A/N I decided to update this chapter quickly because i kind of left it off in an awkward spot, not explaining where the other children were, so here's chapter 10. It's just a short chapter, and not very interesting, as i had a bad writers block on this one, i rewrote it quite a few times. But i would still appreciate reviews! Don't worry, there's still a lot of this story to come, and the actions gonna be picking up very shortly! Happy reading!
Chapter 10 Returning To Normal
After Susie had been returned home at 7:30 that evening, my other children began to arrive home in pairs. Rosalinda and Jack returned home first, along with Lillian.
"Mum, I'm so sorry!" Rosalinda cried running into my open arms, I embraced her gently.
"It's all right darling, it's not your fault after all." I replied reassuringly, stroking her hair softly.
"But I was with her when she disappeared! I should have been watching her more carefully." Rosa said, apparently still blaming herself for Susie's decisions.
"Rosa, nothing is your fault. If Susie had been with anyone else, she would have behaved exactly the same way. It could have happened to Jack, Sally, Charles, or even me." I explained soothingly.
"But it didn't happen to any of you. It happened to me. I lost my little sister." Rosa replied miserably, pulling away and looking into my eyes, seeking forgiveness.
I smiled reassuringly, and told her without saying a word that I forgave her, and that she shouldn't blame herself. I said it with my eyes, and she seemed to understand. She found the forgiveness she was looking for in my expression.
Jack and Lillian hung back uncertainly, not wanting to disrupt me and Rosalinda's conversation.
"Hello Lillian, lovely to see you again." I addressed her, smiling kindly.
"Good evening Mrs. Calvert." Lillian replied, nodding, her celery green eyes sparkled as she smiled back sweetly.
"How have you been dear? Anything new?" I asked her, genuinely curious.
"Not at the moment, no. I've been extremely well though, thank you. I'm just very glad we managed to find little Susie, Jack was distraught when we heard the news that she had gone missing." Lillian answered me, with a somewhat concerned expression.
My eyes widened in shock, and I raised both my eyebrows as I looked at Jack.
"Jack, distraught? Why, I have never heard of such a thing!" I exclaimed amused.
"Well, he did a fine job putting on a brave face for Rosalinda of course. But, when we were alone, his attitude towards the whole situation changed completely." Lillian explained, while trying to keep the details limited, she could see Jack was getting slightly embarrassed with the turn our conversation had taken.
Again, this sounded all to familiar. I had been exactly the same way as a young woman, especially aboard the Titanic, and during the sinking. I had always managed to put on a bold brave face in front of everyone, except for Jack. With him, I let my guard down, and all my true emotions poured out of me. Near his unfortunate end, I broke down, as we were alone, and my whole attitude towards our situation had indeed changed.
I nodded, understanding Lillian's explanation completely. Jack continued to look embarrassed as he stood next to her, shifting his weight awkwardly from foot to foot.
I spoke directly to him now; "It's okay to show emotions Jack, it doesn't make you a sissy." I told him seriously, and the subtly winked. He chuckled, and looked slightly relieved. I was expecting Rosalinda to make an unnecessary comment, but she was still upset about the whole situation, and remained silent.
A few moments later, Sally-Mae and Charles arrived home. Charles entered the house first, walking briskly, and then stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight of Susie, sprawled out on the sofa reading a novel, while everyone was fussing over her.
"Susie? Where on earth have you been? Everyone's been searching for you all day, we've been worried sick!" Charles exclaimed.
Sally-Mae sprinted through the front door then, gasping for breath and clutching at a stitch in her chest.
"I, I, I, couldn't find Susie anywhere! What are we going to do?" Sally-Mae cried out in despair and frustration. I could see that she was on the verge of tears, and unlike Charles, she failed to notice Susie's presence in the very room.
Everyone stared blankly at Sally-Mae, wondering just how long it would take for her to notice Susie.
"Um… Sally?" Charles said, pointing to Susie with an amused expression upon his features. She was still sprawled out on the sofa with her nose in her novel.
"Oh thank goodness!" Sally-Mae exclaimed before collapsing into a kitchen chair. "When did she return?" Sally questioned once she had calmed down and managed to regain control of her breathing.
"Around half past 7." I replied.
"I'm sorry mum." Sally apologised now. "I know I should have left you a note, explaining the situation, but I thought we would be able to find Susie before you returned home. Plus, I was afraid you would be angry with us, particularly Rosa, as she was already beating herself up about it, and I felt the need to protect her." Sally explained quickly.
"I quite understand Sally, I know the bond between you and Rosa is unbreakable, sisterly bonds usually are." I replied kindly.
Sally-Mae smiled at me and nodded, pleased that I wasn't angry with any of them.
Funny how only hours earlier, I was thinking of all the ways I could punish them, and how they would be in serious trouble when they all returned. But I wasn't in the mood to be strict with them, and they were all old enough to realise what they had each done wrong. I was just content that they were all safe and happy.
"Well, I think we should all be off to bed. It's been a rather long day." I said, sounding exhausted myself, and I was after the days events. "Are you staying the night dear?" I asked Lillian.
"Oh, yes please. If you wouldn't mind." Lillian replied shyly.
"Not at all, you can stay in Jack's bedroom, and Charles can sleep on the sofa." I said kindly. I glanced at Charles, hoping he wouldn't mind. It was apparent he did. He walked to his and Jack's bedroom grumbling something about 'being the middle child' while making up the sofa for himself. I sighed. "I'm sorry Charles, but it's a tight squeeze, I wish we had a guest bedroom." He didn't respond, just continued to grumble and make up the sofa.
Sally-Mae giggled, "stop being such a drama queen Charles! If it bothers you that much, you can sleep in my bed and I'll take the sofa." She called to him from the kitchen.
He smiled "Really? Thanks Sally."
"All right, I'm off to bed. Goodnight everyone." I kissed each of my children on the cheek, I even gave Lillian a peck, as I consider her a part of this family now.
"Goodnight mum." Everyone replied in unison.
I sauntered down the narrow hall, into the restroom. I then quickly washed my face and brushed my teeth, before returning to my bedroom. I closed the door and climbed beneath the sheets. I could hear my children's conversation still going on in the kitchen, and their voices soothed me. It had been much to quiet in the house this afternoon. I fell asleep almost instantaneously, and the last thing I heard before drifting off completely was Rosalinda, teasing Jack. I smiled. It was the perfect ending, to an imperfect day.