Page 10 of A Different Kind Of December
“I felt brave.”
“Is that right?”
“Yeah, then I heard your voice, and it all went to shit.” I smile through my tears as my brother chuckles.
“So, what’s happening? You’re up and functioning, what’s going on there?”
I let out a weighted sigh. I’ve spoken to Marley before about my dreams and how vivid they are, so I’m not embarrassed to tell him.
“He was here this morning. Told me its been going on for too long. He said that Cam was a dick for being so fucking perfect and that it was time for me to sort my shit out and stop falling apart on this day every year.”
“I think he’s right. Cam puts all of us to shame, and you do need to get your shit together, we both do.”
“Agreed.”
“Wanna get shit faced with me?”
“Absolutely.”
“You coming to me or am I coming to you?”
“I’ve given the kids the day off school...” I trail off as I think about why I did that. “I just wanted them around me today, ya know?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I promised them a late lunch or early dinner once we’ve put the decorations up—”
“We’ve?” he interrupts. “As in youandthe kids, or you and the people you get to put up your decs?”
“Well, I did mean the kids and me...”
“George...”
“Yes, I know. They’ve told me all about my CDO.”
His laughter resonates through the phone and touches every part of me. Hearing that from my brother is exactly what I need right now.
“Anyway, you’ve just given me an idea. Squires are coming today to do the outside lights and decorations, I’m gonna ask them if they can do the inside, too. I cooked the kids breakfast, but they’ll probably be starving again by lunchtime—”
“Wait! What? You cooked the kids breakfast? Are they okay?”
“Fuck off.”
“George, seriously, what were you thinking?”
“I love you dearly, but you are gonna get a kick in the bollocks if you keep on.”
“Oh and there she is. My bitch of a little sister is back.”
“I’m not a bitch,” I whine.
“No, you’re not a bitch, you’re not someone that can cook, either. You need to leave that to Christine and put your family out of their misery.”
“It’s her day off. She doesn’t come in Friday to Sunday.”
“Perhaps you should think about renegotiating her contract.”
“Fuck you.” I smile at his laughter again, even though the jokes on me. I’ve tried to be a good cook; it’s just not a skill I possess.
