Chapter 28
TWENTY-EIGHT
‘Are you okay, Dad? What on earth has happened?’ I ask as he drops his bag down and takes a seat in the lounge. ‘Have you had an argument with Rose?’
‘You could say that.’ He exhales deeply. ‘Although maybe a bit more than an argument. We have decided to go our separate ways.’
‘On Christmas Eve?’ I say, shocked.
‘Let’s just say, it’s probably been a long time coming.’ He sighs.
I make tea and we sit together on the large sofa.
‘Sorry to pitch up like this, but I was wondering if I could stay for a few nights, until I sort myself out?’ he asks.
‘Dad, of course! This is your home too, there is no need to ask. And there’s plenty of room as you know.’
Four bedrooms in total, always ready made up should anyone decide to stay, usually my parents. It’s kind of an arrangement we came to when my inheritance was gifted to me early, as my parents went and pursued their own lives, Mum preferring to live in the centre of town now and Dad moving in with Rose. It’s lovely having them breeze in and out of my life though.
‘So, how’s your mother?’ Dad asks as he sips his tea.
I’d texted Dad and told him about Mum’s fall as I thought he might like to know.
‘She’s fine, no broken bones and sleeping soundly upstairs.’
‘What, she’s staying here?’ He sounds surprised. ‘Now I feel like a bit of a burden.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ I reassure him. ‘Anyway, Mum is fine, but I’m more interested in what has happened with you and Rose right now.’
‘Hard to pinpoint one thing.’ He shrugs. ‘We’ve been arguing a lot lately, she always seems to be having a go at me over something or other. She complains if I spend too long in the greenhouse when she’s home, other times I think she would like me to sleep in there.’ He rolls his eyes. ‘But I’m okay, love, don’t you worry. All I want is a bit of peace at my time of life.’
‘Did something happen for you to walk out though, especially it being Christmas Eve?’
‘She brought a fish supper home earlier, saying she wasn’t cooking on Christmas Eve,’ Dad tells me. ‘I told her that was a bit inconsiderate, given my heart condition and we had a huge row.’ Dad sighs. ‘She said it wasn’t her responsibility to police whatever I eat, and she wasn’t going to give up her treats for anyone, or words to that effect.’
‘She said what?’ I can feel the anger rise inside me. Not very supportive, I’m sure. Although maybe she wasn’t quite as harsh as that, taking into account Dad saying ‘words to that effect’.
‘Honestly, love, as I said, the break has probably been a long time coming, the final straw if you like,’ he says, seemingly resigned to the situation. ‘And I wouldn’t mind, but I’d made a big pan of soup.’
‘You did?’
‘Yes, your mother taught me how. And she made me some lovely vegetable soup last week, from some winter veg I’ve been growing at the allotment.’
‘Mum never mentioned anything about that,’ I say in surprise. ‘Did she take it to your house?’
‘No, she dropped it at the allotment. I’ve been down there getting rid of some old stuff from the shed and the greenhouse.’
‘In this weather?’
‘As I said, in my shed and greenhouse mainly, although maybe I have just been wanting to get out of the house,’ he admits.
‘Oh, Dad. You should have said something. Promise me you won’t go down there again until the spring, especially with your heart condition,’ I say gently. ‘And are you sure you’re okay?’
‘I’m fine.’ He manages a smile. ‘As I said, the split has been a long time coming. I don’t really think we have that much in common, to tell you the truth. She can’t stand Countdown for a start,’ he says, and I think of how Mum and Dad used to watch it together, competing with each other, especially on the word round.
‘Well as long as you’re alright, that’s the main thing. And I will look after you after your operation, so it makes sense for you to stay here for a while.’
Dad’s operation is scheduled for early January.
‘You’re a good daughter.’ Dad reaches across and squeezes my hand.
‘That’s because I have had good parents,’ I say, thinking it unexpected but lovely that we will all be spending Christmas Day under the same roof.