15:40
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
What important business could Stewart possibly have with her? It could only be about the divorce.
But how could she talk about any of this with Irwin?
These were matters between adults; an innocent child like him shouldn’t be dragged into it.
“Mom, come home with me, please!” Irwin tugged at Briony’s hand, pleading in that sweet, coaxing way only a little boy could. “Please? I haven’t seen Dad in days–I really miss him!”
Briony sighed, resigned. “Alright. I’ll take you home first.”
“Yes!” Irwin cheered, eyes sparkling. “You’re the best, Mom!”
Briony ruffled his hair, her gaze lingering on his bright, cherubic face. She let out a silent sigh.
After five years of marriage, it seemed Irwin’s affection and dependence were the only things left that felt genuine.
Everything else was just empty promises and wishful thinking.
Half an hour later, Briony and Irwin arrived at Southcreek Manor.
Stewart wasn’t home yet. Irwin managed to wait about ten minutes before his patience ran out.
“Mom, can you call Dad and ask when he’ll be back?”
Briony had assumed Stewart would be home soon–she’d planned to head straight to the hospital once he returned.
But now, when she called, the phone rang and rang with no answer.
Three calls. Each time, no one picked up.
Briony could only sigh and tried to reassure Irwin, “Your dad’s probably busy right now.”
Irwin frowned, his little brow furrowing in worry.
Was Mom Rosita crying, and Dad was too busy comforting her to answer the phone? The thought made Irwin’s anxiety bubble over. He even started to regret hugging Briony earlier; maybe if he hadn’t, she wouldn’t be sad
now!
The more he thought about it, the more worked up he became, and when he looked at Briony, there was a hint of resentment in his gaze.
But Briony was distracted, busy texting her best friend and oblivious to Irwin’s mood.
Briony: [Something came up. Can we reschedule the checkup for tomorrow?]
Best Friend: [I’m on the morning shift tomorrow. Just come straight over.]
Briony: [Okay.]
Best Friend: [I’m guessing you still haven’t taken the test, have you!]
Briony glanced guiltily at her purse and replied: [I’ll do it now.]
Her friend sent back a meme of an angry cartoon character wielding a hammer.
Briony replied with a sheepish “my bad” emoji, grabbed her bag, and stood up. “Irwin, I’m going to the bathroom
for a bit.”
Irwin didn’t answer.
Assuming he was sulking over Stewart, Briony didn’t think much of it. She headed upstairs.
15:40
Chapter 11
As soon as the master bedroom door clicked shut on the second floor, Irwin darted to his own room, grabbed the smartwatch Rosita had bought him from under his pillow, and scrolled through the contacts. The first entry was Rosita. He tapped to call.
The phone rang a few times before someone picked up.
“Irwin?”
It was Stewart’s low, slightly hoarse voice, tinged with the sound of heavy breathing.
Irwin blinked in surprise. “Dad? Why did you answer Rosita’s number? Where’s Mom?”
“Mom was tired, she just went to sleep. What’s up?”
Irwin’s panic grew. “Did Mom cry?”
Stewart didn’t deny it. “She’s okay now”
“I’m worried about her, Dad. I’m back home already, Can you come get me? I want to be with Mom.”
“Alright. I’ll come pick you up right now.”
After hanging up, Irwin was so excited he could barely sit still. He tucked the smartwatch deep into his coat pocket, then hurried out of his room and down the stairs.
He plopped onto the couch, turned on the TV, and waited happily for his dad to come.
Meanwhile, in the master bathroom upstairs, Briony stood frozen, her fingers white around a pregnancy test.
