BANG BANG BANG BANG
"Who is it? It was getting dark out; Rohna could see the street lamp through the moth eaten curtains that Paddy refused point blank to replace. She was alone in the house with their son as Paddy was attending an emergency call at Butlers and Chaz was meeting her new fella in the pub for a late dinner date. She opened the door an inch or so and unhooked the chain. She couldn't believe her eyes. Aa…Aaron.. Come in. How?...What are you doing here? Rohna took his coat and duffel bag before ushering him into the sitting room. Do you want a cup of tea? How did you get here?"
"I'm okay Rohna thank you. Is Paddy here?"
He thought it best to keep things polite.
"No. He's up at Butlers. He has been since four."
"Is everything alright up there?"
"Yeah it was meant to be a routine birth, one of the cows apparently, but there have been complications. He shouldn't be too long."
"And the family…is everyone alright?"
"Yeah, plodding on. Adam is still there if that is what you're asking."
He chose to ignore her last comment.
"Actually I do fancy a drink, but do you have something a little stronger…for the nerves?"
Rohna rattled around in the kitchen and returned a while later with a half empty bottle of Vodka.
"It's your mams."
"What's it doing here then?"
"Of course. You don't know do you?"
"Know what?"
"After the whole fake wedding fiasco Chaz needed somewhere to lay low for a while."
"And Paddy took her in again? Is he crazy?"
"You know what he's like he was being a good friend."
"And she hasn't left since? I mean that was…it was a long time ago. Don't you mind?"
"At first I was furious what with us having the baby on the way. But we can't fault her she is doing her bit and the extra rent has been a god send."
"What about Hazel? I bet she was thrilled to have my mum move in next door."
"Did you read any of the letters Paddy sent you?"
"I may have glanced at them briefly. He mumbled sheepishly. In all honesty they were still in his bag unopened. Why? What has happened now?"
"She left the village."
"What? But she came to see me."
"It was a few weeks after your trial. Like you she apparently didn't open mail. He had the grace to look guilty. She didn't watch Jackson's farewell video, so she was completely convinced of your guilt."
"I can't blame her."
"No but your mum and Paddy were less supportive. When she finally watched the video she was devastated."
"So that's why she came to visit me? He said more to himself than out loud. I didn't speak to her. I couldn't face her."
"She left but not before your mum made her feelings known rather publicly. I am sure she will tell you all about it."
"I can't wait."
He rolled his eyes skywards, sarcasm evident with every word.
"Do you want something to eat? She decided a swift change in topic was probably her best bet. There may be some chicken from earlier or I could order you something in. Paddy mentioned Pizza."
"Well it is Friday night. That used to be their boys night in when he, Paddy and Marlon would scoff their faces with junk food and play on the x-box, no women allowed. But chicken would be great. What I really need to know is can I stay here for a while? I just spent the last of my savings on a cab up here, but I called my nan last week and she says I can stay with her until I am back on my feet."
"That will be up to Paddy, but as I said he shouldn't be too long. I'll just…she gestured towards the washing up in the kitchen. She was desperate to avoid saying the wrong thing, but she needed something concrete to tell Paddy. Aaron why didn't you call us?"
"I don't know. I had no idea what my plans were and I didn't want to cause you any trouble."
"When was your parole hearing?"
"Yesterday."
"We could have collected you and it would have been less of a shock."
"Sorry. I didn't really think of it like that. It's not like I kept in touch."
"Fair enough. Tea's on the table. Help yourself to a drink. I'm just going to check on Daniel. When you're done you can go upstairs your room is still made up."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. We can talk again tomorrow."