Mirror Image

Chapter One

My cellphone starts to ring. Urgently, I dig the rectangular device out ofmy pocket. Before answering, I stare at the caller identification. Irecognize the number all too well, but it comes as a surprise to methat he is calling. He rarely calls, only about every six months, butthis is the first time in a while he's called me twice within lessthan six months.

I stareat it for another moment or two, contemplating whether or not toanswer it. It has already rung six times. Why hasn't he hung up bynow? He must really want to talk to me. Well, it might be important.Not wanting to keep him waiting any longer than I already have, Iswipe the green button with the soft pad of my thumb.

"Hello?"I speak into the receiver.

"Saffron?"comes my ex-husband's voice from the other end.

"Yeah,"I reply.

"Hey,what took you so long to answer?" he asks, sounding slightlyirritated.

I lick mylips. "Sorry, I was a little surprised to see your number on mycell. I almost didn't answer."

"Heh.Persistence pays off," he says.

"So...whatdo you want?" I grip my phone tighter, hoping that money isn't whathe wants.

"I'vebeen thinking about our relationship. And honestly, I feel kind ofbad," he begins.

"Locke,where are you going with this?" My eyes narrow.

He sighs."Look, just hear me out, okay?"

"Okay."

"It'snot right. I mean, it's been five years since the divorce.I...haven't really been fair to you and...the kids miss you," Lockesays.

My eyeswiden slightly. "What are you saying?"

"I'msaying...I want you to come see the kids," Locke replies.

"But,Locke...I can't do that, you know I can't," I say, shaking my head.

"Yesyou can. I got you visitation rights," Locke tells me.

I gasp."What? Really? You did?"

"Yes Idid, Saffron. I want...I want you to come see the kids," hemutters. I rise from my sofa.

"When?"I feel my excitement building.

"Thisweekend. It's Thursday, right?" Locke suggests. I quickly check mycalendar.

"Yeah,it's Thursday. Shall I come tomorrow?" I ask, now restless. I pacearound my living room.

"Yes,get here tomorrow. I'll book you an eight o' clock flight. You shouldarrive tomorrow afternoon," Locke says.

"OhLocke, thank you," I say, placing a hand on my chest. "You don'tknow how much this means to me."

Hechuckles. "You're welcome, sweet pea. See ya."

"Bye."Sweet pea? I hang up, confused. He hasn't called me that since wewere married. I haven't seen him in five years, only heard his voice.The only contact we've had over the past five years has been over thephone.

I'm alittle curious to see what he looks like after all this time. I canbarely remember the last time I saw him. Not since the custodybattle, which I obviously lost. He didn't allow me any visitation,either. So, I haven't seen him or my kids for five years. Honestly, Idon't know why we divorced. I can't remember.

I don'thate Locke or anything. It's not like we haven't been making up overthe years...over the phone. Honestly, it's his pride that got in theway, probably. Also, I didn't have the means to provide for sevenchildren like he did. Sometimes, I feel like it's my fault.

However,I don't want to think about all of that. I'm on cloud nine over here!I get to see my kids again. My beautiful children. Humming, I skip upthe stairs and shower, and then I spend the next few hours packingfor my flight tomorrow morning. I eat a hearty dinner and go to sleepearly.