Page 21 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

That night, however, Angelia couldn’t seem to switch her mind off and she tossed and turned in bed until she eventually gave up. She put on the complimentary fluffy white robe and sat by the window looking out at the stars overhead, with Scrappy snuggled in her lap. She replayed what she had overheard between Heath and Josh in her mind and then thought about Ed and his reaction to her news. She was evidently in her self-torture era.

The following morning, Meghan ordered room service for them, but Angelia didn’t have much of an appetite.

‘Why don’t you go get some fresh air while I call and let Den know how the journey’s going?’ Meghan suggested after she had showered and tied her hair up in a ponytail. ‘I know you didn’t sleep that well so some fresh air might help.’

It sounded like a good plan, so Angelia donned her signature baseball cap and tucked her hair up into it, clipped Scrappy’s lead to his collar and set off. The sky overhead was powder-blue and scattered with cotton-wool-ball clouds. It wasn’t exactly warm, but it was dry. They walked along the road to the Blacksmith’s Shop, the world-famous wedding venue, where a happy couple and their friends were getting ready for the first wedding of the day. The bride wore a stunning long-sleeved ivory lace dress, and the groom a green and blue tartan suit. Angelia stood just out of sight and watched as they snapped group photos with beaming smiles on their faces. She couldn’t help the twinge of envy she felt at their happiness. She had always expected to be in a long-term relationship by the time she reached her current age, but alas, it wasn’t to be. She turned around and walked back to the hotel where Meghan had packed their things and loaded the car.

As they drove the six remaining hours of their journey to Portree on Skye, Angelia gave up fighting sleep and dozed, waking up for brief intervals as they passed through Glencoe with its dramatic mountain backdrop and then as they passed Eilean Donan Castle where it sat proudly on its spit of land that stretched out into Loch Duich, against a cornflower-blue sky.

It was good to be back in her home country, surrounded by space and every possible shade of green. She felt her shoulders relax as the familiar scenery passed by the windows in a blur as she drifted off to sleep once more.

By dinnertime that Saturday evening, Angelia was standing in the kitchen of her family home, sandwiched between her mum and dad as her mum sobbed. Scrappy jumped up at Angelia’s legs, evidently wanting to be included in the group hug too.

‘I’m fine, Mum, honestly.’

Her mum pulled away and held her at arm’s length. ‘I know, sweetie, I’m sorry, I’m just so happy to see you.’ She turned to face the woman standing by the microwave, smiling. ‘Thank you for bringing her home, Meghan. And for staying with her.’ She walked over and hugged her.

Meghan returned the hug, patting her on the back. ‘It’s okay, Mrs M. I’m happy to help.’

‘We’re so grateful to have our girl home for a wee while,’ Angelia’s dad said as he shook Meghan’s hand rather officially, making Angelia smirk. He turned back to face Angelia. ‘Sit down, I’ll make a pot of tea. You too, Meghan.’ Angelia sat at the kitchen table and Meghan followed suit.

‘So, this medication that Dr Novak has prescribed,’ her mum said. ‘What does it do?’

‘It’s something that reduces this particular chemical in my blood which means the signals can get through so my muscles don’t fatigue as quickly.’

‘Gosh, that sounds very involved. And how are you feeling?’

Angelia shrugged. ‘I’m fine so far but I’ve only just started taking it. It seems to be helping which is the main thing.’

Her mum smiled but it was tinged with concern. ‘Well, that’s good. And how were the band about it all when you told them? I hope they handled it okay. I know Josh must have been worried. I think he looks on you as a younger sister,’ she said with a fond smile.

If only you knew the truth, Mum, Angelia thought and she sighed as she remembered Josh’s face as he’d left her apartment with the others. His eyes had been filled with something she had never really seen before. Possibly regret. Definitely pain. Although they had all left together, he had been the last to walk out and he had hugged her so tightly that it felt like goodbye and she had cried herself to sleep that night. She shook her head lightly to dislodge the memory.

She cleared her throat. ‘They were worried about me but so supportive. I was very concerned about telling them about my diagnosis after what happened with Lorelie, but they were great. Told me to take whatever time I need.’

‘Did the doc say anything about you going back on tour?’ her dad asked.

‘He said that touring would be counterproductive right now. Which means the European tour in six months’ time is on thin ice. Den has been great though. It can’t be easy doing his job.’

Her dad huffed. ‘I’ll bet he’s paid well enough so don’t be worrying about him. And he should be great about your situation. It’s not like you’ve asked for any of this,’ he said as he placed a tray on the table complete with teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl. He usually just made tea straight in the mugs, forgoing the teapot, so he was clearly on his best behaviour seeing as they had a guest. Angelia was relieved that he hadn’t fished out Nanna’s china teacups from the back of the cupboard too. He chewed his lip for a moment. ‘What about the new album? Aren’t you supposed to be in the studio in a few weeks?’

Angelia nodded. ‘We are but Den’s put a hold on it. He’s given everyone an extra month off.’

‘Well, that’s nice. I’m sure Heath and the others are grateful for more time with their families. Heath’s wee boy is such a sweetheart from the photos you sent,’ her mum said as she reached for the teapot.

Angelia smiled. ‘Oh, aye, Rosco’s a real character. Just like his dad.’

‘What will happen long term though?’ her dad asked as he took a seat opposite her at the table. ‘You can’t put things on hold indefinitely, surely? And you signed contracts.’

Angelia shrugged. ‘Honestly, I don’t know. I have a lot of thinking to do, I suppose. Although I assume there’s a clause in the contract somewhere for when things like this happen.’ She fell silent for a moment and tried to imagine life without Angel and the Fallen. ‘Music is all I’ve ever known and this band has been my life for ten years. I’ve loved every second of it but…’ She sighed and her chin trembled; she had no clue what could or should follow those words.

As if sensing her sadness, her mum said, ‘Look, let’s change the subject, eh? You don’t have to make any decisions this evening. Now, Dad tells me the property you’ve bought in Glentorrin has lots of potential. Have you any idea what you might want to do with it?’

Her mum poured the tea and Angelia picked up her mug; a Snoopy one she’d had for years and had managed to keep it completely intact, much to her surprise and joy. She shrugged. ‘I’m not really sure, to be honest. I’ll have a look around and see what ideas spring to mind, I suppose.’

‘Why don’t we go tomorrow and have a look?’ her dad asked brightly.

‘Don’t you have work to do? You usually end up working on something even on Sundays,’ Angelia said with a teasing smile.