31. Crystal
31
Crystal
It’s official I’m foolishly and completely in love with a Scotsman. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen when I agreed to do the website for him and came here to visit Dylan. Falling for Rabbie comes with a whole town of people that I’ve fallen in love with too. The locals greet me as I run through the small streets of Crossmackie, and I happily wave back at them. I feel so at home here now that I can’t really remember a time before.
My morning runs have been lacking as of recently since all my pent up frustration is being taken care of in a different way, and because Rabbie’s bed is too damn comfy to get out of in the mornings. I needed to stretch my legs this morning. I love running and especially at this time of year. Winter is in full swing and Scotland looks magical this time of year. The leaves have fallen off the trees, and the sky is clear but there’s a coldness to the air that makes my nose sting. After leaving the cafe and running down the main street of Crossmackie, I run down past the beach and up through the little streets of terraced houses.
Mrs. MacNee lives on this street. I can’t remember the last time we saw her, a pang of guilt runs through me because Rabbie hasn’t had the time to see his nan like he would every week. He’s been busy at the cafe with a massive Christmas season, and a little preoccupied with me. We need to make more of an effort to see her. I make a promise to myself that I will talk to Rabbie when I get back to the cafe. Speaking of Rabbie, as I get closer to Mrs. MacNee’s house, I spot a man who at first glance I thought was Rabbie talking to her outside of her house. I knew that it wasn’t him for a number of reasons. One, Rabbie was at the cafe working, and two, the man is visibly angry at Mrs. MacNee. I know Rabbie would never speak to anyone in that manner, especially not his nan. I pick up the pace and run faster towards Mrs. MacNee, but the man is already storming off down the street before I can tell him off for yelling at an elderly woman.
The man glances over his shoulder before he turns the corner, and I stop in my tracks. The man looking at me is Rabbie’s twin but clearly he’s a little older, and not as in shape. My stomach drops at the realisation of who he is. He looks me up and down, and smirks at me with a smug look on his face. He quickly scampers off around the corner just as I reach Mrs. MacNee.
She’s leaning against her door jamb looking pale, and I quickly make it in time to catch her before she slumps down.
“Mrs. MacNee, are you okay?”
She looks up at me, her face is greenish and clammy. I scoop my arm under her shoulder, and lift her. She isn’t hard to help, she’s smaller than me.
“Oh you,” she looks up at me.
I thought we were making progress after the Thanksgiving dinner when she thanked me for being there for Rabbie, but clearly not. I would usually take offence to this, but given the current situation I want to make sure she’s okay.
“Is Grannie Jo in? We need to get you inside.”
She shakes her head. I pull out my phone from the pocket in my leggings.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m calling Rabbie.” I state the obvious.
“Like bloody hell you are,” she protests.
“You don’t look well, Mrs. MacNee.” I’ve managed to get her on her feet now, but she’s still a bit wobbly.
“I dinny need anyone’s help.” She tries to break free of my grip.
“Stop being a stubborn old crow, and let me at least help you inside.” I huff.
I think I see a small smirk on her face, but she stumbles in my arms. She relents and lets me help her inside to her living room where I sit her in her arm chair. She leans back and closes her eyes. I grab her a glass of water from the kitchen, and when I return she opens one eye, and frowns at me and then at the glass of water.
“Come on, you need to drink it,” I wave the glass in front of her.
“I’d rather have a cup of tea than drink that,” she eyes me.
I let out a sigh, and roll my eyes at her. God this woman is infuriating sometimes. I wander back to her small kitchen and make her a cup of tea. When I return a little bit of the colour has returned to her face. I sit down on the small sofa across from her armchair and look at her. I wait for a thank you or for an explanation but it doesn’t come.
“So are you going to tell me what happened?”
She sips her tea, and peers at me over her glasses. I fold my arms and frown at her. It’s like we’re in a standoff, and I’m not leaving without knowing what’s going on. Because this concerns Rabbie.
She cups her tea in the lap and sighs. “That was his dad looking for Susie.”
My stomach drops and my hands grow clammy. Susie has told Rabbie and most people who’ve asked that she left Rabbie’s dad. My mind races at all the possibilities of why he would be in town looking for her.
“What did he want?”
“He thought that she’d be here. He said that she owes him money, and that he’s gonna get it no matter what.” Mrs. MacNee looks worried.
Could Susie just be here to use Rabbie for money? I hope not. My protective instincts are in overdrive and I can’t think straight.
“I told him that I hadn’t seen her because I haven’t. I didn’t mention that Rabbie had given her a job at the cafe either. But it’s only a matter of time until he finds out that Rabbie is the new owner.”
I stand and pace the living room. I don’t know how Rabbie is going to react to the news of this dad being in town. I crouch down in front of Mrs. MacNee.
“I have to tell him what happened.”
“No, you can’t. It will only stress him out.”
Her hand is shaking, and suddenly the strong elderly woman looks frail and scared. I place my hand over hers, and she looks me in the eyes.
“It’s only a matter of time before his dad shows up at the cafe, and I don’t want that to be sprung on him. At least if he knows he can be prepared for it. He needs to know, I’m sorry Mrs. MacNee.”
She squeezes my hand and softly smiles at me.
“You really care about him, don’t you?” Her question is laced with shock.
“Very much. I’m not here to break his heart, believe it or not.” I laugh a little.
“You’re a good lass. I’m sorry I’ve given you a hard time but I’m very protective of that boy. He’s all I have.”
“I know. Are you sure you’re okay?”
She nods, and frees her hand of mine and sips her tea again.
“Aye, Hen. I’m okay. You go and tell him but can you not worry him too much about me. I’m fine, really. I was just a little shocked to see that wee rat after so many years.” She scrunches her nose.
“Okay, but I will be calling to check on you later, and if you don’t pick up I will be coming round and I’ll bring Rabbie with me,” I warn her.
I go to stand but she grabs my wrist.
“I misjudged you. I’m sorry,” she smiles softly at me.
“I’m sorry I called you an old crow a couple of times,” I bite my lip.
She laughs, a loud laugh and it’s nice to see her like this.
“Aye, you remind me of myself when I was your age. You’ve got sass, thank you for reminding me of what it’s like to be put in my place.”
“You’re welcome.”
We both laugh together.
I hesitate to leave her alone, but she gives me a look of reassurance. I give her one last smile before I head out the door wondering how the hell I’m going to tell Rabbie about this.