Going Home

Part 139

Leaving father and son to examine the ute in detail Grace went inside with Margaret “so what’s the plan?” she said.
Smiling Margaret turned to look at Grace and the excitement she was feeling was evident “well this is the first Christmas we have celebrated since Gavin died, and I want to make up for lost time. So tonight we are having drinks here with some of the neighbours. Then tomorrow we’ll do the traditional Christmas morning thing and have a family brunch. My sister and her family will be here too. After that I thought we would get packed up and head to town about two. Does that sound okay? It won’t make us too late to your parents place will it?”

Smiling at her enthusiasm Grace said “Margaret that sounds wonderful and Mum doesn’t care what time we get there. My family will all be there for the evening and she knows we have to travel from here. But anyway if we leave here at two it should be perfect.”

All of a sudden a frown appeared on Margaret’s face, reminding Grace of Josh. Wondering what had caused it she said softly “what?”

Serious now Margaret said “it’s just that I’ve explained to Judy, my sister, and her family about calling Josh, Josh not Brendan. But who knows if they’ll remember. With that many people you just never know what someone will say and I don’t want Josh to be upset so it’s got me a little worried.”

Giving Margaret a sympathetic smile Grace said “I wouldn’t worry about it Margaret, Josh has come along way since you first contacted him. I’m sure that wouldn’t affect him now but if you like I can talk to him about it.”

Smiling Margaret said “oh thank you Grace, it would be a relief if I knew ahead of time that he will be okay about it.”

Grace’s smile appeared again “no worries. I’ll tackle him on it later.” Then turning to practical matters she said “now what can I do to help?”

The Locked Door

Part 25

For the next few months Jaya and Walker moved backwards and forwards between the city and the small country town. It was not ideal as Jaya did not see nearly enough of Walker and Walker felt the same, but they made it work. 

Over that time Jaya met Walker’s sister whom she liked. They became good friends and Jaya became very attached to their mother. Therefore it was with a great deal of sadness that Jaya learnt of her death six months after she had first met Walker.

Jaya went back to the small town to be with Walker and stay for the funeral. When she pulled up at his mother’s house Jaya had only just opened the door when Walker appeared and walked towards her. His expression was sad and Jaya opened her arms. Walker stepped into her embrace and buried his face into her hair as his arms closed around her waist and held her tight.