Jan won and was quick to answer her phone, and once Beth explained what had happened, Jan reassured her everything would be okay. She offered to come over, but Beth was shattered, not to mention perplexed. All she really wanted was to talk toSpencer, but she had more chance of having a dinosaur come over for tea.
After a long chat with her therapist, she stood, adopting one of Leo’s superhero poses. Enough was enough. Even though she knew about her condition now, it was still exhausting having to battle the monster, but one thing she knew thanks to Jan was not to cower away. Stress would always be part of life. At least she coped well enough when challenged, and she felt quite proud of her achievement.
Anxiety had tried to rise, but her techniques dampened the flames, and it was good to know she had the ability to calm herself.
She wasn’t going to sit around twiddling her thumbs or going over what she should have said to Spencer.
‘Do you know what, flat, it’s time you became a home.’
She would tackle Archie’s bedroom, because one way or another, she wasn’t reverting to her old ways. A new woman had emerged from the darkness, and she was stronger, wiser, and more confident.
She went to the kitchen, thinking it was probably best to have a wipe round before starting anything. It had been a while since she’d been home, so some dust had accumulated, which wouldn’t do. She’d have to get some food in later as well.
‘Right!’ Slapping her hands on her hips, she scanned the area, thankful there was still so much she hadn’t taken to Spencer’s.
His hurt face flashed through her mind once more. All the pain was right there in his eyes.
Would he answer if she called? Should she try or leave him alone? It didn’t feel right leaving the wound open, but what choice did she have if he didn’t want to listen?
Beth sighed. ‘What a mess.’ And she didn’t mean the kitchen. She couldn’t blame Spencer for his actions, but after the bondthey’d built together, she did expect a little more from him. At the very least a chat.
Archie murmured, so she went to check on him. He wriggled, then went back to sleep. It was settled. She’d clean the kitchen, sort his bedroom so it was ready to be decorated, feed and change him when he woke, then they’d pop down to the local shop and get some food.
As for Spencer, it was his move to make, as she couldn’t force him to speak to her. She glanced at the front door as though willing him to knock. Her phone vibrated, bringing a rush of excitement, but it was just a message from Lottie, asking if she was okay and could they talk.
‘Nope.’ Beth placed the screen downwards and got to work. It wasn’t Lottie she wanted to speak to. The talk that was needed was going to be saved for Spencer only. Just like Jan had taught her, energy was precious and should be saved for important moments.
Knowing all too well what lack of energy felt like, Beth knew how to manage hers now. There was no way she was wasting any in the wrong areas. And with energy in mind, she went over to the sink to pull on a pair of pink rubber gloves.
* * *
Archie’s room was an empty shell, and an online search found the perfect wallpaper. With that ordered, it was time to get some groceries, but first she needed to look up something else.
It didn’t take long to do some research into paternity testing offered online. Even without knowing which company Spencer had used, she got the gist of the process and could see how things might go wrong. And with that in mind, she ordered some testing kits herself.
She just hoped Spencer got in touch with her so she could sort the issue.
Not wanting any more anger to surface, Beth got ready to tackle the shops.
Just as she got her son snuggled in his pram, someone knocked on her door, causing her stomach to flip. Glancing at the clock, she could see it had been a good few hours since she bolted from the festival. Surely it wasn’t over already. No, it was too early. Perhaps it was a neighbour at the door. Maybe a parcel had been left with them while she was away.
To Beth’s surprise, Lottie and Samuel were there, both looking awkward but friendly enough. ‘You’d better come in.’
‘It was my idea to come, not my brother’s.’
Samuel rested a hand on Lottie’s shoulder. ‘We wanted to make sure you’re okay.’
Beth saw the strong team before her, taking on life together. She had hoped that for her own short-lived relationship, but the first sign of trouble, and she was left alone. She mentally shook her head at her thoughts. As annoyed as she was, Spencer was not to blame. Anyone would have reacted the same way. She was the traitor who had stabbed him in the back. At least, that was how he would see it, she was sure.
‘I’m just heading out to get some food.’
‘This won’t take long,’ said Lottie.
‘Look, I know what you’re going to say. That—’
‘Archie’s my nephew.’
That wasn’t what Beth thought she would say, and it left her speechless for a moment.
