A Bad Boy's Gift

Chapter 25

We arrive at Archer's Aunt's house right on time. 

Molly had been waiting by the front door, her backpack strapped tightly to her back, their Auntie chatting to her animatedly as we pull up on the road. 

"I'll only be a minute," Archer takes his hand from my leg, his voice a little cold. The door slams behind him and I watch him walk around the front of the car. 

Molly runs up to him and he gives her a huge bear hug. She sees me through the window and gives me a little wave, I smile and wave back. 

Archer says something to her and then goes to give his Auntie a hug. It seems stiff and forced. As they walk back up the driveway, Molly turns to wave goodbye while holding Archer's hand. 

She hops onto the back seat, "Hi River! What are you doing here?" 

"Archer picked me up, thought we could all go to the swimming lesson together!" I tell her, turning to look at her through the gap in the seats. "Did you have a good time last night?" 

"We played lots of games, and I got to stay up past my bedtime!" Staying up late is always the best bit of having a sleepover.

Archer gets in the car, gives one last wave to his Auntie, who then closes the door, and drives off. 

"Dad came round last night Archer," Molly says while gazing out the window.

I notice his hands tighten slightly on the steering wheel.

"Oh yeah..." He doesn't give much away.

"He said he can't wait to take me to dinner tonight and have a sleepover and take me to school tomorrow!" I look at Archer, and his jaw tightens. I narrow my eyes slightly, wondering what's going on inside his head.

"That's good, I hope he doesn't forget to give you your lunch money in the morning." He looks in the rearview mirror for a second before returning his gaze to the road. 

"He only forgot once. You shouldn't be so hard on him!" She tells him. 

"I'm more pissed that school didn't tell me you had nothing to eat all day, Moll. It's just not right."

"Swear jar!" She shouts.

I giggle, the atmosphere a little lighter. 

We pull up at the leisure centre, parking next to my car. 

Mable is sitting at the desk as we walk in, "Morning!" She says before realising who I'm walking in with. Her face is a picture of shock and happiness. "You two okay?" 

"Good thanks, Babes. I'll see you before I leave." I don't stop to chat, I can see some of the parents waiting for me, I'm not late, but I do have 10 minutes to get ready.

I leave Archer to get Molly ready while I go to greet the other children and parents.

I take a register before getting the children into the pool. They have a splash about at the side for a bit then get their armbands on before getting in the water properly. 

I get them swimming back and forth on and off, encouraging them to put their faces in the water, until the end of the lesson. 

"Right everyone, time to get out I'm afraid! Don't forget to shower, and I'll see you all in the week!" I start helping the children onto the side of the pool, "No running please, Marshall!" 

Molly comes up to me, "Is Archer still here?" She's looking around for him, a concerned look on her face. I can't see him either, until, through the glass to the reception area, I see him coming back inside, he's putting his phone back in his pocket, his cap on again.