by S M Mala
The two cups of tea and slices of cake turned up and were put in front of them.
‘And you are eating, aren’t you Chloe?’
She looked at her gaunt face and cutting cheekbones. Chloe seemed to be a little thinner and Bea desperately wanted to know if she was okay.
‘You know what I wish?’ Chloe said, stirring her drink, looking sadly at her cup. ‘That I could go back to being little girl and not think about things. Trying to be grown up is really hard and constantly having an adult say that I need to be mature makes me unhappy. I just want to be happy.’
‘Being an adult is hard, I won’t lie. The transition from child to teenager to adult is confusing. I see it every day at school. The children trying to cope with things that are outside their reach. Adults sometimes forget they were young once. That’s the total sadness of it all.’ Taking a deep breath and sipping her tea, she looked at Chloe picking at her cake. ‘I still have a terrible time accepting responsibility and all that stuff. I run away sometimes, hoping it will fix itself.’
‘But when you get married, you can’t run away, can you?’
And to Bea, that comment summed it all.
‘Can I have a word?’
Bea had waited for Chloe to leave before she walked at full speed around the park. She knew where Bruno would be. He was sitting on the grass, smoking a cigarette, and was in deep in thought.
‘Hello?’ he said, looking confused.
He was a handsome boy. His mother was Thai and his father from Sweden. Bruno’s eyes were a sparkling green against dark olive skin. The thick wavy brown hair and even white teeth made him a babe magnet.
Or a boy one, if listening to Chloe.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you,’ Bea said, knowing she was crossing the line. ‘But I saw you walk by and I wanted to speak to you.’
‘Okay?’ replied Bruno apprehensively.
Bea sat down.
‘I’ll make is short and snappy, like some people have described me,’ she said, her joke only making Bruno squirm. ‘Those girls, like Tyler and the others, they’re not nice to Chloe. And you’re not helping by allowing them to pick on her.’
There was a blank expression as he dragged on the cigarette.
‘Don’t toy with her just so you can tell the girls how silly she is for falling for your shit. Chloe deserves better than that.’
‘I’ve not done anything,’ he said, frowning. ‘The girls just bitch and say things. I never join in.’
‘I don’t think that’s true.’ She cleared her throat. ‘You know what I do at school, how I try to assist children who are going through a tough time. My door is always open.’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
Bea let out a long breath.
‘If you are having problems coming to terms with your sexuality, then you need some support. I can try to help you as much as I can and-.’
‘I’m not gay!’
‘Bruno, I don’t like to put labels on things but call yourself whatever you want.’
‘Miss, I’m not gay. I heard what Tyler said and that’s because I told her I didn’t want to go back out with her.’ Bruno stubbed the cigarette out on the grass. ‘So I said I was attracted to another bloke just so she’d get the message. Finding myself, is what I said.’ Then he blushed. ‘And I never kissed a bloke, not properly.’
‘I see.’ She cleared her throat. ‘What do you mean by properly?’
‘You know,’ he said, getting redder. ‘Tongues and that.’
‘But you kissed?’
‘It didn’t do it for me.’
Bea was on the verge of asking more questions but decided to refrain.
‘It’s hard if you’ve known these people for a long time to do something different,’ Bruno continued, then sheepishly looked away. ‘Be with someone out of the group who they’re threatened by.’
‘Chloe?’ She took a deep breath. ‘They’re threatening her happiness at school and that’s not good.’
‘But she’s real cool.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Bea moved closer, instantly clocking on. ‘If you like Chloe, which you may or may not, then I’d advise that you wait.’ He turned sharply to look at her. ‘If you’re ready to be brave enough to break out of the mould, ask her out.’ She looked up at the sky. ‘And you’re not gay?’
‘No, I’m not gay but I don’t want to upset anyone. It’s hard when you have these friendships from way back. The just don’t get it.’
‘And do you think what those girls are doing to Chloe is right?’
He shook his head from side to side.
‘Miss Mayon, if I ask Chloe out, they’re going to let rip and that’s not fair. They hate her, you see. Hate the fact she lives in a nice house and her mother’s an artist plus she’s really smart and …’ He hesitated. ‘Hot. I don’t want to get involved in that shit.’
‘Thing is Bruno,’ she replied, getting to her feet. ‘When the time’s right, will you step up and do what you want, or will you toe the line like the others? Chloe doesn’t and that’s what makes her special, unique. Never forget it.’
And right then, she understood her lover’s actions a little bit better on saying it out loud.
In around about way, Bruno’s remarks about breaking from what was expected hit home harder.
‘Why don’t you use your keys?’
Mylo was standing at the door, holding it open, later on that afternoon. He looked sexy, wearing a t-shirt and shorts and was barefoot. ‘Have you lost them? And why are you late?’
‘Questions Dr Kearney,’ she sighed before grinning. ‘I ran into Chloe, who was with two unsuitable boys. We went for tea and cake. She seemed unhappy. Then I had a word with Bruno and told him a few things. Bloody teenagers!’
‘You didn’t interfere, did you?’
‘I gave them a helping hand.’
He pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her waist.
‘You limped out of bed this morning.’ Mylo sniffed her hair. ‘You’ve been here for a few weeks and now you’re hobbling about.’
‘It’s the way I slept.’
She lied.
Bea knew the pain had started to come back over the past few weeks but decided not to tell Mylo. Painkillers and secret stretching were her answer. But she didn’t know why the ache had returned. This time, she hadn’t aggravated it but it was just there, especially in the middle of the night when it became unbearable in her calf. Usually at the same time she was thinking about the wedding and Mylo’s past. Luckily he had been good so far and not mentioned at thing.
Until now.
Best bet was for Bea to ignore answering him and move onto something else
She pulled a face while thinking about Chloe.
‘What’s wrong?’ Mylo stroked her hair as she closed her eyes. ‘You look a little pissed off.’
‘Chloe’s mother can’t see how unhappy she is making her. It’s obvious the child needs some love and support. My worry is that she will fall into the wrong hands.’
‘Bea, it’s out of term time so there’s nothing you can do.’
‘But I have to do something. I can see she is sad and lonely. Still those bitches are making her feel bad, saying that Bruno was using her to get some boy or girl jealous.’
He held her by the shoulders as she looked up at him.
‘As a teenager, it’s a difficult time. Chloe will have to find her own path. As much as you think you can give her advice, will she listen? Did you listen to your parents?’
‘Don’t be silly. You’ve met my father.’ Bea let out a massive groan. ‘She’s so naïve in many ways and that makes me scared.’
Mylo hugged her as she buried her face in his chest, needing a cuddle.
‘I’ve got something to cheer you up,’ he whispered as she stepped back.
‘It better be good.’
‘We’re flying out on the 28th to the hotel you booked for me in Ibiza.’
‘Really?’ She was unable to stop her
smile. ‘I know it’s only a few days stay but-.’
‘Ten days.’
‘Ten?’
‘I paid for the extra nights as I wanted us to spend time away together, alone.’
‘That’s amazing!’
She dropped her bag and was about to lunge at him as he pushed her away, leaving Bea a little startled.
‘And another thing. Your daddy is on his way here, right now, to discuss the wedding.’
‘What?’ Bea’s happy mood changed completely.
‘Come on. He wants to see where you’re living and I thought it would be nice.’
‘Nice?’ She couldn’t hide her grimace. ‘Nice?’ Mylo started to laugh and kissed her forehead. ‘You’ve met him. You know what he can be like. He’ll go straight to the bedrooms and ask which one I’m staying in.’
‘We’ll all be a family soon.’
‘Are you mad?’ she asked, starting to get in a flap. ‘My dad!’
‘I think you’re the one that’s a little crazy,’ Mylo mumbled and kissed her cheek. ‘I’ll make dinner and-.’
‘Oh no, don’t do that. He’ll moan about something and you know he’s a vegetarian, though I have seen the odd packet of chicken nuggets in his fridge. We’ll have sandwiches. That’s what he gets when he comes to mine and it’s not enough notice to make anything better.’
‘I can cook.’ Mylo grabbed her face and gently kissed her lips as Bea frowned. ‘Did you have a good day other than Chloe?’
‘It’s getting worse by the minute.’
‘You live here?’
Her father’s expression said it all. ‘It’s a little big, don’t you think?’
‘I think it’s perfect.’
She was sitting next to him on the couch, watching her father examine the room very closely. Mylo was in the kitchen playing host and Bea knew her daddy was up to no good.
‘Your old flat has been leased out to a nice young couple so I hear. And you’ll be paying over the odds to rent this place.’
‘I own it,’ Mylo said, walking back in with some drinks. One very large alcoholic one for Bea. ‘And it’s in a good area so the value is getting higher.’
‘I see,’ was Bernie’s response.
‘I am sure told you this when you forbade me to see him,’ whispered Bea watching her father examine Mylo. ‘You never listen.’
‘So your mortgage must be astronomical. I know you have your own business but surely with your kind of practice, you won’t be making money for a good five years.’
‘Here you go,’ Mylo said, handing over a cup of tea.
Bea didn’t need to be asked twice as she grabbed her glass of wine.
‘I mean, Mylo, you are how old again?’
‘Thirty seven.’
‘That’s quite a good age,’ her father said, sipping his mint tea. ‘And a touch of honey. You remembered.’
‘The business is doing exceptionally well, much better than I thought,’ grinned Mylo sitting opposite them. ‘I’ve been very lucky in work and managed to acquire premises without getting into debt.’
Bea looked at him, not hearing this before.
‘What do you mean?’ she asked, seeing her dad’s sly grin.
‘I am debt free and the house is paid for as is the business.’
Even she could see her father’s shocked expression matched hers.
‘Are you marrying him for the money?’ her father whispered, a little too loudly, as she noticed Mylo smile. ‘I would.’ Clearing his throat, he continued. ‘And at your age, surely you must have been involved in other relationships. No other marriages or children that I need to know about?’
Her heart started to beat fast as she knew that Mylo, even though selective with the truth, wouldn’t lie.
‘As a man of my age, there have been several love affairs but nothing serious as my one with Bea.’ Mylo bit his lip, still smiling. ‘And in one relationship, I am still close to a child.’ He darted Bea a look. ‘Who I hope you will meet one day. He is very much part of my life though he lives in Chicago.’
Bea noticed how he worded his response.
Very much as he did with her.
‘My mother is anxious to meet you,’ Mylo continued, sitting forward as Bea looked at her father. He seemed in awe of her boyfriend, once again, though he was ticking something over. ‘She’s coming in August when we return from holiday.’
‘You’re going away?’ Her father looked at her in astonishment. ‘So close to the wedding?’
‘Only two months before and everything is in hand,’ she replied, not knowing if that was the actual truth. ‘I need a break, you know.’
‘You’re going on honeymoon in October. Can’t it wait?’
‘Daddy! We want some time alone.’
‘You have the rest of your life to drive Mylo round the bend!’
She watched Mylo laugh before stopping when she glared.
‘Seriously, she is a child in so many ways and a little bit kooky,’ her father continued. ‘Beatrice could have gone on to do something more with her life but she wanted to look after delinquents in underprivileged schools to make a point.’
‘And what point would that be, daddy?’
‘You think you can save the world by being understanding but it’s really the parents that create the monsters. And there’s nothing you can do about it.’
‘Like you created me?’
‘I blame mummy for being too soft with you.’ He let out a sigh. ‘Giving into your whims.’
Just then, she noticed he darted Mylo a glance.
‘I’m going to get the sandwiches,’ she said, getting to her feet and seeing her father hadn’t come in peace.
He just wanted to piss her off.
‘I know you love your daughter very much. I feel the same way too but I’m not a whim; I’m for real. You’re not losing a daughter, you’re gaining a family. We’re not too bad, the Kearney’s. In time, you will see that I want to make her happy.’
Bea walked towards the kitchen and decided not to listen to her father’s response. She loaded up the cake stands with all his favourites and walked back in, putting them on the coffee table.
This time she sat next to Mylo grabbing his hand.
For all intent and purpose, he seemed cool as a cucumber, very much like the sandwiches.
‘Help yourself,’ she said, pointing to one layer. ‘That’s egg and cress, and prawn mayonnaise so avoid them. There’s cucumber with cream cheese.’
Her father looked at her and narrowed his eyes.
He loved prawn mayonnaise sandwiches and she knew it.
This would be temptation on a plate.
Taking one, she started to chew slowly and made appreciative noises. Mylo turned, looking a little confused and took an egg and cress sandwich.
‘It’s going to be vegetarian, the wedding,’ her father mumbled as he ate a cheese sandwich. ‘All of it.’
‘No it’s not,’ piped up Bea, knowing she wasn’t going to let him get his own way. ‘Just because you don’t eat meat doesn’t mean the rest of us have to suffer. And booze. Lots of booze.’
‘You’re wearing a sari.’
‘No way!’ laughed Bea, shaking her head. ‘I’ve never worn one and mummy never put one on. Who do we know that’s proper Indian to help?’
‘I have friends,’ he sheepishly replied and that’s when Bea realised she would have to stop him from saying who.
‘Daddy, I don’t want to wear a red sari, I’d like to wear a white dress,’ she sweetly said and moved to sit near him. ‘I can pay for it myself so there’s no big deal.’
‘Pardon me?’ her father replied, nearly choking on his sandwich.
‘I don’t want you to pay for the wedding or anything like that,’ Bea continued and noticed the surprise on Mylo’s face. ‘I have put some money aside and I’d prefer you kept your savings just in case you need it for a rainy day. I have money from selling the flat.’
‘Certainly not!’ Bernie said,
half shouting. ‘You are my only child and I will pay for it all!’
‘But daddy, I don’t want you to splash out.’
‘I am happy to pay for it, if you want. It’d be my pleasure,’ Mylo said, making her turn to look at him.
‘Are you saying I can’t afford to get my own child married?’ he asked, going red. ‘I have you know, I worked hard and saved for this moment.’
‘No, that’s not what I’m saying,’ replied Mylo, putting his plate down. ‘We can all chip in, including my parents. That’s what people do nowadays.’
‘I’m a traditional man,’ Bernie calmly replied, sitting up straight and looking at Bea. She felt her cheeks start to flush. ‘I accept you are living with Beatrice and probably are doing things that should be left until you are married.’
Bea touched her face.
It was burning hot with embarrassment.
‘I have an open mind about that but I should pay for the wedding. All of it.’
Bea sat back and looked at her father, who reached out for his cup and sipped his tea before looking at Mylo, who was just smiling at her.
‘It won’t be expensive,’ she apologetically said. ‘I don’t want all the fuss and bother. And we’ll keep it intimate. That’s what I told Erio and Mylo agrees. It will be a celebration between family and close friends.’
‘I would like all my friends to be there, as well as family.’ Then Bernie let out a little laugh. ‘I have three older sisters and six nieces. All women, funnily enough, other than Erin, who I’m not sure about.’
Bea grimaced, hoping her father wouldn’t make a comment about her cousin’s sexuality.
‘And then there’s your mother’s side.’
It hit her hard in the chest and she didn’t know what to say.
In all the whirlwind of moving in and wedding planning, she had forgotten about her mother’s family.
Everything seemed bleak knowing she wasn’t going to be there.
‘Are you okay?’ she heard Mylo ask, stroking her arm.
‘I…’ Bea couldn’t speak.
