Page 49 of Christmas, Actually

CLARA

‘Figgy!’ Charlie cried before leaping up from where he was sitting and making his way onto the stage, creating carnage because all the other children got up too. Clara could see some of them turning, trying to locate their parents, as a low buzz of concern rippled through the audience.

‘Don’t worry, boys and girls!’ Clara stood trying to appear calm. ‘I’m sure Figgy just lost track of time. You know how excited he gets when he finds something new to sniff.’

She offered Charlie a reassuring smile and was surprised when the little boy gave her a tearful nod before jumping from the stage and making his way to where she was standing.

Liam stood too and opened his arms, but instead of running to his dad, Charlie launched himself into Clara’s arms, wrapping himself around her shoulders, snuggling his face into her neck. She kissed his hair and held on tighter.

‘Will Figgy come back?’ he whispered, sniffing as he twisted to look at the stage.

‘Absolutely,’ Clara promised. She glanced up and her eyes caught Liam’s. But instead of gratitude on his face, she saw fear.

She wanted to ask why he was afraid – was he scared for his dog? Then her attention shot to where Joe was once again tapping his wand on the silver bowl. His face dropped when he lifted it up to reveal a pile of carrots, but no rabbit.

‘Well, looks like Bugs and Figgy are off on an adventure,’ Doris said loudly, raising her voice above the din.

‘Of course they are!’ Eleanor boomed, making her way into the middle of the crowd, her velvet skirts flapping. ‘We all know how much Bugs enjoys visiting everyone’s houses. He’s probably taken Figgy there too. I think if we all calm down and go and speak to Mr and Mrs Christmas about what we might like to find in our stockings, it’ll give them time to return.’

Eleanor shot Clara a wide-eyed look and she nodded and carefully placed Charlie on the ground. He held onto her neck for a beat before reluctantly releasing her.

‘You smell like chocolate,’ he said as he took a step back and Liam came to squeeze his shoulder. ‘Better than Mia Mum, she smelled of broccoli.’ He pinched his nose and his eyes shot to his dad’s. ‘She’s gone now. I wanted you to come to the park.’

‘You did?’ Clara asked, confused. Had something happened to Mia?

She glanced at Liam, but he was looking at his son, his face creased with concern. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked as Jenny managed to weave her way through the throng to join them.

‘I’m so sorry. I couldn’t get to Charlie before he got on stage,’ she said, glancing over her shoulder. ‘Where on earth do you think Bugs and Figgy are?’

Liam pulled a face. ‘Depends on which part of the North Pole Joe sent them to.’ He nodded at his son, indicating little ears were listening in. ‘I’ll ask him in a moment.’ He glanced at Joe who was now frantically searching under boxes, on shelves and behind nearby curtains.

‘Why don’t we do our Mr and Mrs Christmas bit while Joe’s looking? If Figgy and Bugs don’t turn up, we’ll help him look?’ His gaze swept between Jenny and Charlie, missing Clara altogether, which made her stomach contract. Why was Liam acting so strangely? He was starting to remind her of Hudson. Beginning to behave like he didn’t want her here. It left her feeling vulnerable and confused.

‘Come on, why don’t you join the queue with Jenny?’ Liam said to his son. Clara could see Eleanor encouraging the children to form an orderly line. Jenny nodded and took Charlie’s hand.

‘Will you come to my house after we find Figgy?’ Charlie whispered, patting Clara’s skirt.

Clara was about to say yes, but when she glanced at Liam, he shook his head. ‘Um, we’ll have to see,’ she croaked, giving him a half smile as her insides caved in on themselves. She shivered, reminded of the moment she’d caught Hudson with Abigail – only this time it felt worse.

‘I’m not sure Clara’s going to be able to make it,’ Liam explained. ‘Why don’t you join the queue with Jenny and I’ll chat with her?’

Charlie let out a disappointed harrumph before nodding and allowing Jenny to lead him away.

‘What happened?’ Clara whispered, turning to gaze at Liam. ‘I don’t understand.’ She saw him swallow, saw the pulse at the base of his neck hammer. ‘What’s going on?’ She could hear anguish in her voice and wished she could hide it. But she’d always found it difficult to contain her emotions, another thing her mother disliked.

‘So boys and girls – it’s time for Mr and Mr Christmas to take their places,’ Eleanor shouted. ‘I hope you’re ready to meet them now.’

‘We’ll talk later.’ Liam gave Clara a long look before dropping into his chair.

‘Where’s Figgy?’ Charlie asked, racing across the room to Clara and Liam as soon as the queue to meet Mr and Mrs Christmas had subsided.

It had been a charming twenty minutes – and Clara had enjoyed watching the children’s excited faces, hearing about their hopes for Christmas day. Although it had been overshadowed by her dread that she was about to get dumped from a relationship that had barely even started.

‘He’s still not back.’ Charlie glanced around the shop as a tear tracked down his rosy cheek.

‘I’m sure he’ll be somewhere,’ Clara promised. ‘He’s probably found a coat he likes. How about we all look for him now?’

Jenny and Charlie nodded enthusiastically as Eleanor wandered over to join them. ‘I might check my flat. I have an odd feeling about that rabbit.’ She frowned.