Page 58 of Poles Apart
“They’ve been good so far. No major issues, although some mums have brought new clothes for their kids to either lose or get dirty. We tell them time and time again not to buy new, but they don’t listen.”
Dom laughed. He remembered when he’d been on a trip when he was younger. He’d been sent with old stuff, in fact, they had probably been Jordan’s, but he could remember some kids having new trainers and seeing them sail down the river.
They were both quiet for a while, neither of them saying anything.
“I should go in case one of the kids wakes up, but I wanted to hear your voice. I miss you, but this will keep me going until I see you again.” Jacob sounded reluctant to end the call.
“We’ll see what we can do. Maybe we could go out after Abby’s lesson on Tuesday? Take a walk around the city walls.” Dom suggested.
“You know what? That sounds like a great idea. It’s been a while since I’ve done that. The weather should be good, and it’ll only take an hour or so. We could stop off for something to eat.”
“Abby will be starving.” Dom joked, knowing how she loved her food. “We’d best feed her otherwise she’ll be hangry!”
“Oh my God, can you imagine? She’ll be a nightmare if we don’t, but there’s some good pubs we can stop off at. I’m looking forward to it already.”
“Me too. I’ll see you Tuesday at the lesson first, though, won’t I?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. Seeing you will be the highlight of my day. I’ve missed you.”
“Aw, toastie boy. You say the nicest things” Dom’s eyes started to fill with tears. He felt wanted and loved.
He remembered the words Jacob had spoken to him the week before, when he’d thought Dom wasn’t listening, and he was hoping he’d say them again. Washeready to say them yet? On that, he wasn’t sure yet, but he knew that he’d never felt this way about anyone before.
“I need to go now, though, as much as I don’t want to.” He could tell Jacob was reluctant to end the call.
“Sweet dreams, buttercup,” he murmured.
“You too, baby,” Jacob said with a sigh.
Dom hung up, knowing that if he didn’t right then, he’d be hanging on, waiting for Jacob to say something more, and he needed to go to bed. He was shattered after the events of last night and today and needed to sleep, but he was happy that Jacob had called.
After checking the place was locked up tight, he got into bed with Seb and cuddled into him. He needed to look after his guy, his best friend. He could see things getting rough over the next few months. He didn’t know how bad it’d get yet, but the way things were escalating… It couldn’t end well.
He hoped Seb wouldn’t end up getting hurt. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to cope with that at all. His mind continued to work overtime, conjuring up all the things that might go wrong for Seb, not only with the stalker but with Joe as well. He’d put Joe out of his mind with the events of today, but now he had time to think about him. He wouldn’t hesitate to kick the guy’s arse if he upset his best friend. He may only be little, but he was a force to be reckoned with when he wanted to be, and he would always protect his friends and family.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jacob
The journey back from the outdoor centre was a nightmare. A few of the children had become travel sick, and they’d had to stop several times, meaning they were running behind. Poor Noah had been the worst and had sat next to Jacob all the way home, his head resting on his arm as he slept.
As they pulled into the school car park, he could see the parents waiting, including both of Noah’s, but he had his instructions. They needed to take the kids into the main hall where their luggage and belongings would be. The parents would collect them there.
He led a very weary Noah into the hall where he sat him on a chair, a bucket placed in front of him, just in case. About ten minutes later, the parents were allowed into the hall, and Jacob was not surprised to see Mr Wilkins stalk towards him, a thunderous look on his face.
“What’s the matter with my son? Why does he look upset?” he snarled.
Jacob put his hand on Noah’s shoulder to comfort him as he shrank away from his father.
“He’s been sick all the way home on the coach, which is why he has the bucket.” Jacob thought it was pretty obvious why.
He continued to stand behind Noah but could see Jodie hovering in the background. He felt confident knowing she was there and hoped Noah’s father wouldn’t cause a scene. Jacob should have known better, though, with this guy, and he was unprepared for the exchange that followed.
“Take your dirty hands off, my son. I don’t want you contaminating him with your filth.” He stepped towards Jacob, and he immediately removed his hand. Within seconds, Jodie was there.
“What seems to be the problem here?” She smiled sweetly at Mr Wilkins and gently took him to one side. Jacob went to go with them, but Jodie gestured for him to stay.
He couldn’t hear them, but there was much gesticulating on Wilkins’s behalf, with Jodie nodding along. He knew that she’d support him, but he was desperate to find out what was being said. Good thing they’d told her beforehand that Noah wasn’t in his group at all. Colin had been his teacher for the time they were there.
