2000
Holly was running a con, this was going to be a good pay day and help Sasha and her mother stay comfortable. As tiring as this got she knew she was supporting hers and Robert's child and she clung to that. She pulled out a picture of seven year old Sasha. She was missing her two front teeth now, had her father's eyes and determination. She wanted Holly to stay with her. Lately every time she left Sasha would try to convince her to stay.
She wanted to stay more than anything. She wanted to get to be her mother all the time. Sometimes she felt like that word shouldn't even be used for her. She ordered a drink as she stared at the picture.
Honorable? A good man? Robert could vaguely remember when those words fit him. He had been doing this for years now to protect his family. He would do that until the day he died if need be. Tonight was different than most nights as he just felt a strong connection he could not explain. He sat down at the bar and noticed a brunette staring at something. He froze when he realized who she was and quickly hid his face. Could that be Holly? Of course it was. He would know her anywhere. He wanted more than anything to take her into his arms, to kiss her, to...the reality sank in that she was probably not alone. He needed to get away. He needed one more look.
He glanced up carefully and saw her smiling at the bartender. This was painful, so close yet so far away.
Holly got up from her seat as she heard the name she was currently using, she knew her mark was looking for her. She got up and took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." She told herself before putting on a fake smile and joining them. She had left a handkerchief and the picure.
Robert went over to where she was sitting once he saw she was out of sight. In the matter of moments he could at least hold her for a few seconds but then she could be in danger, too. He pocketed her handkerchief and saw a small picture flipped over near it. He went to pick it up when he heard her voice. He quickly got out of dodge, not wanting to endanger her.
Holly grabbed the picture she had left laying facedown, slipping it into her purse then looking for her handkerchief. She didn't waste much time as she figured it had been tossed, she was just grateful the picture of Sasha hadn't. She paused for a minute, feeling Robert's presence so close to her. She looked around even though she knew she wasn't going to find him. A frown on her face as she walked back to the people she was with.
This wasn't the life either of them have dreamt of.