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.

The Locked Door

Part 24

Two days later it was the night before Jaya had to go home. She was once more staying at Walker’s mother’s house. Jaya didn’t mind it so much second time around and she made sure to go up and speak to the older woman for a few minutes when she arrived. Not wanting to tire her though, Jaya didn’t stay with her long. Afterwards while Walker spent some time with his mother Jaya made them some dinner. As usual the nurse that came in during the day had given the older woman dinner before she left for the day.

When Walker came back down Jaya had everything ready and they sat at the island bench to eat. Walker took a couple of bites but then stopped. Jaya looked over at him wondering if he didn’t like what she had prepared.

The Locked Door

Part 23

It was only twenty minutes later that Walker reappeared. Jaya looked up from her seat on the couch.

“She’s asleep” he said and holding out his hand to help her up he added “thanks for talking to her.”

“My pleasure” Jaya said “I like your mum.”

He smiled “she liked you too.”

Jaya was pleased and she hugged him.

After bending to give her a quick kiss he said “let’s eat.”

Jaya smiled and with his arm wrapped around her shoulders they walked into the kitchen. 

The Locked Door

Part 22

When Walker opened the door to her and saw her bag the smile he had greeted her with widened, “you’re staying?”

Jaya grinned and nodded “if your invitation still stands?”

“Definitely” he said and drew her into his arms and kissed her.

When he eased back a few minutes later he said “do you want to come and meet mum?”

“Sure” she said as nerves had her heart beating faster.

He smiled “give me that” he said taking her bag “I’ll be back in a second” and he walked off in the direction of his bedroom. In a few seconds he was back and clasping her hand he said “come on” and led her up the stairs. 

The Locked Door

Part 21

It was later that night that Jaya broached the subject of was going to happen when the week was over. “What are we going to do after this weekend? I have to go back to town.”

“I don’t know” Walker said in a flat tone.

“I mean we don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. I was just wondering what you were thinking.”

He looked over and met her gaze. “I want to see you but I can’t leave here.”

Jaya nodded “no I know you can’t” she said.

“I don’t feel right asking you to come up here either” he said. “You have a life in the city.

Jaya chest tightened. “So what are you saying?”

The Locked Door

Part 20

When the heat of passion had passed Walker kissed her head and said “still weird?”

“If I think about it, yes.”

He grinned “then I’d better make sure you have no time to think” he teased as he rolled over to lie upon her. Leaning down he kissed her and for the next little while Jaya did indeed stop thinking.

“So are you staying?” Walker said a little later as he stroked her bare back.

“No” she said turning her head to smile at him to take the sting out of her refusal. “I don’t feel right about that at the moment.”

“Okay” he said “you’re call. Miller will be here tomorrow night so I’ll be able to stay with you.”

Jaya smiled “I’ll look forward to that” she said.

“Same here” he said leaning over to kiss her.