CHARLIE'S POV:
Ronnie and I made our way to Grandma's the next morning, her having called to tell us the funeral director was coming over. Unlocking the door, I made my way in, Ronnie shutting the door behind us…
"Grandma, we're here." I called into the house as we hung our coats up
"Take your shoes off," she proclaimed "I want this place spotless."
"Why?" I questioned
"I don't want the funeral director thinking I don't clean my house," she admitted "so shoes off. I've not long since washed the floor."
Ronnie and I glanced at each other and took our shoes off, Fatboy making his way down the stairs…
"Hey," he greeted us "Charlie, man, sorry about your Dad."
"It's fine. I'm glad you're here with my Grandma." I informed him
He smiled at me… "She's Mrs. B; I wouldn't leave her when she needs me."
"Thanks." I replied "How long has she been like this?"
"You mean on her cleaning mission?" he questioned "Since 5:30am. I'm surprised you didn't hear her vacuuming."
I sighed and ran my hands over my face… "Can you go and sit her down if you can? I'll put the kettle on."
He nodded his head and placed his hand on my shoulder before heading into the kitchen, leading Grandma out a minute later and into the living room. Making my way down to the kitchen, I switched the kettle on and leant against the worktop…
"Hey, she'll be okay." Ronnie assured me
"Will she?" I questioned
She nodded her head… "You, me and Fats, we'll get her through this."
"I hope so." I admitted "I really do."
"That'll be the funeral director," Ronnie replied as the doorbell rang "I'll get it and show him through to Dot."
"Okay, thanks. Can you let me know if he wants a drink too?" I inquired
She nodded her head and walked out of the kitchen…
RONNIE'S POV:
"Hi, I'm Jeremy, I'm here on behalf of Mr. Coker," he informed me as I opened the front door to him "he sends his condolences and will be back with us soon but he's coming down with a nasty bout of flu. I'm here to see Mrs. Branning?"
"She's just through there," I replied as he stepped inside "I'll explain the situation to her if you'd like to go through."
Opening the living room door, Dot and Fatboy turned their heads and Dot stood…
"You're not Mr. Coker…" she proclaimed
"Dot, it's okay." I assured her "Les is ill and this is Jeremy, he's just filling in until he's better."
"I want Mr. Coker to organise my son's funeral, not some stranger!" she informed me
"Mrs. B," Fatboy sighed "why don't we just sit down and see what Jeremy has to say?"
"No!" she proclaimed "Mr. Coker can come when he's better. I want him to organise the funeral."
"As you wish, Mrs. Branning. I'm very sorry for your loss." Jeremy replied
I showed Jeremy out and shut the front door behind him, turning as Charlie walked out of the kitchen…
"I heard Grandma shouting, what's happened?" he questioned
"She didn't want the guy Les sent to organise the funeral, she wants Les himself." I informed him
"And where is Les?" he asked
"Come down with a nasty bout of flu so I'm told." I replied "She said she'll wait until Les is better but she wants him to organise the funeral."
"Right…" he sighed, running his hands over his face "Okay. Then that's what we'll do."
"Are you sure?" I asked
He nodded his head… "If it's what Grandma wants, then yeah."
"Okay." I replied
Dot's not coping, is she? And neither is Charlie…
