The Trouble With Words: a heart-warming romantic comedy

by Suzie Tullett

  Finally, she began making her way down the step ladder. As tempted as he felt, Dan resisted the urge to jump in and assist. She’d remained as independent as ever these last few weeks and hated him making a fuss.

  ‘I understand all that,’ she replied. ‘Just not yet. I’m not ready. Okay?’

  He thought it strange how someone could accept the fact that death was looming, but at the same time failed to address its cause. He wondered where this inability to express what her body was going through came from. Did it stem from fear? Did she think an acknowledgement of what was happening to her physically would somehow speed up the dying process? Whatever her reasoning, Dan couldn’t help but feel shut out.

  ‘I understand you’re scared, Mum. I’m scared too.’

  Her eyes seemed to beg him to let it go, leaving Dan feeling guilty for pushing her on the matter. ‘Okay,’ he said. ‘I’ll shut up. But only for now.’ He stepped forward to give her a hug. ‘What are we going to do with you, eh?’

  As he looked over at the kitchen table, he spotted a pile of Internet dating profiles next to his mother’s laptop. He had hoped she’d been joking when she said she’d signed him up, but his mother was clearly on a mission, determined to get him on the road to marriage one way or another.

  ‘What’s going on?’ he asked, suddenly noticing her passport too. Surely she wasn’t planning a holiday as well as a bit of matchmaking.

  His mother followed his gaze and suddenly perked up. ‘Well you know that Bucket List I’ve been putting together?’

  Considering the speed dating episode, how could he forget?

  ‘Yes,’ he cautiously replied.

  ‘Well it made me realise there are still lots of wonderful places to see. I’ve been so busy taking myself off to the likes of Australia and Africa I’ve completely ignored what’s on the doorstep.’

  Dan dreaded what was coming next.

  ‘Such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower.’ She raced over to the table and picked up a travel guide, eager to show him the pages within.

  His stomach sank. What was wrong with the woman? ‘Please tell me you’re not going to Paris?’ he said.

  ‘Nope,’ replied his mum.

  Thank God, thought Dan. At least that was something.

  She giggled with excitement. ‘I’m going to Amsterdam.’

  Dan felt his shoulders slump. Thanks to the woman before him, he’d been experiencing one surprise after another as of late; none of them very nice. ‘Mum, you’re not well enough to get on a plane.’

  She automatically dismissed his concern. ‘You worry too much.’

  ‘And you don’t worry enough.’

  It seemed they’d reached a stalemate. Not that his mother even tried to see things from his point of view. He could tell by the determination written all over her face that she was heading off to Europe with, or without, his blessing.

  ‘Dan, I shall be absolutely fine,’ she said. ‘And I won’t be on my own either. I’ll have a travel companion.’

  ‘Really? And who might that be?’ Unable to condone her decision, he’d be damned if he was going to accompany her.

  ‘If you must know, Missy has agreed to come with me.’

  ‘Missy?’ said Dan. ‘And that’s supposed to make me feel better, is it?’ As bad influences went, this so-called friend of hers was turning out to be an expert.

  His mum smiled, intuitive as ever. ‘Am I detecting a little jealousy here?’ she asked.

  As much as he disagreed with her plan, Dan did have to admit he felt a little green -eyed. With precious little time left, he’d assumed she’d want him to experience these things with her. Not some woman that her son had never met. Plus his mother hadn’t even attempted to humour him on the travelling front; regardless of them both already knowing his answer, it would have been nice to have been asked.

  ‘I didn’t suggest you come with me,’ she said. ‘Because, if we’re honest, neither of us would enjoy ourselves. You’d fuss too much and insist we keep stopping for yet another rest. I’d want to keep going and we’d only end up getting annoyed with each other. I don’t have time for that, Dan. Not anymore.’

  Dan knew she was right; he constantly worried about her these days. He was forever telling her to put her feet up and rest. But, to not have him in the running from the start, his mum had to see why that would hurt.

  ‘And if something happens to you?’ he said. ‘While I’m stuck here and you’re over there? What then?’

  ‘What can possibly go wrong in a few hours?’ said his mum. ‘You see that’s the great thing about this continent of ours. No matter the city, I can be there and back in the same day.’

  ‘And you’re allowed to travel, are you?’

  ‘Well I won’t tell if you won’t.’

  Frustrated, Dan hated it when his mother had an answer for everything. He also realised there was no point in arguing. His mum had always been the same. Once she’d made up her mind over anything that was usually it. As for her trip, she’d clearly thought everything through. He’d just have to resign himself to the fact that she was never going to change. She’d probably be coming up with these balmy ideas of hers right up until her last breath.

  ‘In that case,’ he said. Seizing the opportunity, he took the dish cloth and disinfectant out of her hands. ‘You can’t have both. It’s either Amsterdam or the cleaning. Your choice?’

  She reached up and gently placed her right palm on his cheek. ‘I do love you, you know.’

  ‘I know,’ he replied. ‘And I love you too.’

  A lump suddenly formed in his throat, Dan struggled to keep his tears at bay. Like she kept telling him, these next few months were about her enjoying the time she had left, not mourning any loss. He had to stay strong and, although she didn’t always make it easy, allow his mum to do things her way. Dan put his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Then he let out a long lamenting sigh before pulling back again. ‘Now sit down,’ he said, painting a smile on his face. ‘And let me get you a drink.’

  His mum took a seat. ‘Speaking of Missy,’ she said.

  Dan closed his eyes. Talk about a woman pushing her luck. ‘Whatever it is you’re about to say,’ he said. ‘The answer is still no.’

  ‘But why, Dan? I wouldn’t keep pushing if I didn’t think Maeve was right for you. I don’t understand what the problem is.’

  Admittedly, Dan struggled to understand his reasons too. Until recently, his point blank refusal to meet Maeve had been because he hadn’t wanted his mum organising his love life. Not anymore though, now it felt more complicated. Agreeing to a date simply because his mother was dying didn’t just feel wrong it felt unfair—on Maeve as much as himself. The pressure on both of them to like each other would be unbearable. And, if it turned out there was some sort of spark, they’d only be going into a relationship for all the wrong reasons.

  ‘Look, whatever it is, you know you can tell me,’ said his mum. ‘I just want you to be happy.’

  ‘Happy with Maeve, you mean.’

  She let out a laugh. ‘Unless you have someone else in mind?’

  Dan scoffed. The chance would be a fine thing. The only other woman he’d had any contact with lately was Annabel and, thanks to her issues, she seemed more unsuitable than his mother’s friend’s daughter. He couldn’t deny they’d shared a connection, but she was still too wrapped up in her deceased husband for them to be anything more than just friends. Something, in an odd sort of way, he’d like to think they’d become over the last few weeks.

  He thought back to the kindness she’d shown him when he’d first found out his mum was sick. Considering what she’d been through, it must have been difficult for her; yet, she still took the time to listen. Friends, he thought to himself, unable to completely deny his sense of disappointment. Just two friends supporting each other and in the most bizarre way possible. He pondered their arrangement. Sometimes it felt like total madness, but, in spite of that, he supposed they both h
ad their reasons.

  He looked at his mum, flicking through her travel guide. Dan thought about his own childhood, with all the love, care, and fun she’d provided over the years, he knew she’d make a fabulous grandparent. And, for a moment, he felt tempted to tell her what he and Annabel were up to. He quickly realised he couldn’t, of course. He’d promised Annabel he’d keep schtum until absolutely necessary. Just like he’d promised his mum he’d find himself a wife. He sighed at the weight of his predicament and wondered where to go from here. Despite his reservations, he couldn’t help but think that Maeve had been the answer all along. In giving things with her a chance, at least he’d be able to keep his word when it came to the other two.

  As if feeling his stare, his mum looked up. ‘What?’ she asked.

  ‘Alright, alright,’ he said. ‘Give Missy a call.’

  ‘Really?’ said his mother.

  The look on her face was priceless.

  ‘Really,’ said Dan.

  He watched her jump up from her seat and race towards him. She planted a great, big kiss on his cheek and then rushed to the phone, no doubt, to schedule a meeting before he could change his mind. He shook his head. Anyone would think Christmas had come early. He certainly seemed to have just given her the best present possible and, regardless of still feeling unsure on the Maeve front, he had to confess her response was worth it.

  He left the room to get his coat after deciding to leave his mum to it. She was bound to completely embarrass him in one way or another and, as she could read him like a book, he didn’t want her knowing that he wasn’t going into this one hundred percent. Besides, there was something he wanted to do. Something he’d been meaning to do for days.

  When Dan reappeared he signaled to his mother that he was going out, but she was already too deep in animated conversation to notice. He listened for a moment. Judging by the squeals on the other end of the phone line, it was clear she wasn’t the only one getting all worked up. Her friend sounded equally as thrilled.

  He wondered what Maeve would say when she found out that he’d agreed to meet her. If she’d feel just as daunted by this as he did? She might even flat out refuse to see him and who could blame her? The girl had to have the same concerns as him.

  Dan continued to take in his mother’s delight; he just had to hope that come any date, the two of them actually liked each other. After all, with both his mum and Missy involved in proceedings, this would be a bugger to get out of if they didn’t.

  11

  Annabel flicked through the TV channels, but couldn’t find anything worth watching. Programme after programme; everything seemed to be either a repeat or the dullest of viewings imaginable. She wondered what was wrong with her. Normally, she’d be quite happy to lounge on the sofa, losing herself in some mind-numbing show whether she’d seen it before or not. Lately though, she just felt restless.

  As much as she tried to deny it, Annabel knew she only had herself to blame. She’d been naïve to think that if she moved on in one aspect of her life, the rest of it could stay the same. She might not have anticipated it, but, even the most tentative step back out into the big, wide world was bound to have its impact, enough to show her there was more to life than these four walls and work. Why hadn’t she listened to Katy and gone for an anonymous donor? If she had, her naivety might have stood a better chance. She sighed. It was just like her to be clever and go down the unconventional route.

  Typical really, she thought. Out of all the men in the pub that night she had to pick the one going through the biggest crisis of his life. And who better to empathise than a woman who’d experienced the death of a loved one first hand? No wonder Dan didn’t remain a mere sperm donor for very long; it would have been inhuman of Annabel not to see him as an individual with feelings and fears in his own right. Then he had to introduce her to things like Bucket Lists and posh frocks for no reason, reminders of how it felt to be living rather than existing. Under circumstances like that, was it any wonder things were getting complicated?

  Of course, it wasn’t enough that she felt for the guy, she had to make matters worse. Dan’s and her lips might not have actually met, but for Annabel that wasn’t really the point. They may as well have done. She shrank inside, yet again questioning what the hell had come over her. What had she been thinking, especially when she’d been the one to lay down all the ground rules. There was to be no physical contact between her and her donor, she wanted a baby and nothing more. Yet despite all this, she’d still seen fit to more or less throw herself at him. Talk about being a tease. Dan must hate me right now.

  She hoped not. Although to be fair to him, it wouldn’t have surprised her if she never clapped eyes on him again.

  ‘Maybe it’s for the best,’ she said, particularly as Dan wasn’t her only dilemma. She had her husband to think about in all of this as well, and if she were in his shoes, she had to admit she probably wouldn’t be too pleased. Annabel had never forgotten their conversation and the promise she’d made. In fact, she could remember it verbatim. At the time, Tom had laughed and called her silly. But she’d meant every word of it. She still did. She looked up to the heavens, praying to God he hadn’t been looking down to witness the whole event. ‘I really am sorry, Tom,’ she said, ‘All I can tell you is it won’t happen again.’

  Frustrated, Annabel didn’t want to think about it anymore and she tossed the remote to one side and glanced around the room. Her eyes settled on the book case and she considered losing herself in a good old yarn. It seemed ages since she’d done any reading; and getting engrossed in someone else’s problems would certainly help her forget her own. One look at the titles on offer though and she knew her heart wasn’t in it. Reading took too much concentration. Annabel turned her attention to the clock; she supposed that only left an early bath and bed. It might only be 7pm, but it wasn’t as if she had anything better to do. Besides, she hadn’t been sleeping properly as of late, so the extra few hours rest would do her good.

  Annabel heard the doorbell ring. Strange, she thought. I’m not expecting any visitors. She trudged out into the hallway, curious as to whom it could be and knowing her luck, she’d be about to greet some religious group out to recruit new members. Then again, she scoffed, joining a convent-like sect might be just what she needed right now. After all, becoming a nun was one way of ensuring she kept to her marriage vows. She opened the door, ready to tell them she’d join whatever cult was on offer. Caught off guard, her heart skipped a beat.

  ‘Oh,’ she said, almost lost for words. ‘Hello.’

  Annabel felt awkward as well as surprised. Having not heard from Dan since that fateful night she wasn’t prepared. She’d just been thinking she’d never see him again, yet here he was, large as life. Being a polite chap, doubtless, only to tell her the whole baby thing was off.

  ‘Hello,’ he replied.

  Annabel braced herself for the inevitable; she took in his casual yet smart attire and looked down at her cosy sweatpants. If she’d known he was coming, she’d have at least tidied herself up a bit.

  ‘For you,’ said Dan.

  Dan produced a gift from behind his back, Annabel felt confused. She’d always assumed men didn’t like rejection, but this one had come bearing gifts.

  ‘I was going to save it until Wednesday and then I thought what the heck. You don’t mind me turning up like this, do you?’

  ‘Not at all,’ replied Annabel, although if truth be known she didn’t know what to think. Things had been decidedly uncomfortable come the end of his last visit. ‘But … ‘ She fell silent, not sure how to continue.

  ‘Look,’ said Dan. ‘If you’re worried about the other night, then don’t be. We both have a lot going on and these things happen.’

  Annabel shifted from one foot to the other. ‘Not to me they don’t,’ she said.

  He smiled. ‘Annabel, we didn’t do anything. Remember?’

  She looked into his eyes, his sincerity making her blush.

 
‘And our arrangement?’ she tentatively asked.

  He seemed to find her question unnecessary. ‘Well I’m still game if you are?’

  Annabel felt torn. Dan might be correct in his assertion that nothing had actually taken place between them, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t wanted it to—a want that continued to scare the hell out of her. On the other hand, she desperately wanted a child too and there was no way she could face having to go out and find another donor.

  She told herself that she was being ridiculous, that surely she could pretend nothing had happened if he could.

  ‘As long as you’re sure,’ she replied. ‘Because … ‘

  ‘I’m sure,’ said Dan, before she could finish. He held out his gift. ‘Call it a peace offering.’

  Finally, Annabel allowed herself to relax. ‘Thank you,’ she said.

  In spite of its wrapping, there was no disguising what the gift was. Annabel ripped open the paper, she couldn’t help but laugh. ‘And what am I supposed to do with this?’ she asked. It had to be the scruffiest skateboard she’d ever seen.

  ‘Sorry about the state of it,’ said Dan. ‘It’s been in the shed for years.’

  ‘You mean it’s yours?’

  ‘It certainly is. I got it when I was about eight. A birthday present from Mum.’

  Annabel remembered what had been said during their Bucket List conversation and she felt touched that he’d remembered too.

  ‘It’s about time it came out of retirement,’ said Dan. ‘So … ‘ He took a step back. ‘When you’re ready.’

  ‘What? You want me to get on it now?’

  Annabel stood there aghast. It was all very nice of him to think of her like this, but he couldn’t really expect her to jump on it straight away, could he? Not only was she a complete novice, she wasn’t prepared. She needed time to psych herself up.

  ‘Unless you’ve got better things to do,’ said Dan.

  Annabel thought about the alternative, the choice between crap TV or an early night. If it was anybody else, she knew it would be a no brainer. Looking from the tatty, old skateboard to him and back again, she had to admit she felt tempted as she tried to remember the last time she’d done something so spur of the moment.