“I’m not great with company, and in all honesty, I am not the easiest person to get on with,” I say as we start walking in the direction of the park.
“Oh, me neither,” she waves her hand. “I sometimes wonder where Meli gets it from, then I remember she’s my daughter and I’m the most challenging woman out there.” She laughs, and I instantly feel at ease. “By the way, I’m Lizzy.”
“I’m Bella. I’ve not lived here long, so haven’t really connected with many people.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Bella. You said you were experienced with the monsters? You have children?”
“Two boys, Mason and Noah.” Just mentioning their names brings a lump to my throat and I look away.
“Awww, little boys. How old?” she asks.
I swallow hard. “Mason is nine, and Noah is four.”
“That must be amazing having a nice age gap so the older one can help out.”
A small sob leaves me, and I slap my hand over my mouth.
Lizzy stops, placing her hand on my shoulder to stop me in my tracks. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
I sniffle, nodding. But when it’s clear the tears aren’t stopping, she pulls me into a hug, gently rubbing my back. When I start to calm down, she guides me over to the nearest bench and we sit. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” she murmurs, her expression full of concern.
“It’s okay,” I whisper. “I’m sorry I cried on you. It’s all I seem to do just lately.”
She grabs hold of my hand, and it’s the first time another woman has offered me comfort in a while. She sits there, she’s not prying or asking questions, it’s almost as if she’s saving the space for me.
“Sorry,” I repeat. “It’s been a long few months. My husband left me, taking the children.” I dab at my eyes with the sleeve of my jumper. Lizzy reaches into her change bag, then hands me a tissue
“Prepared for every eventuality,” she says with a smile and I laugh.
“Thank you.”
She squeezes my hand. “You’re not alone, you know?”
I look down at her hand over mine. “It certainly feels like that most days,” I mutter.
“Well, you aren’t, you’re just discovering a new way of life. A new way of being.”
I nod, if only she knew.
Laughter carries along the path, drawing my attention. My boys come into view, racing ahead, followed by that filthy little tramp, her phone pressed to her ear as she chatters away. My jaw drops, and beside me, I feel Lizzy follow my gaze. Mason spots me first. He freezes, clutching his brother’s hand. My breath catches. Then Imogen reaches them, grabbing Noah’s other hand. The moment he sees me, he starts to fight her grip, panic flickering across his face.
“Mummy,” he screams, and my hand trembles. I feel Lizzy’s grip tighten in silent support. “Mummy,” he repeats. Imogen walks them towards me, almost parading them in front of me, teasing me, showing me what I should have right now, what she stole from me.
“Look at the state of you,” she sneers as she walks towards us. Noah struggles against her grip to try and get to me. I feel the tears roll down my cheek, the urge to reach out and hold my boys is overwhelming.
“Have you resorted to getting pissed up on park benches now? No wonder your boys don’t want to see you,” she snaps.
Mason looks away, refusing to make eye contact. Noah continues to sob uncontrollably. Lizzy lets go of my hand and stands.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” she snaps.
Imogen looks her up and down with disdain. “Ha, who’s your new whore friend?” Imogen taunts.
“You’re so fucking lucky there’re children around right now,” Lizzy growls, as I stand from the bench. I can’t let this get out of hand because they’ll only use it against me in court.
I place my hand on Lizzy’s chest. “Please don’t,” I whisper, begging her.
She looks past me right at Imogen. “Women should support each other and not kick each other when they’re down!” She gives me a satisfied nod before sitting back down.
