Chapter 1
~Arianna~
I looked up at the round clock the only sound in the empty office was me clicking away at the computer and the sound of ticks on the clock. I looked back down not realizing the time until my brain caught up to me and I snapped my head back up. Fuck! I was late to pick up my son from daycare. I shut off the computer before jumping up almost falling backwards. I grabbed my purse and jacket rechecking that I had everything before heading to the elevator.
I sent the teacher a quick text to let her know that work had run late. It was about 6:46 and I was suppose to be there by 6. I pressed the "garage" floor button before staring at my reflection. I hope Peyton isn't to mad at me. I promised that I wouldn't be late and for a 4 year-old he knows how to hold a grudge. The last time I was late he locked himself in the room and cried. I felt horrible and used to spare key to get in. The elevator doors slid open and the warm air hit me. I found my car unlocking it quickly throwing my belongings into the passenger seat. I let my car warm up a but before I put it in gear and headed over there.
I came up on a red light and swore under my breath. I hate red lights. I had music playing but my mind couldn't sit still. I watched the lady with the bright pink top and white jeans walk across. She had a tiny dog with her who was actually pretty cute. The light turned green and I went trying to figure out what to tell him so he would be less upset. Maybe I could tell him that there was a bad guy? Or that there was a meeting? Or traffic?
I sighed in frustration. My son was gonna be pissed but I had to be the adult here. I finally pulled into the parking lot and it had read 7:14. I got out and ran through the front door. His teacher looked up and was relieved. I walked into the classroom. He sat int he corner looking out the window. His teacher handed me a picture he had drawn. It had him and I drawn in colorful colors. "He didn't wanna hang his picture," she says softly. I looked up from the picture to my son. I looked around to find the other pictures. Pictures of full families.
I looked back down and realized that my son felt like the outsider because he didn't have a dad who cared or wanted him. "I..will talk to him when we get home thanks for being here so late," I told her before walking over to Peyton. He didn't wanna look at me. I gulped. He was pissed and hurt.
"Hey Peyton let's go home," I said quietly. He got up without saying a word or looking at me before grabbing his back angrily. He forced his shoes on and walked out the door and stood by the car. His teacher gave me a look of sadness but I didn't need her pity. I smiled at her giving her a nod before walking outside. I unlocked the car and he got in. I looked at him through the rear view window. He stared out of his with his arms crossed.
"Peyton I am so sorry," I began, " I lost track of time."
He huffed from his seat. I needed to think...
"Love why didn't you want your picture up on the wall?" I knew the answer but maybe he would tell me and at least talk a little. He stayed silent. I sighed and decided to let things cool over. The my phone rang. It was an unknown number from...Texas. I pulled over to the side and answered. "Hello who is this?" My voice didn't sound as strong as I would of liked it to be. I didn't hear anything for a second.
"Hello Miss Arianna Rose Anderson," the man started, "This is Sargent Tod with the SAPD. Your supervisor Mr.Lake has told us a lot about you and we wanted to offer you a top position." I paused. My supervisor...talked good about me to a sargent in San Antonio. The one place I was running from. I was speechless. But what if that meant a better life for Peyton. I nodded. And with that I talked with Sargent Tod.
Once I hung up the phone I started driving once more and Peyton had fallen asleep. Things were gonna change...and he was gonna find out the truth one day...whether is was me telling him or...the world.
