Page 6 of Bed of Roses

Harriet: It’s a check to see how you look at all angles!

Me: I can only see one angle.

Harriet: Okay pervert, here’s my back angle *Image attached*

Me: Perfect. Have fun and be careful.

Harriet: *Kissing emoji* Always, Bear xx

“Who’s that?” Harriet asked.

“Just Mick. Reckons we haven’t ordered enough tape,” I lied.

Why did I lie? I guess I knew that she wouldn’t be happy with that particular text chain. I deleted it. Rose was just a friend, but Haz wouldn’t understand it. I knew that much. My sister used kissing emojis in her texts with me. It didn’t mean anything. It was just a chick thing.

“I ran into Colin the other day,” Haz said.

Why was she bringing up Colin?

“How is he?” I asked. Play it cool. Why was I telling myself to play it cool?

“Confused. He was ranting at me about wanting more money. It’s getting to the point that I am uncomfortable leaving the house. He’s getting more aggressive.”

“He’s a million years old, Haz. He won’t hurt you. A stiff breeze would knock him over.”

“Yes, I know but it’s upsetting. I don’t want to cause trouble and I know he’s unwell. I spoke to Rose about it yesterday and she said she’d keep an eye on him.

“Why are you troubling Rose? She has enough to worry about,” I scolded. I know Haz was uncomfortable, but Rose was living this 24/7. The least we could do was to tolerate a bit of discomfort.

“Why shouldn’t I trouble Rose? She moved in to look after him and I’m telling her that he needs more supervision. It’s not just me he’s stressing out. Seeing me distresses him and it’s hard to watch him in pain,” she snapped.

“I’m just saying you should have told me and I’d have told Rose,” I soothed.

“Why? Are you her fucking intermediary? Her social worker?Her husband?” she seethed.

This was getting ridiculous.

“No, I’m a bystander. I’m not affected by this like you are,Loretta, so I’m best placed to talk to Rose without bringing unnecessary emotion into it.” I’d have to talk to Rose later to see if Haz had upset her.

Haz just stared at me. Almost in disbelief.

“Oh, you’re involved. You’re just too fucking stupid to recognize it.”

So, date night was going well. There go my plans for later tonight. Haz was fuming, and I knew she’d have a long bath when she got home and then flake by going to bed early. That was what she did when she was stressed.

Chapter 6. Harriet - Heartbreak

My 24-week check up was this afternoon and I was so excited. We’d started to talk about birth plans and labor classes had started. I checked my phone. Blake was late. If he wasn’t here in five minutes, I’d have to go in without him. He didn’t come to all appointments, but he did come when his schedule allowed. He told me this morning he was working nearby and wanted to come and check on “his son.” I smiled. He hadn’t let up on the boy thing, though I knew he really didn’t care. It was just an ongoing joke battle between us.

“Harriet Evans?” the nurse called. I stood and walked into the room. Looks like he missed it. Never mind, it wasn’t an important appointment. There was not going to be an ultrasound or any riveting announcements.

I returned to work after my appointment and spent a few hours chatting with Sam. She was amazing. I knew she was the perfect maternity replacement for me. Work was increasing, so hopefully by the time I returned, there would be enough work to justify extending her contract.

“I’m home,” I said cheerily as I came in the door.

Blake wasn’t home. His car was in the drive. Maybe he was in the yard. Our lawn was in desperate need of a mow. I checked the kitchen window. No Blake.

Me: Where are you?

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