Too hot for me, Tobias.

Did you get home safely?

I smile at my phone, butterflies fluttering away in my stomach. My eyes scan over the text message multiple times and I feel a warm glow inside my chest.

His contact is saved under. . . Too hot for me Tobias.

Because he is indeed too hot for me.

A wave of sadness washes over me as I come to the conclusion that I can't pursue anything with Tobias Melvin. The old Trish would have already kissed him and probably a lot more. I shake my head, pocketing my phone away in my jacket. I have to stay away from Tobias. It isn't fair to lead him on.

I can't help feeling like I'm making the wrong decision.

Tobias has been through hell and back lately. His ex girlfriend turned batshit crazy and attempted to ruin his entire life. This causes me to question whether Tobias' intentions with me are true.

Is he missing having someone to be with?

Truthfully Tobias wouldn't struggle to find a girl. All he has to do is smirk and females would drop their panties in a split second. The boy has serious powers with those brown eyes and god-like body.

I nibble on my bottom lip, releasing a frustrated groan. Why does life have to be so cruel?

*****

"Leroy, baby, what are you doing over there?" I ask, dropping my bag to the floor. I walk over to him, a permanent frown on my face. Leroy is huddled on the bottom step, clutching his favourite blanket. His eyes are heavy from lack of sleep and he's letting out small whimpers. As soon I crouch down, he wraps his small arms around my neck.

"Trish, I'm scared." He whimpers, his words breaking my heart. I pick him up, rubbing his back in circular motions.

"Where's Mum?" I whisper, feeling anger build up inside of me. His little pained face is causing my heart to break for him.

"She left hours ago." Leroy sniffles into my shoulder.

"What?" I respond, gritting my teeth tightly together. I bend down and retrieve his blanket, wrapping him up in it.

"I'm so sorry bud, let's get you to bed." I whisper, my eyes brimming with tears. How long has he been sat there?

Mum couldn't continue this way.

I climb up the stairs, feeling the guilt eat me up inside. Don't blame yourself Trish. I place Leroy down into his bed, tucking the duck covered duvet under his chin. His eyelids flutter shut and he let out a small sigh, his body becoming heavy from sleep. I swallow the thick lump in my throat and turn on his night light. My hand finds his and I clutch onto it tightly, sitting cross legged next to his bed.

"Goodnight bud." I whisper, blinking back tears. He begins mumbling in his sleep, words that I couldn't quite understand.

"You won't leave me, will you Trish?" He asks me quietly, already halfway in a deep sleep. I shake my head, holding his hand tightly in mine.

"I'll never leave you Leroy," I whisper, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. His blonde hair tickles my face and I smile down at his sleeping form, feeling sadness wash over me.

*****

The front door bangs loudly and I immediately jolt awake, my eyes wide with fear. I scan the room and realise I'm still with Leroy, sleeping beside his bed. I can hear muffled noises coming from downstairs and I'm now wide awake. My heart begins thumping wildly against my chest and I slowly pry my hand away from Leroy's, making sure he's still sleeping soundly.

Another loud bang from downstairs causes me to jump in fright —

"Holy mother of Jesus." I mutter, scanning the room for a weapon to use. Beside from a bunch of toys or a clothes hanger, I don't have much luck. I stand to my feet, my body aching from the uncomfortable sleeping position.

Leroy begins to stir in his sleep, murmuring innocent words to himself. I tuck him in tighter, desperate for him to stay asleep. My hand clutches my phone tightly and I dial 999, my finger hovering over the call button. I creep out of his bedroom, the fear inside of me growing.

I don't have a choice, I'm the only adult in the house. Ha . . . adult. Nice one Trish.

I tip-toe into the hallway, straining my neck to see if I can make out any figures downstairs. The banging has completely stopped and now all I can hear is silence. There is no way I imagined all the noise.

"Hello?" I call out, my voice a croaky whisper. I reach out, grabbing a display lamp that's lit up in the hallway. It's glass and heavy — the perfect weapon.

Despite being fully armed, I don't feel very confident. I begin to slowly walk down the stairs, listening out intently for any noise.

"Please don't be a burglar." I whisper, stepping on the final step. I can hear muffled voices coming from the living room and I inhale deeply, mustering up as much courage as I can.

I'm not a fighter, I'm a lover.

I can't afford for someone to ruin my face in a fight.

"Hello?" I call out again, my voice a timid whisper. I push open the living room door, the glass lamp raised protectively over my head. The sight that greets me causes me to gag.

Twice.

"Mum! What the fuck! Ew!" I yell, dropping the lamp to my floor. It lands softly on the carpet but the lamp is the least of my worries.

My dearest mother is straddling a naked man on the couch. . . With her top off, showing off a red lace bra.

"Oh my god, Trish!" Mum mumbles, jumping off the naked man in a split second. His eyes widen in surprise at me and he grabs a cushion, hiding his manhood.

"It's a little late for that now Buster." I scoff disgustedly, making a mental note to bleach my eyes the next day. Mum begins scurrying around the room, throwing Naked Guy his clothes.

"I am so sorry! I didn't realise you were awake!" Mum apologises, staggering on her feet. Her makeup is smeared and she looks a complete drunken mess.

"How can you do this? You left Leroy!" I yell, the anger inside of me building up.

"You were supposed to babysit!" Mum argues back, dressing herself. Thank god because seeing your thirty eight year old Mum's perky boobs definitely causes a few insecurities to pop up inside of you.

"You're cheating on Dad." I whisper, feeling a jolt of pain for him. In the back of my mind, I had a faint idea she'd been at it for a long time. Seeing it with my own eyes however made it all too real for me. Mum grows silent and Naked Guy squeezes past me, still clutching his shoes to his chest.

"Goodnight you filthy man-whore." I hiss at him, turning my attention back to Mum.

"I am sorry Trish. Me and your father haven't been working for a long time now. He's never at home!" She cries, flopping down onto the couch. She begins sniffling, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. It only causes her eyeliner to smudge further, causing her to resemble a drunken raccoon.

The raccoon probably has more respect and class than my own mother.

"I can't believe you would do this!" I blow up, my voice rising.

"Just because Dad isn't here all the time, doesn't mean you can sleep with anyone! He loves you Mum, so does Leroy! I can't believe you left a five year old by himself whilst you went out looking for a quick fling." I say in complete disgust.

Mum simply sits there, her head hung low in shame. The sight of her causes my stomach to churn and I fear I'll end up throwing up.

The night ends with me stomping off to my room with tears streaming down my face. Before I leave her, I say five words I'd never dream of saying to my own mother. In the moment, every single word I spoke is nothing but the truth —

"You're the worst mother ever!"