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‘Better. I’m sorry . . .’
‘There’s no need to apologize,’ said Amy.
‘It’s . . . it’s just that . . .’ Emma’s voice trailed away. ‘It doesn’t matter. Look, thank you for that.’
Kirsty could now see why Amy was so good at what she did. She was so calm and reassuring. Kirsty even found herself feeling calmer and grounded from the sound of her voice.
‘Look, why don’t we tuck you up in bed so you can have a rest? We’ll bring you up a cup of tea. Then we can chat later. Okay? Remember what Mum always said? Sleep is the best medicine and everything will feel a bit better after a good rest.’
‘Thank you both.’ She sighed. ‘I’m mortified. I haven’t even had a chance to ask after the kids or Steve or Dad? How is he?’
‘Don’t you worry, there’s plenty of time to see them,’ said Kirsty, standing up from the bed. ‘Steve is out on errands just now and the twins are both at work. Dad is just fine. We can go and see him later on.’ Her voice was curter than she intended, and she tried to soften it when she spoke again. ‘Have a rest,’ she said, astonished to see Emma actually pulling back the cover and curling up underneath it. That was a sign she was definitely exhausted. Emma never went to bed without putting up a fight. ‘I’ll come and check on you in a bit.’
She pulled the cover over her, kissed her gently on the forehead and glanced at Amy, who stood up. Kirsty pulled the door quietly behind them, and she and Amy made their way downstairs. ‘When did you become so calm?’ she said, turning to look at Amy.
‘I guess someone has to be and it seems to come naturally to me,’ she said. ‘It’s probably because I don’t have anyone else to think about other than me. That is until Ross and Caleb,’ she said. ‘Anyway, being on my own suits me. It helps me stay very tranquil and Zen. You’re not so bad yourself, Kirsty.’
Kirsty felt far from calm and wished she could bottle some of her sister’s tranquillity. She knew they would need to get to the bottom of whatever Emma was upset about. She wondered what was really wrong. Sunlight flooded in through the kitchen windows and lit up the room making it warm and welcoming. Kirsty boiled the kettle and made a fresh pot of tea and placed it on the table in front of Amy who had sat at her usual spot.
‘Thanks, sis,’ she said. ‘You really don’t stop, do you?’
‘I will when I have taken this up to Emma,’ she said.
A few minutes later Kirsty returned and sat down in the chair opposite, suddenly feeling exhausted. She exhaled through her mouth slowly. ‘She’s already asleep. I wonder what’s going on with her?’
‘She’ll tell us when she’s ready.’ Amy’s voice was firm. Wrapping her fingers around the mug she eyed her sister, ‘Anyway why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?’
Kirsty frowned. ‘What do you mean?’
‘You look tired and stressed out, as though life is taking its toll.’
Kirsty’s shoulders slumped. She was so used to being the big sister and keeping an eye on her siblings. Even more so now their mum was dead. But she didn’t mind admitting that she was torn. ‘Everything is just getting a bit much. The guesthouse, worrying about the mystery inspection, the kids leaving, sorting the wedding and now . . .’
Amy reached over and clasped Kirsty’s hand. She noticed the tears sliding down her cheeks and pulled a tissue out her pocket. ‘I think we could perhaps buy stocks and shares in a tissue company. Go on. Have a good cry. It’s no wonder you’re fed up.’ Amy paused as Kirsty collected her thoughts.
‘It’s Dad.’
‘I know, I agree, he is a worry,’ said Amy.
Kirsty looked at Amy wishing and wondering if she should tell her what wasreallyon her mind, aside from Dad. Could she just tell her? Would it make her feel better? No, she said firmly to herself, she couldn’t do it to them. Not when the wedding was just days away, it wasn’t fair.
‘I’m worried about what happens next,’ Kirsty said, her words nuanced on several levels. This wasn’t just about their dad.
‘We do as Nicola suggested and take him to speak to the GP.’
Kirsty nodded. That was all fine but then what happened after the wedding? She knew Amy meant well, but she would just fly off to Vancouver and not have to worry about it.
‘You don’t have to do everything yourself. It is okay to ask for help.’
Kirsty blew her nose. ‘I know. I guess I’ve just always been used to being the big sister and looking after everyone.’
‘We will plan to take Dad to see the doctor and get him checked out. But I think we should probably focus on Emma for the moment and get to the bottom of what’s going on with her.’
‘I know, sorry and here is me making this about me. Just ignore me.’
Amy frowned. ‘It’s all relative, Kirsty, so don’t apologize.’
‘You are right, though. It’s so unlike Emma. She’s usually the one who never cries and has everything under control. What’s going on?’
