‘Were you and Mummy scared?’ Felix whispers.
I turn to him. ‘I made sure your Mummy wasn’t scared by telling her stories about runaway princesses and magical forests.’
‘You must be very brave,’ says Felix before resting his head on my shoulder.
Tom takes a sip of his coffee. ‘So how long was it before you were found?’
‘Two days. Some ramblers found us. By that stage we were hungry and dirty, and the whole adventure idea was starting to lose its appeal.’
Felix lifts his head. ‘Why did your mother not want you?’ The question Vivi and I asked her almost every day after we were returned to her care after the woods incident. Mum would be busy putting on a show for the social worker who was assigned to us after that. Making sure that when the social worker visited we looked like a happy little family and Mum’s addictions were a thing of the past. Once the social worker left, Mum would return to her old uncaring self and tell us she didn’t want to be a mother.
Tom scratches his stubble-clad chin. ‘That’s some story. Rory was right, Emily, you were amazing for keeping yourself and your little sister safe.’
The living area goes blurry. ‘I couldn’t keep her safe when it mattered though.’ Felix wraps his arm around my neck, and I try to block out the memory of Vivi being carried out of the house by paramedics.
Tom passes me a little pack of tissues. ‘Yes, Rory told me about your sister. I’m so sorry.’
We all go silent, and Felix hugs me a bit tighter.
‘So, what’s your plan?’ Tom asks, changing the subject.
‘Everything is going to be all right. We’re going home,’ announces Felix. He looks up at me and I notice how he’s sitting up a little taller.
Tom’s face breaks into a smile. ‘Well, I hope you both have a nice Christmas.’
I grab Felix’s hand and give it a squeeze. ‘We’re going to have a lovely Christmas. We just need to get a move on, so we have time to get to Brighton, buy some decorations and some good food, and get home. I also want to buy some emergency provisions for the journey home. We are going to be prepared this time.’
Felix smiles at me before jumping up. ‘I’m going to get ready and pack up my stuff.’
He and Baxter race away.
Tom sits back in the sofa and crosses his leg over his knee. ‘Sorry about Rory not showing up.’
‘It’s all right. This trip has proved to me Rory has moved on with his life.’
Tom stays silent.
I get up from my chair and with a heavy heart go to see what Felix is up to.
We both emerge twenty minutes later ready for our trip back home. Tom is sat waiting for us. ‘It was nice to meet you both,’ he says. ‘At last I can put faces to the names I hear such a lot.’
Felix nudges me but I hurry us towards the flat door. I’ve seen enough of Leeds. ‘It was good to meet you, Tom. Do you have any plans for Christmas?’
His face lights up. ‘I’ve decided to see if I can persuade Suzie to give us another go.’
‘Really?’
He nods. ‘I’ve texted her and invited her over for a chat. Wish me luck.’
We step outside the door. Felix picks up Baxter and I sling my bag over my shoulder. ‘Thanks for giving us somewhere to stay, Tom, I appreciate it.’
He nods. ‘Shall I tell Rory you were here?’
‘Wish him a happy Christmas,’ I say, steering Felix in the direction of the lift.
With a sigh Tom waves and heads back into his flat.
Felix, Baxter, and I make our way towards the stairs, as the lift is still out of action.
