by Wendy Smith
My back hurts right along with my eyes.
“Did you have a good sleep?” Mum asks, as I stagger out into the kitchen blurry eyed and almost as tired as the night before.
“It was fine, Mum. I’m just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.”
She smiles. “I’m sure. I’ve packed some sandwiches for your lunch so you can focus on getting unpacked and not have to worry.”
“Thank you.” I am grateful for what my family have done for me. My brother took over this end of the move to help me out, and being able to come right here was a relief last night, even if I have to stifle a yawn.
“Take a seat and I’ll make you a coffee.”
My boys sit at the table with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and bowls I assume had cereal in them.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Morning, Mum.” Braden smiles.
Xander scrapes the bottom of his bowl. “Can we go now?”
I know he’s keen to get to the new house and shut the rest of the world out. It’s his thing.
“I’ll just drink my coffee and we’ll get going. Grandma’s made us some lunch.”
Braden’s eyes widen, but he looks back down at his hot chocolate.
“Did you want anything to eat, Chloe?” Mum asks.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll just have the coffee and get going.”
She places it in front of me. “Are you sure? I have cereal, and I have toast.”
“I’m sure. Thanks, Mum.”
“You always did eat like a sparrow. No wonder you’re so thin.”
I swallow down any smart remark. I’ve never been a huge eater, but I’ve also had a lot of stress to deal with, and moving hasn’t helped.
Besides, I’m as keen as Xander to get to the new house now.
“I’m just tired, Mum. That bed hasn’t got any more comfortable over time.” I laugh.
“You’re not wrong,” Braden grumbles.
I sip my coffee while Mum and Dad make small talk with the boys. My brain’s so frazzled, I’m not sure I’ll get much done other than unpack a few things and crawl into bed.
After a while, I smile and drain my coffee.
“Right. Finish your drinks and let’s go. We have a lot to do today.”
“Did you want to come back for dinner?” Mum says.
I shake my head. “I promised the boys we could have pizza tonight. It’s been a tiring few days, so I think we deserve a treat.”
She nods. “Just let me know if you need anything more.”
“I will. Thank you for everything.”
I breathe in the warm air gently blowing in through the open car window and smile as we make our way to our new home.
“Is this the way we came last night?” Xander’s confusion is clear in his voice.
“Not quite. I’m just going to grab some milk and bread so we have some basic food in the house.”
“So we don’t have to eat Grandma’s lunch?” Braden asks.
I laugh. “She made sandwiches, and if I know her there’ll be peanut butter, and vegemite. She knows I like them.”
“Together?” He stares at me with wide eyes.
“No. She’s not that bad.” I roll my eyes and pull over at the side of the road beside a dairy. “Do you two want anything else?”
“Can you see if they’ve got hot pies? I’m still hungry after breakfast,” Xander asks.
I chuckle. “Sure. Is that for both of you?”
“Yes, please.” Braden adds.
Tomorrow, I’ll have to go to the supermarket. Living with two sixteen-year-olds who are bottomless pits when it comes to food isn’t cheap, but it’s one more step to settling into a normal life here.
“Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I grab my bag from the backseat and head into the dairy. Grabbing milk, bread, and hot pies, I head back out to the car. The food smells so good, my stomach rumbles.
“Can we eat them now?”
I laugh. “Yes, and I got one for me too.”
“Maybe then you won’t be so thin.” Braden does an impersonation of his grandmother that’s so accurate, and I just shake my head.
“Don’t do that.” I moan.
“She shouldn’t be so mean.”
“She’s my mother, and she worries about me.” I take a bite of my pie. “Oh, my God. That’s so good.”
Xander nods. “Better than dinner last night.”
I grin. “She tries. Don’t be too hard on her. She’s very happy to have you home.” Pausing, I take another bite and swallow it down. “We still have your other grandparents to go and visit.”
“Do we have to?” Braden asks.
I try not to sigh too loudly. My relationship with my mother-in-law is strained. It was fine when we were kids, but my teenage pregnancy didn’t go down well at all, and of course her beloved boy wasn’t as much to blame as me.
But she does love the boys.
We did our best to shelter them from any resentment she had toward me. Scott made it clear that he didn’t appreciate it, and always took my side. Sadly, my sweet boys worked it all out for themselves. And when she showed up for Scott’s funeral and tried to take over, ignoring his wishes, it set her on a whole new path of disliking me.
I’m not looking forward to seeing her.
We eat in silence before I start the car and set off again.
My beautiful new home, with the veranda running around the outside, and the sweet little garden. It’s a sight for sore eyes, even after our brief visit yesterday. It’s a connection to the past and all the love I had back then. A love I miss so much.
I pull into the driveway and come to a stop, and Braden and Xander are out the car before I can even catch a breath.
“Mum, hurry up.”
I’m not even sure which one it is who calls out, but I sigh and switch off the car before opening the door and stepping out.
It’s not a long walk to the front door, and my hand shakes as I slide the key in the lock and turn the handle.
Buying a house was the biggest thing I’ve ever done by myself, and it scared the hell out of me. But I think it’s one more way of me claiming a new life, and I’m proud I did it. The boys were a little unsure at first—they had friends back in Auckland—but in the end they agreed it was a good decision for our family.
They’ll keep touch with those friends, and we have plenty of room for them to visit.
“Wow. It’s bigger than I thought it was,” Braden says.
I step into the entranceway and look around. Of course I’ve seen pictures, but this is so much better. To my right, polished wooden floor gives way to thick carpet in the living room, and carpeted stairs lead up to the bedrooms with the kitchen and dining down the back of the house.
It’s clean, and fresh, and home.
“Take your shoes off and go and explore. The beds should already be in our rooms. I just have to find the box of linen. Hopefully your uncle got the movers to put it in a sensible place.” I laugh.
Both of them rush past me and up the stairs. My head thumps from last night’s bad sleep, so my goal today is to make the beds and unpack enough of the kitchen that I can make a coffee.
If he did as I asked, Caleb had the movers put the boxes in the rooms they were destined for. I made sure they were clearly marked—he just had to do his part.
As I walk into the kitchen, I breathe a sigh of relief when I spot the important kitchen supplies box on the bench as requested.
Tearing it open, I pull out my kettle and the coffee making supplies.
The box also contains four mugs, and I grab them out and give them a quick wash in the sink before filling the kettle and plugging it in.
It’ll take a few minutes, and I lean against the bench and close my eyes.
“Hey, sis.”
I turn.
My older brother, Caleb, stands in the doorway, a wide smile on his face. He’s probably the one person I kept in touch with the most back
home. He even visited us when we were overseas. And the boys adore him.
I’m glad they’ll have his influence while we’re living here, even if he’s forty and still single.
There are no words that can describe how I feel about seeing him here. My heart’s overwhelmed by his presence, and I say nothing but cross the room and throw myself into his arms.
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “I’m guessing you’re glad to see me?”
“I’m tired and you’re such a sight for sore eyes. Thank you for organising this end of the move for me.”
“You’re welcome. How was your drive?”
I pull back and nod. “Long. Want a coffee?”
“I’d love one. Where are the boys?”
“Upstairs, unpacking in their rooms. I still have to make the beds and haven’t progressed past the kitchen yet, but I’m just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.”
He nods. “You stayed in that rock hard bed at Mum’s last night?”
“Yes, with a teenager on either side. But I have plans for pizza and an early night tonight.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
I let him go and return to the bench to line up another mug.
“I bet you’re glad to be here,” he says.
“I am. I’ll be enrolling the boys in school tomorrow, and then we can get some routine back in our lives.” I sigh. “After all this unpacking.”
The kettle flicks off, and I spoon the coffee and sugar into the cups before pouring the milk and then the hot water.
He’s sitting at the kitchen table and smiles as I approach.
“And what about you? All I’ve heard these past weeks is how important this move was for the boys, but do you get a life of your own now?”
I shrug, placing his coffee in front of him and sitting opposite. “I get to come home and spend more time with you.”
“Stop it.” He laughs. “You deserve some happiness. Lord knows you’ve been through enough. It’s been four years.”
I take a sip of coffee to avoid speaking straight away. “I’m not sure there’s a set amount of time for grieving.”
He leans forward. “Of course not. But you’re so young and you have a whole new life ahead of you. I know you wanted more kids. You could still have that.”
I know he’s right. And I have had offers. But when you lose the love of your life at thirty-one, that’s a mighty big gap to fill.
Tears prick my eyes. What I need is to go and sort out my bed and have a sleep—not be preached at by my brother. “It’s not just me I have to worry about.”
“The boys will be fine. They’re old enough to understand you finding someone new. I’d volunteer to babysit while you’re on dates, but they don’t need me.”
I laugh at the thought of Caleb taking care of my near-adult boys.
He fixes his blue-eyed gaze on me. I love my brother with all my heart, but right now I want to smack him even though, I’m sure, this is all stuff I need to hear.
“Find someone who loves you with their whole heart, Chloe. Scott’s not the only one who’ll do that. You might be my annoying little sister, but I know you’re so full of love, and when the right person comes along, you’ll be able to share that again.”
I blink back tears and chew on my bottom lip. “When did you get so soppy?”
“I’m in love. Again. But that’s beside the point.”
I laugh. “You’re in love?”
“Yes, and it’s real this time. Not like all the other times.”
Nodding, I wipe the tears from my face and smile. “Then, I’m happy for you. When can I meet her?”
“Well, we’ve only been out once, so not just yet.” He flashes that grin at me, and all I can do is laugh again. Caleb and I have always been polar opposites. He’s never done anything but play the field whereas I’ve been with just one person for all of my teens right up until death did us part. “That’s better. At least you’re smiling. Anyway, just so you know, I treated the pool when I was here the other day and got the pump up and running so you can go for a swim. There was a cover left on it, so it wasn’t too bad. It should be good when you want to use it.”
“Thank you.”
He takes a long drink of his coffee. “I bet you can’t wait to set up your coffee machine.”
My eyebrows rise. “Is that you criticising my coffee making skills?”
He laughs. “No, but when it is set up, I’ll know where to come for a good, free one.”
I shake my head at him. “You know you’re welcome any time. Even if it is just for my coffee.”
“Uncle Caleb.” Braden comes bursting into the room.
“Hey, buddy. How’s it going?”
“Good. We’re having pizza for dinner tonight. Can you join us?”
Caleb exchanges a glance with me. “Not tonight, but I will soon.”
Braden’s face falls.
“Sometime during the week I’ll swing by and take you guys for a drive. Give your mum a bit of time by herself. Maybe we can go and grab some lunch together. Sound good?”
Braden nods. “That’d be great.”
“Is everything where it’s meant to be? I followed your instructions.” Caleb shifts his gaze to me.
I nod. “Seems to be. No one’s complained yet.”
He smiles. “That’s good.”
Braden heads to the bench and opens the lid on the box of sandwiches Mum gave us.
“Can we eat these?”
“It’s not even lunchtime,” I say.
“But I’m hungry.”
Caleb laughs. “I bet you’re always hungry.”
“Pretty much.” I stand and pick up the box, placing it in the middle of the table. “Help yourself and tell your brother he can as well. I’m sure unpacking uses a lot of energy.”
Braden grabs a handful of food and disappears back upstairs.
“They are so much like me when I was their age,” Caleb says.
“I hope not.” I poke my tongue at him.
He drains his coffee and stands. “Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you got here okay. I’ll pop in during the week and take those boys off your hands for a while.”
“Thank you. I seem to be saying that a lot to you lately. I’ll walk you out.”
I walk around the table and hug him again. As much as we used to snark at each other, he really is one of the best parts of being home.
Following him out to the front door, I stop as he opens it.
“Hey, the school reunion’s on Saturday. Are you going?”
I shrug. “I registered, but I’ll see how I feel by then.”
“It’s three days away, so at least you’ll have had some sleep. You should go. It’ll do you some good.” He laughs.
“What about you? Are you going?”
Caleb screws up his face. “It depends. I’m going out on Saturday with my new lady, so if that goes well, no. If it goes badly, then I might see you there.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re terrible.”
“Yeah, but you love me. Call me if you need any help with anything.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
For a moment, I watch him as he walks down the front path to his car. He’s always lived such a carefree life, but he’s been there when I needed him. He drove through the night to be with me when Scott died, and back then he did take care of my boys.
I owe my brother a great debt.
And maybe I’ll take his advice.
After clearing away the cups, I walk to the base of the stairs and sigh.
Reaching the boys’ bedrooms, I smile as I turn my head left and then right to see them busy, setting up their rooms. Xander’s even making his bed.
“You found the linen box, then?” I ask.
“Go and look in your room, Mum,” Braden calls out.
I walk to the end of the hallway and into my bedroom. There are boxes everywhere, but against one wall, my bed is made. It’s enough to bring tears to my
eyes again.
“We raised them well, Scott,” I whisper. “You’d be proud of them.”
“Have a sleep, Mum. We’ll unpack our stuff and we can order pizza later.” Xander’s voice comes from his room.
I smile. A nap will do me the world of good, and there’s no time limit on unpacking. It can all wait until later.
Stripping down to just my T-shirt, I slide between the fresh sheets and sigh.
Lying down on one pillow, I pull the other pillow close and breathe into it. Scott’s scent is long since gone, but sleeping in our old bed gives me a sense of peace.
Caleb means well, encouraging me to look for love, but I’m not in any hurry.
I’m not sure if lightning really does strike twice.
Three
Hunter
I haven’t met my new neighbour yet, but she has the nicest arse I’ve ever seen.
I’m a terrible man for ogling her out the window, but there’s no other way for me to describe it as I watch her white bikini clad body clearing the leaves out of the pool.
She bends over, completely oblivious to me watching her, and I feel like such a dirty old man, but at the same time, I can’t stop watching.
I didn’t see her face—she’s wearing a cap and sunglasses, but she’s spent most of the time turned away from me anyway, the large scoop in hand, flinging the leaves over the pool fence and onto the lawn.
My phone rings loudly from the other side of the room, and I sigh, walking over to pick it up and returning to my spot by the window. I glance at the screen before answering.
“Darren.”
“Hunter.”
Darren’s an old school buddy and client of my security firm. He’s nice enough, but I’ve been resisting the invites he and his wife keep extending for dinner.
“I’m calling to check if you’re still coming to the school reunion.”
I pull back the blind, one eye still on the woman next door. The previous occupants of that house already caused me enough trouble. I don’t need any more.
“Not really sure if I can be bothered. I already see the people who actually mean something to me on a semi-regular basis.”
