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Whatever happened, Jack would have her back. She just had to be brave enough to look life in the eye and fight her demons. She was worthy of this attention from Francis. Maybe, she was even worthy of some attention from Charlie.
Chapter Seven
Charlie sat in the driver’s seat of the Capri, picking at a loose thread in the fabric. She closed her eyes. The rhythm of the bouncing tyres on the flyover above helped to slow her thoughts.She pulled up toa block of flats curved like a half moon, climbed out, and made her way to a ground floor entrance.
She knocked at the door, tracing the bumpy glass with her fingertips. This place shouldn’t remind her of Theresa; she’d never even lived there. But it was full of people who brought her to life. A hazy figure approached behind the glass and the door opened, releasing a blast of heat.
“Charlotte, thank you for coming. Come in. I’ve got the kettle on, and the kids want to see you.”
This was the last thing that Charlie wanted. She’d already turned away, ready to escape, but Jacob pulled at her sleeve.
“Charlie, come and see.”
She bent down to pick him up and almost buckled. “Wow, you’re heavy! Piggyback then.” She hooked her arms over his legs. “Look at you, fella. You’ve grown so big! You must be fourteen by now.”
“I’m only four.”
He giggled into her hair, and warmth flooded her body. Maybe a few minutes out of her day wouldn’t hurt. “I can’t stay too long, Kim.” Charlie noticed the deep shadows under her eyes. “I’ve got to get to work.”
She carried Jacob through a narrow hall into the cramped kitchen, just big enough for a pine table and two benches. A strip of light from the low ceiling made her blink. Dishes flowed over the sides into the sink and the start of breakfast was still on the table. She regretted disturbing their routine. The shapes of two sleepy teenagers came towards her.
“Hey, you two,” she said, as she placed the youngest back on the floor.
They grunted, while Jacob handed her a remote-controlled car and a bag of dinosaurs. The kettle came to a crescendo, and all three children clambered across the benches.
Without speaking, Charlie handed Kim an envelope, which she tucked up on a shelf next to a tree of mismatched mugs. They exchanged a look before Kim’s gaze fell to the floor. Charlie hated that she might feel bad for taking the money. “Chloe, how’s school?”
“It’s all right. I’ve got a Geography mock this week.” She scooped cereal hoops into her mouth. She looked so grown up next to Jacob, wobbling on the bench like he was sitting on jelly.
“Mock exams already? I haven’t seen you for such a long time.” Charlie gave Jacob a squeeze. “I’ve missed you all.”
“Come over more often, Charlotte. We’d love to have you.” Kim leaned against the worktop.
A familiar barb of guilt pierced Charlie’s chest.This isn’t my family. This is Theresa’s family.“I know, but work keeps me busy, and you guys have got your own stuff going on. How’s football, Sam?”
The elder boy fiddled with his school tie. “Not bad. Ended last season third in the league.”
“Tell her, Sam. You’ve been playing in defence and don’t let the buggers past you. He loved that England shirt you bought him last year. Not had it off, except for school.” Kim scraped butter onto some toast. “And even then he sneaks it underneath sometimes.” Kim tutted and handed out hot tea.
“Sometimes he goes to bed in it.” Chloe’s laughter echoed off the walls.
Kim settled against the counter. “Sam, Chloe, take Jacob into the living room while me and your Aunty Charlotte have a chat.”
Charlie’s shoulders tensed at the undeserved title. “You shouldn’t call me that. You’re confusing them.”
“We both know that if Theresa was still alive you’d be together. You’re still part of this family.”
Charlie stepped back. She’d been tangled in this web before. Kim’s expectations were too high. “Even if Theresa was still here, I wouldn’t be their aunty.” She gritted her teeth. “She was their older sister, not yours.”
“Don’t get legal with me, young lady. You know what aunty means. It means you’re part of this family. Blood or no blood. And Theresa isn’t here anymore, but you are.” Kim sniffed and took a seat at the opposite bench. Her white blouse was stained down the front from cooking. Close up, she had faint lines around her lips. She looked her forty-six years and more. “I wanted to talk to you about stuff. I know I’m a pain, but you’re everything we’ve got at the moment.”
Charlie raised her hand. She couldn’t stand being responsible for the small family she’d inherited through shame. “You know I think the world of you all. Theresa would be so proud of you and how settled the kids are. You know that.” She faltered. Who was she to pass judgement on Theresa’s mother?Jesus, why am I stuck in this kitchen?She rose to her feet.
“I need more, Charlotte. Just a bit more to get us through the next few months. I can’t go to work, not with Jacob. I can’t get him into the nursery. But next year, he’ll be at school and then Chloe can watch him, so I can start paying you back.”
“You don’t need to pay me back. I never want anything back. Put that out of your mind.” Charlie took a long breath. “There’s more in the envelope. I need to get off to work now.” She looked up at the shelf and walked into the living room to say goodbye to the children. “I love you. You are all so special,” she said, kissing Jacob. “Be good for your mum, and I’ll see you soon. You can tell me about school and football again.”
Outside, at the end of the path, she looked back. Jacob was waving through the window, and Kim stood behind him, wiping her cheeks.
