Meeting Mum

Layla was staring up at her new shop sign, a dreamy expression on her face.

"I'll be done quicker if I can get you from under my feet."

"Now you know what I have to cope with." David appeared at her shoulder.

"Ey. She smacked him playfully. Are you going out tonight, then?"

"Someone is." David inclined his head at Aaron who was locking his front door.

"Hey, you alright? It's looking good." He greeted them.

"Yeah, Ta."

"Where did you get that from?" Jackson looked skeptical.

"Why what's wrong with it?"

Aaron couldn't help feeling slightly put out by Jackson's lack of appreciation. He had spent the afternoon in Hotton shopping, which he hated, looking for a suitable 'meet the parents' shirt and he thought he'd done a pretty good job, with the one he had chosen. The sales assistant had said it matched his eyes, and that had sold it for him.

"It's nice but you're meeting my mum, not the queen."

"I just thought one of us should look smart." He hinted at Jackson.

"Awwwww and you do. It really matches your eyes." Layla cooed and Aaron blushed at the compliment.

"Please just put a T-shirt on." Jackson frowned.

"Fine. I just wanted to make a good impression, but if you think I should change then I will…" Muttering mutinously under his breath, he slammed the front door behind him, ignoring Paddy's half-hearted protests, as he marched upstairs and proceeded to further desecrate his room looking for the perfect outfit. He finally left wearing his lucky (seriously scruffy) jeans and a simple, black, v-neck t-shirt. He returned to the shop where Jackson was still working away.

"Please tell me you're having a shower?"

"In a minuet. You can join me if you like?" He teased.

"You're alright. He laughed. Is this better?"

"Much." Jackson returned his smile.

Sitting in the bar, Aaron was fidgeting nervously.

"Let's see your confident smile. Aaron grinned, but looked more slow than cute. Actually don't bother. I don't want to scare her to death."

"Ey. So what is your mum expecting me to be like? Is she expecting someone you know into musicals?"

"No. She's coming to see you, so just be yourself."

"Right."

"I met your mum."

"I didn't ask you to."

"Well I want you to do this for me."

"Fine."

"Okay?"

"I said fine."

"Are you ready?"

"Should I be?"

"No it's just sometimes she can come across a bit-"

"Oh my God I thought you'd have to send out the search party."

"Full on. This is Aaron." She ignored his attempt to shake her hand and continued talking.

"I ended up in the bar next door, what a dive. Come here you. She kissed Jackson once on each cheek. If I'd stayed in there any longer I'd have had to chat up this guy I saw. I mean it's indecent to sit in a place like that by yourself."

"Mum this is Aaron." Jackson repeated.

"Obviously. She acknowledged him with a smile and a brief nod. Sit down. You look like you're waiting to take my order. Biting his tongue, Aaron sat down. Does he talk?"

"Yes I do. Hello."

"Good. Have you been robbed? Aaron looked at Jackson totally bewildered. Did they take all your smart clothes? Jackson covered his face as Aaron scowled at him. I know you boys like to make a statement and you don't have to make an effort for my benefit, but what's yours? Tramp in training. Jackson wished the floor would open up and swallow him whole, he determinedly looked anywhere but at Aaron who has shooting daggers at him. But his mum continued oblivious to everything. Your aunt Polly's driving me mad. It's not just the 24hr non-stop Oklahoma music, or the talking to her parrot. Guess what it's called?"

"Er…Steve." Aaron suggested.

"Comedian. No. Howard. I mean who calls a bird Howard? But it's not that. I can cope with that. Just. No it's all the rubbing. I know her health's bad, but she makes me rub that osteoporosis cream in some unimaginable places. Aaron spluttered as he was sipping his beer. I've been in Jamaica for the best part of this year. Last week I was rubbing coconut oil into a twenty three year old with thighs like tree trunks and I said to myself, Hazel that is the benchmark do not settle for anything less. Now look where I am. Back in the rain rubbing cream into Polly's pins. No one dreams of that, do they Aaron?"

"Nnno. No."

"Anyway enough about me. Where did you say you were from? What do you do? And how did you two meet?"

"Whoa. One question at a time mum."

"I'm from Emmerdale, I live with my mum's ex, I'm a mechanic and we met here. And despite being a plonker, I do love your son."

"Well you're honest, straight no pun intended and I like that. Aaron released a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. But if you ever hurt my boy in anyway again I'll knock your block off."

"Mum, leave it."

"Lift the carpet and sweep it under."

"Mum."

"It's left. So, what are we drinking?"

From there on in the conversation didn't get any more comfortable. It was an experience Aaron knew he wouldn't forget in a hurry. Knowing he was very unlikely to get a word in edgeways, Aaron made his excuses and sneaked off to the toilets. His phone had been vibrating in his pocket for most of the evening so he thought he'd better check it.

"I need to go home. Can you drive me?" He'd returned from the toilets in a state, ghostly white and shaking.

"What's happened?" Jackson squeezed his hand comfortingly.

"It's Shadrack. He…he's dead."

"Go. Take the boy home. I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you." This time she accepted his hand.

"You'll be okay?"

"Of course. Don't be silly. I'll see you soon."

"Okay, well take care mum. I'll call round next week."

"No point. I'm going back to Jamaica."

"I thought you were here for a while yet?"

"I was meant to be. It's not working with Polly and I was onto a good thing out there."

"Yes, well you did mention. I have to go. Aaron was tugging at his coat sleeve. I'll call round tomorrow then."

"You better. Now give me a kiss. Bye Aaron, it was lovely to meet you."

"You too. Jackson can you hurry?"

"Where to?" Jackson hopped in the van and started the engine.

"My mum's I guess. Carl's house." He clarified.

"Won't she be with your family or even at Paddy's waiting for you? It's still early."

"I don't know and her phone's dead. I can't believe it. He tried to apologize and I…it's too late." Aaron turned away from Jackson as the tears that had been threatening fell freely down his face.

"It's not your fault. Aaron. You didn't know."

"I should have listened to him. I was horrible to him."

"You couldn't have known. None of you could. Try calling Paddy."

"No. We'll try here first."

Aaron had barely unfastened his seatbelt when the door to the Big House burst open and two people appeared. At first glance they appeared to be arguing, but on closer inspection it became apparent they were locked in a passionate embrace. The security lights coming on interrupted their pursuits.

"Is that?"

"Yep."

"But that isn't your-"

"No. Drive."

"But-"

"It is none of my business. She wouldn't believe me anyway."

"So you're not going to tell her?"

"Her dad has just died. I don't think now is the best time."

"She deserves to know that Carl is shagging the blonde piece from his office."

"I have no doubt he still will be after the funeral on Monday, so she will hear it from me but not tonight. Thanks for the lift." Jackson pulled Aaron in for a kiss, which he hoped would let him know that he was there for him.

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Would it sound pathetic if I said yes?"

"Not at all."

"Good. Then yes."

"Damn."

"What's up?"

"I can't find my key."

"Knock then."

"No, wait. It's here."

Soundlessly he opened the front door and walked straight into the lounge. The sight before his eyes put a smile on his face. The television was playing in the background, but on the sofa his mum and Paddy were curled up together, snoring contently.

"At least you won't have to worry about Carl."

"I guess not. I better wake them."

"I'll make them a drink. Do you want one?"

"Yeah, that'll be great. Aaron kissed Jackson on the cheek and whispered thank you into his ear. I'm glad you are here."

"I'm always here if you need me."

"I know. Mum. Paddy. Wakey wakey."

"mmmmm oh god. What time is it?"

"It's only ten."

"But Carl-"

"Can wait believe me. I think he's occupied."

"Why? What?"

"It's not important. Aaron stated dismissively. I got your messages. Sorry I wasn't here."

"It's okay. I couldn't call you cos my phone died. I'm sorry you had to find out like that. Are you okay?"

"I was so horrible to him mum."

"We all were love. None of us were convinced he could change."

"Anyone for tea?" Paddy offered as he came round.

"Jackson's on it."

"He's here? How did it go tonight?"

"It was okay."

"Really? What's his mum like?"

"Sh…well I can't explain."

"Hey be nice. Jackson scolded teasingly, as he appeared carrying a tray laden with drinks and biscuits. My mum is a bit full on and it can be overwhelming. And she tells you a lot of things you don't really want to know." He struggled to keep a straight face as he caught Aaron's eye.

"She called me a tramp. I think."

"She didn't. Jackson actually laughed out loud. She called you a tramp in training. She was mucking about. You just have to get used to her."

"I don't think I will." Aaron replied honestly.

"She liked you. That's the nicest she has ever been to any of my boyfriends."

"I can believe that. Anyway, do you know what happened with Shadder's? Cain said Marlon found him by the river. How did he end up in there? He didn't jump did he?"

"No. The likelihood is he fell. He was plastered. We're expecting a call tomorrow from the coroner. We're meeting up for tea at Zac's, everyone to discuss arrangements for the funeral. You want to come?"

"Yeah, I'll be there."

"I better get going Carl will wonder what's happened to me."

"I doubt it." Aaron muttered snidely.

"What?"

"We just drove up to the house to look for you and we saw Carl and he looked otherwise engaged."

"What do you mean?"

"Mum you don't want to hear this now and I know you won't believe me, but Jackson saw him too."

"Saw what?"

"He…he was-"

"Spit it out. Aaron. Jackson. One of you for God's sake."

"He was kissing Eve." Aaron had to stand there as his mother turned as white as he had earlier, shuffling nervously, staring at the floor.

"Are you sure? Aaron couldn't answer and Jackson avoided her eyes. Are you sure? She tried to control the anger surging through her.

"Yes."

"It was Eve."

"I'll see you tomorrow." Without so much as a second glance, Chaz grabbed her coat and stormed out of the front door. Paddy sat in the same position staring at them blankly.

"You think that was a good idea?"

"She asked me. Aaron replied defensively. I'm going to bed. Are you staying over?"

"Yes if you want me to and it's okay."

"Course it is. I'm gonna call it a night too. Too much drama for my liking. I'll see you in the morning. Night."

"Night Paddy. I think I've had enough excitement for tonight too."

"My mum really isn't that bad."

"mmmmm well we'll see."

"She respects you and that is a miracle considering."

"Considering what?" Jackson was smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

"What you said to her?"

"Which part? I don't think I really spoke. Stop smirking."

"I'm not."

"You are and it is weird."

"Well you told her you love me."

"I…I do love you."

"Good. Night." Jackson rolled over next to him and pretended to be going to sleep.

"Hang on. Is that it? I say I love you and you say good."

"No. You're right. Thank you. He struggled to keep a straight face at the look of indignation on Aaron's face. Oh yeah there is one more thing."

"And what's that?"

"I love you too. Better?"

"Much. Night." Aaron pulled the cover over himself and turned his back on Jackson.

"I don't even get a kiss?"

"Oh yeah. Aaron sat up and pecked him fleetingly on the lips. Night." Turning over, he closed his eyes and quickly drifted off, wearing a Cheshire Cat grin of his own.