The Perfect Gift

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘Hello?’ she called out. There was no sign of Jill so she assumed she was out. As she toasted a pita bread to have with the hummus she’d swiped from the shop, she heard giggling coming from the bedroom. Sighing, she realised Jill had company – again.

  ‘Hey,’ Jill said staggering into the kitchen, looking like she’d been dragged through a bush backwards.

  ‘Nice look,’ Róisín said with a grin. ‘In the movies it looks cute when a girl wears her fella’s clothes, but an AC/DC T-shirt with holes doesn’t quite cut it.’

  ‘Ah who cares,’ Jill said. ‘Guess what?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Gordon’s moving in. Officially. As in we’re going to be a proper grown-up couple instead of just shag buddies.’

  ‘No way!’ Róisín said, rushing to hug her while trying to hide her dismay. ‘Oh my God, that’s such exciting news. Congratulations!’

  ‘We decided officially just a while ago. We’ve been consummating our decision,’ she said with a wink.

  ‘Super. A little too much info, mind you. Aw, I’m thrilled for you.’

  ‘Really?’ she said.

  ‘Of course you goon, why wouldn’t I be?’

  ‘Yeah, it’s totally great … But …’

  ‘But what?’

  ‘Oh Ro-Ro, I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a cow …’

  ‘Try me,’ she said, feeling suddenly nervous.

  ‘Well, you know the way I was renting here for a few months before you joined me?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Me and Gordon have been chatting and we kind of … well, we think we’d like to live on our own for a bit.’

  ‘Oh sure,’ she said swallowing. ‘Of course. So when are you thinking of moving out?’ This wasn’t a great time to try and find a new flatmate and she really didn’t want to take on paying all the rent herself.

  ‘Well, that’s kind of the thing … we were wondering if … you could move out?’

  ‘Oh. I see. Oh, right. I’ll find some place else. When was Gordon thinking of moving in?’

  ‘Done deed, Rosie-Posie-Ro-Ro,’ he said appearing in his rather unattractive y-fronts. His dark furry paunch and fairly impressive man-boobs weren’t helping – at all. Resisting the urge to cover her eyes with her hands, she turned to the kitchen sink for refuge.

  ‘Gordon,’ Jill giggled. ‘Put away your moobs. Poor Róisín doesn’t know where to look. Besides,’ she sidled over to him, ‘you’re mine now, so you can’t go flaunting your bits at other women.’

  ‘Oh don’t you worry. I wouldn’t dream of infringing on your territory, Jill.’

  ‘Especially when you have lover boy Rob at your beck and call,’ Jill said with a wink. ‘I know you’re keeping your cards close to your chest as usual Ro-Ro, but I know you too well. Maybe you could get a little love nest with him?’

  ‘I think you’re putting two and two together and coming up with five,’ Róisín said. ‘Rob is a nice guy but he’s not my type, and he’s in a serious relationship.’

  ‘Could’ve fooled me,’ Jill snorted. ‘The two of you were as thick as thieves the other night.’

  ‘He was giving me some business advice, that’s all. He has a few issues at the moment too, so we were kind of venting at one another.’

  ‘Is that what they call it now?’ Gordon said, pinching Jill’s bottom. ‘We do lots of venting at each other too, don’t we Jilly-Nilly-Milly-Moo?’

  ‘Right, so, that’s fine then,’ Róisín said, hoping she was hiding her hurt. She knew it was all perfectly reasonable and it was a great thing if Jill wanted to live with this ape. But she was feeling so vulnerable in so many ways just at the minute. Having no home on top of it all was really not what she’d have opted for.

  ‘I knew you’d understand,’ Jill said. ‘So we’re still pals? And there’s totally no hassle with you staying until you find a place.’

  ‘Yeah, don’t think we’re kicking you out. We don’t want any homeless friends. Ugh, not cool,’ Gordon said, bursting out laughing. Róisín yet again felt that surge of violence. It confirmed what she already knew: she had to get out of here, and fast.

  ‘We’ve told our folks and they’re all stoked for us, so we’re meeting at the Thatch pub at eight thirty. You’ll come, won’t you?’ Jill asked.

  ‘Yup, a moo-ving in party,’ he said making cow noises and laughing.

  ‘I’ll be there, but I’m not sure what time,’ Róisín said as she explained about Liv.

  ‘Oh no!’ Jill looked genuinely concerned. ‘Poor Liv. That’s awful. I feel really guilty now. You’re trying to deal with this and I’m here bouncing around like a Jack-in-the-box on speed. No wonder I detected an odd vibe from you.’ Jill pulled her into a massive hug and kissed her on the head. ‘You take your time and we’ll see you whenever you can.’

  All thoughts of Gordon and his moobs were well and truly put to the back of her mind as Róisín pulled up at the B&B. The children were playing with a small kite in the front garden and came rushing to greet her.

  ‘We’re having a sleepover here,’ Billy reported. ‘Our girls went back to Franceland and Spainland and Mum is at the hop-it-al. Daddy is still in America and he’s not coming home yet.’

  ‘Well I’m sure Mum will be fine again soon,’ Róisín said. The children didn’t seem to understand that their mum was unwell, so she kept smiling and told them she’d come out and help with the kite in a while.

  ‘Granddad is helping us to get it into the sky. But he said it needs a new bit of wire on a part,’ Billy said. ‘He’s in the shed finding a fixing bit.’

  ‘Excellent. Granddad is the right man for the job,’ Róisín said making her way inside. The mood in the kitchen was sombre as Keeley cleared away the dinner things.

  ‘Any further contact from Liv?’ Róisín asked.

  ‘No, love. Last we heard they were doing all sorts of swabbing and dressing and they have her on a drip for antibiotics and another for fluids.’

  ‘Poor Liv. Still, she’s in the right hands now.’

  ‘True,’ Keeley said, sighing heavily. ‘The children ate a good dinner and they seem happy enough, don’t they?’

  ‘They’re delighted with life,’ Róisín said. ‘Dad will play with them so they’ll be fine.

  ‘Well, I rang Martin earlier to fill him in – with Liv’s blessing. I thought about what you said and decided it would be wrong to go behind her back, so I texted and asked her first.’

  ‘Right, what did he say? Did he know Liv had even burned herself?’

  ‘No, as it happens. I could be wrong, but I’m not sure they’ve spoken in quite a few days. I think your hunch is right, Róisín. I’m not being the interfering old mother-in-law here, but if things don’t improve soon, I don’t know what I’ll do.’

  ‘If Martin isn’t looking after Liv and the kids, I’ll have something to say to him,’ Róisín said getting suddenly angry. ‘I feel like phoning him now myself.’

  ‘Don’t, love. You said it yourself, we can’t go jumping in with brute force. Liv is our concern, but her marriage is not really our business at the end of the day. Leave it for now and let’s see what pans out. I think I’m getting old,’ Keeley said. ‘I’m exhausted after today. I’m not able for all this stress, you know?’

  ‘In that case I must be older than I thought. I’m wrecked too.’

  ‘Things will improve. Swings and roundabouts and all that,’ Keeley said. ‘That’s life, isn’t it love?’

  ‘Speaking of getting old and life and all that,’ Róisín said. ‘We still need to organise your sixtieth birthday bash. Don’t think you’re getting away scot-free. We’ll talk about it once Liv is home and settled again.’

  ‘Ah, it’s the least of our priorities at the moment, love.’

  ‘It is not,’ Róisín scoffed. ‘Oh, good news! Jill and Gordon are moving in together.’

  ‘Really?’ Keeley looked pained. ‘Is she really happy with him?’

  ‘De
lirious,’ Róisín said. ‘Which is the main thing.’

  ‘He’s an awful eejit, though,’ Keeley said. ‘I know that’s most unkind of me. But I don’t know what she sees in him. Really I don’t. She’s a fabulous girl and full of spark. He’s a lucky fellow is all I can say.’

  ‘I agree with you wholeheartedly, Mum,’ Róisín admitted. As they had a chat, Róisín was relieved to be able to vent her reservations about Jill’s chosen man. ‘I often thought I should say it to her, but you know it’s not actually my business to tell her what I think. I’m not moving in with the guy and hey, love is blind so they say.’

  ‘So they say,’ Keeley said. ‘And how are things with you?’ she asked.

  ‘There are no men, blind or otherwise on the scene if that’s what you’re digging at,’ she said with a smile. ‘I do have some news I’d like to share though.’ Róisín filled Keeley in on the idea she had, to buy Mr Grace’s building.

  ‘Why didn’t you tell us, love?’ Keeley said. ‘That’s a dreadful burden for you to carry. You mustn’t keep things to yourself like that.’

  ‘I know I probably should have said something,’ she agreed. ‘But I needed to get my head around it all. Besides, I think this was the best thing that could’ve happened. It gave me the incentive to get up off my ass and do something proactive.’

  ‘I suppose that’s one way of looking at it,’ Keeley said. ‘But we’re your parents and you should share your woes as well as your joys with us. You should know that by now.’

  ‘I do, Mum,’ she said. Róisín dropped her gaze. She couldn’t allow her mother to see her face. Keeley was good at reading her mind. It had been so difficult keeping everything from her when she’d returned from France.

  ‘Between Liv living in squalor and not coping and you worrying about your business and not telling me, I’m beginning to wonder what kind of a mother I really am!’

  ‘Don’t say that,’ Róisín said. ‘You’re a brilliant mother, and grandmother. You know you are,’ she said giving her a stern look. ‘But I suppose Liv and I feel we’re not kids any longer. We need to shoulder our own burdens at times too, you know?’

  ‘Ah listen, don’t mind me,’ Keeley said. ‘I think I’m just feeling a little bit hard done by at the moment. Your father is having some sort of a second wind. He’s like a teenager again. He’s off having a whale of a time with Jimmy and I think I’m feeling like a bit of a washed-up old housemaid. Ida’s death was tough, too.’

  ‘All the more reason to start planning something nice,’ Róisín said.

  ‘You’re right,’ Keeley said. ‘I will. Let’s plan a really special night!’

  ‘That’s more like it,’ Róisín smiled. ‘Oh, by the way, since Jill and Gordon are now living together as of this afternoon, I’ll be moving out of the cottage. I’m thinking of giving the tenant notice in the flat above the café once I buy the building. I often thought I wouldn’t like to live above Nourriture, but if it’s actually my place, I think it would work out nicely.’

  ‘Well if you’re looking for somewhere in the meantime, you can always stay here.’

  ‘Thanks Mum,’ she said. Róisín knew it was a genuine offer, but she also knew the B&B was booked solidly for the next few months. So it wouldn’t be an option really. Think positively, she told herself, you’ll be a building owner and living above the shop shortly! ‘Would you mind if I have a quick shower?’

  ‘Of course not,’ Keeley said hugging her. ‘Take as long as you wish.’

  Róisín showered and wrapped herself in a towel. She Googled an address in France. Hitting the e-mail button, she sent an image of the homepage to herself. Scrolling down, she found the contact address and clicked on it. She filled out a query form and asked to be contacted with advice on her options at this point. Even writing the French words brought a lump to her throat. She’d loved everything about living there and learning to converse fluently.

  Images of the long and heartfelt conversations she’d had with Jacques assailed her. She didn’t realise how hard she was crying until she hit Send on the e-mail and heard her mother’s footsteps. She wiped her face with the towel.

  ‘I’ll set up two lovely beds for you in our room,’ Keeley was saying to the children. Their chirpy voices tugged at her heart.

  Dashing back into the en suite for privacy, she managed to grab her clothes and shut the door before they came into the room.

  ‘I won’t be long,’ she called out, hoping she didn’t sound as strangled as she felt.

  ‘No problem, love. We’re just getting some beds organised for Billy and Jess.’

  Róisín had gathered her thoughts by the time she was dressed. She smoothed on a bit of BB cream and a quick slick of mascara.

  ‘Feeling better?’ Keeley asked.

  ‘Yes, thanks. I think I’ll fly over to the hospital and visit Liv. Put her mind at rest about these two monkeys,’ she said, hugging Billy and scooping Jess into her arms.

  ‘Great, I have an overnight bag for her. Will you tell her that I’ll see her tomorrow.’

  ‘OK you two, pose for a picture for your mum with big goofy smiles. I need you to do your best faces to cheer her up.’ The two were delighted to perform. They were so funny that Róisín took a quick video on her phone. ‘Good job you two, Mum will love that!’ Doug joined in and sent Liv a little message too.

  ‘Phones are great, aren’t they? She’ll be delighted now,’ he said looking pleased.

  As Róisín drove on the way to the hospital, passing the mountains on her left and the patchwork of fields sewn together with higgledy-piggledy stone walls, she was struck, once again, by the beauty of her surroundings.

  The hospital was busy and it took her a few minutes to find a parking space. By the time she got to Liv’s ward she was hot and hassled.

  ‘Hey Liv,’ she said, huffing and throwing the overnight bag on the floor. ‘I brought you some things and I was meant to be delivering a large smile too, but I’m mildly possessed after navigating that awful car park.’

  ‘Try sitting in this crunching bed with your arm wrapped up like a paw. And all of it because of your own stupidity.’

  ‘Aw, poor you. Is it really sore? It looks impressive if nothing else,’ she said with a smile.

  ‘I can’t wait to get out of here. It’s a hell-hole. The nurses are lovely but the place is like a train station. I don’t know how anyone stays in here.’

  ‘I don’t think anyone is here because they’re bored,’ Róisín said. ‘So Mum was chatting to Martin earlier.’

  ‘Right,’ she said and looked away. ‘Well at least he knows now.’

  There was a silence that Róisín chose not to fill. She waited.

  Liv turned to look at her, her face devoid of expression.

  ‘Is everything OK with you and Martin?’ Róisín whispered.

  ‘Why are you whispering at me as if I’m dying?’ Liv snapped.

  ‘I didn’t realise I was.’

  ‘Martin is miles away working. He’s busy. There was no point in telling him. What can he do from America? It’s only a burn and he’s far too busy.’

  Róisín didn’t answer. Liv picked at the bedclothes and kept her gaze downward. ‘I texted him last night,’ she said. ‘He hasn’t answered.’

  ‘Oh. Maybe his phone is out of range or it could be the time difference. I’m sure he’ll be on to you in the morning some time.’

  ‘But he was able to talk to Mum and now knows I’m in here and he hasn’t bothered his ass to even answer my text.’ Liv looked straight ahead.

  ‘What’s happening between you two, Liv?’

  ‘I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ve enough on my mind. I need to get speaking to the specialist first thing tomorrow and get the hell out of here before I go insane.’

  Róisín couldn’t read her sister’s thoughts. Normally they were so in tune with one another. But lately, Róisín felt Liv was in some distant place that she couldn’t reach.

  ‘S
o the kids are fine,’ Róisín said.

  ‘Great,’ Liv said dryly.

  ‘I asked them to pose for a picture for you. They were the cutest. They were doing such funny dances and making hilarious expressions so I did this little video too. Hang on, let me find it now …’ By the time she clicked it on, Liv was looking in the other direction. ‘Here you go,’ she said holding the phone out. ‘Eh, there’s a message from Dad too,’ she grinned, ‘he’s as bad as the kids when it comes to acting the maggot!’

  Liv didn’t take it but instead stared at the screen without moving a muscle.

  ‘Well, I thought they were cute,’ Róisín said raising her eyebrows. ‘Mum and Dad are having Billy and Jess to stay over tonight, and I’m going to help out with them tomorrow, so all angles are covered.’ Liv nodded. No word of thanks and no apparent concern for anyone. Róisín swallowed. She knew her sister didn’t want to discuss anything but at the same time, her mood was totally out of character.

  ‘Jill and Gordon are moving in together.’

  ‘Great. I wish them well,’ Liv deadpanned.

  ‘I’ll be moving out. They need their space and besides, I can’t abide him. I don’t know what she sees in him. Just the other night, we had a few people over and …’

  ‘I don’t care, Ro. I’m not interested,’ Liv said quietly and calmly. ‘I couldn’t give a fiddlers if Jill moves Jack-the-ripper into her cottage. Good for her. Whatever. Just because you don’t fancy Gordon doesn’t mean he’s a tool. You’re not the goddess of love now, are you?’

  Róisín pushed her chair back. ‘Your night things are in the bag. I’ll tell Billy and Jess you send your love. I hope you get some sleep and feel better in the morning.’

  She rushed out before she exploded. Tears of frustration burned her eyes. Under any other circumstances Róisín would’ve yelled at Liv and called her a selfish little wench. But she wasn’t going to disgrace herself in public and it wasn’t the right time to go hammer and tongs at Liv. But her patience and making allowances time was swiftly running out. Liv needed to cop on – fast.

  Her phone rang as she reached the hospital exit doors.

  ‘Hi Mum,’ she said trying to hide her anger. ‘Everything OK with you?’