Story One - Park Bench & Monkey Bars

Zachary Goode sat down on the park bench, exhausted after a hard day. He checked his phone, a single text from his wife telling him that dinner will be ready when they get back. He smiled, grateful for the prospect of a hot meal.

'Is this seat taken?' Zach looked up to see a woman with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes smiling at him.

'No, be my guest' He gestured to the seat. She smiled gratefully and sat down. Her eyes closed as her face pointed up to the sun. She sighed.

'It's such a beautiful day' She said

'It is' Zach agreed 'I take it that you're not local'

'No' she shook her head 'I'm from Roseville, Virginia'

'I've never heard of it' Zach said

'It's lovely, though I do prefer D.C., the museums are amazing and for some reason the M&M's taste way better' She smiled. Zach smiled too, the bizarre conversation was fresh and intriguing for him.

'I don't think I've ever been to Washington' He said. The woman turned to him, she furrowed brows for a split second before composing her face again.

'I would recommend it' She said.

'Good to know' Zach nodded. There was a shrill of laughter coming from opposite, Zach turned to see children playing on the jungle gym, enjoying themselves after school. A little girl with bright green eyes came running over to him.

'Daddy, daddy!' She screamed excitedly 'I did the monkey bars all by myself!'

'That's amazing sweetheart!' He exclaimed, a huge smile across his face.

'Can I play for a little longer?' She asked

'Not today, I'm afraid. Mommy's going to be home soon and she's cooked dinner'

'Oh' The little girl pouted and huffed. Zach got down on his knees in front of her.

'Listen, how about tomorrow, whilst mommy is resting from the jetlag, me and you can come back here and then have ice cream' Zach raised one eyebrow 'Is that a deal?'

'Yes' The little girl nodded multiple times 'But can I have one more go on the monkey bars?' She pleaded. Zach chuckled.

'Only once. And I'll be watching'

'Yay!' The girl bounced off again. Zach chuckled to himself and sat down on the bench once more, his eyes focused on his daughter.

'She's adorable' The woman sat beside him said. Zach had almost completely forgotten that she was there. He registered almost sadness in her voice.

'She's my world' He replied. The woman then turned to Zach.

'Are you happy?' She asked

'What?' He was surprised

'Are you happy with...this' She gestured around her. Zach glanced around at the suburbia around him. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he'd end up in a place like this.

'Yes' He said looking at the woman 'I am'

She nodded and took a deep breath. Zach furrowed his brow; he could tell that he'd upset her in some way but wasn't sure how. Before he could ask, the woman stood up and began to walk away. She stopped and turned back to him, tears in her eyes.

'Take care, Zach' She said with a smile. She hastily turned and hurried away. Zach watched as she weaved her way through the crowd before disappearing all together. Zach sat back, dumbfounded with the conversation he just had. Whilst sitting there reflecting, Zach realised that he'd never mentioned his name.

...

The woman made her way through the park, biting back the tears that were blurring her vision and threatening to fall. She knew that she couldn't look back, there was no going back now. As she exited the park, she hailed a taxi. When one pulled up she dove in, grateful for the darkness.

'Where to miss?' The driver asked

'The airport, please' She wiped her eye. The driver offered her a tissue.

'Please don't tell me that a boy made you cry' He said sympathetically.

'It was my ex' She sniffled 'He looked at me, and there was nothing. We were just strangers'

'I'm sorry to hear that' He began to drive away

'Don't be. He's happy. That's all I ever wanted' She gave a small smile.

'Ah see, I want my daughter to grow up to be like you. Never let a fella get in the way'

'My sisters help me a lot'

'What's your name, miss?' He asked

'Cammie' She replied

'Well Cammie, although your ex might be happy, I hope he realises what he's lost'

'I hope he doesn't' She chuckled 'That would make my missio...I mean my day a whole lot harder' She turned around one last time, watching the park fade into the distance and then completely out of view. She sighed.

'Goodbye Blackthorne Boy'

The End

Stay tuned for Story Two xxx