CHAPTER 14 - Christmas Eve
‘It’s no good Sue. I tried to explain to her that we didn’t need her to actually do anything. I told her we just wanted to hang out with her and try and take her mind off things for a few hours, but she was having none of it. She also put a kibosh on New Years Eve. She said she doesn’t want to inflict her sadness on everyone else and ruin it for them. I don’t know what else I can do.’ Rachel held the mobile to her ear as she sat on the ground of her livingroom surrounded by as yet unwrapped Christmas presents.
‘Look the important thing is you tried. At least she knows we care and that we’re here. I think it would be a lot worse if we didn’t at least try to get her to join us. We kind of knew this would be the reaction but I still think we’re doing the right thing.’ Susan was busy clearing up after the kids supper before the excitement of Santa kicked into high gear.
‘Really? I’m not so sure. Maybe I should just ignore her and turn up with a few of the crew on Stephens Day. She’d have no choice but to join in then, wouldn’t she?’
‘Ye and she won’t thank you for it. You know how stubborn she can be. She would probably lock herself in her room and then everyones’ Stephens day would be ruined as well as Kate’s. I think you should listen to what she said Rach. She said she doesn’t want to be around anyone. At the end of the day it is Kate’s choice, whether we agree with her or not is kind of irrelevant. I think we just have to keep trying. Keep inviting her to join us at different things. Someday she will get fed up saying no and say yes and that will be the start.’
‘Ye I know you’re right Sue, you are. It’s just, it’s Christmas. Her first one without them and I just want to be there for her. She always loved Christmas so much.’
‘Ye she really went all out every year, didn’t she. Of all of us I think Kate was the one who usually got us in the spirit of things. It hasn’t felt a lot like Christmas without her. Our shopping trip the other day was the closest I got to feeling it, even New York didn’t hold the same sway for me this year.’ Susan stood against the kitchen counter as she recalled happier times with Kate and Dan holding court with Christmas parties and nights out together. The silence stretched out in front of Rachel and Susan as they each got caught up in their own thoughts before Rachel spoke.
‘Ok, well, I’ve got to go I’ve to wrap all these presents for my nieces and nephews and get over to Mums before they notice I’m late, again.’
‘Yes, and it’s nearly bedtime for us here before Santa comes down the chimney and does his usual Christmas Eve special.’
‘Oh that sounds interesting…Do I want to know what it is?’
‘Em..no, I think Mrs Clause is the only one that needs to know that one. But she is looking forward to it.’
‘Right then Mrs Clause, off you go and get ready. I hope Santa shows his appreciation for all your hard work.’
‘Oh I think he will, he’s usually very good at that.’
Rachel laughed as she tried to keep the phone caught between her ear and shoulder whilst wrapping Emily’s dress up ballerina costume.
‘I’ll tell you something Sue, there’s never a dull moment in your house.’
‘Secret of a happy marriage girlfriend.’
‘Ok, on that note I’ve really got to go. Happy Christmas Sue. Have a wonderful time with the whole crew and give hugs and kisses to those three beauties of yours. Make it a big slobbery one for the big beauty.’
‘Will do. I’m sure he’ll be well impressed. Same to you Rach. Say hi to that mad bunch of yours and I’ll talk to you before we head off for New Years.’
‘Ok, take care.’ Rachel hit the end key and dropped the phone to the floor so she could finish the present wrapping. The next present she picked up was for Kate. They always bought each other a token gift for Christmas and Rachel had felt no reason why this year should be any different. ‘In fact,’ she thought, ‘this year more than ever Katie needs to have these gifts. She needs to know we are here, no matter how we show her.’ This year Rachel had splashed out a little more than normal but she felt it was worth it. She had chosen a beautiful Hermes Scarf that she knew Kate would adore. The autumnal colours would suit her blond hair and sallow skin tone and even if Kate didn’t quite appreciate it now, Rachel knew in time she would love it and find pleasure in having the silk material against her skin. Kate always appreciated the finer things in life and Dan was able to provide them for her. Her appreciation was not going to suddenly disappear because Dan was no longer there to provide for her.
‘Maybe I’ll go over on my way to Mums,’ she thought. Give her the present, make sure she’s ok.’ Rachel finished wrapping her gifts before packing them into the car. Throwing in her overnight bag she set off to pay a quick visit to Kate and head home for Christmas. Rachel found herself looking forward even more than normal to her families Christmas Eve get together in their local pub.
‘Not surprising,’ she thought, as memories of Alex and Dan and Kate in happier times flooded her memory bank. ‘I’d love to be popping in to see you all together,’ she said out loud as she drove the fifteen kilometers to Kate’s home. Tears stung the corner of her eyes as she patted them away all the while speaking to herself.
‘Stop that. You can’t be crying when you get to Kate’s, she is upset enough without you getting all morbid and making her cry. At least you have your family to go home to. You’ll have a great night later and tomorrow Mum’s will be filled with so much laughter and happiness your heart will feel like it’s going to burst in your chest. So pull yourself together girl and remember what Kate’s house will be like tomorrow and for the foreseeable future, count yourself lucky and be strong for your best friend.’ After her pep talk to herself Rachel adjusted her makeup in the rearview mirror before pulling into Kate’s gravel driveway and grabbing the present from the front seat.
After several attempts at ringing the door bell and knocks on the window in the front room Rachel got no response.
‘Maybe she’s gone to her Mothers?’ she thought. ‘No, no, she definatley said she was staying here tonight and everyone was coming over tomorrow. She was adamant she wanted to stay on her own.
‘Oh dear God,’ thought Rachel, ‘she wouldn’t do anything stupid? Would she? No, no, she wouldn’t. Oh God what if she has.’ Rachel was frantically trying to peer into the downstairs windows to see if she could see any sign of life. Apart from the tiny bathroom window at the side, she couldn’t see into any of the other rooms. And she couldn’t get around to the back of the house because the gate was locked.
‘Damn it,’ she thought, I’ll never be able to climb over that. Where the hell are you Kate? If you’ve done anything stupid I’ll kill you myself.’ But as she said it panic rose in Rachel’s chest at the thought of her best friend doing anything to harm herself.
‘She really wouldn’t, would she? I should have stayed longer earlier. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into leaving so quickly.’ Rachel went back to the front door. This time she started banging on it furiously. When she saw the hall light come on she realized she had been holding her breath and a sigh escaped from her in relief.
‘Oh thank God. She’s ok.’ And then another thought came to her as she saw Kates thunderous face as the door swung open. ‘Oh, oh, I’m in trouble now.’
‘What the hell’s going on Rachel?’ but then noting Rachel’s worried expression she softened and said,
‘What’s happened, is everything ok?’
‘Everything’s fine, grand, nothing’s wrong everyone’s ok. Oh I’m so sorry Kate. I panicked. I thought you would still be up I just came round to bring you your present I was on my way to Mams and then when I couldn’t get you I panicked and all sorts of things raced through my head…’
‘Woa, woa. Slow down Rach. I was in bed trying to sleep, that’s all. Why were you panicking? I told you I was going to be here. We only saw each other a few hours ago.’
‘I know we did, it’s just, well…’ Rachel faltered.
Kate looked at Rachel for a moment before realization hit her.
‘You thought I had done something to myself?’ Kate looked sad and stepped back to allow Rachel step into the hall.
Silently Rachel stood in the circular hallway as Kate closed the door and sat down on the Queen Ann chair that she had so lovingly restored after Dan and her found it during one of their auction room afternoons. With her head in her hands she wept silently. Rachel walked over and gently laid her hand on her shoulder.
‘I was so worried about you. I’m sorry,’ she couldn’t say anymore as the tears consumed her.
‘No I’m sorry. I’m sorry you feel that’s something you have to worry about and I’m sorry that my behavior makes you think it’s something I would consider. Most of all though Rach, I’m sorry they’re not here with me, because I do want to be with them and it’s taking all the power I have not to join them.’ Kate burst into tears once more.
Rachel knelt beside her and hugged her to her.
‘Oh Jesus Kate, I’m the one that’s sorry. I can understand that feeling totally but please, please promise me if you ever feel like that again you’ll pick up the phone and call me. I can be here in a heartbeat.’
‘I’ll try Rach, but it’s not that easy. When I feel like that all I try and do is remember what it felt like to be happy, to be loved by Dan and Alex so I can find some reason to keep getting up every morning.’ Dejectedly Kate hung her head again and sat in silence for a few moments.
Eventually Rachel spoke.
‘Why don’t you come with me to Mums tonight? I won’t go to McBernies and we will sit by the fire, drink red wine and talk about all the fun times you had with Dan and Alex.’ Rachel smiled softly.‘I may also have to remind you about the times you wanted to throttle both of them.’
Kate looked up and a smile crept across her face.
‘What would I do without you?’ She reached out and hugged Rachel. ‘But I’m okay here. You go and enjoy your Christmas at your mams. I promise I’ll be fine’…Rachel tried to protest ‘….honestly, I will. All I want to do is go to sleep so tomorrow comes and I can deal with it, get over it and move on. I just want Christmas to be over and I certainly don’t want to have to prolong it any more than necessary. I know you mean well Rach but if I went with you all I would manage to do would be to bring everyone down with me and that will make me feel even worse,’ pausing she looked at Rachel before adding, ‘if that’s possible.’
‘Please Kate, I don’t care. You won’t make us miserable, honestly and it may help to be around the madn
‘Look the important thing is you tried. At least she knows we care and that we’re here. I think it would be a lot worse if we didn’t at least try to get her to join us. We kind of knew this would be the reaction but I still think we’re doing the right thing.’ Susan was busy clearing up after the kids supper before the excitement of Santa kicked into high gear.
‘Really? I’m not so sure. Maybe I should just ignore her and turn up with a few of the crew on Stephens Day. She’d have no choice but to join in then, wouldn’t she?’
‘Ye and she won’t thank you for it. You know how stubborn she can be. She would probably lock herself in her room and then everyones’ Stephens day would be ruined as well as Kate’s. I think you should listen to what she said Rach. She said she doesn’t want to be around anyone. At the end of the day it is Kate’s choice, whether we agree with her or not is kind of irrelevant. I think we just have to keep trying. Keep inviting her to join us at different things. Someday she will get fed up saying no and say yes and that will be the start.’
‘Ye I know you’re right Sue, you are. It’s just, it’s Christmas. Her first one without them and I just want to be there for her. She always loved Christmas so much.’
‘Ye she really went all out every year, didn’t she. Of all of us I think Kate was the one who usually got us in the spirit of things. It hasn’t felt a lot like Christmas without her. Our shopping trip the other day was the closest I got to feeling it, even New York didn’t hold the same sway for me this year.’ Susan stood against the kitchen counter as she recalled happier times with Kate and Dan holding court with Christmas parties and nights out together. The silence stretched out in front of Rachel and Susan as they each got caught up in their own thoughts before Rachel spoke.
‘Ok, well, I’ve got to go I’ve to wrap all these presents for my nieces and nephews and get over to Mums before they notice I’m late, again.’
‘Yes, and it’s nearly bedtime for us here before Santa comes down the chimney and does his usual Christmas Eve special.’
‘Oh that sounds interesting…Do I want to know what it is?’
‘Em..no, I think Mrs Clause is the only one that needs to know that one. But she is looking forward to it.’
‘Right then Mrs Clause, off you go and get ready. I hope Santa shows his appreciation for all your hard work.’
‘Oh I think he will, he’s usually very good at that.’
Rachel laughed as she tried to keep the phone caught between her ear and shoulder whilst wrapping Emily’s dress up ballerina costume.
‘I’ll tell you something Sue, there’s never a dull moment in your house.’
‘Secret of a happy marriage girlfriend.’
‘Ok, on that note I’ve really got to go. Happy Christmas Sue. Have a wonderful time with the whole crew and give hugs and kisses to those three beauties of yours. Make it a big slobbery one for the big beauty.’
‘Will do. I’m sure he’ll be well impressed. Same to you Rach. Say hi to that mad bunch of yours and I’ll talk to you before we head off for New Years.’
‘Ok, take care.’ Rachel hit the end key and dropped the phone to the floor so she could finish the present wrapping. The next present she picked up was for Kate. They always bought each other a token gift for Christmas and Rachel had felt no reason why this year should be any different. ‘In fact,’ she thought, ‘this year more than ever Katie needs to have these gifts. She needs to know we are here, no matter how we show her.’ This year Rachel had splashed out a little more than normal but she felt it was worth it. She had chosen a beautiful Hermes Scarf that she knew Kate would adore. The autumnal colours would suit her blond hair and sallow skin tone and even if Kate didn’t quite appreciate it now, Rachel knew in time she would love it and find pleasure in having the silk material against her skin. Kate always appreciated the finer things in life and Dan was able to provide them for her. Her appreciation was not going to suddenly disappear because Dan was no longer there to provide for her.
‘Maybe I’ll go over on my way to Mums,’ she thought. Give her the present, make sure she’s ok.’ Rachel finished wrapping her gifts before packing them into the car. Throwing in her overnight bag she set off to pay a quick visit to Kate and head home for Christmas. Rachel found herself looking forward even more than normal to her families Christmas Eve get together in their local pub.
‘Not surprising,’ she thought, as memories of Alex and Dan and Kate in happier times flooded her memory bank. ‘I’d love to be popping in to see you all together,’ she said out loud as she drove the fifteen kilometers to Kate’s home. Tears stung the corner of her eyes as she patted them away all the while speaking to herself.
‘Stop that. You can’t be crying when you get to Kate’s, she is upset enough without you getting all morbid and making her cry. At least you have your family to go home to. You’ll have a great night later and tomorrow Mum’s will be filled with so much laughter and happiness your heart will feel like it’s going to burst in your chest. So pull yourself together girl and remember what Kate’s house will be like tomorrow and for the foreseeable future, count yourself lucky and be strong for your best friend.’ After her pep talk to herself Rachel adjusted her makeup in the rearview mirror before pulling into Kate’s gravel driveway and grabbing the present from the front seat.
After several attempts at ringing the door bell and knocks on the window in the front room Rachel got no response.
‘Maybe she’s gone to her Mothers?’ she thought. ‘No, no, she definatley said she was staying here tonight and everyone was coming over tomorrow. She was adamant she wanted to stay on her own.
‘Oh dear God,’ thought Rachel, ‘she wouldn’t do anything stupid? Would she? No, no, she wouldn’t. Oh God what if she has.’ Rachel was frantically trying to peer into the downstairs windows to see if she could see any sign of life. Apart from the tiny bathroom window at the side, she couldn’t see into any of the other rooms. And she couldn’t get around to the back of the house because the gate was locked.
‘Damn it,’ she thought, I’ll never be able to climb over that. Where the hell are you Kate? If you’ve done anything stupid I’ll kill you myself.’ But as she said it panic rose in Rachel’s chest at the thought of her best friend doing anything to harm herself.
‘She really wouldn’t, would she? I should have stayed longer earlier. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into leaving so quickly.’ Rachel went back to the front door. This time she started banging on it furiously. When she saw the hall light come on she realized she had been holding her breath and a sigh escaped from her in relief.
‘Oh thank God. She’s ok.’ And then another thought came to her as she saw Kates thunderous face as the door swung open. ‘Oh, oh, I’m in trouble now.’
‘What the hell’s going on Rachel?’ but then noting Rachel’s worried expression she softened and said,
‘What’s happened, is everything ok?’
‘Everything’s fine, grand, nothing’s wrong everyone’s ok. Oh I’m so sorry Kate. I panicked. I thought you would still be up I just came round to bring you your present I was on my way to Mams and then when I couldn’t get you I panicked and all sorts of things raced through my head…’
‘Woa, woa. Slow down Rach. I was in bed trying to sleep, that’s all. Why were you panicking? I told you I was going to be here. We only saw each other a few hours ago.’
‘I know we did, it’s just, well…’ Rachel faltered.
Kate looked at Rachel for a moment before realization hit her.
‘You thought I had done something to myself?’ Kate looked sad and stepped back to allow Rachel step into the hall.
Silently Rachel stood in the circular hallway as Kate closed the door and sat down on the Queen Ann chair that she had so lovingly restored after Dan and her found it during one of their auction room afternoons. With her head in her hands she wept silently. Rachel walked over and gently laid her hand on her shoulder.
‘I was so worried about you. I’m sorry,’ she couldn’t say anymore as the tears consumed her.
‘No I’m sorry. I’m sorry you feel that’s something you have to worry about and I’m sorry that my behavior makes you think it’s something I would consider. Most of all though Rach, I’m sorry they’re not here with me, because I do want to be with them and it’s taking all the power I have not to join them.’ Kate burst into tears once more.
Rachel knelt beside her and hugged her to her.
‘Oh Jesus Kate, I’m the one that’s sorry. I can understand that feeling totally but please, please promise me if you ever feel like that again you’ll pick up the phone and call me. I can be here in a heartbeat.’
‘I’ll try Rach, but it’s not that easy. When I feel like that all I try and do is remember what it felt like to be happy, to be loved by Dan and Alex so I can find some reason to keep getting up every morning.’ Dejectedly Kate hung her head again and sat in silence for a few moments.
Eventually Rachel spoke.
‘Why don’t you come with me to Mums tonight? I won’t go to McBernies and we will sit by the fire, drink red wine and talk about all the fun times you had with Dan and Alex.’ Rachel smiled softly.‘I may also have to remind you about the times you wanted to throttle both of them.’
Kate looked up and a smile crept across her face.
‘What would I do without you?’ She reached out and hugged Rachel. ‘But I’m okay here. You go and enjoy your Christmas at your mams. I promise I’ll be fine’…Rachel tried to protest ‘….honestly, I will. All I want to do is go to sleep so tomorrow comes and I can deal with it, get over it and move on. I just want Christmas to be over and I certainly don’t want to have to prolong it any more than necessary. I know you mean well Rach but if I went with you all I would manage to do would be to bring everyone down with me and that will make me feel even worse,’ pausing she looked at Rachel before adding, ‘if that’s possible.’
‘Please Kate, I don’t care. You won’t make us miserable, honestly and it may help to be around the madn
ess in the O’Brien house, might take your mind off things for a few hours?’
‘Rach, I won’t but thanks.’
Rachel heard the tone in Kate’s voice and knew there was going to be no way she could persuade her. She decided to let it drop and change the subject. She retrieved the present from the floor beside the chair where she had dropped it.
‘Here,’ she placed her hand on Kate’s shoulder as she handed her the gift. ‘I brought you a little something. I hope it may bring a little smile to your face?’
‘Ah Rach, I haven’t gotten you anything. I’m sorry. I know we normally..’
Rachel interrupted her.
‘Stop right now. I wasn’t expecting anything and I don’t want anything. I just want to give you this.’
Kate smiled up at Rachel as she tentatively unwrapped her gift. ‘I love the wrapping. I see you are on a purple and silver theme this year?’
‘Yep, you know me. I just like to make them look pretty. White, purple and silver are my colours of choice this season. It’s probably a sign that I’ve too much time on my hands, even though this year all my shopping got done at the last minute, I knew how I was going to wrap them since September!’
Rachel saw the smile cross Kates lips as she removed the outer packaging and came to the mongramed tissue paper encasing her scarf. ‘This isn’t what I think it is, is it?’
‘Well open it and see.’
‘Oh my God Rach it is.’ Astonished Kate looked at her as she stood. I can’t possibly accept this. It’s far too expensive. Very thoughtful, but absolutely no way I can accept it.’
‘You can and you will. I won’t hear another word about it. You deserve a treat and I know it’s not much in the grand scheme of things but a woman needs nice things and what’s nicer than a silk Hermes scarf?’
‘Oh Rachel I love it, I really do.’ Kate hugged her close, ‘but I mean it, it’s too much.’
Ignoring her protestations Rachel took the scarf and folded it so she could place and tie it around Kates neck.
‘Perfect.’ She said smiling. I knew those colours would be ideal on you, go look in the mirror.’
Kate took a look in the gilt mirror in her hall.
‘Oh it’s truly beautiful. Thank you .’
‘Now don’t start crying, I don’t want to open those flood gates again.’ Rachel joked with her.
‘These are tears of joy. Thanks Rach. What would I do without you?’
‘I’ve no idea pet, but you certainly wouldn’t look as good without my help. Although the Pj’s aren’t exactly what I had in mind to match it with.’
The two girls laughed together and Kate noticed how nice it felt.
‘I mean, thanks and not just for the scarf. For everything.’
‘Ah stop it, you’ll have me crying in a minute. Now if you’re sure you won’t come with me?...’
‘I’m sure.’
‘…Well then I need to get a move on. The clan will be wondering where I am as it is.’
Kate turned and walked towards the door with Rachel.
‘You’re a good friend Rach. I owe you.’ She leaned in and hugged her close. Releasing her from her grasp she kissed her cheek.
When Rachel had left Kate locked up again and made her way back upstairs. She felt a little lighter and found herself thinking how grateful she was for her friends. Climbing back into bed she blew a kiss to the picture on her bedside locker and said ‘Goodnight’ into the quite night air.
Rachel smiled as she drove away from Kate’s home.
‘I’m glad I did that.’ She thought. ‘I must do that more often. To hell with her protestations. She doesn’t necessarily know what’s best for her at the moment.’
‘Rach, I won’t but thanks.’
Rachel heard the tone in Kate’s voice and knew there was going to be no way she could persuade her. She decided to let it drop and change the subject. She retrieved the present from the floor beside the chair where she had dropped it.
‘Here,’ she placed her hand on Kate’s shoulder as she handed her the gift. ‘I brought you a little something. I hope it may bring a little smile to your face?’
‘Ah Rach, I haven’t gotten you anything. I’m sorry. I know we normally..’
Rachel interrupted her.
‘Stop right now. I wasn’t expecting anything and I don’t want anything. I just want to give you this.’
Kate smiled up at Rachel as she tentatively unwrapped her gift. ‘I love the wrapping. I see you are on a purple and silver theme this year?’
‘Yep, you know me. I just like to make them look pretty. White, purple and silver are my colours of choice this season. It’s probably a sign that I’ve too much time on my hands, even though this year all my shopping got done at the last minute, I knew how I was going to wrap them since September!’
Rachel saw the smile cross Kates lips as she removed the outer packaging and came to the mongramed tissue paper encasing her scarf. ‘This isn’t what I think it is, is it?’
‘Well open it and see.’
‘Oh my God Rach it is.’ Astonished Kate looked at her as she stood. I can’t possibly accept this. It’s far too expensive. Very thoughtful, but absolutely no way I can accept it.’
‘You can and you will. I won’t hear another word about it. You deserve a treat and I know it’s not much in the grand scheme of things but a woman needs nice things and what’s nicer than a silk Hermes scarf?’
‘Oh Rachel I love it, I really do.’ Kate hugged her close, ‘but I mean it, it’s too much.’
Ignoring her protestations Rachel took the scarf and folded it so she could place and tie it around Kates neck.
‘Perfect.’ She said smiling. I knew those colours would be ideal on you, go look in the mirror.’
Kate took a look in the gilt mirror in her hall.
‘Oh it’s truly beautiful. Thank you .’
‘Now don’t start crying, I don’t want to open those flood gates again.’ Rachel joked with her.
‘These are tears of joy. Thanks Rach. What would I do without you?’
‘I’ve no idea pet, but you certainly wouldn’t look as good without my help. Although the Pj’s aren’t exactly what I had in mind to match it with.’
The two girls laughed together and Kate noticed how nice it felt.
‘I mean, thanks and not just for the scarf. For everything.’
‘Ah stop it, you’ll have me crying in a minute. Now if you’re sure you won’t come with me?...’
‘I’m sure.’
‘…Well then I need to get a move on. The clan will be wondering where I am as it is.’
Kate turned and walked towards the door with Rachel.
‘You’re a good friend Rach. I owe you.’ She leaned in and hugged her close. Releasing her from her grasp she kissed her cheek.
When Rachel had left Kate locked up again and made her way back upstairs. She felt a little lighter and found herself thinking how grateful she was for her friends. Climbing back into bed she blew a kiss to the picture on her bedside locker and said ‘Goodnight’ into the quite night air.
Rachel smiled as she drove away from Kate’s home.
‘I’m glad I did that.’ She thought. ‘I must do that more often. To hell with her protestations. She doesn’t necessarily know what’s best for her at the moment.’
***
Carefully balancing the key in her hands and the packages in her arms, Rachel manouvered herself into the hall, ‘I’ve arrived, the party can begin,’ she hollered from where she stood.
‘Oh darling, it’s wonderful to see you.’ Rachels Mother emerged from the kitchen wiping her wet hands in the apron which surrounded her ample figure. Embracing her youngest daughter her jolly contagious laugh caught them both up.
‘Well look at you?’ Rachel exclaimed. ‘You’re looking very festive Maura O Brien with your reindeer apron.’ Reaching out to receive a kiss from her Mum Rachel felt the tension of the past few months slip away.
‘Oh Mam, it’s lovely to be home. I was really looking forward to this. Like you wouldn’t believe.’
‘What kept you? The others are all gone to the pub they said they couldn’t wait any longer.’
‘I popped into Kate. I’m really worried about her so I brought her over her Christmas present and said a quick hi. I tried to get her to come with me but she wouldn’t .’
‘Ah, the poor child. How in God’s name is she coping. You should have insisted she came. I could at least have tried to put some meat on those skinny bones of hers.’
‘Well those skinny bones need more than one meal from Ma O’Brien I’m afraid. If you thought she was skinny before you should see her now. There’s nothing left of her Mam.’
‘Ah, life deals some queer hands to folks, that it does.’ Maura starting gathering the presents from Rachel arms into her own.
‘Well you’re here and you look like you could do with a meal yourself child. Get yourself into that kitchen so you can have my special Christmas Eve peasant duck.’
‘Mam, I’ll kill ya. I’ve lost a stone in the last few months, I’ve no intention of putting it all back on just because I’ve come home for a few days.’ Rachel smiled at her Mum and despite her resolve found herself following her into the kitchen and sitting herself at the island counter.
‘Now, maybe you should give your brothers and sister a call so they can relax and enjoy themselves. They were a little worried.’
Pouring a glass of red wine from the open bottle on the counter Rachel joked with her Mum.
‘They couldn’t have been that worried I haven’t received so much as a text. My lovely siblings are probably too pissed at this moment to even see the display on their phones.’
‘Did you notice how quite it was?’
‘Ye, I was just about to ask you where the kids were?’
‘Well, Michael and Aoife have that new Au Pair girl with them and she has all the kids watching some Disney Christmas film in the guest room. I haven’t heard a peep since they all left for the pub.’
‘That’s some feat. Does she have the baby with her aswell?’
‘Yes, Micky Jr is fast asleep but she’s keeping her eye on him. It is nice to have the peace and quiet but if I’m honest I miss the noise a little. I know I don’t have the energy I use to have but this place is so quiet all the time I like when my grand kids come over and create havoc. Keep’s me young.’ Maura was carving the duck she had removed from the oven. ‘Would you like a little taste love?’
Rachel smiled lovingly at her Mam.
‘Is the Pope catholic?’
Gratefully accepting some food Rachel wondered about what she had said.
‘Have you said it to Michael? Maybe he just thinks he’s doing you a favour by bringing Claudine to mind the kids.’
‘Ah no, I know he thinks it’s for the best. I don’t want to go upsetting anyone. You know me, not one to rock the boat.’
Rachel nearly spat the food out that she was eating.
‘Mam, of everyone I know you are the best person for rocking the boat. You’re certainly no shrinking violet.’
‘Cheeky pup.’ Maura snatched the wine glass from in front of Rachel. ‘I’ll teach you to be cheeky to your Mother.’
‘Ok, ok I give in. I’m wrong. You’re perfect. You never create an issue and the FBI should have you on their payroll as their top negotiator. Now hand back the wine before somebody gets hurt.’ Rachel climbed down from the bar stool and walked around the counter to her Mam.
‘Happy Christmas Mam. I love you.’
Maura patted the corner of her eyes with the t-towel in her hand.
‘Ah see I can’t even pretend to get angry with you love. You know just what to say to pull at your auld Mams heart strings.’ Reaching out she hugged Rachel to her before holding her at arms length. ‘I think you better get out of here before those nieces and nephews hear us. The pub will be closed before you get there at this rate.’
‘Maybe you have a point. Did Dad say he wants to come home early or is he staying down there for the duration with us?’
‘Oh you know him. Full of good intentions until the second pint and then it all goes out the window. Luckily for him I don’t want him here under my feet annoying me so I’m not following him down to drag him home. Some of those poor fellows he drinks with don’t get a minutes peace. The wives barely let them out of their sight. Poor Harry Murphy, you know Ethals husband, well if he isn’t back after the one she’s down there like a flash dragging him by the scruff back to the house. For what I don’t know. I mean really. What does she think he’s going to do? The man had a triple bypass last year, he’s 79 years of age and let’s be honest he’s no oil painting.’
‘Mam!’ Rachel screamed with laughter.
‘Well I mean does she think he’s going to take up with one of those lithe young things going into the new disco bar down there?’
‘You never know, they might appreciate the more mature man.’
‘Love I appreciate the more mature man, but I’m happy to have him out from under my feet, so I can watch what I want on the telly and when he does come home he’s much happier than if he moped around all night. And because we don’t live in each others pockets we can enjoy each other all the more when we do see each other if you know what I mean.’ Maura winked conspiratorially at Rachel.
‘Oh God Mam, that’s more information than I need to know.’
‘Oh get out of here child. Where do you think you came from?’
‘Ok, ok, enough. It’s Christmas. A time of goodwill and happy thoughts. That’s just too much for me to take in right now.’ She drained her glass and leaned in to kiss her Mam’s cheek.
‘I’ll make sure he stays so, and we’ll bring him back in one piece so you can have your wicked way with him .’
Maura flicked the t-towel at Rachel’s retreating back.
‘Oh darling, it’s wonderful to see you.’ Rachels Mother emerged from the kitchen wiping her wet hands in the apron which surrounded her ample figure. Embracing her youngest daughter her jolly contagious laugh caught them both up.
‘Well look at you?’ Rachel exclaimed. ‘You’re looking very festive Maura O Brien with your reindeer apron.’ Reaching out to receive a kiss from her Mum Rachel felt the tension of the past few months slip away.
‘Oh Mam, it’s lovely to be home. I was really looking forward to this. Like you wouldn’t believe.’
‘What kept you? The others are all gone to the pub they said they couldn’t wait any longer.’
‘I popped into Kate. I’m really worried about her so I brought her over her Christmas present and said a quick hi. I tried to get her to come with me but she wouldn’t .’
‘Ah, the poor child. How in God’s name is she coping. You should have insisted she came. I could at least have tried to put some meat on those skinny bones of hers.’
‘Well those skinny bones need more than one meal from Ma O’Brien I’m afraid. If you thought she was skinny before you should see her now. There’s nothing left of her Mam.’
‘Ah, life deals some queer hands to folks, that it does.’ Maura starting gathering the presents from Rachel arms into her own.
‘Well you’re here and you look like you could do with a meal yourself child. Get yourself into that kitchen so you can have my special Christmas Eve peasant duck.’
‘Mam, I’ll kill ya. I’ve lost a stone in the last few months, I’ve no intention of putting it all back on just because I’ve come home for a few days.’ Rachel smiled at her Mum and despite her resolve found herself following her into the kitchen and sitting herself at the island counter.
‘Now, maybe you should give your brothers and sister a call so they can relax and enjoy themselves. They were a little worried.’
Pouring a glass of red wine from the open bottle on the counter Rachel joked with her Mum.
‘They couldn’t have been that worried I haven’t received so much as a text. My lovely siblings are probably too pissed at this moment to even see the display on their phones.’
‘Did you notice how quite it was?’
‘Ye, I was just about to ask you where the kids were?’
‘Well, Michael and Aoife have that new Au Pair girl with them and she has all the kids watching some Disney Christmas film in the guest room. I haven’t heard a peep since they all left for the pub.’
‘That’s some feat. Does she have the baby with her aswell?’
‘Yes, Micky Jr is fast asleep but she’s keeping her eye on him. It is nice to have the peace and quiet but if I’m honest I miss the noise a little. I know I don’t have the energy I use to have but this place is so quiet all the time I like when my grand kids come over and create havoc. Keep’s me young.’ Maura was carving the duck she had removed from the oven. ‘Would you like a little taste love?’
Rachel smiled lovingly at her Mam.
‘Is the Pope catholic?’
Gratefully accepting some food Rachel wondered about what she had said.
‘Have you said it to Michael? Maybe he just thinks he’s doing you a favour by bringing Claudine to mind the kids.’
‘Ah no, I know he thinks it’s for the best. I don’t want to go upsetting anyone. You know me, not one to rock the boat.’
Rachel nearly spat the food out that she was eating.
‘Mam, of everyone I know you are the best person for rocking the boat. You’re certainly no shrinking violet.’
‘Cheeky pup.’ Maura snatched the wine glass from in front of Rachel. ‘I’ll teach you to be cheeky to your Mother.’
‘Ok, ok I give in. I’m wrong. You’re perfect. You never create an issue and the FBI should have you on their payroll as their top negotiator. Now hand back the wine before somebody gets hurt.’ Rachel climbed down from the bar stool and walked around the counter to her Mam.
‘Happy Christmas Mam. I love you.’
Maura patted the corner of her eyes with the t-towel in her hand.
‘Ah see I can’t even pretend to get angry with you love. You know just what to say to pull at your auld Mams heart strings.’ Reaching out she hugged Rachel to her before holding her at arms length. ‘I think you better get out of here before those nieces and nephews hear us. The pub will be closed before you get there at this rate.’
‘Maybe you have a point. Did Dad say he wants to come home early or is he staying down there for the duration with us?’
‘Oh you know him. Full of good intentions until the second pint and then it all goes out the window. Luckily for him I don’t want him here under my feet annoying me so I’m not following him down to drag him home. Some of those poor fellows he drinks with don’t get a minutes peace. The wives barely let them out of their sight. Poor Harry Murphy, you know Ethals husband, well if he isn’t back after the one she’s down there like a flash dragging him by the scruff back to the house. For what I don’t know. I mean really. What does she think he’s going to do? The man had a triple bypass last year, he’s 79 years of age and let’s be honest he’s no oil painting.’
‘Mam!’ Rachel screamed with laughter.
‘Well I mean does she think he’s going to take up with one of those lithe young things going into the new disco bar down there?’
‘You never know, they might appreciate the more mature man.’
‘Love I appreciate the more mature man, but I’m happy to have him out from under my feet, so I can watch what I want on the telly and when he does come home he’s much happier than if he moped around all night. And because we don’t live in each others pockets we can enjoy each other all the more when we do see each other if you know what I mean.’ Maura winked conspiratorially at Rachel.
‘Oh God Mam, that’s more information than I need to know.’
‘Oh get out of here child. Where do you think you came from?’
‘Ok, ok, enough. It’s Christmas. A time of goodwill and happy thoughts. That’s just too much for me to take in right now.’ She drained her glass and leaned in to kiss her Mam’s cheek.
‘I’ll make sure he stays so, and we’ll bring him back in one piece so you can have your wicked way with him .’
Maura flicked the t-towel at Rachel’s retreating back.
***
Jeremy strode into the front room where Marge was absentmindedly flicking channels
‘Would you like a sherry?’ He held out the minute hourglass shaped glass containing the amber liquid.
For a moment she sat unmoving before looking at him and then smiling stiffly said. ‘Why not?’ before reaching for the glass.
Under his breath Jeremy mumbled ‘Your welcome.’ The sarcastic tone was not lost on Marge but she didn’t have the strength to challenge him on it.
‘Not tonight.’ She thought to herself. ‘I don’t have the energy tonight.’
‘Are you actually watching that or can I put on my film?’ Jeremy leaned back in the comfortable recliner he had treated himself to during the summer. ‘Best investment I made, apart from the Golf clubs,’ he thought.
‘Well I was going to watch that David Attenborough programme I pointed out to you in the RTE guide.’
‘It’s a repeat woman, you’ve seen it at least four times at this stage. Any chance we could watch the dirty dozen?’
‘At least my programme is from this century. And you’ve seen that a lot more than four times Jeremy.’
‘It’s a classic film Marge, it’s meant to be watched and appreciated time and again. That’s what makes it a bloody Classic.’ Jeremy slammed his feet against the recliner base as the seat swung back up into a seated position. ‘Forget it. Watch whatever you want. I’m going out.’
Marge mumbled under her breath.
‘Typical.’
‘Excuse me, what was that you said?’
‘Never mind what I said. You don’t have any interest in what I have to say anymore. So let’s not pretend you care now Jeremy. I’ve seen a different side to you since our son was killed and quite frankly I’m appalled and shocked at it.’
‘Oh give me a break woman.’ Jeremy stormed out and the noise of the slamming front door reverberated around the walls of their home. Marge sat in silence for a long while motionlessly watching the muted pictures flash by her on the television screen. She patted away the stray tears that mocked her as they slide down her cheeks.
‘What is happening to us Lord?’ she prayed as her hands entwined each other. ‘Why have you forsaken me at my time of need?’ She listened for her God’s reply but heard nothing in return. Just silence. And then Jeremy’s car revving as he reversed like a demon out of their driveway.
‘Would you like a sherry?’ He held out the minute hourglass shaped glass containing the amber liquid.
For a moment she sat unmoving before looking at him and then smiling stiffly said. ‘Why not?’ before reaching for the glass.
Under his breath Jeremy mumbled ‘Your welcome.’ The sarcastic tone was not lost on Marge but she didn’t have the strength to challenge him on it.
‘Not tonight.’ She thought to herself. ‘I don’t have the energy tonight.’
‘Are you actually watching that or can I put on my film?’ Jeremy leaned back in the comfortable recliner he had treated himself to during the summer. ‘Best investment I made, apart from the Golf clubs,’ he thought.
‘Well I was going to watch that David Attenborough programme I pointed out to you in the RTE guide.’
‘It’s a repeat woman, you’ve seen it at least four times at this stage. Any chance we could watch the dirty dozen?’
‘At least my programme is from this century. And you’ve seen that a lot more than four times Jeremy.’
‘It’s a classic film Marge, it’s meant to be watched and appreciated time and again. That’s what makes it a bloody Classic.’ Jeremy slammed his feet against the recliner base as the seat swung back up into a seated position. ‘Forget it. Watch whatever you want. I’m going out.’
Marge mumbled under her breath.
‘Typical.’
‘Excuse me, what was that you said?’
‘Never mind what I said. You don’t have any interest in what I have to say anymore. So let’s not pretend you care now Jeremy. I’ve seen a different side to you since our son was killed and quite frankly I’m appalled and shocked at it.’
‘Oh give me a break woman.’ Jeremy stormed out and the noise of the slamming front door reverberated around the walls of their home. Marge sat in silence for a long while motionlessly watching the muted pictures flash by her on the television screen. She patted away the stray tears that mocked her as they slide down her cheeks.
‘What is happening to us Lord?’ she prayed as her hands entwined each other. ‘Why have you forsaken me at my time of need?’ She listened for her God’s reply but heard nothing in return. Just silence. And then Jeremy’s car revving as he reversed like a demon out of their driveway.
***
‘I think I’ll try her one more time.’ Jack picked up the receiver as Rose followed him to the hallway and gently took it from his hand and replaced it on the cradle of the phone.
‘Leave her alone. You heard what she said earlier. She was going to bed and would see us tomorrow. She’ll be ok darling.’
Jack leaned down and placed a tender kiss on his wife’s forehead.
‘When did I become the worrier and you the sensible one?’
Smiling at him Rose responded.
‘Darling, I’ve always been the sensible one it’s just taken you forty years to realize it.’
As Jack wrapped his arms around Rose he hugged her tightly to him.
‘You are the light of wisdom in all our lives.’
Playfully Rose pushed him away.
‘Go on away with ya Jack Black you love making fun of me.’
Jack reached to grab her back but she moved too quickly towards the kitchen door.
‘Rose, my darling, I meant every word of it.’ Jack couldn’t hold the laughter any longer. ‘Ok, ok, you’re right. I may be takin’ the mick just a little.’ He stretched his arm out again to reach for her and this time she allowed herself to be caught in his embrace. Softly he whispered to her. ‘But I do mean it when I say you are my light Rose Black. Nobody in this world holds a candle to you. Merry Christmas my love.’
Jack kissed her tenderly on the lips and Rose eagerly responded. For a few moments they stood at the door opening holding each other as the smell of the pine Christmas tree wafted around them and the warmth of cinnamon and apple from the candles scented the air.
‘I wish Kate could feel this love with Dan and Alex this Christmas time.’ Rose said wistfully.
‘I know love. So do I, but for reasons I’ll never fully understand it looks like our Katie has been dealt a really rough ride. All we can do is go along with her. That’s why I was calling. I think she sounded very upset earlier when she was on the phone.’
The silence was shattered by the shrill ringing of the telephone.
Looking from one to another Jack noticed Rose take a sharp intake of breath. Nowadays the phone ringing late at night tended to bring with it memories of hearing about Dan and Alex.
‘It’s alright love. I’ll get it.’ Jack had reached the phone in two steps.
‘Hello?’
‘Jack? It’s Rachel.’
‘Ah Rachel.’ Jack nodded and smiled over at Rose. ‘Happy Christmas to you my dear.’
‘Happy Christmas to you and Mrs B aswell. I’m just calling to say I popped into Kate earlier on my way over to Mams and she seems ok all things considered.’
‘Oh thanks love. We were just talking about her here and I was worried about her. She wasn’t answering the phone and Mrs B was the one trying to calm me down.’
‘Well, I know she was in bed when I arrived because I had a hard time getting into the house. In fact I was a little worried myself but I got her up, gave her a present and we even managed to get her to smile.’
‘Great news dear, great news. So do you think she was alright when you left?’
‘She definatley was very sad and putting on a brave face, but I think she was grateful that I called by. I’d say she just wanted to go back to sleep and her plan is to get these few days over with as quickly as possible.’
‘Yes, yes, you’re right. Rachel you’re great. Thanks.’
Rose had joined Jack now and as he said his goodbyes he handed the phone to her.
‘Rachel, happy Christmas love.’
‘Ah, Mrs B, Happy Christmas to you too.’
‘Are you spending it in your Mams?’
‘I am that alright. In fact I’m just arriving to the pub now where the family are probably in the process of getting themselves thrown out for singing the usual array of Christmas Carols, so I better go and save them from themselves.’
‘Alright dear, oh goodness it certainly sounds very noisy anyhow. Give my best to your folks and I hope we’ll see you over the few days?’
‘Of course. You won’t get away without seeing me.’
‘We’ll look forward to it so. Happy Christmas again dear. Bye bye.’
Rose hung up the phone just as the decibal levels reached screaming point at Rachels end of the line.
‘Lovely girl.’ Said Rose as they walked back into the kitchen. ‘Kate has a good friend there. I hope she doesn’t go pushing her away.’
‘That won’t happen love. Sure Rachel and Kate are too strong for that.’
‘Balance has been restored in the universe,’ thought Jack to himself as he watched his wife potter around the kitchen with her worried expression firmly placed on her brow. ‘She still needs me to be the strong one,’ he thought.
‘Leave her alone. You heard what she said earlier. She was going to bed and would see us tomorrow. She’ll be ok darling.’
Jack leaned down and placed a tender kiss on his wife’s forehead.
‘When did I become the worrier and you the sensible one?’
Smiling at him Rose responded.
‘Darling, I’ve always been the sensible one it’s just taken you forty years to realize it.’
As Jack wrapped his arms around Rose he hugged her tightly to him.
‘You are the light of wisdom in all our lives.’
Playfully Rose pushed him away.
‘Go on away with ya Jack Black you love making fun of me.’
Jack reached to grab her back but she moved too quickly towards the kitchen door.
‘Rose, my darling, I meant every word of it.’ Jack couldn’t hold the laughter any longer. ‘Ok, ok, you’re right. I may be takin’ the mick just a little.’ He stretched his arm out again to reach for her and this time she allowed herself to be caught in his embrace. Softly he whispered to her. ‘But I do mean it when I say you are my light Rose Black. Nobody in this world holds a candle to you. Merry Christmas my love.’
Jack kissed her tenderly on the lips and Rose eagerly responded. For a few moments they stood at the door opening holding each other as the smell of the pine Christmas tree wafted around them and the warmth of cinnamon and apple from the candles scented the air.
‘I wish Kate could feel this love with Dan and Alex this Christmas time.’ Rose said wistfully.
‘I know love. So do I, but for reasons I’ll never fully understand it looks like our Katie has been dealt a really rough ride. All we can do is go along with her. That’s why I was calling. I think she sounded very upset earlier when she was on the phone.’
The silence was shattered by the shrill ringing of the telephone.
Looking from one to another Jack noticed Rose take a sharp intake of breath. Nowadays the phone ringing late at night tended to bring with it memories of hearing about Dan and Alex.
‘It’s alright love. I’ll get it.’ Jack had reached the phone in two steps.
‘Hello?’
‘Jack? It’s Rachel.’
‘Ah Rachel.’ Jack nodded and smiled over at Rose. ‘Happy Christmas to you my dear.’
‘Happy Christmas to you and Mrs B aswell. I’m just calling to say I popped into Kate earlier on my way over to Mams and she seems ok all things considered.’
‘Oh thanks love. We were just talking about her here and I was worried about her. She wasn’t answering the phone and Mrs B was the one trying to calm me down.’
‘Well, I know she was in bed when I arrived because I had a hard time getting into the house. In fact I was a little worried myself but I got her up, gave her a present and we even managed to get her to smile.’
‘Great news dear, great news. So do you think she was alright when you left?’
‘She definatley was very sad and putting on a brave face, but I think she was grateful that I called by. I’d say she just wanted to go back to sleep and her plan is to get these few days over with as quickly as possible.’
‘Yes, yes, you’re right. Rachel you’re great. Thanks.’
Rose had joined Jack now and as he said his goodbyes he handed the phone to her.
‘Rachel, happy Christmas love.’
‘Ah, Mrs B, Happy Christmas to you too.’
‘Are you spending it in your Mams?’
‘I am that alright. In fact I’m just arriving to the pub now where the family are probably in the process of getting themselves thrown out for singing the usual array of Christmas Carols, so I better go and save them from themselves.’
‘Alright dear, oh goodness it certainly sounds very noisy anyhow. Give my best to your folks and I hope we’ll see you over the few days?’
‘Of course. You won’t get away without seeing me.’
‘We’ll look forward to it so. Happy Christmas again dear. Bye bye.’
Rose hung up the phone just as the decibal levels reached screaming point at Rachels end of the line.
‘Lovely girl.’ Said Rose as they walked back into the kitchen. ‘Kate has a good friend there. I hope she doesn’t go pushing her away.’
‘That won’t happen love. Sure Rachel and Kate are too strong for that.’
‘Balance has been restored in the universe,’ thought Jack to himself as he watched his wife potter around the kitchen with her worried expression firmly placed on her brow. ‘She still needs me to be the strong one,’ he thought.
No comments:
Post a Comment