Chapter 10: Seeing Mum
Violet's P.O.V.
This week was going by far too slowly for my liking. Dad had told me on Wednesday, when he picked me up from school, that we were going away for the weekend. However, he seemed to stop himself before he said anymore and just said the location was a secret. It had raised my suspicions and when I asked Auntie Alice, she just looked confused and asked me to repeat exactly what Dad had said. She then disappeared out of the room, dragging Dad into the kitchen and away from my prying ears, the kitchen door slamming shut. For the first time ever, I heard them arguing before she stormed out the house not long after. The only thing I'd been able to overhear was Mum's name and that Dad shouldn't keep lying. I was intrigued but when Dad reappeared he looked so worked up that I knew now was not the time to ask him what Auntie Alice meant. I just hoped their argument wasn't too serious.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Friday night finally rolled around and I found myself sat in the airport with Dad and Auntie Alice. They still weren't really talking, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere so I just stayed quiet and continued to read my book. I didn't really get why Auntie Alice was coming with us but not Uncle Mark. All I knew was we were going to some island called Jersey but I still didn't know the exact purpose of our trip. However, I tried to ignore the niggling feeling inside me that told me I was missing something and instead tried to focus on just being happy to finally be going on a family weekend holiday with my Dad.
"Do you really think this is fair?" Both Dad and I snapped our attention to Auntie Alice as she spoke. "Doesn't she deserve to know the truth?"
"Alice, not now." Dad sighed.
"If not now, when? Joey, times running out. What if it happens unexpectedly when we arrive? We can't guarantee it won't." I knew they were talking about me and I was getting frustrated at being treated like a baby. What weren't they telling me?
"Will you please tell me what you two keep arguing about? I'm not a little kid. I can handle most things; you get used to things being in and out of care." I slammed my book shut in frustration and looked between the two of them.
Dad looked at his sister then back at me and sighed in defeat, "Violet, you need to listen to what I say but please don't get your hopes up because I can't bear to see you getting hurt." He paused for a moment before taking my smaller hand in his warm larger one. "We're going to find your Mum."
"Seriously?" I asked, slightly shocked at the news.
He nodded, "Auntie Alice got her address from your Nan but didn't say anything about you wanting to find her. We haven't called because it would be pointless; she'd just refuse to see us so we don't know for certain if she'll be around. You have to be prepared for her to reject us straight away." I couldn't really absorb Dad's words, my mind too busy trying to comprehend the news. I was so close to finally meeting my Mum! "Are you ok, Vi? I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
I realised I had been quiet for a few minutes. Realising he needed a reply, I focused on speaking, "Huh? Oh yeah, sorry. Thank you for doing this; I know you are only doing this because of me and probably don't really want to see her yourself so I appreciate you taking me."
I hugged Auntie Alice before turning back to give my Dad an even bigger hug. I felt Dad shaking his head.
"See, I told you she would be ok and not get too excited." Auntie Alice pointed out, just as the overhead tannoy started making the announcement that our flight was now boarding and we needed to make our way to our gate to check in.
"I'm sorry, Al. I guess I should have had more faith in you but I only wanted to protect my daughter." I gave Dad a reassuring smile to let him know that I understood why he didn't tell me. It felt good to finally have someone thinking about protecting my feelings, even if I didn't need them protecting.
"I know you did but she's a pretty tough cookie; a trait I think, no I know, she gets from her Dad. Probably one of the only decent ones she got from you." I heard Dad scoff as his sister teased him.
I grabbed my small roll along suitcase and book and starting walking slightly ahead of Dad and Auntie Alice. I tuned out their conversation as my thoughts drifted to how I would feel finally seeing and meeting my Mum in person and also thinking about what I wanted to say to my Mum. I was now grateful to have a little bit of time before I had to face her, nerves gathering in my stomach.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Dad and Auntie Alice refused to go to my Mum's when we arrived as it was late, so instead we headed straight to the hotel. I hardly slept as I struggled to contain my excitement; although I was soon regretting it when I did drop off and Dad woke me far too soon after.
But now, finally, after starting my initial search nearly four months ago, we pulled up outside my Mum's. I knew Dad could feel my nerves as we got out and I fidgeted with my hands; he took them in his own hands and kissed the back of them before he crouched down in front of me. I could see the nerves on his face too but he was more concerned about mine.
"You ready to do this? If you've changed your mind or feel uncomfortable and want to go, you just let me know." I nodded, Dad kissing my cheek once more before standing up and ringing the doorbell.
Waiting, footsteps could be heard within the house followed by muffled voices, before the door opened. I was left speechless, as too everyone else after their initial reaction of taking in the person or persons in front. I saw Mum's brown eyes, my brown eyes, were focused on one thing and one thing only, Dad. I thought she was even more beautiful than she was in the pictures I'd seen. Feeling the tension, I watched the intense stare between my parents for a few seconds before either of them spoke.
"Joey." She breathed, gripping the front door tightly; it felt weird hearing her finally speak.
"Lauren."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews so far on the story! So I only said Lauren would make her entrance in chapter 10, not necessarily be in chapter 10 ;) Sneaky aren't I? I may be persuaded to post chapter 11 later if you really want it...
Preview:
"Can we come in?" I asked, moving so she was forced to look at Alice and Violet. I could see her mind going as she looked at Violet confused.
"Why?" She was hiding something, I knew it. She glanced back in to the house. "Joey, now is really not a good time for me."
-.-.-.-.-
My eyes were instantly on the person who appeared behind Lauren.
-.-.-.-.-
It felt like I had been stabbed in the chest as the words left her mouth; yeah we were cousins but we were never just cousins.
-.-.-.-.-
"Dad, let's just go."
-.-.-.-.-
"Joey, wait."
-.-.-.-.-
"What have you done, Joey?"
I'm such a tease, aren't I? Feel free to guess away... :)