Chapter 5

Allison

I adjust the short sleeves of my teal scrubs before reaching for a brush and running it through my short hair. I love this color of scrubs the most; it compliments my auburn hair perfectly.

When I’m done getting ready, I look at myself in the mirror and make a few adjustments.

When I finish, I turn to Riley who’s in a towel and watching his favorite cartoon on his iPad.

“Come on sweetie. Let’s get you dressed up.”

I make him put the device down and dress him up for the day. Then I pick my bag and go downstairs for breakfast.

The whole family is seated on the dining already. Of course, with the exception of my second sister.

“Good morning mom,” I kiss my mom on her forehead and go to hug my dad.

Then I intentionally ruffle my baby sister’s pin straight hair before sitting down. She grumbles and swats my hand away.

There are several plates on the table. Plates of pancakes and waffles, plates of bacon and plates of eggs. There’s also cereal for Riley.

“How is everyone this morning?” I chirp as I pour some milk into Riley’s cereal bowl.

My sister grumbles again, “You’re so excited for a Monday morning. Really.”

I scoff lightly at her sarcasm, “Don’t believe everything you see.”

My chipper early morning mood is a façade for now I really feel on the inside. Today is the day I start working with Aaron. In Neil’s apartment.

My stomach bunches tightly at the thought and I feel like throwing up. I need to do or say something to distract myself.

“I’m moving out soon.”

At my blurted-out words, everybody stops eating and stares at me.

I laugh nervously at wiggle my fingers, “Oops. Wrong timing.”

My dad scratches his chin and asks, “When?”

“When I receive my first paycheck at this new place.”

Neil emailed me an official copy of my proof of employment. The letter included the agreed wages. It’s an exorbitant amount and yet he didn’t hesitate to go along with it.

Combined with the money I earn at the nursing home, I’ll be able to get a lease on an apartment somewhere in Manhattan with the first paycheck.

Mom wastes no time in trying to dissuade me, “Darling, that’s a huge decision. And a hasty one too. I mean…have you even thought about it?”

I dig into my pancakes as I say, “I’ve had all weekend to think about it, mom. Besides, I was living on my own before Riley came along.”

At the mention of his name, Riley perks up and stares quizzically at me.

“Eat your cereal,” mom and I tell him at the same time.

Mom turns to me. Her eyes are shimmering with worry.

“I think you should slow down, honey,” she suggests, “Think about this very carefully. Your life is a lot different now. Wouldn’t you rather own a house to raise your son in? It’s better than your housing being dependent on a monthly paycheck.”

And that…is a surprisingly fantastic idea.

My smart watch beeps signaling it’s time to go.

“I’ll think about it mom,” I assure her as I stand and kiss Riley goodbye.

“Get donuts today?” He asks hopefully, his mouth full of cereal.

I ruffle his curly locks that are so identical to Neil’s. “I won’t miss it.”

*

I meet up with Beverly at the train station. The both of us are dressed in the attires depicting our careers. Me in my scrubs and she in a black office dress with frills and heels.

Beverly beams when she sees me coming and she makes an exaggerated grabby gesture,

“Oh, don’t you look cute! Come here sugar.”

I grin bashfully as I step into her embrace. When we peel apart, she bounces on her shoes and gushes,

“Finally, we’re back to our old life. Taking the subway together.” She sighs dreamily before demanding, “We’re having breakfast together too, right?”

I give her a wry smile, “I’m sorry Bev. Mom made sure I was stuffed full.” I pat my stomach for effect.

Beverly groans out loud, “Ugh. Seriously, Eleanor needs to be stopped.”

“For feeding her daughter? I don’t think so.”

The train arrives and we enter. We find a seat close to one of the doors, so we won’t have to battle with other commuters when we’re alighting.

The train starts to move, carrying us away from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The knot in my stomach becomes worse and this time, I’m sure I’ll vomit everywhere.

Beverly notices me wringing my fingers. She places a hand over mine and asks in a soft tone,

“Hey. What’s wrong?”

I sigh and meet her eyes, “I’m scared Bev. I don’t want this to end badly.”

“You’ve handled lots of kids. This one is tougher but I’m sure you’ll figure…”

“I’m not talking about Aaron.”

The realization dawns on her, “Oh.” Then, “I think you should tell him.”

I gasp, “Tell him what?”

“About Riley,” she explains patiently, “He has zero rights to him, so you don’t have to worry about anyone coming to take him from you. Also, you’ll get this weight off your chest and stop being so afraid.”

I eat at my nails until they start to hurt. Then I return back to wringing my fingers.

“I know he doesn’t have any rights to my son. But what if he tries to use him against me?”

Beverly stares at me like I’ve grown an extra head, “Come on Allison. Those stuff belongs in movies. In real life, nothing like that is going to happen. Which is why I’m suggesting that you tell Neil about Riley.”

I stare blankly at her, but my mind is working overtime.

To tell Neil?

Every thought and feeling in my body disagrees with that step of action. It’s going to be much better for everyone involved that Neil stays in the dark. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt him.

But somewhere, deep down, a voice tells me she’s right.

I reach my decision and tell Beverly, “Maybe you’re right but I’m keeping my mouth shut.”

She shakes her head at me and opens her mouth eo say somethingbut I lift a hand to stop her.

“I know it doesn’t agree with your decision, but this is my life. I’ll run it the way I choose and right now, I choose not to tell Neil about Riley.”

My best friend gives me a sad look but then she places her hand on top of mine and gives it a gentle squeeze.

“You’ve done far more stupid things in your life, Allison. What’s yet another one?”

We dissolve into giggles. That’s why I love Beverly; even though she doesn’t agree with me, she’s ever so supportive.

She rests her head on my shoulder and together, we watch the train take us into the city.

*

I arrive at the penthouse building in record time. This time, the receptionist is expecting me. When I breeze past to collect the elevator key card, she gives me a welcoming smile as she greets,

“Good morning.”

“Good morning to you too,” I tell her before rushing to the special elevator reserved for the penthouse.

Now that I think about it, it’s a pretty cool concept. Separating the penthouse from the other regular apartments tells everyone what they need to know. That power resides at the top and it should be given its own separate respect.

As I ascend upwards, I practice some breathing exercises to calm my nerves.

It works…only a little.

Beverly’s advice flashes in my mind and I debate following through with it. At least I know that the only thing I would have to worry about is staying away from Mr. Big Bad Boss himself.

If only it were that easy…

The elevator stops way too soon. The doors slide open, and I mentally will them to close back. I need to gather my thoughts some more.

“Come on Allison. You’re everything but you’re not a little coward.” I talk myself into leaving the elevator and making it to the door. I lift a shaky finger to the doorbell and press it.

Like the other day, the door opens to reveal the maid. Her eyes are no longer curious when she sees me.

“Good morning Ms. Walters.” She steps aside for me to pass.

“Hi,” I mentally smack myself for that answer. Who in the world replies to a good morning wish with ‘hi’?

Take a deep breath and focus, Allison. Focus.

I walk into the living room on my own and again I admire its elegance. I stare outside the windows as I speak to the maid.

“Where is Aaron?”

Where is Neil?

“He’s in the rehabilitation room.”

I whip around with a gasp, “The rehabilitation room.”

The maid gestures for me to follow her and I do. We take the side of the house opposite to where Neil’s office is. My eyes trace over the closed door and I wonder where the master of the house is.

Gone to work, I hope.

A huge door reveals the perfect room to carry out my activities. Standing beams and strength training equipment are arranged in an order that would put most physical therapy clinics to shame.

Neil really means business.

Aaron is sitting behind a desk, playing with Legos.

“Good morning, Aaron.”

The boy lifts his head at my voice and gives me they shyest smile, “Good morning, therapist Allison.”

The maid leaves the room and I go over to him. I crouch down beside his wheelchair and smile up at him.

“Just Allison is fine.”

A lump forms in my throat as I stare at him. He’s literally an older version of Riley.

“Okay,” he looks away for a second before asking again, “Will you play Legos with me?”

I can’t resist running my fingers through his unruly curls.

“Of course I’ll play with you,” I reach for my bag of medical instruments, “But first, we have to take your vitals.”

I record his heart rate and blood pressure. He’s fine.

“All right,” I sigh as I put the stethoscope away, “You’re good to go.”

I sit on the other side of the table and stare at the small toy pieces.

“What are we building?”

“A spaceship.”

I give an exaggerated gasp, “No way. That’s impressive.”

Aaron grins and I notice he’s already getting comfortable with me. That’s the plan. A good physical therapist knows that the first key to helping the patient is to help them build trust in you.

As I build the bottom part of the ship, my mind glosses over Neil’s absence. For someone so thorough, I figured he would have waited for me before leaving to work.

Or is this me justifying my desire to simply see him again?

Ugh…stop thinking about him already.

“So, where’s your dad, Aaron?”

You really had to ask him that, didn’t you?

Before the boy can answer, a deep voice calls out,

“He’s here.”