by Karen Aldous
Charlotte threw herself down onto Cally’s lap.
‘Ooph! Hey, miss.’ Cally shrieked from the force.
‘Charlotte, back in your seat. Now.’ Evie told her in a stern voice which was louder than she’d intended.
‘Mummy cross.’
‘Yes. Mummy is cross and the other people will be cross if you don’t leave them alone. Now, in your seat.’ Evie snatched her hand and pulled her into her arms before placing her down in the seat. She buckled her in. ‘Ok, now take Lulu and you can talk to Lulu. Here’s Lulu’s bottle, give her some milk.’
Sitting back in her chair, Evie straightened her shoulders and, sensing Cally’s silent reaction, forged a smile at her. Although excited to be seeing her parents again, her agitation persisted. Still angry with Seb, she needed to vent her frustration at him and sort things out with him once and for all. On top of that, she had no idea whether her parents would welcome her and Charlotte. The phone call didn’t tell her much and, when she thought back to how she’d treated them and them her – the arguments, the snipes and certainly some of the cruel words they’d said to one another – there was more and more doubt creeping up on her as to whether they would even talk to her.
‘I hope Mum and Dad are going to be ok. I’m looking forward to seeing them but absolutely terrified as to what they’re going to say. No doubt I will get plenty of reminders and accusations of how Seb and I had shut them out of our lives.’
With a sympathetic smile, Cally said, ‘You may have to put up with eating some humble pie but I think you can munch your way through it. I don’t know why you’re worrying. I know whose plate I’d rather be eating from and it certainly isn’t Seb’s. They know you and Charlotte are coming, I took the liberty of explaining. I think they’re just relieved you two are safe and well. If they’d objected, I don’t suppose Auntie Janet would be so accommodating. And besides, they wouldn’t want Dad getting worked up.’
‘Hmmm.’ Evie held her cheeks, feeling less confident than her sister.
Chewing on her lip, Evie pondered things, her attention turning to the inky horizon outside. At least Cally had explained the situation to their parents. She would just have to prepare herself for their ‘told you so’s’.’
Evie, Charlotte and Cally joined the queue at passport control. Cally flicked her bag back over her shoulder and picked up her case whilst Evie kicked her case a few feet and wheeled Charlotte’s buggy forward.
‘Stop bloody fretting about it.’ Cally told her.
‘I wasn’t, I was thinking about Seb.’
‘That’s even worse. Relax. You’re out of his reach.’
They shuffled along. Evie sighed with relief seeing Charlotte nodding off in her pushchair.
‘He doesn’t even deserve your attention. He deserted you with no phone or means of communication. What can you do? Stop worrying about him.’
‘You’re right. He’s history. I need closure though. The thing is, I feel I’m now ready for a fight.’
Cally raised her palm. ‘I completely understand, believe me, but stop right there. Log it, save it. Come back to it when you see him. Think about yourself and start putting a plan into action. This week will be a perfect opportunity. The distance will do you good. You’re good with words. Write down exactly what you want to say to him. And write down the things you want from life, not what Seb wanted you to do’.’
Evie felt the muscles in her back uncurl. ‘Great idea, sis. I think I will.’
‘You see, I’m learning some of your tricks,’ Cally announced as they hobbled towards the passport kiosk. Evie waited for her sister the other side, her tummy was beginning to churn thinking about meeting her parents after such a long time. They headed off towards Customs.
‘Yes,’ Cally continued. ‘I actually bought myself a notebook at the airport after I left you a few weeks ago.’
Evie nodded. ‘Go you!’
‘Oh, I’ll tell you later. We’re almost there.’ Cally breezed in front through Customs with Evie padding sheepishly behind. Immediately, as they walked through the doors, Evie supposed the couple waving at them were her parents – a slimmer Jill and Steve, both veering towards the exit to meet them.
Cally hurled into her mother’s arms, spouting greetings and kisses. Evie stood behind, unsure, but to her surprise her father suddenly appeared and his arms curled around her.
‘Oh. Hi, Dad. I’m really sorry about…’
‘I know. We’ll talk about that later. Me and your mum are sorry too, but it’s good to see you,’ her father said, affectionately rubbing her back before turning to Cally. This wasn’t what she was expecting. She felt a lump rise in her throat. Her mother now stood before her, mockingly shaking her head.
‘Evie.’ She too pulled her close. ‘Hello. I…’
‘Mum, I’m so sorry.’ Evie managed as the tears erupted. ‘I… I’m so happy to see you.’
‘Me too. It’s been a long time and I was deeply hurt. We were both hurt. Oh but,’ she stood back and lifted Evie’s chin, ‘Dad and I will try to understand.’
Evie sniffed and stepped back, waiting for her dad to turn. She looked from one to the other. ‘Mum, Dad, it’s over between Seb and me. You were right all along. I’ve got some things to work out, but I will admit I was wrong.’
Cally immediately threw her arms around her sister and Evie couldn’t have needed her more. ‘You are amazing,’ Cally told her. ‘And what is it they say? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You are not all to blame. None of us could know what you were going through, just as you couldn’t see that we were trying to protect you.’
‘She’s right,’ said her father. ‘We all got a nasty shock and thank God, we can now pick up the pieces.’
When Evie gazed at her parents, the rim of her mother’s eyes shone red and immediately she started. ‘I think I’m going to cry again.’ She gave a little sob, but forced herself to hold back. ‘But, Dad, never mind me, how are you?’
As Steve began they started walking. He updated them with his medical knowledge. She could barely believe these were the same people. Not only did they appear substantially healthier, but they were genuinely happy to see her.
Charlotte called from the buggy and Evie stopped just outside the entrance to lift her out.
Jill soon relieved her of Charlotte, taking her from Evie’s arms and squeezing her tight. Charlotte, however, began to cry and reached back to Evie.
‘Poppet, this is your grandma. My mummy and Auntie Cally’s mummy. We’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to stay.’
‘Well, sort of.’ Jill added. ‘You can come and spend some time at the seaside with us and Mummy. And, there’s a little doggy. Do you like doggies? She’s a little white doggy who loves cuddles. She will like you. I know she will.’
Charlotte stared curiously at her grandma’s face. ‘Doggy.’
‘Ha. You are soon won over, little lady. Anyway, you two look really well. Cornwall obviously suits you.’
Steve’s sun-tanned face wrinkled as he guffawed. ‘Yes, we’ve only been here five days but the weather has been great, and I think we forgot how to walk in the US. We’ve been out walking every day since we’ve been here. It’s beautiful.’
‘Well, poor Aunt Janet, we don’t want to be under her feet all day if we can help it. We’re looking for somewhere to rent.’
‘So you’re going to stay then?’
Jill and Steve gazed at one another. ‘It’s lovely,’ said Steve ‘but we don’t need to rush. I need to get back to fitness and then we can make up our minds. I think a six-month rental to start, at least.’
‘Exactly, you don’t have to rush.’ Cally linked her arm through his as they made their way through towards the car park.
Evie traipsed behind. ‘Is Dad on track, health-wise?’ she asked her mother quietly, wanting to hear her version.
Jill turned back to stroll alongside her. ‘Yes, very well. In fact, I think it was a shake we both needed. We loved the life
at Venice Beach, it was full and we made lots of friends… but we really got into some bad habits. Eating and drinking excessively without much exercise. The walks here are so much more exhilarating. We will go back for holidays; the plan is to rent our home out to pay for our rent here. We’ll balance it out though. Maybe three or four months over the winter there and find a nice home here. Your dad seems more relaxed here, strangely. Anyway, Charlotte appears to be thriving. She’s beautiful.’
‘Thanks.’
‘So… Seb?’
Even though she was expecting the questions, Evie’s throat jarred. ‘Honestly, you were right, it’s not working. We had a holiday together last week but, he’s too wrapped up in his life to care about us, and… well, I’ve re-discovered my writing and, we… or rather, I, need to make a new life for myself and Charlotte.’
Stepping out into the air, Jill swiped her silky blonde hair back from her face as the breeze blew across the car park. ‘Well, you couldn’t have made a worse choice with Seb. Such a brute. Yes, you’ve suffered enough, time to move on.’
Evie’s head hung low but she found it much easier to swallow her pride than she imagined. ‘Yes, and I was stupid enough to think he would change, and that we had the opportunity to really make a go of things. If only I’d have listened.’
Jill took her hand and squeezed it. ‘You never had the confidence Cally was blessed with. Dad and I were only trying to protect you. I’ve really missed you.’
‘As a mother now, I really understand that,’ Evie declared, and instantly got where her mother was coming from. She had always been protective, maybe a little too much.
Her mother held her chest as she wheezed. ‘Well, you are still young with the whole world and its options open to you.’ Jill cleared her throat. ‘And if Seb’s not around, Dad and I will hopefully be around more to support you both. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy?’
Evie’s eyes lit with surprise. ‘No, but thank you.’ Since when did her mother show so much compassion? Was this because of her father’s illness? ‘I’d like to be able to help you guys out too.’
‘Will you stay in France?’
Shrugging her shoulders, Evie squinted. ‘I suppose, short term. I need to have a think.’
‘Well this place is perfect for thinking. Get out and do some walking whilst you’re here. The energy that blows in from that sea is just great for clearing your mind. Maybe once we have a place to call home, you and Charlotte can come and stay with us.’
As they drove the coastal road towards her aunt’s house, Evie peered out of the car window and out to the magnificent Cornish landscape and rampant ocean beyond. She hadn’t visited here for several years and it seemed so green and lush compared to her recent Mediterranean encounter.
‘I’m really looking forward to getting some exercise,’ Evie told her mother.
They reached the village and took the road leading to another turn, and then a steep hill to a lane of modern homes. Her father parked on an incline of a drive and wrenched on the handbrake. The house was more of a dormer bungalow, with a veranda at the front and a large elevated terrace at the back overlooking the Cornish hills and ocean.
Aunt Janet opened the front door and stepped outside to greet them. Evie thought she had aged rather gracefully, sporting short, wispy blonde hair and trim long legs. A little white Scottish terrier ran at her side, curiously bobbing her head to find a friend. Indeed, Charlotte instantly began kicking to get down from Evie’s grasp.
‘Welcome to our humble abode, girls. You both look beautiful by the way. Life in Europe is treating you well, it seems. And this must be the lovely Charlotte.’
‘Thank you. You look well too.’ Evie kissed her aunt. ‘How is your dog with children?’ she asked, struggling to grip her daughter.
‘Oh, yes. She loves anyone who will make a fuss. Just be sure to show her how to stroke her. She doesn’t like my grandson, Bobby, chasing her or poking at her.’
‘What’s her name?’
‘Lilly.’
Evie brushed past and tapped her thigh. ‘Come on Lilly, come and meet Charlotte.’
Inside, the living room had large windows throwing in vast quantities of light – which was a blessing, because it was quite small. Evie took Charlotte to the sofa and sat Charlotte on her lap as she stroked the attention-seeking Lilly whose paws were resting on her knees.
‘There. You stroke her gently.’ She peered up at Cally. ‘We’ll get the bags in later.’
Cally nodded. ‘Yes, fine.’
‘Come through to the back, there’s more room.’ Aunt Janet was saying.
Evie waited until they had all disappeared and enjoyed chatting with Charlotte’s new acquaintance.
Cally returned to the room holding her phone. ‘Stunning view out there, you need to have a look.’ She looked down at her mobile. ‘I’ve had a missed call from Ben. I doubt if he wants me. Do you want to ring him back?’
‘Oh,’ Evie screwed up her nose, curious. They’d agreed not to make contact. Why would he be ringing so soon? ‘I’ll settle Charlotte first and say hi to Uncle Brian.’
‘Ok. He’s out there, pouring tea. Here, I’ll take Charlotte. I’ve just been, but you may want to visit the cloakroom too. On the left out past the dining table.’
‘Great, thanks. Has Ben texted to say it’s anything urgent?’
‘No.’
Evie wandered through to the kitchen, and, her sister was right, the view was amazing. The house took on a whole new perspective from this room with the wide kitchen-diner stretching the length of the terrace with full-length bi-fold doors opened out. It had been extended and rearranged since her last visit.
‘Wow, I’m impressed. What a difference.’ She turned towards the kitchen area. ‘Hello Uncle Brian.’ She stretched up and kissed his silvery whiskers. ‘I don’t think I could see out of the kitchen window when I was last here.’
‘Fabulous isn’t it. Glad you like it. We’re very pleased. You girls are charming, quite beautiful ladies now. Where’s the little one?’
‘I don’t know who’s wooing who, but she’s making friends with Lilly in the front room. Cally’s with her. I’m just going to use your bathroom if that’s ok?’ Evie pointed to a lobby at the far end.
‘Go ahead. I’ll go and introduce myself to… what’s her name?’
‘Charlotte.’
‘That was your great gran’s name, I believe.’
‘Really? I didn’t know that.’
‘No, neither did Janet or Jill. I’m one of those ancestor anoraks.’
Evie laughed and trotted off just as Cally came in to show off her little niece.
When Evie spilled back into the room, her heart gave a flutter. ‘Oh, my God.’ She froze and gaped at her daughter as each and every one of them in the room did, as Charlotte hung over a CD player leaning her elbow to one side, attempting to sing Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’. Although not singing actual words, her mouth moved in such unison with the singer. Charlotte performed and delivered with such heartfelt emotion, and her expression was priceless. Evie glanced up, catching tears rolling down her mother’s face. Her daughter was so lost in the song, she was oblivious to them all. For herself, Evie hummed along to her favourite song. It was a song she played often, thinking of Ben. Little did she realise how much her daughter had absorbed – not just the melody, but also each word. She certainly had her father’s musical talent. Her voice tuned in to every note. As the song ended, the adults clapped and cheered. Charlotte looked up and clapped too.
‘Yaay,’ she applauded. ‘Yaaay.’
‘That was beautiful, sweetheart,’ Cally told her. ‘I can even play some of it back and show you from my phone.’
Jill dashed to the floor and flung her arms around her. ‘Yes. What a clever girl you are, Charlotte. That was very, very good. We loved it.’ she squeezed her tiny waist. ‘Grandma bought you some sweeties and a colouring book. Would you like to sit up at the table and I will help you colour?’
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br /> Charlotte bowed a shy nod, but seemed to be warming to her gran.
Chatter resumed and Evie was grateful there were no questions asked. She did think of Ben though; she thought she should ring him back but, of course, she should mingle first. She thought of Ben’s handsome, kind face as it draped in her mind. His gorgeous lips brushing close to hers. The song, Someone Like You. Why was life so complicated? But, she shouldn’t complain. Her parents were well and, considering the drama and hurt they’d subjected one another to in the past, had made them welcome. In fact, very little cutting or nasty criticism had passed their lips. Yes, they would share their opinion but, like her, they were keen to move on from the whole episode. Her mum was right; Dad’s illness had shaken them. They seemed to be enjoying Charlotte more too. Maybe they had all grown up.
After dinner she gave Charlotte a quick bath and read her a story as they both lay on the bottom bunk in the small bedroom. She was almost asleep herself, but after putting her daughter in the cot and tucking her in, she took Cally’s phone’ and called Ben back from the bathroom, cleaning the bath as the phone line made its long international tone.
‘Hi Cally.’ His voice galvanised her, its deep velvety quality resonating from her ear to her core.
‘It’s me, Evie.’
‘Oh good. Hi. It’s you I wanted to speak to. How are you and little Charlotte?’
Trying to ease her breathing, she said, ‘All brilliant, thanks to you. How are you?’
‘Apart from a sore heart, I’m good. Look, I’m back in London tomorrow. I wondered if I could pop along and see you, only…’
‘No. We agreed, Ben. I’m sorry but until I sort things out with Seb, and completely overhaul my life, I really can’t even speak to you. You know how dangerous he is.’
‘This is purely professional, and it will take seconds. I’m trying to get your money released and I need your permission, you see, to use your script.’
‘Yes, you have my permission, I’ve sent you all the research.’
‘Well, I need your signature, let me send you this form to sign.’