His Mother's Lies: A gripping psychological thriller packed with intent by JA Andrews

Author:JA Andrews [Andrews, JA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JA Andrews
Published: 2023-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Charlotte

I’m logged on to my work computer, but I’ve been sitting here in silence, relentlessly staring at the screen for at least twenty minutes. Emails are pouring in from my organisation’s partners, stakeholders, and clients as I watch the notifications ping on my screen. One by one, I skim-read to check their importance even though my mind is in overdrive. I shouldn’t be sitting here today. I should have taken the day off.

I’m distracted. My only thoughts are directed at the attention to the new life I’m growing inside me. I say it over and over in my mind. I’m having a baby. I don’t connect with the reality of it. This can’t happen. This shouldn’t have happened to us.

My colleagues are looking at me, questioning my silence this morning. I’ve already explained to those around me that I’m not feeling myself. I don’t want to explain anything. I can hardly believe it myself. I’m never usually this quiet at work. I’m pregnant, for fucks sake. Me, pregnant. I don’t even know how I should be feeling.

‘You don’t look well. Are you coming down with something?’ Louise, who works in the marketing team, asks. ‘You seem a bit peaky. You haven’t caught that cold that’s been going around have you? My John had it last week.’

‘No, I’m not great. Just feeling a little under the weather,’ I reply; I turn to see a few heads raise. ‘It’ll pass. I’m ok.’

‘What you need is another good night out. That’ll sort you out good and proper,’ I recognise that voice anywhere. Samantha walks into my workspace. ‘You’ve got a face like a slapped arse. Come on, it’s almost lunchtime; why don’t we have a nice lunch at that fancy place across the road? That’ll cheer you up.’

I look up from my screen and smile. Samantha is always that friend I need around me in times like this. I can talk to her about anything.

‘Samantha Channing,’ I reply. ‘That’s the best advice I’ve received all morning.’

‘Seriously, though. You know you can talk to me if you need to.’ Samantha whispers. ‘Is everything at home ok?’

I contemplate lying to her, but Samantha has known me since our school days together. Whatever my mouth says, I know my face might tell a different story and she’ll pick up on it. I visualise the scene; she’d be loud and brassy, joking about how bad a liar I am. I’d rather stay quiet and deflect the situation.

‘Yeah, all is good here. It’s not that bad. I mean, I’m ok. Ignore me,’ I replied, hesitating. ‘Ethan’s away and his mother is badgering me like crazy. I can’t wait to get out of there. She’s exhausting. I feel a bit groggy and tired. Is a girl not allowed to be quiet once in a while? I know it’s rare for you, Sam.’

‘Hmm. I’ll let you off this once, hun,’ Samantha mutters. ‘I’m not sure I believe you, though. We can talk about that later. Anyway, I have to quickly rush.

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