A Hearts flutter

Chapter 2

I can't crash down

Kit's hand reach for the handle, but then thought better of it and gave two short knocks.

So much had changed, and the house seemed eerie, it wasn't like a home away from home anymore, it was sad and somewhat lonely. It seemed only right to knock.

A moment later the door creaked open, and Kit was met with that familiar face, the one that so often met her in her dreams, Kit suppressed her gasp.

Noah smiled and placed his finger to his lips before letting her in.

Her mother looked nothing like she did the last time she had seen her. Her face was tired and worn; she was paler and seemed older. And even in her sleep it seemed she was met with no peace. Kit tried to hold back all the emotion that had suddenly filled her. She reached out gently and stroked her mother's arm, before quietly tip toeing out of the room, Noah followed her.

They made their way to the now empty living room; Kit wondered vaguely where Tasha and Rob had gotten to as she sat down.

This was certainly uncomfortable, and she could only wish that they were still here with her.

Noah spoke up, breaking the silence "are you alright"?

Kit was almost angry at the question, but softened when she saw the concern in his eyes.

"No" she answered honestly "I really wasn't expecting this"

Noah nodded "I know, it wasn't really something I could say to you on the telephone"

Kit nodded "That's alright"

She stared at her hands, starting to fiddle with them as Noah sat down next to her.

"It'll be ok you know"

Kit looked up and tried her best a smile "I hope so"

She took in a deep breath; she had to get her mind off of her mother.

"So what's new with you"?

Noah seemed shocked at the sudden change of pace, but answered anyway.

"Hayley and I are engaged"

Kit tried hard not to act shocked, but suddenly she felt worse.

"Congratulations" she found herself saying without thinking

"How about you"?

Kit shook her head, there was plenty to tell, yet she found herself answering "Nothing much"

A sudden crash from upstairs ended their conversation, Kit caught Noah's gaze and they both rushed up the stairs.

Beth looked up from her place on the floor, her shaky hands picking up the shards of glass

"Mum don't" Kit kneeled down next to her, suddenly feeling very protective.

"It's alright love"

"You might hurt yourself" replied Kit

"I'll go get the dustpan and broom from the kitchen" added Noah

Kit took her mother's hand and led her towards the bed. Beth smiled at her daughter as they sat down.

"It's good to see you love, how are you?"

"I'm good Mum, how about you"? She replied, staring into the older woman's eyes searchingly.

"I'm fine just fine" she sighed "I bet your hungry, how about I make us some dinner"

"That's ok Mum, I'm not hungry"

Her mother held up her hand "I won't take no for an answer "

Kit watched her walk out of the room, she never knew her mother to lie, but she just knew she was, she wasn't fine at all.

All of a sudden she felt like crying, but she wasn't about to let that happen any time soon.

Kit took in a deep breath "Come on, keep yourself together" she muttered "You can't crash down now"

TBC