We walk through the hallway, our arms linked and into head the kitchen.
Malcolm stands and walks over to me.“Hello Coral.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. He smells good, which makes me think of Tristan, my stomach twists in response, I miss him so much.
“Hi Malcolm, how are you?” I ask.
“Very well thank you, your nose has cleared up nicely,” he says, smiling broadly.
“Yeah, I know,” I say feeling tired and weary.
Last night’s nightmares and today’s shenanigans have exhausted me, plus I haven’t really been able to relax since Monday night. I keep picturing someone breaking in, and walking up my stairs and I'm trapped and – “Sit down darling, drink?” Gladys asks, pulling me from my musing.
“Yes please,” I say, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
“Coral you look pale. Aren’t you sleeping?” Gladys asks, looking concerned. I shake my head, too tired to answer. “Well you should go to the doctors,” she tells me.
“It’s nothing,” I say, waving my hand.
Gladys sighs at me. “Alright Coral, have it your own way.”
I roll my eyes at Malcolm who smiles in return.
“Coral, what would you like? Wine? Juice’ –“Wine please,” I interrupt, I think I need the alcohol.
Malcolm hands a large glass to me and I take a couple of gulps, I want to feel it swishing around my system, relaxing me.Looking up, I can see Gladys looks apprehensive and a little sloshed, her cheeks are very pink, then I look at Malcolm, he smiles tentatively at me; they both look nervous.
“How’s work?” Malcolm asks.
“Great,” I answer sarcastically. Malcolm nods and purses his lips together. They both sit in unison at the table, Gladys with her wine, Malcolm with his G&T.
“Now, we have something very important to tell you,” Gladys says, then takes a gulp of wine, Malcolm takes her hand and squeezes it. Seeing him do that is reminding me of Tristan, of the way I feel when he takes my hand in his.
I really miss him, the dull ache in my stomach blooms to a full blown empty crater; I glug more wine to try and make it disappear.
Gladys takes a deep breath in, slowly blows it out then turns to me.“So I suppose you’re wondering why we asked you here?” she says.
I nod, it’s all I can manage.Gladys takes my free hand in hers and pats it gently, then fighting back the tears, she pulls her hanky out and dabs her cheeks.
“The house has sold,” she manages to chokes out.What!
“Sold?” I repeat breathlessly, blinking rapidly at her.
I shouldn’t feel shocked, I knew this was coming.I feel like all the blood is slowly draining from my body. My head feels foggy and my ears are ringing…Sold!
“Oh darling!” Gladys pulls her chair closer to me, and hugs me awkwardly around the shoulders.
“It’s ok,” I assure her patting her hand, my mind completely blank.
She kisses me hard on the cheek several times.“We have to be out in two weeks, so we’re renting for a while until we find what we’re looking for,” she squeaks, hugging me tighter.
I nod, throw in a fake smile for good measure, pull out of her hold and take another drink.
“Malcolm,” she says holding her hand out to him. He passes her a small white envelope, smiling broadly as he does.“This is for you darling,” Gladys softly says, and hands me the envelope.
I have no idea what it is. Which is why I don't understand why my heart has started banging rapidly against my chest, I swallow hard and put my wine down.“What is it?” I ask.
“Open it up Coral, we’ll explain everything,” Malcolm suggests kindly.
I frown slightly and rip open the seal. There’s a thin piece of paper inside, it’s a little bigger than a cheque, when I pull it out, I see it says Bankers Draft.On the first line is my name, then I read the second line.
Two Hundred & Fifty Thousand Pounds – I blink twice, then re-read it. Nope ,that’s definitely what it says!
I look up at Gladys, then Malcolm, my mouth pops open to say something, but no words come out.
“It’s for you,” Malcolm explains. I already gathered that part.
“Why?” I gasp.
“Why not?” Malcolm retorts.
I shake my head, unable to comprehend what’s going on.
“This is my gift to you darling.” Gladys explains. Huh?
“I don’t understand?” I whisper staring at the slip of paper in my shaking hands.Malcolm and Gladys exchange a look, I’m immediately suspicious.“Why are you giving me this?” I ask.
“Well, as you know we’ll be moving away, and I wanted to make sure you are taken care of darling. You’re all on your own, you don't have a husband to support you like Debbie, and I just can't stand the thought of you struggling…” Gladys sniffs and dabs her eyes again.
Husband? That may come sooner rather than later!
Idebate for a split second on whether I should tell her, then change my mind. “But I'm not struggling,” I answer, pushing the thought of marrying Tristan aside.
“Well yes, I know but’ –“I think what your mother is trying to say, is that this is spare cash to her. I'm wealthy enough to support us both, so she has split the money from the sale of the house between you and Debbie.” Malcolm takes a drink.Whoa!
“Oh!” I swallow hard and look up at Gladys. “T-thank you. I...I don't know what to say?” I stutter. “That’s...that’s really generous,” I add as it slowly starts to sink in.I'm rich – not Tristan rich – but I'm rich! I can pay off my mortgage I can...well do so many things...
“We have more news,” Gladys says taking a large gulp of wine.
I knew it was too good to be true.
Placing the envelope and the Bankers Draft on the table, I pick up my wine and take another gulp. I’ve nearly finished the glass and I’m starting to feel tipsy; I’ve only eaten a Chocolate swirl today.
“News?” I question, looking across the table to Malcolm.
“Well it’s not really our news. It’s Debbie’s,” Gladys says.
I snap my head to the side and glare at her. “If it’s Debbie’s news why couldn’t she tell me?” I snap.
“Because it also concerns Malcolm and I,” she scolds.
I instantly feel guilty for snapping, considering what I’ve just been given.“Sorry Gladys, I didn’t mean to…” I drift off.
“It’s alright,” she says, patting my hand again.She takes another deep breath, looks at Malcolm for reassurance, then her eyes meet mine.“Well you know Scott got a promotion?” she says.
“Yeah?” I drawl. I don't like where this is going.
“Well...well, the job is in Spain. Barcelona to be exact,” she says taking another gulp of wine.
Spain? They’re moving to Spain?
“So they’re moving to Spain,” I say numbly.
“Y-yes,” Gladys stutters watching me carefully.
I nod my head. I feel a little pissed that Debs didn’t tell me but other than that – “And we’re going with them,” she chokes out and bursts into hysterical tears.
My mouth pops open, my mind feels numb – They’re all moving to Spain!
Malcolm jumps up from his seat and wraps his arms around Gladys.
“When?” I ask Malcolm, my voice flat.
“Not until January. We’ll all be together for Christmas and New Year.”I nod as I listen to his answer, and then totally unexpectedly, I start to laugh.I don’t know if it’s because I'm way past tired, if it’s the alcohol, or the fact that Gladys is sobbing like a baby, but the whole situation seems hilarious to me.
They turn in unison and gape at me. Gladys stops blubbering, her eyes red and tear stained, Malcolm’s eyes widen with surprise.
“But...but...” Gladys wipes her eyes and blows her nose. “Aren’t you angry?” She asks incredulously.
“Why should I be angry?” I ask my sense of humour dissipating.
“Well’ – “Gladys,” I interrupt. �
�I’ve already accepted you are leaving, you told me you were, besides Spain sounds wonderful, much better than this country. I can really see you there, lounging by the pool in your costume and sunhat.”
Her mouth pops open in shock.I instantly picture her asking Malcolm to go get her another cocktail as she soaks up the sun.
“What?” I chuckle.
“You’re taking this all very well,” Gladys admits.
I roll my eyes at her.“Look, if you told me you were all moving to Australia or Africa, or somewhere on the other side of the world then no, I wouldn’t be very happy at all. But Spain is only a couple of hours on a plane isn’t it? That’s no hardship.” I take another drink. “Besides, it means I get a free holiday each year,” I chuckle.Yeah, that’ll be cool!
I’ve never been abroad, hell I’ve never even had a real holiday, but I don’t feel worried about that anymore, not now I have Tristan to go with.I look up and see they are both still gawking at me, which is really starting to annoy me.
“Gladys you deserve this. You dedicated a large part of your life to us. Raising Debs and I can't have been easy, especially on your own, and I know I was a very difficult child, but like I said before, it’s your life you should do what you want with it. I think it sounds fabulous, wait till I tell Rob and Carlos!” I beam.
I actually feel quite excited about it all, although I don't quite understand why. Gladys is right, I should be freaking out about this.
“Oh, darling!” Gladys screeches. Standing up, she pulls me to my feet and into her large bosom, hugging and kissing me as she wails with delighted tears.I chuckle and hug her back, wrapping my arms tightly around her.She really does deserve this, she’s been an awesome parent to me, but I'm all grown up now, I know I can let her go.
Then I think back to last week and the confusion she has put me through by not telling me in the first place, which instantly pisses me off!
Pulling out of her arms, I take a step back and put my hands on my hips.“So this is the big secret you’ve all been keeping from me?” I snap.
Malcolm shakes his head slightly, and Gladys has the decency to look guiltily at me.
“Now that I'm pissed about,” I growl. “I knew you were all keeping something from me! How do you think that made me feel?” I add, gritting my teeth.
Gladys mouth pops open to a perfect o and she turns to Malcolm, for back-up I think, but he just purses his lips at her then mouths, ‘I told you so’ she looks back at me, with wide eyes.
“I’ll tell you shall I. Excluded from the family, that’s how it made me feel! You made me feel shut out Gladys, it felt really awful, you kept the fact that you were seeing Malcolm from me, and now this?” I pick up my wine and gulp it all back in one go.
Malcolm hasn’t stopped shaking his head.“I told you to tell her!” he barks.I feel like he knows me better than Gladys and Debs.
Gladys falls to her seat, I follow suit because I don't want to lose it, and to be quite honest; I’m tired of feeling pissed off all the time. And I have to remember, I have just been gifted two hundred and fifty grand.
“Look Mom,” I softly say, and reach for her hand. “You’ve got to stop keeping things from me. I’d rather deal with it than feel like I'm the one being left out, it really hurts, sucks actually. I could understand your apprehension of telling me, if it was somewhere on the other side of the world, but Spain? Come on...” I say, shaking my head in annoyance.
“I'm so sorry darling, I...” she sniffs loudly, then looks at me with big round, guilty eyes. “Can you forgive me?” Gladys croaks.
I roll my eyes and sigh.“Yes, of course I can, just don't do it again!” I lean forward and hug her. “Malcolm!” I bark. “From now on, I am making it your responsibility to keep me informed, about everything.” I look up at him and smile.
“Absolutely,” Malcolm agrees, nodding his head approvingly.
“Good, let’s eat. I'm starving.” I’ll be pissed as a fart if I don't eat something!
“Yes, lets. You look like you’ve lost weight Coral,” Gladys says, really scrutinizing me now.
“I haven’t had much of an appetite lately,” I answer wistfully, thinking about Tristan again.
Gladys takes my hand and gives me a knowing smile, I try not to smile back at her, but my face has other ideas, and I grin from ear to ear.
Gladys leans forward and whispers in my ear. “I’m so happy for you darling,” then she kisses my cheek, picks up the wine and refills our glasses.
“Thanks,” I whisper,praying she doesn’t ask me anything about it.
I wait patiently for Gladys to walk over to the stove and get dinner ready, because my belly is rumbling at me, but shewhen she doesn’t, I decide to push.
“Gladys, aren’t you getting dinner ready?”
Gladys beams, shakes her head at me, and then looks up at Malcolm. As my eyes follow hers, I'm shocked to see Malcolm tying an apron around his waist, it has a logo on it – Danger! Man Cooking. Proceed With Caution– I giggle out loud as I read it.
“I didn’t know you could cook Malcolm?” I say, he opens his mouth to respond but Gladys cuts in.
“Oh, he’s a wonderful cook, got me eating all sorts darling, you’ll be very proud of me. I’ve had curries and spices and well all sorts, right Malcolm,” she looks up at him adoringly.
“Indeed my darling.” Malcolm slowly bends down to Gladys and kisses her lightly on the lips. I look away feeling a little uncomfortable.Tristan….I miss you so…
“Shall we sit outside?” Gladys asks as Malcolm stands and turns to the stove.
I nod, pick up my wine and follow Gladys out to the patio.
“So,” Gladys says sitting next to me and squeezing my free hand. “Tell me all about Tristan.”
I choke on the sip of wine I have taken. “Um...we’re just friends.” I answer staring down at the table. I really don’t want to get into that one. I already feel lost without him, talking about him and how wonderful he is; it’s just going to make me feel worse.
“Nonsense, come on!” I look up at Gladys. I can see her eyes are full of excited anticipation.
“Really, there’s nothing to tell.” I take another gulp of wine.
Gladys frowns and looks down at the table. “Alright darling, you don't want to talk about it. I understand,” she says, looking a little forlorn.
Which makes me feel guilty because I haven’t shared, but I can't, not now. I have too many things swimming around my head and I just want to forget it all. At least I know the big secret now, that’s something I can cross of my list.
“Have you fallen out?” she asks softly.
“No,” I say, shaking my head.“It’s not like that,” I add. “Ican't talk about him, I miss him terribly, and I’ve still got two more days to go until’ –“It’s alright darling,” she saysinterrupting. “I understand.”Reaching out she gently strokes my cheek. “But there’s something else, something you’re worried about?” Crap, how can she tell?
I shake my head at her. “There’s just a lot going on you know. Work, Rob’s having problems,and now you, Debs and Joyce are leaving…” I trail off and take a breath. “It’s just a lot to handle in one go.” I shrug and drink more wine.
She narrows her eyes at me. “Yes, it is a lot to deal with,” she pauses for a moment. “But if something were really wrong, you would come and tell me wouldn’t you Coral,” she says in her firm, not to be messed with voice, that always scared me as a child.
I swallow hard. “Yes, I would,” I whisper, trying to put on my poker face, my mask.
Gladys stares back at me for the longest time.“Alright,” she says firmly.Phew!
“Gladys, are you sure about the money?” I ask, trying to sway the conversation.
“Of course darling,” she replies.
“It’s such a large amount though, don’t you’ – “Hush,” she scolds, instantly silencing me. “It’s what I want to do for you, I won’t have it back Coral,” she adds, reading my exp
ression.
“Ok,” I whisper, wondering what the hell I’m going to do with that amount of money. “Thank you,” I add, “I really mean it.”
“I know you do darling,” she replies in a softer tone.
I smile at her and drink more wine, trying to think of something to say. The Wedding!
“So you’re having the Wedding soon, have you found a dress yet?” I ask…
WE SPEND THE REST OF THE EVENINGchatting about the move, and the different places where they’re looking to buy. Gladys tells me about Lily joining her new school, and that she’s very excited about learning a new language, and the place Scott and Debs are looking to buy is right near the beach – That’s another free holiday!
For the first time since Tristan left, I feel relaxed. I’ve even managed to eat a big plate of Paella; turns out Malcolm can really cook, but I have to wonder whether it’s being in the comfortable surroundings of my childhood home that’s making me feel this way.
As I sit in the kitchen listening to Malcolm and Gladys banter with one another, I suddenly realise I will really miss this place, it’s filled with so many warm and happy memories. I feel blessed to have been raised here, blessed to have had such a wonderful person like Gladys with the patience of a saint to raise me, teach me wrong from right; shower me with love and affection.I’ve also learned that life has to move on, move forward, that change has to happen, otherwise life becomes stale and stagnated.
As the evening draws to a close, I feel myself start to become tense about going home, I feel angry that I do, that someone has made me feel like that – that Susannah has made me feel like that –You don’t know it was her, I castigate myself.
I reluctantly call a taxi, and as I'm waiting for it to arrive, I have to keep convincing Gladys and Malcolm that I'm fine – I think they can see I'm on edge.
“Why don't you stay darling?” Gladys asks for the fifth time.
“I’ll get you home early tomorrow,” Malcolm adds.
I plaster a fake smile across my face.“I’m fine, really I am,” I say, wondering who I’m trying to convince.
When the taxi arrives, Malcolm walks out the house and waits by the taxi.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 67