this mess. You need to start telling him no instead of looking for the easy route all the time."

I ground my teeth together and bit the inside of my cheek. Deep down, I knew what she was trying to say, but I couldn't help the defensive part of me wanting to snap back at her for insinuating it was all my fault. With comments like that, it made her no better than him.

"Is that all you wanted?" I said. "Because you're making me look very rude right now."

"Ok, have a good night. See you in the morning."

I muttered a 'bye' and hung up, well aware that Jake probably heard every part of that conversation. Trying to cool the heat racing to my cheeks, I fired off a quick text to Charlie:

Me: If Adam asks, I'm with you tonight. Tell you more in the morning xxx

Her reply was almost instant:

Charlie: Shit, hun. I've just seen him in the Chinese. I'm here with Andy. Ring me if you need me xxx

"Everything ok?" Jake said. His brow furrowed together, and his eyes were full of concern.

Stuffing my phone back in my bag, I faked a smile and nodded. "Just Harvey's dad turning up unexpectedly. Nothing major."

"Forgive me if I'm overstepping the mark here, but in my opinion, that is pretty major. I presume I'm correct in assuming you're not together?"

"Yes. We split up just before Christmas."

"Sorry to hear that," he said, pulling his lips into a thin line. "Couldn't have been very nice for you."

No, not really, considering I was in hospital after being stabbed, beaten, and tortured. But the silver lining was he moved out. "Shit happens," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

He glanced over at me, surprise flashing across his face, but he didn't comment on it. "Well, turning up unannounced, especially if you have a visitation order in place, is very frowned upon in court."

"I don't have anything official in place, so he just kind of pops round when he feels like it."

"You know he's not allowed to do that. Not legally. If you have shared custody then it should be an equal split, not him turning up to the family home as and when he feels like it."