Chapter 7

Jasmine

This is impossible. How do single parents do this? I cannot find a job between Bella’s nursery hours. The only alternative is working in a nursery or school. I have applied for all the ones closest to Bella’s nursery. I can’t ask Mrs Geller to do anymore than she already has done.My mother comes to my mind. I haven’t spoken to her for a few years. She didn’t like me when I was younger. I couldn’t ever have her near Bella. I glance up at the canvas of us on the wall.

If it wasn’t for our messed up parents, we would never have become so close. Reese always made me feel loved and safe. I felt we could do anything as long as we were together. When we had Bella, it felt as if our family was complete.

“I miss you every day, my love.” I tell him before glancing down at the letter.

The only good news is I got was a letter confirming my eviction notice has been cancelled. Perhaps Mr Hayes has a heart after all. Mr Wilson hasn’t got back to me yet. I will need to go to his office tomorrow. Phone calls or emails just seem to be put on a back burner.

The knock on my door jolts me out of my thoughts.

Mrs Geller is standing there with a newspaper in her hand.

“Look at this. You did it.” She said in excitement as she shakes the newspaper in my face.

“What?” I ask, while trying to take the paper from her.

U-Turn on property development plan that was going to evict residents reads the title.

I lean on the doorframe. Thank god. To take Bella from the only home she has known would have been traumatic when she has already been through so much this year.

“Oh thank goodness, Mrs Geller.”

“Yes. If it wasn’t you, it was my threats.” She said with a cackle.

I look at her in confusion.

“What did you threaten him with? And why am I only hearing about it now a week later?”

She waves her hand.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter what I threatened him with. Read the rest of the article. It says that they are going to subsidise our rent, and it’s going to be much lower. Do you think you can ask him when the lower rent will be? I have seen a sexy summer dress on eBay that has my name on it.”

“Who taught you to get onto eBay?”

I think Mrs Geller has some kind of secret life, or perhaps I have been so wrapped up in my life that I haven’t taken notice of how hip she is.

“Oh, my friends at the bingo hall showed me all kinds of wonderful apps. Have you heard about Tinder? I think you should try it.”

I shake my head at her.

“The last thing I need in my life is another headache.”

She frowns at me.

“No, dear. Just go on it for the sex. I can babysit for your. Bella is so easy to look after.”

I look up at the ceiling and groan. My ancient neighbour is giving me sex advice.

“Nope. It’s not worth the time or effort to shave. Do you want to come in for a cup of tea?”

“No, dear. I have lunch with my friend. I just wanted to come over and give you the good news.”

I give her a hug and kiss her soft, wrinkly skin. I love this woman.

“Thank you. I hope you have a pleasant lunch with your friend.”

“I will. Don’t forget to ask Mr Hayes about the new rent amount.”

I smile and wave her off, but I don’t reply. I doubt if Mr Hayes is going to be thinking about us tenants.

I carry Bella’s book bag as we walk out of the nursery.

“Do you want to speak to daddy?” I ask her, observing her face.

She smiles brightly and nods her head.

I let out the breath I was holding and smiled back at her. The last thing I wanted to see was sadness on her face.

“Okay, I brought you some snacks. We can have a mini picnic on the benches.”

It doesn’t take long on the Tube to get to the graveyard. It gets a little easier each time I visit. Initially, I used to spend all my time here when Bella was in nursery. If it wasn’t for Bella, I couldn’t have gotten through the first few months. The sun is shining. It seems like the perfect day for a visit.

I lay out a blanket for Bella as she chatters away about her day to her dad. I smile as I watch her.

“Mummy?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Is daddy happy?”

“I hope he is.”

“I miss him.”

I pull Bella onto my lap.

“I do too. Sometimes when you are in nursery, I come and visit him. Your daddy was the best person I knew.”

“I’m hungry.”

I laugh at her. She can change gears in seconds. “Come on, let’s leave daddy his flowers and we can go sit on the benches and have our food.”

I pull the two roses out of the bag and give one to Bella.

Please watch over us, Reese. I still need you.

“Bye daddy. I love you.”

Bella carefully places her rose on the foot of his grave. I mine next to hers with a heavy sigh.