Page 102 of Theodore

“Mom,don’tuse the language card now.”

“Theo comes home tomorrow.” Mom reminded me quietly, as the pain in my chest subsided.

The thought of him being over the road was soothing, even if it meant I didn’t speak to him. It wasannoyinglycomforting.

“It’s Christmas, Hannah. Just hear him out, then decide what you want to do. Do you want hot chocolate?” She smiled kindly.

I nodded, tears streaming down my face as she slid her arms around me.

“Being on my period doesn’t help either.” I sniffled as she kissed my head tenderly.

“Baby, sometimes itsucksbeing a woman. But you know, I’m a Mama to three boys and a sassy young woman. Let me tell you; I’ve never seen a man as in love withanyonelike I have with you and Theo.”

“Nikolas and Amy—”

“Yes, they’re madly in love too. But you and Theo have been like that for years. It’s beautiful. Please speak to him.”

Mom smiled wistfully as she left the room, making me sigh with irritation.

Mom was right- it wasChristmas.

If I didn’t speak to him, he would just turn up, and it would be a full-blown argument. I didn’t want either of our families miserable on Christmas Day.

Picking up my phone, I pulled on a sweater, making my way out of the house and to the back garden. I was super lucky that my garden had a huge swing seat, and it was great for reflecting on. I sank into it as it creaked beneath me.

I dialed Theo's number, and he answered immediately.

“Baby, I can explain.” He began, his voice sincere.

My anger rose. The thought of Theo fucking anyone else crippled me inside. Hell, the idea of him kissing her was enough torture all by itself.

“So explain,” I whispered, surprising myself with how cool and collected I sounded.

“She came home with my roommate—”

“Does she have a name?” I hissed as he hesitated. My stomach was in knots when I heard him sigh.

“Sherry.”

I felt like someone had punched me in the gut.

“Sherry? The one that won’t take no for an answer?” I spat, my hand rubbing my forehead as I tried to remain calm.

“Yes,her. Please listen. Promise me you’ll let me explain.”

Theo sounded lost, his voice scratchy like he had a cold.

Maybe he’d caught something from that skanky bitch.

I didn’t answer him, so he continued.

“Billybrought her home. They’ve got history. He knew I didn’t want her there, but he was a fucking mess. He passed out cold on the floor.”

“How convenient.”

“Sherry answered the phone. She must’ve seen it ringing, and she answered it. That’sit. Iswearto God.”

Theo fell silent as I closed my eyes, tears falling down my cheeks.