Well, this pretty much goes down as the worst day in the history of ever.

I lost my job, only after being publicly humiliated by my asshole ex-boss. Gathered what dignity I had left and trekked it home, only to be followed home by a completely irrational stalker, and then, as if I needed one more damn thing to go wrong today, I had my heart about ripped out of my chest when I finally arrived home, only to find my baby sitting in the back of a police cruiser, shaking and terrified because our home had been broken into.

Fuck. My. Life.

“Do you have any idea who could have done this?” The officer questions, as Eric hangs back, thank god, sitting next to my son and trying to calm him down.

Which really, is that a thank god moment?

I think not.

My irrational ex-boyfriend, who has, for whatever freaking reason decided to try to pop back into my life, has suddenly become a stalker and is now trying to soothe my child while I speak to police?

There’s a lot going on right here...and, well. It’s basically a shit show.

“No, no idea at all. I don’t really know anyone here, I just moved here to go to school so...” I shrug helplessly, before shaking my head. “I know my neighbor and that’s about it. I do work in a bar, but, I haven’t made any enemies.”

At least, not before tonight. But while Susan is a total bitch, she isn’t an armed robber either.

“Odds are it was a random break-in. These thugs like to pick an easy target, and well, ma’am. A single woman living alone around these parts is, unfortunately, an easy hit. We’ll keep you posted with the investigation. As for now, we really need to keep your apartment sealed until our crew goes through. They did find some shell casings inside, and it takes time to get all of that logged and processed. Letting you inside could wreck the scene and damage potential evidence.”

“Shell casings?” My jaw drops. “They had a gun?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The officers mouth sets in a grim line. “Luckily, your neighbor was smart. As soon as she heard the racket, she grabbed your boy and barricaded them inside of a closet. Called us right away and we were able to get here quick. Doesn’t always work out like that.”

My heart is thundering so loudly in my ears, that I can barely even hear him. All I know is that he said gun. They had a gun. In my home.  With my child.

Dear lord...

“Do you have a place to stay tonight?” The officer asks, and Eric steps forward, carrying my now sleeping son.

I can’t even find it in me to be upset right now about that. Because for the moment, my son is calm, even if it is at the hands of my ex.

“She does. She’s staying with me.” Eric tells the officer, before giving me a look that is stern enough for me to shut my mouth, even if only because of my current situation and the fact that he has Jackson in his arms.

Plus, I really don’t have anywhere else to stay...

“Good. I’m sorry ma’am, but I can’t let you back into that apartment to even get any belongings. It’s a crime scene now...but probably by tomorrow...”

“What?” I exclaim, before glancing down at my work attire of faded jeans, bar logo t-shirt, and converse. “I have to get clothes...I can’t be going around in this!”

“Probably by tomorrow.” The officer reaffirms.

I throw my arms up, before throwing my head back, forcing in the scream that is so ready to escape my lips.

“That should be the least of your worries right now,” Eric whispers into my ear, as the officer nods at me one last time before being pulled away by his crew.

“You seriously were living here? Like this?” His voice is low, and almost menacing, forcing my eyes to snap up to his.

“Yes. And don’t look at me like that. The officer said it was random, it’s not like...”

“I’m sure random happens a whole hell of a lot around here.” He growls, before hugging Jackson a little bit tighter.

“Do you live here by yourself?”

“No.” I try to roll my eyes in a sassy response, but my body is just too damn worked up for any of it. My word ends up leaving my lips sounding completely deflated.

“I live with my son Jackson, too.”

“Smart ass. I meant do you live with a man. A boyfriend. Husband...”

“Nope.” I finally sigh, as a big black Suburban pulls up behind us. “It’s just me and Jacks.”

“Not for long.” He mutters underneath his breath. Normally, this type of response would make me scowl and respond with something incredibly witty.

But I’m just not feeling it tonight. My fight has died, and suddenly, all that I want to do is throw myself into a bed, close my eyes, and wake up to a new day.

“Come on.” Eric takes me by the elbow, pulling me towards the Suburban. “This is us. Time to go.”

I glance back towards my apartment one last time, watching as multiple officers trickle in and out of it.

I feel violated, mixed with anger, and whole lot of fear.

What would have happened if my neighbor hadn’t been so quick to think and hide with Jacks? The what if’s in this situation about make me vomit.

Because it could have been so bad.

So fucking bad.

I know in this instant, that a drastic change must be made. Getting back into Grad school in Chicago is not worth this kind of risk.

Not when that risk involves the most important person in my life getting hurt.

I’m hoping that if I sleep on it tonight, when I wake up tomorrow?

The answer will come to me.

I’m too damn in shock from this entire day to try to formulate any sense of thoughts right now.

For now, I just want to crawl into a bed, and fall asleep, hopefully waking up to a brand-new day with a better, more positive outlook.

Because right now?

The forecast just sucks.

**