Face to Face

Part 25

Jackson had reasoned with him, in that calm knowing way of his. He'd said his mum was trying, that she was doing the very best she could, and that that had to be enough.

He'd expected him to make the effort needed with his mother and apologise for what he'd said. He knew he had to but hadn't been prepared to do it there and then, and had said, "After I've been to see Paddy."

"No now." Jackson had insisted. Anyone else and he'd have told them where to go but he couldn't argue the toss with him, maybe because he knew he was right, that the sooner he did it the better it was for all concerned.

So now he found himself walking back down through the village, dragging his feet like some naughty schoolboy, in no hurry to get where he was going. He wasn't sure he could do this!

All too soon he was by the door and working up the courage needed to knock on it.

He rapped lightly; half hoping she wouldn't hear him but just seconds later his mother was staring at him through red and swollen eyes.

"Aaron!"

Before he had chance to open his own mouth he found himself in a hug, his mother's arms wrapped tightly around him. He couldn't breathe let alone talk. He hadn't expected that sort of a welcome. He wasn't sure what he should do. Hug her back or just stand there and let her do what she needed to do.

She was sobbing now, loudly in his ear. Why did women always have to cry? It was a weapon they shamelessly used against men. One almost always guaranteed to beat them into submission. He slipped his arms tentatively around her and said, "I'm sorry."

This was so embarrassing, hugging each other on the doorstep where everyone could see. He tried to pull away but she tightened her hold and he cringed when he realised he'd tightened his in response.

"Mam. Stop crying please." This wasn't the Chastity Dingle he knew, hardnosed and battle hardy. He'd never seen her cry before, not properly, not like this. His face was wet with her tears and they were soaking into his t-shirt, he was so very ashamed of himself right now.

When the sobs finally started to subside he said, "C'mon'" and guided his mother inside, she was still clinging to him, holding onto him like she was scared to let go. What should he do now? Sit her down? Make her a cup of tea? Yeah that sounded like a good idea.

He settled her on the sofa and snatched up the box of tissues sitting on the coffee table. Then looked on guiltily as she dabbed away at her eyes. He'd really upset her this time. He'd have been happy about that once but not now, not any more.

She seemed a bit calmer so he made his way into the kitchen. Hurriedly opening each cupboard door and drawer as he searched for what he needed, dropping and smashing a couple of mugs in his haste. He told himself he'd clear the mess up later and heaped sugar in the mug he was about to give to his mother. Did she take sugar? She did now!

He pressed the mug into her hands, and sat down beside her.

"Aaron I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too. So can we forget about it now?" He pleaded; the sooner this was over the better.

"I was bang out of order." Chas insisted her voice trembling with emotion

"So was I so that makes us even doesn't it?" Couldn't they just drop it now, and move on as Paddy was so fond of saying.

"I shouldn't have hit you."

"Mam I..." Hearing a key in the door Aaron leapt to his feet, grateful for an excuse to leave. "I'd better go."

"No." Chas set down her mug and stood up too. As Aaron moved towards the door, she caught hold of his arm just as Carl walked into the room.

"Sorry." Carl said, he'd expected Aaron to have gone by now, and not wanting to get in their way or in any way involved he headed into the kitchen. Seeing the broken crockery scattered on the floor he moved back to the door and eyed Chas questioningly. That's when he saw how red and puffy her eyes were and also the strain etched on her unnaturally pale face. "What's happened? He demanded, Aaron had to be the reason Chas was so openly distraught, what other reason could there be. The kid had a vicious mouth and as far as he was concerned had an evil streak running right through him. He was always hurting his mother in some way. He loved Chas and hated seeing her like that, her son had gone too far this time.

Aaron shrugged off his mothers hand, the last person he wanted in his face right now was Carl King. Ignoring the older man's menacing glare he edged passed him only to find himself grabbed from behind and violently hauled around to face him.

"You just can't help yourself can you? You nasty little ..."

"Carl! No it's not like that please, let him go. Aaron go home I'll see you later."

"You want teaching a lesson in respect!"

He'd been about to dare Carl into trying but the next thing Aaron knew the taller man's fist was slamming into his jaw, knocking him backwards off his feet and down onto the floor.

He'd watched Aaron until he disappeared from sight. Then made himself a cup of tea. He'd assured the younger man that if he wasn't back in half an hour that he'd drive down and pick him up and that they go straight to the hospital. Aaron was a little obsessive when it came to visiting Paddy but then the man had almost died. It had really shaken him; no it had scared the hell out of him in fact.

The half hour was dragging; to be honest he hadn't thought Aaron would be there that long. He'd expected him to say what he had to say and make a swift exit. But the fact he had been there so long was a good sign, at least he thought it was. It meant they were talking, well hopefully they were, they could just as easily be shouting at each other. Making things worse. No things couldn't get any worse between them! This was a positive step, a move in the right direction.

He got to his feet and made his way outside. A car swept past him, Carl King at the wheel obviously on his way home.

'Perfect timing' Jackson told himself. There was no love lost between Aaron and his mother's partner, Aaron would be out the door the minute he walked in.

He pulled up outside Carl's place and left the engine running, eyeing the door expectantly. Five minutes later he was still waiting for Aaron to appear. Should he be worried or was that a sign that things were going well in there?

TBC