It was lovely spending the day with my family, or at least the ones who counted.
‘What’s your mother doing today?’ Dad asked over Christmas pudding. I knew he was only asking out of self-preservation to make sure she wasn’t about to pay a visit.
‘Drinking herself into oblivion with her friend Irene I suspect,’ Jess said. ‘Why should Christmas Day be different?’
‘I’m sorry,’ he said.
‘Dad, you have nothing to be sorry about,’ I said. ‘You tried to change her, but she didn’t care enough about you or us to last more than a day without a drink or a fight. I don’t know how you managed a year, never mind a couple of decades.’ We both knew he’d only stayed because of us and I’d admire him for eternity for that. Even though the divorce had come through when I was fifteen, he’d stayed in the house until Jess was eighteen and old enough to leave home. As soon as she moved in with Lee on her eighteenth birthday, he moved to Spain and finally started living.
‘What are you all planning for New Year?’ he asked, tactfully changing the subject.
‘Lee and I are planning a romantic night in with a candlelit meal and a film… if a certain pair of babies allow us, that is. Doubt we’ll still be awake at midnight, though.’
‘Elise?’ Dad asked.
I shrugged. ‘I’ve been so busy that I haven’t made any plans. Are you still going to see Bryan?’ Bryan was Dad’s best friend from school. He lived in Liverpool and, like Dad, was divorced and hadn’t remarried. They took it in turns to visit each other at New Year.
Dad nodded. ‘Don’t think we’ve missed a year since I moved to Spain. You make sure you get something planned. New Year can be a funny time and you’ve been through a lot this year with Gary. Make sure you’re not alone and melancholy.’
‘I won’t be, Dad. I promise.’ I stood up. ‘Now why don’t you all go into the lounge and relax while I clear this lot away?’
‘I’ll help you,’ Dad said. ‘No protests. Jess and Lee, you’re under strict instructions to relax before my grandchildren wake up. Elise and I will do the washing up.’
‘Can I wash?’ I asked. ‘I hate drying.’
‘Be my guest,’ Dad said. ‘And while you’re doing it, tell me how you are.’
My stomach lurched. ‘I’m fine, Dad. Why?’
‘You look tired and like there’s something on your mind.’
I gulped. ‘I’m really fine. I’m always tired after the autumn term. You know that.’
I thought he was going to protest and I’m not sure I had it in me not to confess all. Instead he said, ‘Okay. Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll open up when you’re ready.’
I wondered for a moment whether he’d guessed. I felt my cheeks flush. ‘Let’s get these pots done then put the kettle on, eh?’
We’d no sooner finished the dishes than my phone rang. I dug it out of my bag in the hall and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Stevie’s name flashing on the screen. Was he going to respond to my suggestion? I hoped so!
‘Hi Stevie, Happy Christmas!’ I sat down on the bottom stair.
‘Hi you. Happy Christmas too. Was Santa good to you?’
‘Very good. They clubbed in and got me some gorgeous things for my new home – wherever that may be – and I feel quite spoilt. What about you?’
‘Uncle George is the only one who buys for me and he gave me what he’s given me since I was about six – a book token.’
My heart went out to him for only having one immediate family member. He just had to say the word and I could double the size of his family. ‘How was Christmas dinner?’ I asked.
‘Delicious. It was a joint effort by which I mean Uncle George peeled one carrot and I did everything else. He overdosed on sprouts, though, so I’ve had to leave him snoring and farting in the front room and come into the hall for some fresh air.’
I laughed. ‘That sounds very pleasant. I’m in the hall too so that’s spooky. The twins are asleep, Dad and I have just done the washing up and he’s making a brew. It’s party central here!’
Stevie laughed. ‘Have you told them about the baby?’
I lowered my voice. ‘I was going to, but Jess had all these “Happy First Christmas” banners up and it didn’t feel right.’
‘It’s your choice, but there’s always going to be a reason not to say anything, isn’t there? One of the twins has smiled for the first time or taken their first step.’
‘I think bean will have made an appearance by then,’ I whispered.
‘Fair point. You know what I mean, though, don’t you? Look, it’s none of my business, but don’t you think it would be lovely to tell your dad face to face?’
‘That’s why I was going to tell them today.’
‘Then still do it. Don’t let some banners put you off. I’m sure they’ll all be thrilled for you. I’m going to stop lecturing you now.’
‘It’s fine, Stevie. You’re right. I’ll tell them.’
‘Good. Believe it or not, my reason for calling wasn’t to have a go at you. I wanted to ask whether you’d made any New Year’s Eve plans yet.’
‘Not yet.’ But I’d love to spend it with you. ‘Probably TV and an early night. Everyone I know seems to have plans.’
‘Not everyone. I don’t, although I’m hoping you’ll change that. Would you do me the honour of dining at mine on the evening and seeing the New Year in with me if you’re not too tired?’
‘Just the two of us?’ I asked, my heart racing.
‘And Bonnie, of course.’
I smiled. ‘Sounds good.’ Sounds amazing.
‘Brilliant. I don’t like the idea of you driving back home when you’re tired so the invitation extends to staying over. We could maybe take Bonnie for a walk round The Headland the next day.’
I hesitated. Stay over? What did that mean? In the spare room or with him? My stomach did somersaults at the thought of the latter.
‘Elise? Are you still there?’
‘Sorry,’ I said. ‘I… erm… I thought I heard the twins. It’s a yes. The meal would be great. And the walk the next morning.’ And a night in your bed.
‘Is six too early?’
‘Six is good. Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you next week.’
‘Now go and tell your sister and your dad that there’s another baby on the way.’
‘Yes sir! Bye.’
I sat on the stairs for a few more minutes replaying our conversation in my head and grinned. New Year with Stevie? Lovely. I just wished it wasn’t so far away.
Okay. It’s time. I wandered down the hallway into the lounge where Dad was handing out cups of tea and coffee. Here goes…
‘While we’re all together, there’s something I need to tell you that may come as a bit of a surprise…’
40
✉︎ To Stevie
I did it! You gave me the encouragement I needed to tell Dad and Jess yesterday and they were really excited for me. It was the right thing to do. Thank you xx