“And?” I prompt him.
“We only get ice cream as a treat," he finishes off.
“Well done. Now, what’s going on? And don’t lie to me. I can smell a liar a mile off. Is this because of the fight you hadat school? Why did you push that boy?” I stroke the back of his head.
“He was making fun of me because my mum left.” Ace's voice drops, and I can tell by the way he avoids my eyes that there's more to it.
“I see. Who was it?” I ask.
“George.”
Penny's child.
“And?” He was still holding back. I can tell.
“Everyone is mean to me. I’ve got no friends. They call me names and don’t let me play with anyone.” Ace's voice breaks as the words tumble out of his mouth.
The way he looks up at me with those big eyes makes my heart break. This needs to be dealt with now. On the outside I’m calm, but on the inside, I’m a raging maniac.
“Look, sweetie. This is what’s going to happen. I will deal with this, I promise. What I need you to do is go to school today, but I will put an end to it. By tomorrow, everything will be fine, and those bullies will get what's coming to them,” I promise him. "But you need to go to school for me to be able to do that. Can you manage it?"
Ace nods, but I can see he’s worried. “Are you going to tell Dad?”
“Not unless you want me to.” I pull him in for a hug.
“No.” He sniffs and wipes his eyes.
Sitting next to him, I kiss his head. “Get dressed for school, and I'll arrange something special for dinner tonight, I promise.”
“You will?” Eden’s little voice squeals by the door.
“Eden!” I scold her.
I drop them off at school and go back, trying to tackle Ace's room first. I check Eden's room and it's just as messy. I groan and tidy her room as well, throwing the toys in the closet and under the bed.
After school, I collect Eden first. I will need more timewith Ace and his pick up. When I get there, he looks so depressed. I motion to him, and Ace comes over to me.
“Come on, let’s sort this mess out.” I take his hand, spotting Penny in the mums group. I hate these women.
“Penny, a word,” I spit my words out at her.
“How can I help?” she asks, looking surprised at my tone.
“George is bullying Ace and making Ace's life miserable."
“No, he’s not. They are best friends.” She looks at George, who has conveniently become shy.
“Really? I’ve got an eight-year-old who’s telling me George is being mean to him, and the reason he has no friends is because he doesn’t have a mum.” I let go of Ace's hand, crossing my arms.
“Prove it,” one of Penny’s minions says. “You’re taking one child’s word for it.”
“What has this got to do with you? I’m talking to Penny,” I snap at her.
“He pushed my Teddy over,” she snarls at me.
I glare at her, ready to put up a fight. “I’m glad.”
Oh, God!Why would I say that?
