Page 58 of The Village Christmas Party

‘Thanks. If I’m honest, though, I don’t think we were making each other happy just lately,’ she says, echoing Dad’s sentiments. ‘I don’t really think we had that much in common, to be honest,’ she admits. ‘How is your dad?’

I think of Dad’s love of being outdoors, whether it be mowing someone’s lawn or spending hours in the garden or greenhouse. Even as a youngster, he often took me on long country walks, telling me about the various forest plants and listening out for birdsong. Mum came along on those walks too, seeminglyenjoying them just as much as Dad, and I wonder when things started to go wrong between them.

‘He’s okay. I think he will feel relieved when his operation is over though. He’s staying with me at the moment.’

‘That’s nice for him. I’m staying with my sister over Christmas, which has been lovely actually as she is on her own too.’ She tells me.

At least neither of them have been alone over Christmas.

‘Anyway, I must go.’ She points to the shop her sister has just walked into.

‘Of course, yes. Look after yourself, Rose. Oh, by the way, I do have a gift for you,’ I tell her. ‘Maybe next time you pop in Bentham’s I could give it to you.’

‘That’s very kind of you.’ She smiles. ‘I hope your dad’s operation goes well.’

‘Thanks. Bye, Rose.’

I take a quick browse of the village shops, though some of the shops and cafés are closed, except for the Blue Teapot. Alf’s general store is open, and, of course, Bentham’s for the Boxing Day sales.

I pass a children’s clothing store, with a banner across the window announcing a sale. There are balloons in shades of pink and mauve in the window alongside the display of clothes and I think of Bella’s party at the community centre. I also think of the trouble Kian went to in order to make his daughter’s birthday special at this time of year, and how he was sure we could host a joint party without any problems.

It turns out he was right all along. Everyone had a wonderful day, well, apart from Mum, who ended up in hospital. I picture him in the kitchen getting stuck into the preparations whilst he calmly awaited the arrival of the party food. I also find myself picturing his handsome looks, his charming accent and justabout everything else about him. Annoyingly, I can’t seem to get him out of my head.

I push harder with my steps on the way home, walking quickly and breathing deeply. I do enjoy walking and remind myself that I ought to try and get more steps in every day. I used to enjoy walking a lot and joining the dance class every Tuesday at the community centre, but when it changed from Zumba to aerobics, I kind of stopped going. Maybe I ought to give it another go. These days my time seems to be taken up with work and meeting Mum or Gemma for lunch or, of course, assisting with the local pensioners, which I enjoy and always find time for, but I need to stop making excuses and find new pursuits to shake myself out of my usual routine, especially in the light of what Gemma has just told me.

Sometimes life gives us a little reminder to think about our own self-care from time to time, without the need to rely too heavily on others. It’s something I will take on board seriously in the new year.

THIRTY-TWO

‘You off out tonight then?’

It’s almost seven thirty when I walk into the lounge.

‘Yes, I’m meeting Gemma when she finishes work. We are going out for a drink.’

‘I’ll give you a lift into town,’ offers Dad. ‘Don’t be getting a taxi.’

‘Thanks, Dad, I’ll get one home though.’ I smile.

‘Don’t be doing that, it will be busy on Boxing night. I’ll come and collect you. Unless you’re thinking of going clubbing, that is, I won’t be able to stay awake until the early hours of the morning, but I’m a night owl as you know.’

Dad has always enjoyed staying up late watching movies and enjoying a little bit of a lie in.

‘Thanks, Dad. It won’t be too late though, think my clubbing days are over.’ I laugh.

‘Oh, have you heard yourself?’ Mum laughs. ‘Too old for nightclubs at your age? Although, I’d stay away from the Blue Angel, I’ve noticed some right dodgy-looking characters going in there when we’ve been on our protests,’ she says, referring to her protests outside the Co-op which is close by.

‘I know, that’s why I don’t bother,’ I say.

There are two nightclubs in Fellview, one frequented by teenagers barely out of school, the other by the so-called ‘dodgy characters’ Mum mentioned.

‘You look nice by the way. Red is definitely your colour,’ she says, remarking on my red woollen dress.

‘Thank you.’

I think of Kian saying the same thing about red being my colour. The thought of him crossing the road with the other woman pops into my head then, and I wonder who she was? I’m also aware that he still hasn’t called me to arrange a date. I’m not going to let that ruin my evening out with Gemma though.

I nip upstairs to grab a handbag, when my phone rings.

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