Finn:
How are my girls?
I don’t even think twice about the text. They are my girls. They’ll always be my girls.
For a minute, I stare at the screen until a message pops up, but it has no words. Just a picture. I melt at the sight of Mayaholding Skye in her arms, both of them cuddled up on the sofa, looking all cosy.
I sink further into my pillows as I take in every inch of the photo. Maya is smiling, eyes looking brighter than they have done over the past few weeks. Even Skye’s eyes are open, but they’re not looking at the camera.
They’re both so beautiful, breathtaking,mine.
Well, Skye is mine. Maya…I’m yet to show her how serious I am about them.
I don’t hesitate to save the photo and make it my lock screen. Yeah, I might be a man in deep for both of them, but I am not afraid to show it. It’ll be a reminder every time I look at my phone, the reasons I’m staying sober, bettering myself, and being the best father I can.
Another message pops up soon after.
Maya:
I think she misses you
I release a noise. Those words mean everything.
My fingers clutch my phone tighter as I stare at the sentence for what feels like an eternity.
I miss her too
And youI almost consider texting, but her next message comes in.
Now we’ve got a schedule sorted, I spoke to student services and they said I can join classes this year if I didn’t want to do part time. It’s not too late as I haven’t missed any deadlines yet and my student loan is still rolling
That’s great
You don’t need to do it part time
We can work it out together and I mean it
As long as you’re sure?
I’m one hundred percent sure
You deserve to graduate
It’s a little daunting
Hey, everything is going to be okay
Jade and Alice said they’d help, too
That’s good. I’m glad they’re there for you and Skye, especially when I wasn’t
Her next messages take a while to come through, and I presume she’s sorting Skye out or doing something for herself. I wish I was with her, but at the same time, I don’t want to be overbearing.
We’ve sorted the schedule, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see them every chance I can get.
What are you up to today?
My sister has come to visit
