Sheelagh was walking through the park on her own a couple of days later when Patrick ran up to her.

"Hi Sheelagh," he said, "how are you?"

"Are you drunk?" Sheelagh asked suspiciously.

"Nope. Not a drop of alcohol for two days."

"Good. How's Lisa?"

"She's left me." Patrick stated uncaringly.

"You can't say you blame her, she's had to go through a lot with you."

"I know she deserves better."

"I told you that."

"Yeah I know, but now, I'm gonna sort myself out."

"Patrick, sit down." Sheelagh pointed to a bench. Patrick sat down and Sheelagh sat down next to him. "I want to talk to you about the kids."

"Are they okay?"

"Yea, they're great. But they say that you're sometimes drunk when they go round."

Patrick was silent.

"Please Patrick, sort yourself out, if not for the kids, then for you. This isn't you."

"I know. Can I see the kids?"

"If they will, which I'm sure they will. Go home and I'll drive them round."

"Okay. Thanks Sheelagh."

"It's okay. Go on. I'll see you later."

"Hello? Anybody home?" Sheelagh called out when she let herself in.

"Hiya Mum." came three replies from upstairs. Des came out of the kitchen, drying his hands.

"Hello."

"Hi." Sheelagh replied, going up and kissing him. "I've spoken to Patrick." she said, following him into the kitchen.

"What did he say?" They sat down at the table.

"He's off the booze. He wants to see the kids. I said I'd drive whoever wants to go."

"I'll go." Siobhan said, coming into the kitchen.

"Should you be ear wigging?" Sheelagh laughed.

"Sorry, but I couldn't help hearing!"

"It's okay. Could you ask your brother for me please?"

"Yeah, okay." Siobhan left the kitchen.

"When are you going?" Des asked.

"Whenever the kids want to." Sheelagh answered.

"Straight away." Declan said, entering the kitchen followed by Siobhan and Fintan.

"Are you coming straight back Shee?"

"I dunno. I'll ring you when something's been worked out."

"Okay." Des and Sheelagh stood up. Des put his arms round Sheelagh's waist and kissed her. He felt Sheelagh smile and kiss him back. The kids had turned to pretend to talk to each other to give Des and Sheelagh a little privacy. Des hugged her.

"Come on, let's go." Sheelagh said, "see you later Des."

"See you."