Little Eyes Spy

We got the early flight back to LA after a quick ride through park in the horse and carriage. Sophie deserved her treat she was great for the sitter and now she sat happily, gazing out over the clouds.

As I pulled up at home I was overcome with guilt. Should I have sought him out? Braved the reunion between us, and experienced the love Sophie would bestow on her adored father.

Was I being mean and nasty to my daughter, I never spoke ill of him but neither did I cast gleaming light over him. I was always monochrome when I spoke, sullen and bland, if I attempted to be anything other than that I would end up becoming upset.

As Sophie ran through the house to put on her swimmers. I grabbed the phone, dialling the familiar international number quickly. I forgot unfortunately, to actually check the second 'Macca' clock above the fridge, the Scottish thistle ticking away to Scotland hours next to our own local-time clock as the phone rang. I realised too late it was one a.m there and I was about to hang up.

"This better be good" Paul spoke huskily down the line, sleep in his voice.

"Shit sorry sorry sorry Paulie" my apology was met with silence. "Paul?" Had he fallen back to sleep "Paul!"

"Oh, gee Rox it's sparrow fart o'clock girl. Lin's not here she's in London with Heather" Paul was more awake now "Rox luv you never do this- what happened. Did he finally do something?" Paul sounded grumpy and mad but only in the sense he was half asleep.

"No. No" I laughed nervously "Come close though. He was one of the presenters at the.."

"Mummy. Mummy!" Sophie was at my side jumping up and down to get my attention.

"Mummy is on the phone Soph to uncle Paul"

"HI Uncie Paulie" Soph yelled toward the receiver.

"Soph that very rude why are you jumping around like a ding bat, sorry Paul" I'm carrying on two conversations and it's getting confusing!

"Mummy"

"Yes Soph"

There's someone at the door"

"Who? Wait. no one can get to the door!"

"Roxan are you ok?! Has someone broken in? Get a knife.." Paul was upset on the other side of the world, worried for my safety.

"Hello Syd"

I swung round so fast my head was spinning, then as I met his sparkling eyes, I was spinning again. I felt faint and I.....

"Mummy!!"

"Roxan!!" Paul yelled again, wondering what in hell was going on.

"Hey Syd, sit here" John took me to the couch then turned on his heel, telling Sophie to 'get mummy some water' then picking up the phone to talk to Paul or was it the other way round, was Paul getting the water?

"Hey Paulie .... Yeah it's just me.......well I didn't want her running away........no she's ok.... Don't start Paul, you can be such a sourpuss when you're half asleep....... I'll get her to call you back later...righteo.... tarrah mate... yep good to hear your voice too... get some sleep. It's fine" John hung up the phone and slowly turned around.

Sophie stood with her hands on her hips. Pouting and upset with John. "Don't call my Uncie Paulie bad names!! That's not very nice!!"