Melissa sat in class trying her best to stay focus. She could see the girls whispering and staring. Some were even pointing. After Professor Howard finished his lesson and dismissed the class, an eager blonde approached her with a wide smile.
“Hi,” she smiled as she spoke.
“Hello,” Melissa stared at the girl warily. She had never spoken to her a day in her life.
“I’m Brandy.” The girl introduced herself, “And this is going to sound weird, but aren’t you the girl who was photographed with Liam Payne from One Direction?”
Melissa sighed, “Yeah, he’s an old friend.” She slung her messenger bag over her shoulder and attempted to leave.
Brandy blocked her path, “So what’s the real story?” She waited expectantly. Melissa’s heart raced. She didn’t want to lie, but her and Liam hadn’t discussed the situation further.
“Liam and I grew up together and I ran into him while I was at the park.” She decided to keep the truth from the obvious fan.
Brandy pouted disappointedly, “Oh, well pooh. Thank you anyways.” She smiled stepping aside. Melissa shook her head as she left the classroom. It was her last class of the day and she didn’t have to work. She walked over to the campus daycare to pick up James so that they could go home. When she got there she didn’t spot him playing with the other kids.
Cautiously she approached the receptionist desk, “Hello, I’m here to for James Payne-Wright.” She informed the new employee sitting behind the desk.
The young woman looked down at the book in front of her, “He’s already been picked up.” She informed Melissa with a smile.
Melissa’s eyes widened, “What do you mean?”
“He was signed out an hour ago.” The woman spoke as if she was confused.
“Who picked him up?” Melissa was panicked. Carmen had classes of her own, Megan and Mikey were working, and her parents were too far away to randomly pick up James.
The woman stuttered, “It was a man. I thought he was a regular because he knew the needed information. I’m so sorry ma’am. I’m new here.” Melissa glared at the woman before storming out of the childcare center. She made it to her car in a fear filled rage. Think Melissa. Who could have picked up your son? She wracked her brain as she drove aimlessly.
Suddenly Melissa gasped and her eyes widened once again. She found a parking lot and pulled over to retrieve her cell phone. She scrolled through her recent text messages.
Liam: Would it possible for us to meet up Wednesday?
She had told him it would have to be later because she had class. He wanted to see James. They were supposed to meet today at five. It would give her enough time to do homework and change James’s clothes. Of course Liam asked her where James was when she had class and she explained to him about the childcare center on campus. She told him all of the requirements and how it worked. He must have been the one to pick up James.
Melissa hoped her theory was right as she pressed called next to Liam’s number. He answered after a few rings. There was noise in the background.
“Do you have James?” Melissa demanded not giving him a chance to speak.
“Melissa?” Liam questioned.
“Yes, now answer the question.”
“I picked him up one my way to the store. The woman there said it was okay.” Liam answered.
Melissa sighed with relief, “You can’t just pick up my son without asking me, Liam. That is not okay.”
“He’s my son too, Melissa.” Liam countered.
She scoffed rolling her eyes, “Who you only met officially a week ago. That hardly gives you a right.” Liam was silent. “Where are you?”
“Why?” Liam spoke in a stiff voice.
“I want my son,” Melissa responded calmly.
“Mel, he’s having a good time. All of the lads are here.” Liam responded. He didn’t quite understand.
“That’s not the point. You got him without my permission and I would like for you to bring him back.”
“I’ll be at your flat in thirty minutes.” Liam ended the call. Melissa tossed her phone on the passenger seat and started the engine. She drove to her flat quickly with twenty minutes to spare. She took the time to start her homework although she couldn’t concentrate. As Melissa nervously tapped her pencil against the table there was a knock on the door. She jumped out of the hair and rushed to open the door. James ran inside. Melissa looked after him before turning to face Liam.
“Thanks,” she gave him a small smile. Liam’s facial expression stayed blank.
“I understand that I haven’t been in his life from day one, but that is not my fault.” He spoke in a low voice, “You chose to keep your pregnancy a secret from me. If I would have known then I wouldn’t have left, Melissa.”
“I know that,” Melissa began to speak, but Liam shook his head.
He looked her directly in the eyes, “I’m here now and I have no clue what I’m doing, but I am trying to do something. I can’t do that if you won’t let me.” Melissa stared at him wordlessly. She didn’t know what to say. Liam looked past her, “Bye James.” He waved at his son before turning and leaving.
Slowly Melissa closed the door. Liam’s words swam in her head. She couldn’t understand why she had gotten so angry earlier. It was obvious that James was fine, but Melissa wasn’t use to that. She was accustomed to being his only parent, the only decision maker in her child’s life. Even her parents asked before doing something with James, but Liam didn’t. He decided it was okay on his own. Just like any parent would. Just like any FATHER would.