Chapter 1

Amanda Seyfried as Amanda

3 YEARS LATER

AMANDA

"I shouldn't have come back here"

I said to my self just as I drove into my hometown.

Memories of how I left flooded my mind. Things I'd rather not think about.

"Its for Cindy"

"Its for Cindy"

"Its for Cindy"

I chanted to my self like a mantra.

I marvelled at how much things has not changed.

Smiling as I drove past the butcher's shop, I could see that the red banner has started showing signs of aging, I could hear the consistent thumping sound of knife against meat against table.

I quickly glanced in to the shop before I could drive past it and saw Mr Hardy doing his thing, chopping meat.

I don't know how long he has been in this town, he was here before I was born and every day, you'd see him in this exact position.

It's a marvel to see how strong he is but I could also see signs of aging on him too.

I made a mental note to come and greet him after I have settled in.

Next was the only Mini mart in the town, I could hear the bell ring as an individual exited the Mart.

I looked closely at him but I couldn't recognise the person.

While the town hasn't changed much, there are a couple of new people around. I know this because this town is not a big one so everyone knows about everyone and no one minds their business.

So, if his face isn't familiar to me, then there are definitely new people because I practically know every family in town.

I smiled as I looked at my rear view to watch my bundle of joy sleep. I wondered if everyone already knows about him.

Only my family and Cindy my best friend knows about him but word always gets around.

Well, whether they knew or not, am here now so I won't be able to hide it.

Him, not it.

I reprimanded myself with a little laugh.

I was happy to find out about the new hotel in town. There wasn't any before.

We used to have one but by the time I left, it was already run over by prostitutes so I guess you could call it a brothel.

I am very happy about the new hotel because I don't want to be in my parent's place.

I needed privacy for me and my son.

Three years has turned me from 25 year old dependent girl to a 28 year old independent woman and mom.

"Mummy will protect you Cad"

I whispered looking at my rear view mirror my heart swelling with pride looking at my baby. 3 years and 4 months and so beautiful.

Am glad he is still young, he will not be able to understand all the drama that will surely unfold on this trip..

My son, my peace, my joy, my strength, my anchor.

If only he took to my looks.

As he got older he took on the image of his father. Every time I look into his eyes, I'd get this strong sense of déjà vu. Oh well, at least he has my hair colouring.

Following the town map, I rounded up the next corner leading to the hotel.

"Five days and we are gone Cad"

I said

I had made it a habit to talk to my baby. Starting from when he was still in my womb. There were times when I had no one to talk to and I'd place my hands on my abdomen and talk to him. Sometimes I cried. I felt he understood me.

I think he still does. Cad never cries, unless he is very hungry, he didn't keep me up late at night often when he was much younger.

My perfect baby.

Am here for Cindy's wedding.

She practically cried for me to come and I just had to.

Soon I came upon it, Fumbia Hotels.

Ooh, sounds regal, I thought to my self.

Suddenly, the thought of staying here for five days was no longer dreadful because I just love staying in hotels. I have this thing for hotels. I love being in them.

 One of the first places I look out for in a hotel room is the restroom.

I mean, you just have to get that restroom right. It has to feel like home.

Weird huh?

Anyway, I guess its because I spent quite a lot of time in different hotels when I left home.

I shrugged the thought off. This isn't the time to think of such depressing thoughts.

Stopping in front of the hotel, a chauffeur quickly came to take the keys from me but pausing when he saw Cad who was just rousing from sleep at the back seat.

As expected, he gave a cursory glance at my ring finger and I could see the scowl forming at the absence of any ring on it.

I have forgotten how uptight people in town are.

I shrug it off as I am already used to people's disapproval. I made a mistake yes, but I don't regret my baby.

"Welcome to Fumbia Hotel ma'am"

He said with a forced smile as he finally took my keys.

"Which way to the reception please?"

I ask totally ignoring his façade.

"Right through those doors, you can't miss it"

He points out

"Your luggage will be brought up to your room ma'am"

With a word of thanks, I make my way to the reception. I really needed to rest after almost three hours of driving.

I haven't told anyone am in town. Not even my parents.

Not yet

I need to rest.

"Hello, am Amanda"

I said to the sweet faced receptionist.

"I made a reservation last week for five days, could you direct me to my room?"

"Oh, welcome to Fumbia Hotel, we have been expecting you"

She said in a robotic voice.

"If you could give me a few minutes, you will be escorted to your room shortly.

Kindly sit at the Bar"

She says pointing me to the direction of the bar.

As I was about to voice my displeasure at having to wait, I decide to not ruffle feathers on my first day back in town.

Sighing I go to the bar following the directions she had given me and sat on one of the secluded tables.

Cell phone out, I started browsing as Cad was already asleep again in his baby carrier.

My sweet sweet child

"Ma'am"

A voice startled me.

Glancing up from my phone, I saw a young lady in a waitress uniform.

In her hands was a cup of orange juice and she was smiling at me.

Don't ask me how I knew it was orange and not mango, I just knew it.

Wait I didn't order for anything.

I thought

" A glass of juice as you wait"

She continued

"Its on the house"

She added with a wink

"Aww, thank you. I really needed it"

I say as she gracefully placed the glass beside me and left.

Not waiting another second, I pick up the glass and it went straight to my mouth.

It was so cool

Just perfect.

I didn't realize I was so hungry

My tummy grumbled in pleasure.

The juice was freshly pressed. I wanted to savor every single drop.

How on earth did they know my favorite drink?

I shrug it off knowing it is purely coincidental because even my parents are not aware of my presence in town.

Just as I finished my drink, as if I was being monitored, someone walked up to me.

A young man probably the porter and he said

"If you're ready ma'am, I'd like to lead you to your room now"

In my head I think "Oh what perfect customer service"

"Thank you I'd like that very much"

We take the lift to the third floor where he takes me to a room that is not quite a room.

No, wait. I start to speak. 

I think there has been a mistake because I paid for a room.

 A standard room and this is a suite.

Instead of responding to my query the young man simply said

"I hope you have a nice stay at Fumbia hotels and then he walked out the door leaving me dumbfounded"

I made mental note to talk to the receptionist about it tomorrow.

True to their word, my things were unpacked and everything kept in place.

In as much as I don't love the idea of someone going through my things, I couldn't care less right now as all I can think of is the cozy comfy white queen size bed before me.

Picking Cad up, I placed him beside me on the bed and slept off.

Yes that's how we sleep everyday, side by side.

My Cad, My Peace.