Page 71 of Dream On, Liar

My thumb moved again.

Another photograph.

Another.

Another.

The realisation came quietly.

That was what hurt most.

Francis Hughes had always been capable of being a mother.

She just hadn't wanted to be mine.

I locked my phone.

Immediately, I unlocked it again.

Then, with a force that felt almost ridiculous, I switched it off completely and tossed it onto the bed.

I picked up my book.

Read the same sentence three times.

Nothing.

I tried again before giving up completely and slamming it shut. “This is just brilliant.”

I reached for the remote and turned on the television, scrolling through films until I found one I'd already watched enough times that I didn't have to pay attention. Something mindless and familiar enough that would eventually put me to sleep.

I had barely settled beneath the covers when there was a knock at the door.

I frowned, unsure who’d be knocking on my door. Deciding it was an accident, I refused to move until it came again.

Then another knock.

“One second!” I called out before climbing out of bed and making my way across the room. Sceptical, I looked through the peephole first, my suspicion only growing when I noticed a hotel staff member standing outside with a trolley.

Brows pinched, I slowly opened the door. “Room service for you, Miss.”

I blinked. “I didn't order anything.”

He gave me a nod like he knew that and gave me a short smile. “It was requested by your father.”

My shoulders dropped slightly.

Opening the door wider, I stepped aside to let him in and wheel the trolley inside. I thanked him as he left before walking over to it and lifting the cover, only to find enough food to feed three people.

There was a note tucked beside the plate.

I don’t need to remind you why it’s bad to go to bed on an empty stomach. Got you extra dessert to fix your mood.

- Dad x

Biting my lower lip, I held back the emotion building behind my eyes and grabbed my phone. Unlocking it, I typed out the message.

Me