Chapter 8

The next morning Dolly was down stairs in the kitchen with the others admiring the finished crib that Gloria had presented to her. Mike walked in and saw them all laughing.

"Hey what's so funny you lot". Mike asked. Entering.

"Just woman talk darlin'. You sleep okay".

"Slept great. Why".

"Well I was tossing and turning all night. Didn't know if I'd kept you awake".

"You okay". Mike asked. Concerned.

"She's worrying about Audrey". Julia interjected.

Dolly gave Julia a look that could kill when she told him the reason.

"I told you not to worry about Mum".

"I know. I can't help it though. Have you called her yet".

"Was just about wanted to make sure you hadn't backed out".

"Go make the call Mike". She smiled. Kissing him.

Mike went outside for some air and began dialling Audrey's number. It only took a few rings before she answered.

"Hello".

"Hi Mum. It's Mike".

"Mike. I wondered when I'd hear from you again. I was beginning to think after all the business with Rawlins and the diamonds that you'd disowned me".

"You're still my Mother aren't you".

"Where have you been Mike. It's been nearly a year".

"Yeah it has".

"Susan said you seperated. Something to do with that Angela girl".

"No Mum it had nothing to do with Angela".

"You let her take the boys Mike. I haven't seen my Granchildren in months".

"I'll sort out visiting schedules with her soon okay. I promise. Mum that's not the reason I'm calling. There's something else".

"Oh. What. Are you in trouble. Something to do with Angela".

"Mum. Angela and I aren't together. Haven't been since Susan and I seperated".

"What then".

"I can't tell you this over the phone. Can you come to the house".

"You have a new place".

"Sort off".

"Mum I need you to come to The Manor House".

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Mike wondered if she'd heard him or if she's walked away from the phone.

"Mum".

"I heard you. The Manor House".

"Yeah".

"Why are you staying there Mike. Is SHE there".

"Dolly. Yeah".

"Oh it's Dolly now is it. Not the bitch that killed your Sister".

"Mum things have changed. Please. Will you just come to The Manor".

She heard the desperation in her Son's voice and as much as she hated Dolly Rawlins. She loved her Son.

"When. When do you want me there".

"Today. I have some news and I need to tell you in person".

"Fine. I'll be around 3pm".

"See you then. Love you".

She hung up the phone without hesitation. Dolly was standing by the stairs listening to his conversation with his Mother.

"Are you alright love". She asked. Putting her arms around him.

"Yeah I'm fine. It's done now. As soon as I mentioned The Manor. Well she's not stupid. She knows you're involved here".

"I'm sorry love".

"Why are you apologising".

"Well if you hadn't met me. We wouldn't have gotten together and I wouldn't be pregnant at my age".

"I don't regret any of this. Don't you either okay".

"I won't".

"Let's just wait until she arrives and worry then. In the meantime. Let's go get a cuppa". He said. As he wrapped his arms around her.

To Be Continued...