Page 23 of Promises & Petals in Nettleford-on-the-Wold
She shoved her hands in her pockets, the doorbell staring at her, mocking her lack of bravery. What if she gave her an ultimatum? Her friendship or a relationship with her brother?
Hannah turned and began walking down the garden path, the beautiful fragrance of the million different flowers growing in Sophie’s well-kept garden wafting towards her as her ankles brushed past them. No, this was Sophie, and however hard this conversation was going to be, Hannah had to talk to her. Sophie deserved honesty. She deserved to know.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied her nerves, turned and strode back up to the front door. Just as she was about to pressthe doorbell, she heard shouting from inside before Richard swung the door open and barrelled outside. Pausing to glance at her, Hannah noticed his cheeks were flushed, his eyes narrowed, before he stalked down the garden path and onto the pavement, leaving the wrought-iron gate to slam shut behind him.
A loud sob sounded from inside, filling the silence outside, and Hannah realised it was Sophie. Without thinking, she stepped inside. ‘Sophie?’
Another sob.
Quietly closing the front door behind her, Hannah paused, trying to work out where the crying was coming from. ‘Sophie, it’s Hannah. I’m coming in, okay?’
Nothing.
Making her way through to the living room, Hannah frowned as she spotted Sophie curled up on the floor next to the sofa. She was clutching a cushion to her chest as tears fell freely down her face. Rising towards her, Hannah dropped to the floor and drew her in for a hug. ‘Sophie. What’s happened? Are you okay?’
Sophie nodded her head against Hannah’s shoulder before talking through her whacking sobs. ‘It’s... just... all... a... mess.’
‘He didn’t hurt you, did he?’ Pulling away from her, placing her hands on Sophie’s shoulders, Hannah held Sophie at arm’s length and looked her up and down.
‘No.’ Shaking her head, Sophie collapsed against the sofa and laid her legs out in front of her.
Settling back next to her, Hannah draped her arm over Sophie’s shoulder and pulled her close, Sophie dropping her head to Hannah’s shoulder. ‘Do you want to tell me what happened?’
Drawing a shaky breath in, Sophie shook her head. ‘Just what always happens. He tells me he won’t be back after work until late. I remind him he’s supposed to be looking after Florrie whilst I’m at work and he yells, calls me selfish and storms out.’
‘Oh.’ Hannah rubbed her on the back. What was she supposed to say to that? Richard was Florrie’s dad; he should be looking after his own child. He should be putting his daughter above whatever else he was doing. When Sophie had mentioned things weren’t going well at brunch, Hannah hadn’t realised just how strained her and Richard’s relationship had become. ‘Where’s Florrie now?’
‘Josh popped by and took her for ice cream.’ A fresh wave of tears ran down her cheeks.
‘Okay, that’s good.’ At least Florrie hadn’t been at home to hear the arguing. She could feel her heart warm at the thought of Josh taking his niece for ice cream. He must have come straight here after delivering Hannah’s much-needed coffee. Reaching forward, Hannah pulled a box of tissues off the edge of the coffee table before pulling out a bunch of tissues and handing them to Sophie.
‘Thanks.’ Balling the tissues in a fist, Sophie scrubbed at her cheeks.
‘I hadn’t realised how bad things were for you.’ Hannah tucked Sophie’s hair behind her ears. Her eyes were red raw and, judging by the dark circles beneath her eyes, she looked as though she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. How hadn’t Hannah noticed when they’d met up before? Probably because Sophie had had make-up on and the fact that Hannah had been too preoccupied with everything going on in her life to notice her friend needed support too. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘It’s not your fault. You’re not the one who yelled at me.’ Sophie gave a small laugh, her voice hollow and cracked.
‘And this is a regular occurrence?’
Nodding sadly, Sophie drew her legs up towards her and wrapped her arms around her knees. ‘I know I need to end things. I know this isn’t good for Florrie. If Josh hadn’t taken her out, she would have heard everything. But...’
‘But what?’
‘I’m petrified. I’ve been with Richard for years. What if I can’t cope on my own? What if...?’ Her voice cracked again as a fresh deluge of tears flooded her face.
‘Hey, you’re not on your own. I’m here. Gemma and Lucy are here. Josh is here. We’re all here for you.’ As soon as the words had escaped her mouth, Hannah knew she’d be postponing travelling again. She knew her friend needed her, and she wasn’t about to let her down because she was too afraid to face her own fears. She needed to hang around. At least until she knew Sophie was okay. And to give her and Josh a chance. Heck, she could live in the caravan permanently if she didn’t feel ready to move into the cottage once the roof was done. Although she had to admit that after going in every day to use the kitchen, it was beginning to feel more like home again each time.
Sophie looked at her and raised her eyebrows. ‘You’re not leaving us again?’
Hannah shook her head. ‘I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for a while longer.’
A small smile pulled at the corner of Sophie’s lips as she drew her in for a hug. ‘I don’t know what to say. I’m so pleased you’re hanging around for a bit at least. What’s brought about the change of heart?’
Hannah bit down on her bottom lip. She couldn’t exactly admit it was because she could see what was happening with Sophie and that she wanted to support her through a reaction breakdown. But she couldn’t exactly drop the bombshell that she wanted to date her older brother either, so instead she kept quiet and shrugged.
‘Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad. it’s good to have you back.’ Dragging a cushion from the sofa behind her, Sophie clutched it to her chest and laid her chin on its edge. ‘I know what I need to do.’
Taking another tissue from the box, Hannah gently dried Sophie’s cheeks, letting her continue.
