Rhiannon's Story
Gwen and Rhiannon
"The funeral was awful. Not because we were upset about Tad but because we weren't. I don't think there was anyone there who gave a damn about him, except maybe some of his drinking buddies." Rhiannon was unemotional. "It rained throughout too, like even the heavens were wanting to see the back of him."
Gwen didn't comment. Her opinion of Huw Jones was pretty low but it was still sad that he had not been mourned, everyone deserved that much. "I suppose Ianto went back to university."
"The next day. And we didn't see him again for over a year."
"I'm sorry."
"I missed him but I had plenty to keep me busy." She smiled and turned pages in the album until she found the one she wanted. "David was toddling and getting into mischief. Just look at him!" The photograph was of a small boy in jeans and T-shirt grubbing in the dirt. His clothes and face were dirty but he had a delighted grin on his face that made him look like his father. "That's one of the last we took in the garden of our flat. A few weeks later we moved into this place."
"Must have helped, having more room."
"We needed it. I was pregnant with Mica, see?" She pointed to another photograph taken in front of the house. Johnny was holding David with an arm round Rhiannon's shoulders. "That was the day we moved in, I was six months' gone."
Gwen smiled at the photograph. It was clear that Rhiannon's family was happy and that David was well-loved and cared for. That was what Gwen wanted for her own family. She wanted a house, and Rhys and her child safe and secure within it. Aliens may come again to Cardiff but she was not going to let them take away her security or her life. She had no idea if or how Torchwood would continue – she didn't believe Jack would ever want to return to it now Ianto was gone – or if she wanted to stay. It was a talk she and Rhys had been putting off for the past few days. They would have to address the issue soon.
"You okay?" asked Rhiannon softly.
"Yes. Just … well, wondering what my future's going to be." Gwen shook herself and forced a smile. "Rhys and I are looking for houses. Our flat barely holds us, it certainly won't cope with a baby!"
"Where are you looking?"
"All over. Penarth seems to be favourite at the moment." Unless they moved away completely, went far from Cardiff and its Rift.
"It's lovely there. Good schools too. David's doing well at his. Must have got Ianto's brains!"
"He likes school then?" The Cromwell Estate was not known for turning out scholars; petty thieves and layabouts were far more common.
"Loves it, so far. Johnny and me, we're encouraging him though it's hard when his friends aren't so bothered. I just want him to have as many opportunities as he can when he grows up. Same for Mica."
"I'm sure he'll make you proud."
"He'd better."
Rhiannon was fiercely determined that both her children would do well. She was happy with her own choices and wouldn't change anything but she wanted David and Mica to have good jobs and make something of themselves. And, surprisingly, so did Johnny. He was the middle child of three with an older brother and younger sister. His brother had been involved in a local gang until he bungled a deal and had to leave Wales or suffer the consequences. He hadn't been heard of for three years and no one knew where he was or even if he was still alive. Johnny sailed close to the wind from time to time but his brother's experience and his own marriage kept him on the right side of the law. He and Rhiannon were united in wanting to give their own children a good start.
"You'll feel the same," went on Rhiannon, "when yours is old enough. Just about every parent, even the worst of those round here, wants their kids to do better than them."
Gwen nodded. "You're right, I already want that. And did your mam move in the end?" Gwen was surprised when her innocent question elicited a furious retort.
"Oh yes! She moved all right. Twice."
Gwen waited but Rhiannon didn't add anything, staring stonily in front of her. After several minutes Gwen said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."
"I'm the one who's sorry." Rhiannon shook herself as if letting go of her anger. "God, it still makes me so mad! Three months after Tad died, Mam was in her new flat. One of those swanky ones off The Hayes. Did everything on her own, she did, we only helped taking some of her stuff across. Once she was in, we rarely saw her. Then I found out why – she had a fancy man!"
"What?" Gwen was astounded, this didn't sound like the washed out and bullied woman she'd seen in the photographs and imagined from what Rhiannon had told her. "How did she manage to find someone so quickly?"
"She says there was nothing between them until after Tad died. Like I was going to believe that! Must have been seeing one another for years."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it was only Roy bloody Traynor who she'd been working with since I was a kid. Lord know how long it'd been going on before she dropped the bombshell. Only getting married and moving away! Told us when Ianto came home to see Mica. Look at us!" She angrily turned pages until she reached a double page spread of photographs of the family, including Ianto. In the snaps everyone was happy and smiling. "We were so happy until she spoiled it all!"
Rhiannon stared at the images and remembered waiting for her brother to come home ...
-ooOoo-
Rhiannon: Moving On, 2003
The house was larger than their old flat, Rhiannon knew that, but found it hard to believe. Only four months after the family had moved in every room was overflowing with their belongings, even one month old Mica's room where she was at that moment. The baby was grizzly and she was trying to get her to quieten when really she should be downstairs sorting out the meal. It was three on Saturday afternoon and Johnny would be back from the station with Ianto soon and then David, who had gone with his father, would be under her feet.
"Come on, sweetheart," she said looking down at the bundle in her arms. "Go to sleep for Mummy."
The sound of a car stopping outside drew Rhiannon to the window and she saw Johnny getting out. Ianto emerged from the passenger door and stood looking round at the estate. He had filled out a bit since she'd last seen him and looked older than twenty. She realised that she was nervous about meeting him again. They hadn't met since their tad's funeral over a year before, a strained day for many reasons, and had spoken only occasionally on the phone. As she watched, Johnny let David out of the car seat and the boy started running around, obviously excited. Neither man seemed to be paying him much attention so Rhiannon quickly went downstairs and opened the front door.
"David, not in the road!" she called, balancing Mica against her shoulder. "Johnny, stop him!"
It was Ianto who saw what was needed and in half a dozen quick strides had captured the laughing boy and swung him up, tucking him under one arm. He was grinning as the pair approached Rhiannon. "Hey, Rhi. You've got a fast one here."
"I know, can't leave him alone for a minute. How are you, Ianto? It's good to see you." They hugged awkwardly, she holding the baby and Ianto with David wriggling to be free.
"And you. And this must be Mica." He had David upright in his arms now as he looked down at the baby. "Oh, she's a beauty."
"Baby," said David, poking her not unkindly. "She's loud."
"Yeah, she's a right little crier," added Johnny coming up to join them. He had Ianto's bag in one hand. "Where shall I put this then?"
"In the hall for now. Come on in," invited Rhiannon, leading the way indoors.
The three adults plus David, his toys and Mica's things made the open plan living room with a kitchen diner at one end seem very small. Rhiannon made drinks for them all and after a bit Johnny took David into the garden while Ianto sat on the sofa with Mica. Rhiannon sat in the chair opposite with her tea, finally able to have a quiet word with him.
"She has our nose," said Ianto with a smile, running a finger down the side of Mica's face.
"Yeah, she takes after our side all right. How are you, Ianto?"
"Good. It's hectic. Lots of studying in the final year." He sipped his coffee and smiled at her. "And plenty of parties too."
"And you're still working at the coffee shop?"
"Wouldn't be able to eat unless I did! But I would anyway, I like it. Lots of the guys hang out there to study." He jiggled Mica who was fussing a little until she stopped. "That's better. You've got to be on your best behaviour for Uncle Ianto, young lady," he told the baby.
Rhiannon watched the pair of them as Ianto continued to talk to Mica. He looked happy, she decided, content with his life even if it was busy. But then he was used to working hard.
"How's Mam?" he asked.
"All right. Don't see much of her, once a month or so. Strange that, would have thought she'd have wanted the company." And to see her grandchildren, she added silently; Johnny's mam, Jean, came round at least twice a week.
"She still at Asda?"
"Yeah, in the office. Oh, watch her." Rhiannon got up and grabbed a tissue, just in time to stop Mica's milky sick getting onto Ianto's shirt. "You okay with her? She can go in her basket otherwise."
"I'm fine. When I've finished my coffee I'll go and see David." Shouts could be heard from the garden where he and Johnny were playing with a ball. "He's a chatty lad, didn't stop going on about the trains."
Rhiannon returned to her seat leaving the tissues beside Ianto. "He loves 'em! There's something odd about Mam," she added thoughtfully, "you won't recognise her! Got a whole new wardrobe and dresses up all the time. Goes out too. Wears lots more makeup and Eleri - remember her? - she's seen Mam buying sexy underwear in one of the boutiques in town."
The latter concerned Rhiannon more than anything else about her mam's changed behaviour. Nerys Jones had always bought her underwear at M&S, practical stuff and not the least bit sexy. Why had she changed? At first she had wondered if it might be a present for herself, Rhiannon, but it had been perfume as usual for her last birthday. The underwear had never been mentioned.
"Good for her. About time Mam had a chance to enjoy herself." Ianto was still looking at Mica, marvelling at his little niece, so didn't see Rhiannon purse her lips in displeasure. "She's coming round for lunch tomorrow, that right?"
"Yeah. Just the four of us and the kids. I just hope the weather holds, it'll be a lot easier if David can run around outside."
"I'm sure it'll be fine. I have to leave by six." He looked over at her then. This was only a weekend visit to see Mica and catch up with the family. "Got lectures first thing Monday."
"I know. You'll be in Mica's room tonight on a put-u-up, if that's okay."
"Oh, going to bunking with little Mica, eh?" he joked, smiling down at her. "Won't we have fun?"
"We'll move her in with us." She stood up, gathering the empty coffee mugs and put them on the counter. Her mobile was lying nearby and she used it to take a snap of Ianto and the baby. "Now, I'd better start on dinner."
The rest of the day passed pleasantly. Rhiannon loved being a wife and mother and was a calm presence at the centre of a sometimes chaotic household. Today, Mica went down for a nap without fuss and David was happy running round with his father and uncle until he got over-excited. Ianto managed to calm him by reading stories. They had a lot of fun together making animal noises and Rhiannon stopped her work to take a snap of the two of them, catching them with their heads close together over the book. Later, she reluctantly let Ianto and Johnny give David a bath to the accompaniment of much laughter and what sounded like diving aircraft. Rhiannon paused while tidying up and listened to the pandemonium above her head with a smile, pleased the visit was going so well. Ianto was trying hard to fit in, with the kids and Johnny, and after dinner, with David in bed, the two men went to the pub. Rhiannon had just finished cleaning the bathroom and put her feet up when Ianto returned; he wasn't a great drinker and a little of Johnny's company went a long way. The siblings sat and chatted about old friends and old times and Rhiannon felt close to Ianto once more.
Sunday morning started just as pleasantly. With Johnny having a lie in, Rhiannon sorted out the children with Ianto's help and let him take David to the playground to burn off some of his seemingly inexhaustible energy. They returned at eleven and went with Johnny to collect Nerys Jones leaving Rhiannon busy with the lunch. As she sliced vegetables and checked the joint, always keeping an eye on baby Mica, Rhiannon hummed along with the radio. This was the family life she had craved as a child; parents who got along and children who were indulged a little but not to excess.
Life had been made easier by the money left by her tad. Most of it was still in the bank and earning good interest which gave her a bit extra when she needed it as well as allowing her some security. The rest had gone into the joint account and helped furnish the house when they managed to get it and ensured they could have a second child. Yes, life was good and she was looking forward to having her mam and Ianto see what she had made of her life. She may not have paper qualifications but she was secure and happy.
The others returned and entered the house noisily, waking Mica who had been sleeping in her basket on the sofa. Nerys Jones moved forward and reached for her. "All right if I take her, Rhi?" she asked already lifting Mica up. "Oh, she's so cute."
"Mam, you're looking well." At a glance Rhiannon had taken in the recently styled hair and well cut, wide leg trousers and satin shirt as well as the impeccable makeup. Nerys looked dressed more for a meal out at a fancy restaurant than lunch with the family. "David, no!" The boy was reaching for a biscuit.
"Come on, son, let's play ball." Johnny drew David outside, always happier doing something.
"Come watch me, Granny," said David, pulling on Nerys' hand.
"In a bit, love, I want to see your sister first."
"Take her with you, she could do with some air," suggested Rhiannon, watching as Nerys followed the beaming David. Ianto lingered. "See what I mean?" she said.
"Yeah, she looks a bit dolled up for lunch with us." He was in jeans and a shirt, the same as her and Johnny.
"She always is, must spend a packet on clothes. And she's out most nights, so I hear." Rhiannon moved to the window and watched Nerys standing with the baby in her arms. "She's okay with the kids when she's here but she doesn't come often."
"You done something to upset her?"
"No, I haven't!"
"Sorry. Anything I can do to help?"
"Go keep Johnny company. He and Mam don't get on that well."
"I can imagine. Better go and be grilled too, she's already started asking about uni." He rolled his eyes, grinned, pinched a biscuit and went outside.
Lunch was ready at one and everyone was getting on reasonably well. Rhiannon could see Ianto was irritated by Mam's persistent questions about his studies which he answered as briefly as he could. He preferred to keep his family separate from the rest of his life which Rhiannon accepted even though she neither understood nor liked it. To take the pressure off him, she tried a few other topics of conversation but nothing really worked. David was her best ally, at two years old he chatted constantly about all his doings. He also insisted on feeding himself which was the source of many chuckles among the adults as he carefully arranged his food on the plate before eating it.
Leaving the others to clear up, Rhiannon took David upstairs for a nap before returning to the living room and giving Mica her bottle. Johnny took himself off to clean the car – anything to get away from small talk – leaving the others.
"Mam showed me her apartment," said Ianto, slouched in a chair. "It's so handy for the shops."
"I feel really settled there now," replied Nerys Jones. "Took a bit of time but I'm glad I made the move." She smiled at them but there was something false in her manner that her children picked up on.
"What is it, Mam?" asked Rhiannon, moving Mica onto her shoulder so she could burp her.
Nerys smiled more genuinely. "I've got something to tell you both." She hesitated before saying, "I'm getting married."
Mica's burp was loud in the ensuing silence.
"You're what?" demanded Rhiannon for once ignoring her daughter. "You can't be getting married, you don't know anyone."
"Of course I do. I'm marrying Roy Traynor, from the supermarket."
"Him! Why?"
"Because we love one another. And don't take that attitude with me, Rhiannon. I'm a free woman and able to do what I want." Nerys' face was getting pink with indignation and her lips were set in a thin line.
"Is he the manager?" asked Ianto. "The tall guy?"
"Yes, dear, that's him. He's a very kind man and we've been going out for a few months now."
"Months!" exploded Rhiannon, putting Mica in her basket. "More like years! He's the one that came on that day out to Porthcawl and hung around us all the time. Now we know why. And I suppose that's why you got promoted over Beryl Jenkins, so you could do it with him in the office!"
"Rhi -" began Ianto, holding out a hand to calm her.
"Don't you Rhi me, Ianto Jones! This ... this tart has been having it off with that twat for years, I tell you!"
"How dare you! If you can't talk sensibly then I shall leave." Nerys stood up and gathered her handbag, her anger hiding the threatening tears.
"Mam, wait a minute." Ianto was also on his feet, his hand on her arm. "Let's be sensible and talk about this." His attempts to rescue the situation fell on deaf ears.
"This explains so much," continued Rhiannon, standing up too. "Why you needed a flat away from anyone who knew you. Why you hardly ever come to see your grandchildren. The new clothes and sexy knickers." She saw her mam start when she said the last. "Oh yes, I know about them too. Got them on now or do you save them for him?"
"Rhiannon, that's enough!" Ianto's voice cut over what she was going to say next. "Are you going to calm down so we can talk?"
"No I'm not. Get her out of my house." Rhiannon stared at her mam who stalked from the room, Ianto a step behind her.
Left alone Rhiannon reached for Mica who had picked up on the atmosphere and started to cry. Comforting her gave time for Rhiannon to recover her temper but she was still fuming. Her mam had been carrying on with a man. Her mam! It was unthinkable and wrong. Her mam! Rhiannon couldn't get over the fact that it was her mam acting in such a disgusting way. And while she was busy schmoozing with Roy bloody Traynor, she'd neglected her own family, her only grandchildren. Pacing up and down, Mica in her arms, Rhiannon didn't notice Ianto return until he was standing in front of her.
"What the hell's got into you?" he demanded keeping his voice low in deference to the baby and David sleeping upstairs.
"Didn't you hear her?" She stopped pacing. "Our mam has been ... spreading her legs for that idiot Traynor."
"Stop it. I'll not have you talking about Mam like that." His expression was stern and his gaze met hers unflinchingly. "Get Mica settled while I make some coffee then we'll talk. Johnny's taken Mam home."
He walked to the kitchen leaving Rhiannon standing in the middle of the room. She didn't know why but she followed his orders and when Mica was happy in her basket, Rhiannon joined him at the kitchen table.
"I see no reason for you to be getting so upset. Mam is perfectly free to see whoever she wants to and if she can be happy with someone -"
"Happy? What's that got to - "
"Shut up, Rhi. I don't want to hear another word until I've said my piece." He fixed her with a gimlet stare until she sulked but was quiet. "Like I said, she's a free woman. She's what, forty five? Forty six? She's young enough to marry again and get some years of happiness after all the crap she put up with from Tad. Roy Traynor is her choice and from what I remember of him he's all right. He'll never set the world on fire but he's respectable and got a good job. You should be happy for her." He was silent for a minute or two. "You can speak now."
"Thank you!" The sarcasm dripped from her voice. "He's after her money, there's no other reason for him to want her."
"What money? Most of what she had went on the flat. And he's single with a good job and money of his own."
"You don't know that! He's always appeared straightforward but he can't be, can he? Not when he's been carrying on with Mam all these years."
"Where have you got that from! There's no evidence that -"
"I don't need evidence! I know!" Rhiannon was still angry with her mam and was getting angry with Ianto too. He was so collected and calm when he should have been as mad as her about their mam's plans.
He sighed heavily. "What's this really about, Rhi?" he said gently. "It's not as if she has any reason to stay loyal to Tad. And we're independent and don't need her any more."
"Her grandchildren need her."
"Is that it? Mam has to give up companionship and happiness for the rest of her life because you want her to be a model grandma?" It was his turn to be sarcastic. "Frankly after your display this afternoon, I won't blame her if she does move away."
"Moves away?"
"Yes. Roy's been promoted to manage the new superstore at Newport, starts next month. He was going to commute from here but unless you make it up with her they'll be moving soon as they're married. You're driving her away, Rhi."
"Good riddance. She never wants to see me anyway." Rhiannon folded her arms and her face took on a stubborn look. "Same as you don't."
There was silence for several minutes. Rhiannon wondered if she had gone too far but her sense of outrage was too strong for her to back down. A cry from upstairs and footsteps on the landing told her David was awake. The gate at the top of the stairs would keep him safe but she didn't like leaving him unsupervised. Without a word, she got up and went to him.
"Mummy." David was still a bit sleepy as he gripped the bars of the gate looking through them at her coming up the stairs. He held up his arms.
"Come here, sweetheart," she said softly, lifting him into her arms and taking him back to the bedroom. She sank down on the bed and held his warm body close to her, rocking him back and forth. "How's Mummy's little boy?" She was changing David's nappy when she heard Johnny return and he and Ianto talking. Then Johnny was thumping up the stairs calling her name. She didn't answer, he'd find her soon enough.
"There you are. You all right, Rhi?"
"Yeah."
"What's going on? First your mam leaves and now Ianto wants to go too." It was hours before he had planned to leave.
"We had a row. I'll tell you about it later, okay?" She went on with what she was doing then stopped. "Johnny, finish this while I take Ianto. You look after the kids." She stepped aside leaving Johnny to redress David and went downstairs. Ianto was in the living room with his bag, smiling down at Mica. "I'll drive you," she told him.
They completed the ten minute journey in silence. Rhiannon wanted to mend fences with her brother but didn't know where to start and he didn't seem inclined to help her. It wasn't until they were stopped in the station forecourt that she managed to find any words.
"I didn't mean to snap at you," she said. "Sorry. Text me when you're home."
"All right." He paused then added politely, "Thanks for putting me up. I've enjoying seeing you and the kids."
"We've enjoyed having you." It was true. He had been a perfect guest and if only her mam hadn't spoiled everything they'd be parting on better terms.
Ianto hesitated, hand on the door handle, then said, "Please talk to Mam. Give her a chance to explain."
Rhiannon's hands gripped the steering wheel and she stared straight ahead. "I'll never forgive her, Ianto. Not for cutting herself off from us like this."
"Rhi, you're the one cutting her out of your life." He pecked her on the cheek and got out of the vehicle and was quickly gone into the station.
Rhiannon drove home wondering exactly why her mam's news had provoked such a strong reaction in her. It was a long time before she began to understand.