BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY

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BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY Page 36

by Mullen, Carol


  “Good luck to them, well I need to go Debbie, my turn to collect the cake, take care”

  No hug goodbye or offer to meet for a coffee. Her ties with AGM severed. She knew she would be the subject of the gossip and Carrie was glad that she had fixed her hair and make-up before leaving the house. She looked like her normal self. No opportunity for them to discuss if she had done her roots this time or added a bit of make up to her drab skin. She tried not to feel slighted at the snub of Tina’s party but it hadn’t taken her long to make a grab at Carrie’s job. After all those years of moaning about management Tina had now joined the ranks. She secured the cake in the back seat of the car and made the drive to her parents. They lived in a detached Victorian style villa which Carrie’s Mum was passionate about retaining its original features. In a traditional sandstone material with large bay windows, it was a beautiful home. Christmas time at the Reynolds home was a favourite time of Carries. They always had a tree in the front bay window with swathes of lights and baubles. The smell of the pine needles always brought back childhood memories. The dining room had a large table which expanded and chairs were always found for unexpected guests. Her Mum was always prepared for those extra guests. That’s why the prospect of a couple of hundred guests this evening or more did not faze her mother. Despite the activity in the garden and marquee her Mum was a picture of calm.

  “Oh that’s lovely Carrie, I think I will leave that here in the kitchen until tonight, your father is due back soon,” Kate commentated on the cake.

  “It will be a good night Mum”

  “I should think so; it’s a day that I didn’t think we would get to. He has put this off so many times”

  The words were left unsaid. All the things that everyone had put off, delayed and waited for the right time. She was in that position now. Rob was always in her thoughts, that didn’t stop but sometimes it felt as though his memory was fading. A little fuzzy on the edges. That’s when she felt guilty. But now Nico was in her life and she had some decisions to make. Although she had given notice on her job at AGM and it had been accepted she hadn’t yet told her family. She wanted her Dads retirement to be about his achievements and her parent’s future. Time enough to tell them about her job situation later. But one thing that she couldn’t put off was her guest this evening.

  “Mum, are you okay? Do you need anything else before I go back home?”

  “I think everything is covered, you will be here before everyone arrives to help with the meet and greet?”

  “Yes, we will, don’t worry and I got a text from Auntie Belle too, she landed an hour ago and will be here early too.”

  “Fantastic, I’m glad she made it, I thought she was still travelling when I didn’t hear from her, oh well she can tell me all about it later when we have a catch up,”

  “Mum, I have something else to tell you. My friend Nico will be here tonight. I’ve invited him as my partner.”

  “Nico, what? The man you flew to New York to see”

  “Yes Mum, one in the same.”

  “Oh Carrie, do you think it’s appropriate? Tonight of all nights.”

  “Yes Mum I do, I like him very much. I’m too old to say he’s my boyfriend but he is my partner and I think tonight will be perfect. All the family will be together and find out first hand.”

  “Oh Carrie, what about Rob? What will everyone think? Is it too soon?”

  “My feelings haven’t changed for Rob but I am asking you to support me Mum, please, Nico is important to me, I asked him to come to the party to let me know he is serious about me and he said yes,”

  “Alright but you can expect lots of questions from your Dad and Auntie Peggy!”

  She gave her Mum a hug, “Thanks Mum, tonight is about you and Dad, Nico won’t change any of that,”

  Carrie left before she could clash any further with her Mum.

  A brief stop at the florist and she was back home. A little of her earlier enthusiasm waning after her exchange of words and meeting with Debbie.

  “Where is my favourite boy?”

  “Sleeping, like his mummy has been trying to do but without any success.”

  Claire was lying on the sofa that long ago, prior to her return from the Cape had been removed of its twenty three red scatter cushions. They were now in a charity store, probably brightening up someone else’s home she guessed. A pillow from Claire’s own sofa a suitable replacement and secured under her head at that moment. Her home had become a mixture of their shared possessions.

  “I settled Harry down earlier; Ryan is still out with Dad and Uncle Donald golfing. I have been trying to rest without success but I tried to get a bit organised I laid out the clothes for everyone for this evening.”

  “Do you want a cuppa?”

  “Yes, tea would be great then you can tell me all about Nico”

  Twenty minutes later they were both chatting and Carrie had explained how things went at their parents earlier.

  “Mum warned me Peggy will be in full interrogation mode.”

  “Isn’t she always? It wouldn’t matter who you brought to the party. The fact that you are even bringing someone with you will be a cause for gossip. At least you are prepared for that,”

  “Claire, I am past caring. I’m expecting an inquisition. At the bakery I bumped into Debbie from work. Tina is having a 50th Birthday Party tonight. She thought I was invited but I put her right on that. We were never the best of friends. No great loss there. Now I’m going for a shower before I set my hair in those rollers for tonight.”

  She had picked out the beautiful Balmain halter dress that she had tried on for the commerce dress and Nico had gifted as part of her birthday. Shades of pink and grey silk with a low back and split from ankle to knee. Gold buttons and the chain motif running through the dress. She loved it. A closed halter her ‘Ta-Ta’s” as D’von had called them would be secure with the halter bra. Miniscule panties and her black suede Jimmy Choo sandals. Her skin had a glow from time spent in the garden playing with Harry no need for a fake tan as she normally would have included in her routine for a big party. She lathered her lotion and pulled on some clothes as it was too early to dress for the party. In a pair of cut off denim shirts and a shirt which she tied in knot exposing her flat stomach she walked down stairs. Claire helped her with the final rollers that she couldn’t reach that would give her hair the big bouncy curl look she wanted. Harry had woken from his nap and Carrie lifted him out of his bed exchanging baby talk with him. They had all adjusted to living together. Harry loved the outdoor space of the garden and living area. Her small TV room had somehow become Harry’s TV room where they watched Peppa Pig nonstop. These little things she didn’t mind but sometimes it made her yearn for her never could or never would be’s with Rob in what was their home. Work had picked up for Ryan and she knew this was a relief for Claire, especially with the new baby coming soon. They had talked of looking for another home but Carrie put them off saying no rush and to wait until after the baby was born. To get them time to look for something better and save some more. A solution that seemed to appease them all. But she didn’t want them to move. On days when she would be feeling down, knowing that Harry would want to play or Claire needed her help got her through. She could talk about Nico without reproach or reminisce about Rob and it made a difference to her fog of grief.

  “I think I will go and soak in that big bath of yours Carrie, I think that’s what I need; my back is achy today,”

  Carrie gave her a sharp look.

  “Don’t panic, the baby isn’t on his or her way, I’m just feeling it a bit more achy than usual today,”

  “Claire I knew you were overdoing things with this party,”

  “Im okay, stop worrying. I think a bath and a nap should do the trick. Are you okay looking after Harry?”

  “Of course I am.” Harry was chomping at some chopped carrots which he loved. There was a knock on the door interrupting their conversation. “I will get it,”

 
; Her heart stopped. “Nico,” she whispered and launched herself at him, wrapping her legs around his waist. He walked forward into the room and they continued to kiss.

  “Carrie Reynolds-Davies, put that man down!” her sister shouted. Carrie blushed and reluctantly slid her feet back on the ground.

  “Hello,”

  “Hello you,” she returned.

  “Sorry Claire” she apologised.

  At that moment Harry ran across the room and grabbed a hold of Carrie’s leg. He looked shyly up at the man. But Harry was also staking his claim on his Auntie. Nico crouched down to Harry’s eye level. “Hello you must be Harry, I’ve heard all about you”

  “’lo” Harry repeated and continued to stare at this new person who seemed to pass muster as he let go of Carries leg.

  “And I’ve heard all about you,” Claire said and eased herself up from the sofa.

  “Hello I’m Carrie’s sister Claire; it’s nice to finally meet you in person”

  “Delighted to meet you and Carrie has told me all about you too”

  “All good I hope or there will be trouble,” she joked. “Carrie, I’m going for that bath now, you still okay?”

  “Yeah sure,”

  “Apologies Nico but a woman in my condition needs her rest,”

  Claire retreated upstairs and Carrie occupied Harry with some more carrots as he had munched through the ones she gave him earlier. They sat side by side on the sofa. Harry between them.

  “I guess this isn’t the reunion you were talking about last night” she gestured to the rollers.

  “I think you look hot Carrie, in your daisy dukes”

  “Oh don’t say things like that to me”

  “After how you said hello? I’m lucky I could still walk”

  “Where is Jay?”

  She knew Jay travelled everywhere with him.

  “In the car making some calls,”

  “Okay, call him in when you are ready; it will be nice to see him. Do you want something to drink a coffee or juice or?”

  “I want you Carrie but a coffee will be great instead.”

  The benefit of the open plan living and kitchen area, Carrie could see Harry still on the sofa determined to finish the carrots. She set about making the coffee black as he liked it and a juice for Harry too. He had finished the carrots and now wanted the attention of his Auntie. Carrie picked him up and perched him on her hip as he drank from his sippie cup. One hand holding the handle of the cup the other hand he was twirling a strand of Carrie’s hair that was loose from the curlers.

  “Oh I must look a state; I thought I would see you later when I was all glammed for the party”

  “You look amazing to me Carrie,”

  “Me wanna play Tantie, car, car, play.”

  They walked over to the French doors and Carrie set him down where he ran at great speed towards his toy car. Nico had his arm around her waist as they stood in the doorway watching her nephew.

  “It’s good to see you, I’m glad you made it, it means a lot to me Nico,”

  He kissed her again, a soft gentle Hello you kiss.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it. You asked me to come as your partner, of course I want to be with you, and Belle has been telling me all about your family,”

  “Oh no, even Auntie Peggy,”

  “Yes, even Peggy,”

  “Well you have been warned, I have two words for you Spanish Inquisition”

  “Yes, and I’m still here. You have a lovely home Carrie, not what I expected I confess,”

  “Thank you, what did you expect?”

  “Something smaller, especially when you said your sister and family were living with you,”

  “They’ve breathed life into it again made it the family home it was meant to be but it doesn’t feel like home anymore to me. Where are you staying?” She said changing the subject.

  He told her the exclusive hotel that he had booked into,

  “Are you joining me there afterwards?”

  “I will pack an overnight bag. Can you take it with you?”

  Harry had lost interest in his car and began to kick a football around the garden. Nico had removed his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves and the tie was gone as they joined him kicking the ball between them. It ended in a scrum on the ground with much laughter.

  Claire observed the play around in the garden from the upstairs window as she could hear their giggles and shouts as she relaxed in the bath. When was the last time she heard her sister so happy? A long time now it seemed. Almost two years and she deserved happiness. Tonight would be the tester as her parents also met Nico for the first time. She only hoped their mother who would be the more difficult of the two, would see the happiness also for herself.

  When Claire returned downstairs she also invited in Nico’s driver who was still in the car. He tried to decline but Claire could be just has determined. They made their own introductions.

  “Let me get you something to drink,” another shriek of laughter broke out, “Have you ever seen that Jay? Your boss rolling around in the grass?”

  “Nope I haven’t but I haven’t seen him this relaxed with anyone. Carrie is good for him, they are good for each other too, and she’s a tough lady”

  “I agree with you but then again, she is my sister so I’m a little biased there!”

  Carrie heard Jay’s voice. “Hi Jay,” she gave him one of her famous hugs as she thought of him as a friend. “It’s good to see you,” They chatted for a few minutes before Carrie retreated upstairs to pack. Claire joined her with Harry in tow.

  “Oh My God Carrie!”

  “What?” Carrie had opened a cupboard and was removing an overnight bag. “What’s wrong?”

  “Well no wonder you are in love with the man, he is bloody gorgeous”

  “Claire McIntosh, control yourself or that baby will be making an appearance earlier than planned.” she joked. “I’m just packing some things. I’m staying with Nico at his hotel tonight; I wouldn’t bring him back here. It wouldn’t feel right,”

  She walked through to the en suite and gathered some toiletries. Added one of the agent provocateur nightdresses and some clothes for the following day.

  “I understand Carrie, just be careful okay?”

  In the living room Nico stood in front of a black lacquer console table with three small drawers a silver table lamp on top. It wasn’t the furniture that held his attention but the picture above. It was a canvas print of Carrie on her wedding day. A black and white print with Carrie smiling up into the face of Rob, her eyes beaming with love and adoration. He was surprised at the feeling of jealousy that he was experiencing at that moment. Carrie had spoken of Rob it wasn’t an off topic subject for them but this visual affirmation triggered the jealousy button. “So this was the husband?” Jay voiced. “Yeah” Nico agreed and walked back towards the garden.

  “I think I’ve thought of everything,” she left the bag at the door. Claire was lying down on her bed, resting. Harry had returned downstairs with her.

  “Okay, I guess we better get moving and let you do what you have to do” Carrie frowned, what was wrong? Nico seemed a little distant.

  “Okay, eight o’clock and you have my parents address,”

  Jay picked up the bag, “I will take this out to the car, see you later Carrie”

  “Car, car” Harry shouted and ran into the garden.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Everything is fine Carrie,”

  They kissed goodbye and Nico held her tight. She held onto the lapels of his jacket holding him closer.

  “I ah,”

  “What Nico?”

  “Nothing Carrie, I will see you tonight”

  Feeling completely bemused. She watched as he left.

  Ryan drove them in Carries car as it was bigger and could accommodate all of them. She sat in the back next to Harry in his car seat. Claire up front with Ryan. Claire wore a form fitting black jersey dress that accented the baby bump.
Flat gold sandals and chunky gold jewellery completed her outfit. “You look glowing,” Carrie told her. They shared a hug before it was time to leave the house. “Everything will be okay”

  They made the short journey to their parents’ house and Carrie knew she had some decisions to make. Tonight she would speak to Nico about the future and the future she wanted with him. Ryan stashed the flowers away that they would give to their Mum out of sight to be given later. Her Dad opened the door dressed in his dinner suit. Mum had made him dress for the occasion.

  “Oh Dad, you look so smart,” they hugged, “Congratulations on your retirement”

  “Carrie what a treat you look tonight, that’s my girl, keep smiling okay? You mum told me this Nico chap is coming tonight. So I will finally get to meet the guy who’s put a smile back on my daughters face”

  “Dad! Leave her alone, it will be bad enough with Aunt Peggy” Claire interrupted.

  “Thanks you guys, my nerves are shattered enough at that prospect,”

  “Claire my darling, oh what a picture you look too,”

  “What a charmer Dad, are you ready for your big night?”

  “Yes, action stations, here comes your Mother and no doubt she will have your duties for this evening” he joked.

  Kate looked elegant in a long silver pencil skirt with a thin belt, silver sequin top and silver court shoes. It flattered her tiny waist and small bust. Her parents made an attractive couple. Pictures were quickly taken to capture the moment of them together in their finery. They chinked glasses in congratulations and shared good wishes for the future. It was a warm summer night and the strands of lights were twinkling in the trees. The large hurricane candles lit for the walk ways. The marquee was lit with the chandelier lighting and the band could be heard. Her mum was fussing over some of the canapés as the guests began to arrive. The front room of the house was were most guests stopped to say their hellos to the hosts before retreating with a drink of some champagne or something from the bar that had been set up. Then like the pied piper they could follow the sound of the music out to the garden and the marque. Carrie placed gift bags that had been kindly given to mark her father’s retirement, bottles of his favourite whisky and cards in the front parlour.

 

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