Page 41 of Keeping Skylar
Kirstin:Now, now, Miss Negativity. This could be a really good idea.
Me:I’ll let you know. I have a lot to think about. Well, I’m off to bed guys. Catch up again tomorrow?
Mila:Sure thang, sister. Love you, xo
Kirstin:Nighty-night, dynamites!
As I lie in bed, my thoughts spiral, imagining what it would be like to live with a complete stranger—someone I’d invite into my home and share my personal space with. I wonder if we’ll clash or if we’ll get along, and hope, more than anything, that it’ll be the latter. I try to reassure myself that it’s all part of a fresh start,a new journey, and that maybe—just maybe, it’ll work out in the end.
An hour passes, and I feel my eyelids grow heavy with sleep, my breath slowing asI surrender to the soothing pull of a peaceful, welcoming dream. In this dream, a mysterious, faceless figure lingers across the hall from my bedroom. Their presence is peculiar, yet oddly comforting and trusting.
This silent creature watches over me at night time, within the dark shadows. There’s no fear or anxiety as I feel their gaze on me. Instead, I feel a deep sense of safety and security, as if they were sent to me for a reason—for a purpose. To be my protector, my steady pillar of strength when the weight of the world becomes too heavy to bear alone.
CHAPTER 17
Skylar
“Raise your hand if you can tell me about a time you showed kindness to another person,” I say to my Pre-K class during circle time.
For the past week, my class has been gradually working on a project centred around kindness. Today, inspired by a story we read about a little boy’s journey from meanness to compassion, I decided to spark a discussion—encouraging them to share some of the thoughtful things they’ve done for others.
Jacob is the first to raise his hand, eagerly waving it in the air. I nod in his direction and motion for him to speak.
“I ... I helped my mummy change my brother’s poopy nappy,” he announces proudly. “It was really gross and I almost vomited on him, but I did it! I changed his stinky nappy.”
The room instantly erupts in laughter and I can’t help but chuckle along too. “Thank you, Jacob. That’s wonderful to hear. I’m sure your mummy appreciated the help.”
Jacob beams and gives an enthusiastic nod. Chloe, who’s sitting right at the back of the group, raises her hand next.
“Yes, Chloe. What can you share with us?” I smile encouragingly. She sits up a little straighter and takes a deep breath, as if preparing to give a public speech. “For my nanna’s two-hundred birthday, me and my daddy made her nachos and a card that said ‘nacho average old fart’,” Chloe reveals, a hint of pride dancing along her little face.
Wow. Okay—not exactly what I was expecting, but A+ for the effort. For the next several minutes, the children eagerly take turns sharing their stories, ranging from heart-warming acts of kindness to wildly amusing tales—some so outrageous, you can’t help but laugh.
“I gave my best friend Lana a new toy cat that goes ‘meow-meow’ because her real cat went splat-splat on the road.”
“I gave my dog a treat for being a good boy, but then my brother yelled at me and said dogs can’t eat chocolate.”
“I told Aunty Nora she looked nice in her new dress and not like Fiona fromShrek— like Uncle Bruno said she did.”
“I made breakfast for my family today. Toast with tomato sauce...”Oh, boy.
It’s Friday night, and I’m sitting inside the Irish Pub, waiting for Hannah to arrive. I’ve gone for a sexy-casual vibe this evening, something that says ‘I’m here for a good time, not a rebound’. I’m wearing tight black jeans, ankle boots, and a shimmery royal blue camisole tucked neatly into my waistband. My hair is down in loose, messy waves, and I’ve kept my makeup neutral, with my go-to taupe-coloured lips adding a touch of sophistication.
Hannah walks in just minutes later, radiating perfect elegance in a white, long-sleeve bodysuit paired with a sleek black pencil skirt and open-toe stilettos. Her chocolate brown hair is swept up into a loose bun, making her piercing blue eyes sparkle all the more brilliantly.
She makes her way over to the bar, greeting me with a one arm hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “Have you been waiting for long?” she asks, as she settles onto the stool beside me.
I shake my head. “I’ve only been waiting for a few minutes.”
“Okay, great. What’s your poison? My treat tonight,” she offers.
I pretend to look over the cocktail menu, although, I already have a drink in mind. “I’ll have a classic mojito, thanks.”
She nods and smiles. “Just what I had in mind.”
She calls for the bartender and orders our drinks before tapping her card on the contactless device to pay. The atmosphere tonight is lively, yet not too out of control that we have to yell on top of each other.
The week had flown by, and I was grateful for the chance to finally unwind tonight— especially with Kaden constantly hounding me for updates on my whereabouts and wellbeing, emails I’ve chosen to leave unanswered.
