The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 12

"Thank you, Father Paul, but I've heard enough. Max?" He stands at once, his expression full of concern.

"Take me home."

                                                            ****************

We drive back to our cottage in silence with the journey seeming to take forever. Sensing my fury owing to me almost removing the car door from its hinges, Max follows me inside and puts the kettle on.

"Gracie," he says softly, placing a cup of tea by my side. "I'm just going to check on Connie and the children." Not meeting his eyes for fear of catching a glimpse of his empathy I simply nod, dismissing him.

It's long after six o'clock and daylight has disappeared against the horizon making it impossible to see where the ocean stops and the sky begins. And in my angry state of mind I compare it to my life. Truth and lies. Where does the truth of what I've been told begin and end? At least from all I've learned today it would seem that mum and dad have been as truthful with me as they could have been. And perhaps in all the chaos surrounding my adoption the facts as they were had been told to them in a muddle. I just don't know. I don't know anything anymore.

"Drink your tea, beautiful," Max whispers from behind, placing a gentle kiss on my head.

"How are the children?" I ask, suddenly aware I've not even greeted them and grinning from ear to ear, he hands me my cup.

"They're in the bath together. Holly's inside Monty's beach bucket – they look hilarious, you should see them."

"The beach bucket? I hope Connie rinsed the sand from it properly before placing my baby in there! One tiny grain of sand would..." Max's joy fades a little as he realises my worry.

"She did and they're both fine."

"You're sure?"

"I'm certain, love."

"Okay." He caresses my hair as we sit drinking our tea, watching as the night clouds slowly eclipse the moon. In and out it hides and reappears much like my past is now doing. How can I settle my fears? How can I learn what I need to know without speaking to her, the woman that is my mother? I gently shake my head against Max's chest but he says nothing honouring my thoughts. I can't think about her just now. I need my babies.

                                                            ************

"I'm staying out tonight, Max," Connie announces, wandering into the living room dressed to kill at half past eight. "Ilona and I have checked into the Malin hotel for the weekend so unless you need me to babysit I plan to be there both nights."

"Okay, sis," he answers, his back to her. "But can I let you know about the babysitting? We haven't quite worked out what we're doing yet."

"Yea, no probs. Text me, but not too early on Sunday. Damien Harkin is playing tomorrow night and I don't expect it to be an early finish!" Max turns to wave her off and I almost laugh aloud at his reaction to his sister's clothing and heels.

"You're not going out in that, are you?"

"Yes. What's wrong with it?"

"Er, well for a start I can almost see what you had for your tea!"

"What? It's brand new and designer. I'm not taking it off. And anyway, I haven't eaten yet, so there." She all but runs out the door but not before making a face and sticking her tongue out at her brother, making him scowl.

"Did you just see that?" he shouts to me, pointing his finger at the patio door. "Stuck her tongue out at me like she's still in the playground. She better behave herself." He growls taking the seat beside me but his oceans tell me he's more worried than cross.