Page 26 of Lilly
“Oh, really? Why would someone do a thing likethat?”
“No idea, Mum. I’m sorry, but I need to go,” I say as I feel my body start to givein.
“Of course, you get some sleep before your dad gets there. I love you,son.”
“Thanks, bye,” I respond with a lump in my throat. No matter how many years go by, it never gets easier hearing thosewords.
I’m just drifting off to sleep when my phone starts up again. I can’t ignore it—the control freak in me refuses in case it’simportant.
I sit up and grab it off the bedside table. When I see who it is, I’m suddenly much moreawake.
“Lilly,” I greet with a much lighter tone than I’ve used allday.
“How iseverything?”
“Fucking disaster. The place is a total mess. It’s going to take a lot of work to get it functioning again and fuck knows how much time. Thankfully, there wasn’t anything more serious than some mild smoke inhalation and a few scratches and scrapes. The thought of something more serious happening doesn’t bear thinkingabout.”
“I know. So how long are you going to be up there, do youthink?”
“Honestly, no idea. My dad is on his way up to help out. I’ll be back as soon as Ican.”
“Really?” The way she asks the question makes my heart beat that little bit faster. I don’t think anyone has ever really cared that much about when I was coming home before—other than myparents.
“Do you miss me already?” I say with a laugh, but I’m seriously curious about theanswer.
“I’m just worried about you; you were ill and everything.” Her evasive answer makes mesmile.
“I’ll take that as a yes then, shall I?” Just before she responds, I drop the tone of my voice and say, “And just so you know, sleeping here won’t be the same withoutyou.”
I hear loud and clear the huge rush of air that escapes her. It’s good to know that I can affect her from this far away. She’s the master at hiding her true feelings and running away, but I feel like I might be breaking down her barriers. The only thing I worry about with that is I think she might just be doing the same tome.
