Sulgrave Heath wins the Rugby match much to Caroline's delight and competitive nature. Lawrence is over the moon having scored another try and in front of his mum. He showers and changes joining his mum by the main entrance near her car to go to the hospital to see Kate and Helena.
On the journey to the hospital Caroline treasured the time with her youngest son. "Lawrence you were brilliant today. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks mum. It was great having you there to watch. I'm really proud of you too." Lawrence smiles at his mum.
Caroline looks at him questioningly. "You are? Why what I have a done?"
Lawrence told his mum news of Kate kissing her on the pitch reached the dressing room after the match. Some of the other boys in the team told him they thought she was very brave. "They said I should be proud of you for being so open. One lad told me he had two mums and if I wanted to talk anytime about things I could."
Caroline fells tears forming in her eyes but held on. "Lawrence that's lovely." She remained silent for a time taking in the finer details of what he had said. The fact he was proud of her meant so much after all they had been through.
"You know if you want to talk to this, this lad, you can. I don't mind. The school Governors know about Kate and I."
This causes Lawrence to laugh. "Bloody hell mum. You'll be marching in a parade soon."
"Oh I don't think so Lawrence." Caroline smiled to herself. "No, no, no."
The visit to see Helena at the hospital passed really well. Caroline joined Kate in the unit and they spent longer with Helena, holding her again. Helena was responding really well to the drugs and would be moved the following day to the High Dependency ward and out of Intensive Care. This means she would be able to have more visitors and they don't have to get showered every time they want to hold her. Caroline felt relief at the news the Doctors believed she will be well enough to go home by the end of the week.
They all left the hospital on a high and Caroline arranged to drop off Lawrence at Kate's so he could spend the rest of the afternoon washing his kit and ensuring it was clean for his next match. Caroline and Kate return to her house to meet the Estate Agent. They spent some time tidying up small things to make sure the house is well presented for the two viewings. The estate agent arrived and gave them a few details about the two viewings. The first, a Solicitor and a Banker were moving up from London to settle in Harrogate. The Banker had moved to the north on promotion. The second are couple who had a son a Sulgrave Heath and were returning from abroad to settle locally so that their son is supported through his exams. This intrigued them both but the estate agent didn't know the name of the son.
The first viewing goes really well. Barry is a Banker and moving north on promotion. His wife, Barbara is a Solicitor with her own firm which has branches in Leeds, Manchester and York. The couple really like the house and agree to get back to them after they've had chance to talk. They have two sons and are also interested in Sulgrave Heath. Caroline gives them Beverley's number to arrange a visit to the school.
Caroline and Kate grab a few minutes together in the sitting room before the next viewing. Kate's face broke into a huge smile. "That went well didn't it?"
"It seems to have. Yes." Caroline takes Kate in a cuddle. "I can't wait for Helena to come home. I do miss her when we leave after a visit."
Kate tears up not realising how much the separation is affecting her. "I'm sorry Caroline but I can't stop thinking about her. She's changed so much in a few short days and we've missed it. I'm so relieved she's coming home. I just wish we were all living together somewhere." Kate let out a heavy breath and the tension she had been holding in. The viewings have made her realise she just wants to be settled in with Caroline, Helena and Lawrence.
Caroline hugs Kate. "Oh Kate. I know it seems such a huge thing but I'm sure it will all fit into place." Realising Kate's fragile state she decides not to tell Kate about her call with Gavin. She doesn't want to worry Kate about the issue until she knows the full details. Gavin was very brief and didn't answer Caroline's probing questions.
The next couple arrive and Kate and Caroline are surprised to see the couple are two women. The couple recognise Caroline and Kate from the Rugby match earlier in the day. They explained they were watching their son James who played with Lawrence in the school team. Fiona and Julie were in their late 50's and both retired police officers returning from Canada where they had spent the last five years as Consultants to the Canadian Police Force.
After chatting Caroline and Kate allow the two women to wander around the house on their own so they could take their time. Kate and Caroline took the time again to catch up. Kate is upbeat again and distracted by events in front of her. "Wow. It's a small world. What do you think?"
Caroline laughed. "It certainly seems to be. I wonder if James is the one who spoke with Lawrence in the changing room after the game."
Kate looked puzzled and Caroline filled in the details of the boy who had offered Lawrence to come and talk telling him he had two mothers. Kate cuddled Caroline and snuggled into her chest enjoying the scent of her perfume and sweet-scented soap. They were interrupted by Fiona and Julie who return back looking very happy. Fiona spoke first, "We really like it and the annexe will be great for visitors." She turns to Julie looking for confirmation.
Julie nodded, "We need an extra flat somewhere close for when James' dad visits with Steve. Sorry James' dad is a donor and he and Steve are a couple."
Caroline and Kate both smile at the positive views from the two women. Caroline explained that there had been an earlier couple who were also interested but they should contact the Estate Agents. They said their goodbyes and spent the remaining time alone. Kate smiled at Caroline, "That was a positive afternoon. It's looking like you may be on the brink of selling your house."
Caroline smiled. "It does… and that being the case 'we' need to find somewhere to live together, very quickly."
"Oh yeah. I didn't think of that. I guess I was just so caught up in the moment." Kate looked crest fallen.
Caroline gently lifted Kate's chin up and looked into her eyes. "Kate. Come on it is not an impossible job. Leave it to me for now. I'll find us somewhere to rent in the interim. You concentrate on looking after Helena and getting into a routine."
Kate smiled not totally convinced of Caroline's confidence. She felt there was something niggling Caroline but she couldn't put her finger on it. "Caroline, are you okay? You seem a little distracted at the moment?"
Caroline sighed and looked down to where she was holding Kate's hand. This time it was Kate lifting Caroline's chin up so she could look into her eyes. "It's nothing really. I can handle it."
Kate's face changed to defiance. "Spill the beans Elliot or else!"
Caroline felt cornered. "Okay." Caroline took a deep breath. "Gavin rang this morning whilst I was at the match after you had left. It seems the board of Governors have found out about you and I and some of them are less than liberal-minded. I have arranged to go to school tomorrow to see him to talk about it."
Kate looked puzzled. "So what exactly does that mean?"
"I don't know now Kate. I'll find out the details tomorrow."
Kate wasn't happy. "I mean it doesn't affect your work, our work. It doesn't affect the school so what is their issue?"
Caroline felt tired and snapped. "Kate I don't know!"
Caroline realised too soon she had reacted wrongly and saw the hurt in Kate's face. "Kate. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I just feel really tired. Lets close up and go home."
That night the two women were again in bed unable to sleep but it was Kate who checked on Caroline. "Caroline are you asleep?"
"No. I can't stop thinking about houses, hospitals, Helena, John and Gillian, Mother and …"
Kate finished for her. "…. and the Governors?"
Caroline sighed heavily and didn't answer her. The jerking in her chest told Kate she was crying heavy silent tears. Kate snuggled up to Caroline and held her close. She didn't speak, instead preferring to let Caroline talk when she was ready.