Do You Know Indigo?

Chapter Thirty Two

“Good, good. So when do you start exam leave then?” I’d forgotten it was my last week of school before leaving to revise for our oncoming exams. It was a relief. There were some people I needed a break from for even if it meant facing critical testing.

“Friday is my last day before exam leave.” The thought was glorious.

Mrs Langford continued to ask about historical topics I had been revising and nothing more. Why couldn't my mother be so subdued?

We arrived at the care home in half the time that a bus journey would have taken. I unclipped my seatbelt and gathered up the bag at my feet with the photo album in it. The rain splashed against the window and I drew up my hood.

“Thank you for the ride Mrs Langford.” She smiled, the corners of her mouth wrinkling from a life time of grinning.

“No bother Chris, anytime. Do you need me to come back and collect you?” she asked.

“No thank you, I’ll get the bus home,” I replied, not wanting her to go out of her way to taxi me home again.

“If you’re sure it’s, no problem. What’s an old lady like me got to do?" Mrs Langford laughed but I stood by my decision. Kieran would not be happy about me going solo. Not that I cared of course.

“Really Mrs Langford I’ll be OK, thanks for your offer though,” I assured her, slipping out of the car.

“Well if you’re sure,” she said.

“I’m sure Mrs Langford. I’ll see you later,” I replied, stepping out of the car.

“Well have a good time, see you later,” Mrs Langford said, restarting the engine. I shut the door and waved her off. Once she was out of sight I wrapped my arms around myself, protecting my body from the rain.

I had the strangest feeling someone was watching me. I shivered. It was probably only paranoia. Regardless, I hurried up the front steps.

Cathy was in the hall sorting through the mail. Her eyes met mine as I lowered my hood.

“Oh hello pet,” she greeted, putting down a white envelope she’d been frowning at.

“Morning Cathy, is Dad about?” I surveyed the foyer hoping to spy him coming down the stairs or wandering out from the kitchen or lounge.

“I think he’s still in bed. He was a little unsettled last night. You’d think he’d be too old to be afraid of nightmares,” she said thoughtfully. I sighed, if only he had a Kieran to keep him safe. Though with the amethyst my father had given me, perhaps Kieran was the demon of my father's dreams.

“Thanks. Is it OK if I just go upstairs?” I asked.

“As if I'd say no. Away with you,” Cathy muttered, her hands on her wholesome hips. Thanking her, I raced up the stairs.

Dad’s room was the fourth door on the left. I knocked on it and listened out for a reply.

“Come in.” Dad’s voice was telling of the night of tossing and turning. I turned the handle and peered around the door. The only thing out of place was the large lump atop the bed. I walked over and gave it a shake.

“Leave me be,” it grumbled, tightening its cover around itself.

“Fine I will, you big lump,” I said, prodding him in the side. The blob thrashed a little, emerging to confront me.

“Who are you calling a-” he mumbled, rolling over. I shook my head, staring down at my father. His aging eyes brightened. A wide grin had spread across his face, probably mirroring my own.