To Catch a Butterfly by T. M. Payne

Author:T. M. Payne [Payne, T. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-10-21T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

THREE YEARS LATER.

Stevie flung the front door open, “Mum, I passed!”

Marie turned off the vacuum cleaner and held out both arms “Well done, I knew you would!” She squeezed Stevie quickly and kissed her cheek.

“I was so nervous I thought I’d mucked up the three point turn and then this lorry pulled out and I had to brake really hard, but I didn’t skid or anything, I can’t believe it!”

“You’d better start saving up for a car now then, put some of your wages aside.” Marie held her at arms length “Celebration drink?”

“I’m not eighteen yet.” Stevie smiled.

“You will be in four weeks time, but of course if you don’t want a glass of champagne then I’ll just have to drink it all myself.”

“Champagne?”

“Absolutely, I told you I knew you’d pass, I put it in the fridge this morning.”

“What if I’d failed?” Stevie crossed her arms.

“Then we’d drink it to drown our sorrows.” Marie tapped her on the nose and walked into the kitchen “Do you want a glass or not?”

“Yeah, lovely, I’m just going to ring Adam and tell him the news.”

“Okay.” Marie busied herself pouring out two glasses while Stevie chatted happily to Adam, going over every detail, every time she’d indicated, braked, checked her rear view mirror. Marie watched her and realised that today was another day that Stevie moved further away from her, she was almost an adult now, free to do her own thing, go places. She had started work in the local veterinary practice as a trainee nurse, which she loved, her room full of books about cat illnesses, dog behaviour and how to provide a safe environment for your pet hamster. The vet adored Stevie, he always let her leave ten minutes early to catch the bus home and helped her study for her driving test, he paid some towards her lessons saying that she would need a licence to drive the practice van, so it was in his interests and that of the business for her to have a driving licence. Stevie knew full well that he was attracted to her but he never behaved inappropriately and so she ignored it, he was quite sweet though. And so was his wife.

Marie could see William in Stevie when she smiled, same shaped eyes, similar mouth, she stared at her as she talked to Adam and she ached, ached for Will. Stevie was the closest thing she had to him and each step Stevie took in her life, each milestone took her further and further away.

Grandpa Stan and Grandma Cynthia had always remained close to Stevie, Marie’s parents visited rarely and most of their contact was the odd brief visit and a phone call every other Sunday evening. They all sent Stevie birthday and Christmas presents, cards of congratulations when she passed her exams, got through her interview for her job at the vets, but Marie’s relationship with Stan and Cynthia was often strained, Stevie was astute enough to sense this but was wary enough of her mother not to ask the reason why.

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