Going Home

Part 22

Later that night as Grace and Josh were watching TV Josh’s phone rang. Looking at Grace with a sense of deja vu Josh picked up the phone and pushed the receive button. He didn’t even bother to look at who was calling. It would be a number he didn’t know and besides he knew who it was. “Hello”

Hearing the gruff greeting Margaret Joshua began a little hesitantly “Um Josh? It’s your mother.” The first time she rang she didn’t realise how hard it would be saying those words and it’s not any easier this time. She wasn’t used to using that word in relation to herself anymore, she hadn’t felt like a mother for a long time and she doubted Josh has considered her one for years either.

“Yeah?” Josh replied.

“I was wondering if we could have breakfast tomorrow. You tell me where and I’ll be there” she said trying to make it as easy as possible.

“Hang on.” Josh said and putting his hand over the phone he looked at Grace “she wants to have breakfast tomorrow, where will we go?”

Looking at him Grace said “tell her to come here.”

Josh just looked her, doubt visible in his eyes. He wasn’t sure he wanted her at their place.

Seeing the look on his face Grace sighed “Josh she’s your mother not some stalker, tell her to come here.”

Frowning at her Josh lifted his hand off the phone and replied in short sharp sentences “I’ll give you our address. We’ll have breakfast here.”

Breakfast at Josh’s home was better than Margaret had hoped for. Despite his tone on the phone she hoped this was a positive sign.

Watching as Josh hung up the phone Grace noticed his frown. “What’s the problem?”

Looking over at her Josh didn’t know how to answer. He wasn’t entirely sure himself what his objection to his mother coming was and rubbing his face he said “nothing I guess.” Then turning his head to look at her asked “you ready for bed? I’ve had enough for today.”

Smiling at him tenderly Grace nodded “sure.” She knew today has been hard for him and as they got into bed a few minutes later, she was worried Josh wouldn’t be able to sleep. She made a suggestion that she hoped would help him relax “hey feel like a massage?”