Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-three
Carly
It took intensive negotiations for the Natural History Society to agree that their table could remain in its new position. I managed to handle Thelma Campbell with extreme delicacy, when the others were too scared to deal with her.
And this is what it took to persuade Dad not to pack up and leave on Thursday night. Admittedly, I milked the Ana card. She’s been so looking forward to seeing you, Dad. I told you she has a summer job in the V the man who apparently doesn’t need me, or anyone at all.
When the front door bangs, I assume Ian and Sandra must have contacted another friend of Dad’s. A surprise guest? How lovely!
Still clutching my glass of wine, I make my way past everyone to the living room door.
‘Hurry up, Mum,’ says Bella. ‘It’s literature, your subject—’
‘Yes, one minute, love …’ I push open the door and there, in the hallway, is Eddie. Eddie with a tear-stained face, a cut on his forehead and his arm thickly encased in a white bandage.
‘Eddie! Oh my God, darling. What happened to you?’
I go to hug him and he winces, pulling back.
‘Hi, Mum.’ A small rucksack thuds to the floor.
‘Oh, love.’ My eyes fill with tears. ‘What’s happened? Please tell me.’
‘Just an accident. Nothing serious. I’m okay.’
‘Why didn’t you call? I could’ve come to get you—’
‘No phone. I left it at Lyla’s and—’ He breaks off and rubs at his eyes.
We stand there in silence for a moment. ‘Copenhagen, you fool!’ Dad yells at the TV.
Eddie’s mouth twitches and he lowers his gaze. ‘Come through, love,’ I say gently. ‘Everyone’s here. Remember it’s Granddad’s birthday?’
‘Oh God, yeah.’ I try to lead him through by the hand but he stops in the hall. ‘Mum, if it’s all right,’ he says in a small choked voice, ‘I need to be here with you and Dad, okay? I want to move back home.’