A Family Matter by Tuckwell Garry M

Author:Tuckwell, Garry M [Tuckwell, Garry M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: NEU
Published: 2013-12-20T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Niall sat quietly in the corner of the room, a glass of water untouched on the table in front of him. Dan, Jane and Justin stood around him, trying to give him some privacy in what was a very crowded room. Those guests who had noticed what had happened tactfully kept their distance and did their best to carry on with the party.

“I feel like such an idiot,” Niall said. “I don’t want to be upset on today of all days.” He sniffed loudly and rubbed the back of his hand under his nose.

“Babe. How can you not be upset when something like that happens? It’s OK, just sit here until you start to feel better.” Justin wanted to say so much more. He wanted to scream that the fucking bitch had done it again; taken something magical and done her best to destroy it. Her timing was impeccable, every time. Why couldn’t she just have stayed away? He kept those thoughts deep down inside today though.

Jane smiled down at Niall. “I honestly think she wanted to be here but it was all too much, too soon for her. I don’t think she was trying to upset you or damage anything. I think she was just trying to be your mother.”

“Just fifteen years too late,” Niall said wryly.

He put his glass down and searched his pockets for a tissue. Jane came to the rescue and passed him a small packet of tissues. “Keep them in your pocket Niall.”

He laughed ironically. “I’m hoping I won’t need them again, but thank you.” He stood and gave Justin a hug. “I think I need to get some fresh air for a bit and maybe splash some water on my face. Come with me?”

Justin kissed him. “Of course.” He turned to Dan. “Can you keep an eye on things here for a few minutes? Make sure everyone’s OK?”

Dan nodded. “Leave it to us. Just take your time.” He reached over and patted Niall’s arm.

Justin put his hand on the small of Niall’s back and guided him outside. The cold, January air hit them like a wall as they stepped through the door into the car park. Justin looked over at Niall, concern etched in his face.

“How you feeling babe?”

Niall gave him a half smile, looking embarrassed. “I can’t help feeling like such an idiot. As soon as she turned up, I should have known that it would end up like this. I just... I don’t know, it was just such a surprise that she was there, I let myself think that things would be different this time. When she’d gone, I just... I feel so stupid.”

Justin put his hand on Niall’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t. It’s an emotional day anyway; I’ve been on the edge of blubbing for most of the day. Your Mum being here was a huge surprise; when she left, it’s no wonder it pushed you over the edge.”

Justin was trying to be as supportive and calm as he could be. Inside he was raging; he wanted to get on the phone to Dinah and scream at her.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.