Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Chapter 50

 

Michael

It’s an ordinary house, as average as they come; one small property in a block of near-identical brick-built terraces. The paint is fresh, but not too fresh. And the door, fronting directly to the road, looks well-used. But the windows are clean; no litter fouls the frontage…

And there is a light on inside…

Charlotte sits in the car, inert. Her face is a pale sheen and, as I take her fingers in mine, her hand is cold.

I lift the fingers, press them to my lips. “This is it, then.”

She nods but doesn’t move. “Suppose she doesn’t want to see me?” She’s gasping for air…

Panic attack?

“… She abandoned me all those years ago. Suppose she just didn’t want me?”

“Why would she not want you?”

“Because I’m his.”

James speaks. “There are plenty of mothers whose children have unworthy fathers, but they still love them.”

“You don’t have to do this, Charlotte,” I say, “but if you don’t, you’ll never be happy. Whatever happens, good or bad, at least you’ll know. Your life can move on.”

A figure moves past the window. Partially silhouetted against the light inside, nonetheless, there is the impression of a pale face, a red tint to the hair.

Charlotte straightens up, muttering. “Right… I’m okay. Let’s do this.” Without looking back, she steps out of the car and crosses the road.

I wind the window down. “Got any tissues in the car?” murmurs James.

“Course I have.”

*****

 

Charlotte

I stand in front of the door, suddenly timid again. My heart pounds so hard there’re touches of black at the edge of my vision.

Chill out…

Calm down…

*Deep breath*

*Roll neck and shoulders*

My chest loosens and my breath flows a little more easily.

Good to go…

My finger hovers over the brass-button bell, then presses. A Bing-Bong echoes from somewhere beyond.

almost immediately, there is a hollow rumble of movement, the bang

The door opens.

She’s there.

Her mouth is down-turned at the corners. Silver threads through amber hair. But her green eyes - I

can't. Sucking for saliva, I try again. “Hello. I’m… I’m

me. Reaching out, she touches my face, her eyes widening, her mouth opening. She’s trying to speak,

words turn into a shriek. “Jenny!” And she flings herself at me, throwing her arms around me. “You’re alive.

she’s laughing and crying and so am I. And she holds me tight,

*****

 

James

tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over his

“Beats me.”

out of the car, standing to lean against it. Eyes creasing, Michael is holding in

want ‘em

other. Up and down

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

looks my way, swiping the back of her hand under her nose and Michael waves the tissues at her. She nods as he

Green…

So familiar…

him, then

this is Michael… my husband… Mom…” Charlotte whispers

in,” she says. “You’d better come inside.” She motions across to me. “Your friend

family

*****

same tired furniture. The same dismal wallpaper. I’ve stayed in a few like it myself in my time; after my divorce, when money was tight, and home was wherever I

it goes. But I drink the dreadful brew anyway. To my side, Michael looks down at his

Get it over with…

says, “Would you like

holding up his rucksack. “I have something better. “Champagne. Thought I’d

shining eyes on him, albeit eyes shining red and still streaming. “Thank

“Congratulations. I’m so

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

a daughter

But a son-in-law…

was a

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

disposal plastic flutes, handing them around, then sits back, an ankle resting up on one knee. Mitch

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

I’d be pretty

my glass.

others follow

I both know how much this means to Char… to Jenny. She’s been

good a hint as

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