The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 82

"Mommy!"

A crisp shout rang out from behind, followed by the rapid pitter-patter of little footsteps.

Sloane froze. Before she could even turn around, a tiny body barreled into her, wrapping tightly around her legs.

Archie looked up, his small face bright and his eyes shining.

But the joy lasted only a second before his face crumpled. It was as if all the emotions he had bottled up suddenly exploded.

"Mommy is mean!"

He balled up his fists and hit her.

A five-year-old didn't have much strength, but Archie threw his entire weight into the blow. Sloane stumbled, nearly losing her balance.

"Mommy won't come home! Mommy won't see me! Mommy doesn't want me anymore!"

Sloane steadied herself and crouched down, reaching out to cup his cheek.

The next second, Archie slapped her hand away.

"I don't want Mommy either!" Huge tears rolled down his cheeks as he sobbed uncontrollably. "You left me behind! You're a bad mom! I never want you again!"

His little hands pounded against her shoulders and arms. It didn't hurt physically, but every strike landed like a sledgehammer on the softest part of her heart.

"Archie!"

Quinn hurried over, crouching down to scoop the boy up. "Don't be like this. Your mom is busy..."

Safely in Quinn's arms, Archie kept crying, his little hands reaching out toward Sloane. He kept screaming that she was mean and that he didn't want her, his face slick with tears and snot.

Rosemary strolled over at that moment.

She opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.

Mr. Foster approached at that moment, looking somewhat embarrassed and helpless. He shot a glance at his wife before turning to Sloane, his tone much softer. "Sloane, you shouldn't say things like that. You're Archie's mother. If you ever want to visit him, our door is always open."

Sloane gave him a slight nod, her demeanor polite but distant. "Thank you, Mr. Foster."

Rosemary's face soured even further.

Quinn carried Archie over, her expression a perfectly crafted mix of worry and reluctance. She held the boy tighter, looking at Sloane with a sweet, soft voice. "Sloane... in my heart, you'll always be family. No matter what happens between you and Garrison, I will always..."

"Shut up."

Garrison finally stepped forward, cutting Quinn off.

Looking like he had reached the very end of his patience, he pulled Quinn back and spoke in a low, gravelly voice: