by Jo Meadows
‘Yes, you’re probably right; perhaps she should go to a doctor. Did she say anything else today?’
‘Well, she was in her bedroom looking at all the water earlier and she was laughing, then she said something about the extension being stupid and then she said err… “What’s next,” I think; I don’t know what that meant. I don’t think she knew I was there because when she turned round and saw me she went all white. I thought she was going to be sick and she had to sit down on the bed for a while. She asked me if I was spying on her but I wasn’t, honest, I only went to ask her if she’d seen the water and how muddy the builders were.’
‘Alright, you’re a good girl and thank you for telling me everything. You’ll never be in trouble with me or your Daddy if you always tell the truth. I promise you, we’ll always tell you the truth and none of us will keep secrets from anyone.’
‘What about Nana?’
‘I’ll have a word with her, don’t worry. Goodnight and sleep tight.’ Lynnette kissed her daughter and smiled as she got up to leave.
‘Don’t let the bed bugs bite,’ giggled Emily.
‘What do you think?’ asked Lynnette.
‘I’m not sure what to think if I’m honest. Your Mum’s been pretty good up to now but with what you overheard her saying about the garden to Emily, it makes you wonder what’s really going on in her head.’
‘I think I’ll have a word with Dad. She might have let something slip talking to him and he’s giving her the benefit of the doubt. You know him; he’ll let a lot slide before he gets worried. If he thinks she’s changing he won’t want to jeopardise it by highlighting a problem. He’s pretty confident these days bless him but I’m worried that he’s still no match for her when it comes down to it.’
‘Try not to worry him won’t you? He’s had a rough time and I’ve never seen him happier than he’s been lately.’
‘I know what you mean. I’ll be careful but if she’s slipping back to her old ways, we’ve got to put a stop to it before things get out of hand. And, I’m not having Emily pulled from pillar to post, she was really upset today. I’d hate to have them both living here making out as though everything was all rosy when they’d dropped back into the same kind of horrible situation they had before; Dad would crack up.’
‘Yeah! And none of us would be safe in our beds!’
‘Stop it Leo. You know this is serious. You know what she’s like.’
‘I know, I know. I’m only having a laugh. I’m sure we’ve got nothing to worry about. I agree, have a word with your dad and see what he says.’
The next day, Lynnette found an excuse to take her Dad out in the car. After driving a short while she pulled into a roadside café and took him inside for a coffee.
‘Why have you brought me here Lynnette? We could have talked at home; Georgina will wonder what we’re up to.’
‘Does that worry you Dad? Why should she wonder what we’re up to?’
‘You know what I mean. You know what she’s like, or what she can be like.’
‘I know but we’re out shopping, she shouldn’t have any cause to wonder what we’re doing. Should she?’
‘What are you up to Sweetheart? Why are we here?’
‘Sorry Dad, I just wanted to talk to you alone. Don’t worry, Leo’s “entertaining” Mum at home. He’s going to get her to play Monopoly or something with Emily. As far as she’s concerned we’re busy doing something she wouldn’t want to do anyway.’
‘She won’t play games, you know she never does. It’s as though she won’t play in case she loses and that would in some way make her inferior. You know what she’s like.’
‘What she’s like, Dad. Don’t you mean what she was like?’
‘You know what I mean.’
‘I know, sorry. Look, I did get you on your own for a reason. There’ve been a few things lately that have worried me. I’ve had a chat with Leo and he thinks we need to talk.’
‘What sorts of things? Your Mum’s been lovely, I’ve never been happier than just lately. It’s as though we’ve stepped back in time to when we first met. Your Mum’s been really affectionate towards me and I can’t remember the last time that happened.’
‘I don’t want to worry you Dad but we do need to talk. She’s been saying some things when she’s thought no-one was listening and she’s said things to Emily that I’m not happy about.’
‘Please don’t tell me you think we’re going backwards. I really thought things were getting better.’
‘Dad, has she said anything to you that might have made you think anything was wrong? Or, has she acted in a funny way when you weren’t expecting it. You know something that got her angry for no reason?’
David put his head in his hands and sighed. After a while and, after Lynnette had put her arm around his shoulders, he raised his head and, with tears in his eyes, said ‘Oh God, it’s happening again isn’t it?’
‘What Dad? What?’
‘The other day…’
David told Lynnette about what happened when Georgina had seen the building works starting and how she’d blown up at him.
‘I stood up to her and told her to calm down and that we had to talk about whatever was bothering her. She wasn’t having any of it to start with but eventually she apologised. She said everything had got the better of her. She asked me not to say anything to you.’
‘That says something. Dad, I’m worried. I’m not sure that everything she’s said and done up to now isn’t all for show.’
‘I’m scared Lynnette. I thought we were getting there but the other day when she got angry; I thought she was going to hit me again. She was shouting about being manipulated and that you’d got us just where you wanted us. I’m sorry; I should have said something sooner. I should have told you. God, I’m sorry.’
‘No Dad, It’s not your fault. We’ve all allowed this to happen. We should have insisted that she went to see someone. We need to decide what to do; we knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Do you think she would see anyone; she sounded as though she might when I spoke to her?’
‘I doubt it, not willingly. What’s the point anyway? Do you think she’d change? I don’t and I don’t think I could cope with things the way they were before.’
‘You won’t have to Dad, we won’t let that happen. Whatever, we’ll sort something out. Are you okay?’
‘Yes, I’ll be alright. Thinking about what Emily heard, do you think she had anything to do with the flooding of the foundations?’
‘I don’t know but Emily did say she was laughing when she thought no-one was there. And, she did say, “What’s next?” whatever that means. Anyway, let’s just play it cool for now and keep our eyes open. We need to be on our guard though, don’t you agree? I think we should casually bring up the subject of her seeing someone; I know we said we’d leave it, and it’s up to her, but at the moment we’re just relying on her doing it herself and I can’t see that happening anytime soon, can you?’
‘No I don’t, and the longer it’s left the less likely she’ll even think about it. I want her back and if that’s what it takes then so be it. We were happy once. It was a long time ago but we were happy, well I thought I was and I hope to god she was.’ He paused briefly and then said, ‘Right! That’s it. I’ve decided, I’ll talk to her tomorrow and make sure she knows what we think. I’m not going back to those awful days of the past.’
‘Oh Dad, are you sure you’re up to it? You seem upset. Besides, she’s only been angry the once; all the rest we’re not sure about really.’
‘I can see what’s happening Lynnette. I can see what’s on the horizon. If we don’t do something soon it’ll be too late and we’ll, well I’ll, regret it. We’ve said it many times before but it’s time things were sorted out, once and for all.’
Chapter 28
‘Morning Georgie; fancy a cup of tea?’
‘If you can call it morning I suppose. Yes I will and could you put some toast on for me?’
‘Of course I will Darling. What’s the matter? Didn’t you sleep well?’
‘I was sleeping alright until those stupid builders started making all that racket.’
‘Oh it’s not that bad, surely.’
‘Not at the back of the house where you sleep, I suppose it isn’t. It’s alright for some, isn’t it?’
‘We could always swap rooms if you like. Or, you could come and share with me.’
‘Dream on David, I know we’ve been getting along well but this is all hard enough without all that. Think yourself lucky I’m here at all. The sacrifices I’ve had to make for you.’
‘For me? What we’re doing we decided together; it’s all for the both of us, not just me.’
‘Whatever David; when the tea’s ready bring it into my room with the toast, and don’t put too much butter on it like you usually do.’
‘A few manners wouldn’t go amiss Darling.’
‘Huh! Manners indeed! Just do it David; I’m not in the mood this morning.’
A few minutes later, David took the tea and toast into her and was surprised to see that she had gone back to sleep. As he turned to leave she said, ‘Where are you going with that?’
‘Sorry Georgie, I thought you’d gone back to sleep; I didn’t want to disturb you.’
‘Are you stupid or what? I’ve only just left you a few minutes ago after asking for it.’
‘Alright, alright. Calm down, here it is.’
‘Don’t tell me to calm down David and don’t call me that, you know I don’t like it.’
‘Okay Georgina. Here you are. I’ve been hoping to have a word with you actually. Is now a good time?’
‘Now’s as good a time as any I suppose but do get on with it.’
I’ve been a bit worried about you over the last couple of days; you probably know that, especially with what happened when we went out shopping.’
‘Oh David! We went over all that. I told you it was just the sight of the builders that upset me.’
‘I know what you said but I think there might be more to it than that.’
‘What on earth are you talking about? What is this, some kind of inquisition? Can’t I have one bad day before you start thinking the worst about me?’
‘I’m worried about you, that’s all. You’ve been fine up until lately but you definitely haven’t been yourself for the last couple of days.’
‘Keeping a close eye on me are you? Is that what precious Lynnette asked you to do?’
‘Georgina, stop it! Do you see what you’re doing – right now? You’re behaving exactly like you did before. Now, listen to me. Stop getting all upset and argumentative. I said I’m worried about you. Don’t think you can get away with getting angry with me about nothing. What are you trying to do? Make me back off? It’s not going to happen.’
‘Oh! Big, brave David. You stop it! You’re like a buffoon, letting Lynnette rule your life. You still don’t see what she’s up to; do you, you simple little man?’
‘We thought you were getting better you know, but look at you sitting there. All affronted as though no-one should say anything to you that you might not like. You have this air of superiority about you and it’s as though you feel you’re entitled to special treatment. Well, it’s time to wake up Georgina; the world doesn’t revolve around you. I’ve had enough. It’s time you went to see someone about your behaviour before you get out of hand again. I can see what’s brewing and I’m not having it.’
‘How dare you? Not having it! Get out, and here, take this muck with you. You never could make a cup of tea; you’re bloody useless, that’s what you are. Go on! Get out of my room!’
‘You can swear and be as bad-tempered as you like Georgina but guess what? This “simple little man” is going to make sure you see someone whether you like it or not. It’s for your own good. If you’d been reasonable this morning I would have given you the chance to arrange it for yourself but you’ve given me no choice; it’s out of your hands. I’ll be making an appointment for you as soon as I can and I’ll drag you there kicking and screaming if I have to.’
‘Oh really? You can’t do that; you can’t make me do anything.’
‘Oh yes I can, and I will. Oh, one more thing while we’re talking, if that’s what we can call it. When you’re ready, I’d like to talk about the money you’ve been moving from our account. We can leave that for another time, but don’t think I don’t know about it. You’ve got some explaining to do.’
‘Oh David, don’t be so silly, I can explain that.’
‘You’d better be able to. I expect you’ve got some story already lined up. When you’re ready you can tell me all about it. Now, think about what I’ve said. You can cooperate and go along to the appointment I’m going to book willingly or not, it’s up to you. Think about it!’ With that David left the room slamming the door on his way out.
In the kitchen, Lynnette had heard every word. David had told her that he would be talking to her Mum first thing and he would make a judgement on how far to go with what, no doubt, would turn into some kind of confrontation. Lynnette couldn’t believe how strong her Dad had been. She was astounded that he hadn’t given her Mum room to breathe once he got going.
‘Do you think I went a bit over the top?’
‘No Dad, of course not. I could hear the way she was talking to you. It was as though you counted for nothing. What you said about her seeming to have an air of superiority and being entitled to special treatment were textbook symptoms of someone with a narcissistic disorder.’
‘Really? I never thought about all that, I just said the first thing that came into my head. She does come across as superior all the time though, don’t you think? Anyway, I’ve said it all now and I’m not walking around treading on eggshells in case I upset her sensitivities anymore. I suppose we’ll have to see what she’s like when she emerges from her room.’
‘I’m really proud of you Dad. - Amazing! You were just amazing. I’ve never heard you stand up to her like that before. You scared me a little.’
‘Yes, but look at me. I’m shaking.’
David wasn’t the only one left shaking.
Georgina sat in bed wondering what had just happened. She’d always been prepared to slap David down and put him firmly in his place and he’d always made it so easy. All she had to do was get angry and if that failed she’d just get upset. On the few occasions when he rebelled, a few well-placed tears usually had the desired effect and he backed down and gave in. He knew he’d never win.
Today he’d caught her totally by surprise. Not just the way he ranted on about her behaviour; although that was bad enough. God! The things he said. But then, he brought up the money. She knew he wasn’t stupid and she knew it would have to be explained at some point but she hadn’t been ready for that. What did he say? “You’ve probably already got some story lined up.” She hadn’t given it a thought after the first few days of deciding to come back. What would she say? What was she going to do?
More worrying was the way she’d felt while David was talking. At first she’d felt her anger building but along with it came an overwhelming feeling of suffocation. Once again, she found it hard to catch her breath and she felt dizzy and sick and realised this was happening more frequently. For God’s sake, what’s wrong with me?
Lynnette’s put him up to this. He hasn’t got the guts to lecture me, not like that. She’s behind this; she’s the cause of all our problems. I bet he’s in there now going over what he said and how he was “Oh so very brave.” She’ll be standing there smirking and hanging on his every word just waiting to jump in with another stupid idea. And he’s going along with everything she says; conspiring against me – conspiring against both of us and he’s too stupid to see it.
It’s time she was put in her place! Is it wrong to hate your own daughter? No wait, is hate too strong a word? How about LOATHE? Yes, LOATHE! God, I loathe her and I loathe what she’s done to us, the manipulative, spiteful cow.
As she walked along, she started to wind herself up about Lynnette. The more she thought about it the clearer it became that it was her daughter that had been the driving force behind everything; behind all of the problems she’d had over recent months. Alright, she’d gone well over the top with David and the result of that, while unintentional, had almost been catastrophic and had caused everyone else to become involved in their lives. She’d said it time and again, it was her own fault that things had turned out the way they had. Okay, she thought, we are where we are and we can’t go back. But - what to do about it?
Whatever she decided to do, however she tried to make things better, she knew that David and her were now fully committed to staying where they now found themselves. She briefly considered doing something to hurt Lynnette but in her heart she knew she could probably never do that. After all, almost every time she’d lashed out at David it had been in the heat of the moment and at times when he’d driven her mad with rage. You’ve never seen me really angry have you Lynnette? You need to be very careful Darling or you may get a shock; you may get what you deserve; little “Miss Bloody Perfect.” She let her mind wander and it was fun for a while just to let evil thoughts run through her head and she spent some time dreaming up horrible ways in which her daughter might meet her end.
Common sense prevailed however, and she slowly managed to calm herself down. She knew that the answer probably lay in humiliation and little things that would make Lynnette think she was losing it. She decided would think of some ways to bring that about, without incriminating herself of course. Yes, let’s bring her down a peg or two, that will do for starters and we’ll see where we go from there.