(I own only plot)
Jerome whined "But why do I have to go there?"
"Because I don't like you!" Mrs Clarke snapped, silencing her five year old son.
When they arrived at the big, old house, Joan Clarke dragged her son out by his ear. She dropped him by the door, leaving him to cry. She drove off with baby Poppy. The door opened and a dark skinned woman spotted him. "Hello? Have you got lost, dear?" She asked, bending down.
"Mumma left me here." He whimpered.
The woman gasped. "You're Jerome Clarke? You're the kiddie that Victor told me about?" She asked, shocked.
"Yes, Miss." He sobbed. "Could you take me back to her?"
The woman picked the sobbing child up and held him. "Come inside, darling. I'll see what I can get Victor to do." She conversed with Victor quietly, holding a sobbing Jerome. Eventually, she asked "Darling, would you like a snack and a drink?"
He shook his head, burrowing into her chest. "Miss, will I ever see my mumma again?" He asked her, tearfully.
Her voice shook. "I don't know, honey. Victor's going to do his best for you. Come here, sweetie."
This strange woman was warm and gentle to him, but he didn't know her. "Who are you? I don't know who you are."
She softly breathed a shaky sigh. "My name is Trudy. I am a housekeeper." She whispered.
"Well, I think I like you, Miss Trudy. You don't hurt people, do you?" He asked.
The lady shook her head. "I would never dare. You're a darling, aren't you?"
He shook his head. "No. Just a Jerome." He snuggled up.
Trudy kissed his forehead. "You're so much more than just a name, dearie. You're going to be a very important man when you grow up, darling. Trust me."
He snuggled close to her, trying to burrow closer. "I like you. You're soft and warm." He told her.
Trudy smiled. "I like you, too, you're a gorgeous baby boy."
For once, Jerome was happy. He liked this woman.