The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 3

I am stunned as they exchange a few words, then she nods and he strokes her cheek affectionately. Without further exchange she walks up the driveway and drops to her knees in front of me to retrieve the fake hedgehog and placing the key inside.

I stare at her motionlessness because I have no words to express the array of emotions that have dazed me. She looks happy and I am completely at a loss for words.

"Hello, Max. Can I come in?" I nod, stifled by her serenity; mum glares too clearly in shock.

Following Gracie through the house, I watch as if floating while she runs to the den in search of the kids. She finds Monty and in a heartbeat is clutching him to her, hugging and kissing him and whispering close to his ear. He squeezes her back just as eagerly. Soon I hear her talking about pirates and he's elated, jumping up and down calling her princess Mummy. It was her story? She kisses him once more mouthing something to him and he seems pleased with whatever she's told him.

Rising, she smiles at mum and offers her a comforting embrace which I note is gingerly returned.

"Is Holly upstairs, Max?"

"Yes, but can we...?"

"Not now," she interrupts, still smiling. "I want to see my baby girl."

Why I would think she'd want to talk to me first before seeing the kids is anyone's guess. Of course, she'd want to do that! Leaving her to it, I take a seat in the living room but mere minutes later leap to my feet when I hear raised voices.

"Where are you going?" Mum asks, warily.

"I'm taking my daughter for the night."

"You can't just walk in here and take her, Gracie."

"She's my baby too, Olivia, and I want her with me." Both mum and Gracie spin to me. "Do I need your permission for that, Max?" What the hell is going on?

I have no idea what I was ready for but it wasn't this! This is how she wants to sort things out? I am beyond anger and right now, I am beyond fighting with her. I have to do what she wants because there is no way in hell I'll survive her wrath if she flies into a rage; I've seen her in action. I have no choice.

"No, Gracie," I beam, screening insincerity. "You're Holly's mother. You don't need my permission."

"I didn't think so."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better than expected."

"Yes, you look it. Your eye is healing." I reach up to touch her but she pulls back, flinching.

"I think the swelling has reduced like Dr Bell said it would. I'm remembering lots of things."

"I'd noticed. Fake hedgehog's ass." Smiling, I hoped to inject some humour into our conversation but her expression wears thin.

"When is your follow up scan?"

"Friday at 2pm. I called the hospital today but Dr Bell can't see me before then."

"Good. Shall I pack a few things for you?" I'm surprised I feel so cool. Her guard slips momentarily as her expression turns from relaxed to amazement.

"Thank you, but I collected some bits earlier this morning."

"Oh, you did? Okay. When can I see Holly, again?"

"Tomorrow, maybe? I'd like to take Monty out for the day with us, if you don't mind? I've missed him. I expect you'll want to come along seeing as how I'll likely need a chaperone from now on." She's pushing all of my buttons and I feel my blood bubbling under the surface.