‘Don’t give a shit,’ came the faint reply.

He may not have cared about Wren, but she sure as shit did. She couldn’t wait another night to see him, she needed to hold him in her arms and smell the sweetness of his hair. She rang her mom and asked her to bring him back home to her.

Not even ten minutes later she was opening the front door to an excited Wren. The instant she saw her little man she felt like bursting into tears again, hoping the hot flow would burn the pain from her heart. Instead, she grabbed Wren and hugged him to her chest, smoothing down his fine hair and kissing him.

‘I won’t stay,’ her mom said, and Vanessa knew that she wanted to say something to Mark but didn’t want to make it worse for Vanessa. ‘Sure you don’t want me to have him for one more night?’

‘Yes, but thanks, Mom. I need him home.’ She kissed her mom’s papery cheek and closed the door, holding Wren tightly in her arms.

‘I missed you, sweetheart. I love you so much.’

‘Mommy!’ he said as he snuggled into her neck, placing a slobbery kiss on her shoulder. It was just what she needed. She just had to focus on Wren now. Make sure she could protect him.

3

And that’s what happened for the next eight years. Vanessa had adjusted and finally accepted her lot in life. It was difficult, and she fought it for so long but in the end, it was just the way it was. She was that girl after all. Mark was who he was, and he was never going to change his attitude toward her or Wren. He resented her for tying him down with a child, reminding her of that fact every chance he could. He could have had a real life, he could have been happy with Maggie, on and on he’d go. She let it go in one ear and out the other. His words couldn’t hurt her anymore.

‘Vanessa!’ bellowed Mark. She had been folding and putting away Wren’s school uniform. He was in his room helping her. He was always helping her. They had such a close bond. They shared a glance. It was a voice that meant trouble.

‘Stay in your room, Wren. I mean it.’ Her voice was stern, but her face softened as she kissed him on the forehead. ‘Love you, sweet boy.’

She walked down the hallway quickly, knowing how impatient Mark was. ‘Are you after some lunch, Mark?’ she asked politely.

‘No, you dumb slut, I don’t want anything to eat, Jesus! I want my goddamn black pants. Where are they?’