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It was a tough week but it helped to write...

Chapter 2

Father's Day by Day

1300 – Hereford, UK

Following lunch Georgie took Laura and Daniel out into the back garden. The flowers had popped considerably and the air was laced with their fragrance. Georgie explained to Laura all she had planted as well as the foliage that had been on the property for some time.

"Nan Olivia has a lovely garden as well, but not as big as this one," Laura said brushing her fingers over some green leaves.

"I imagine she does," Georgie said leaning over holding Daniel's hands high as she helped navigate his steps on the flat stone pathway.

"I fancy picking Nan's flowers for mummy," Laura said.

"She likes that, yeah?"

"Yeah. She always puts them in a special vase." Laura walked alongside Georgie, fascinated with Daniel's gait. "He's wobbly huh?"

"He's still learning honey."

"Were his eyes open when he was born?"

Georgie felt the question pluck at her heart and she smiled. "Yes, they were. Not like a kitty or puppy."

"I reckon Newton learned to walk on his own," Laura said mimicking Daniel's steps.

"Human babies need their mums more."

"Why?"

"It takes people longer to grow up and they need help."

"Don't daddies help? Did daddy help me?"

Georgie sucked in a deep breath and swallowed down the lump that had formed in her throat. "Absolutely sweetie. Your daddy was right there with you when you were a baby. As much as he possibly could."

"I suppose." The melancholy in Laura's voice concerned Georgie. The angst from the conversation they had with her earlier still lingered in the air.

"You sound like you're feeling sad," Georgie offered.

Laura hesitated and pulled on her ponytail. "Nah."

"You know you can talk to me honey. Daddy as well."

Laura nodded and darted to one of the rose bushes.

"My mum gave me those," Georgie said. "They're from my family's garden in Manchester."

"They're nice." Laura dabbed at the red petals with her fingertips.

"Would you fancy helping Daniel to walk?" Georgie asked wanting to keep the child engaged. Laura responded with a shrug. "I was hoping to surprise daddy with the progress your little brother has made. Daniel doesn't have a gift for daddy so if you help him to walk it will be extra special."

"Ya reckon?" Laura said, warming to the idea.

"Definitely. We are a family sweetie. We help each other."

Laura blinked her soft brown eyes and regarded Georgie for a moment, then smiled. "I'm strong enough to hold him up!"

Xxxxx

Elvis knew Laura was pre-occupied out back with Georgie. He closed his office door and perched himself on the edge of the desk. He had to get to the bottom of these developments with Laura.

"Come on…pick up…." He muttered through tight lips.

"Hello? Elvis…"

"Yeah Deb, it's me…"

"Is everything….?"

"You tell me."

"Sorry what?"

"How is it that Laura ends up punching a kid and I don't 'ear about it?" The paused response only fueled his anger.

"She told you."

"Well fuck yeah she told me!"

"I did not want to get you involved," Debbie said with a strained, diplomatic tone.

"Well I am now! Wha' 'appened Deb?"

"Your daughter punched Heathcliff Pyle…."

"At much I know."

"His father is a regular at Reginald's Club….and….."

"Who ya covering for?"

"No one! Alright! Laura just about broke his nose! The Pyles are understandably upset!"

"How is this not something I should be involved in?!" Elvis said jutting to a standing position.

"You told her not to take any shit from anybody!" Debbie yelled.

"At's right! That kid is a fucking bully Deb and ya know it!"

"I am not raising her that way."

"Oi! 'At's it is it? But it's OK to let a six year old travel alone?!"

"She is almost seven and I could not ride along. Besides, the attendant was charged with keeping a watch on her. If that's not enough to suit you, then you sort her transportation!"

"Wha's yer problem?" Elvis said scowling, trying to remain level-headed.

"My problem is you! You treat her like some recruit! If she did not wear those ghastly boots Heath would not have made fun."

"Ohhh, it's Heath now is it? So you're tight with the Pyles. Debbie, Laura told us she tried to tell you this Pyle brat was bullying her and her mate Dalton," Elvis said now pacing forwards and backwards. "It is no one's business wha' she wears on her feet. She should not be ridiculed for 'at! Pyle deserved wha' he got. He wanted a reaction from her and she delivered. The Pyles should be 'appy she didn't break his fuckin nose!"

"Well they are naturally, but Laura has got to tone it down. Reginald is just about at his limit with her."

"Then tell him to raise the bar higher!"

"Elvis! He is not her father!"

"At's right and 'at kid asked Laura where her real dad is. That should've been the first thing ya told me about Deb."

Xxxxx

1430 –

Laura helped to put Daniel down for his afternoon nap. Georgie was pleased with her interest and actively encouraged her involvement. Elvis had yet to emerge from his office and every second that ticked by piqued Georgie's concern. She hoped he had not completely unloaded on Debbie, but what Laura had told them about Pyle's verbal abuse hurt Elvis deeply, knowing his daughter was being taunted because of him.

Elvis may not be present in her life every day but his presence is always with her. Walking past the nursery Georgie heard Laura softly singing to her baby brother, and smiled when Laura said, "Newton likes this one…."

Georgie made her way to the ground floor, humming the tune Laura was sharing with Daniel. The office door was open now and she peered inside, but no Elvis. Wandering through the cottage Georgie eventually caught sight of him through the kitchen window. He was in the far back garden, hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans, staring up at the tree tops…

"Laura is singing inside and the birds are singling outside," Georgie said, approaching Elvis from behind. He half-turned to look at her. "She told Daniel you used to sing to her so she's singing him a lullaby." Elvis smiled grimly. She could see the pain etched in the creases of his eyes. "Heyyy…..she loves you," Georgie said turning him completely towards her.

"I never wanted to let 'er down," he said.

"You haven't! Jeez Elvis you put loads of full time dads to shame!"

"Do I?"

Georgie inhaled deeply through her nostrils to calm herself and held onto the breath before releasing it. "What happened with Debbie?"

Elvis laughed sardonically. "Rrrrrrreggie is 'at his limit with Laura's behavior. Deb said I treat 'er like a recruit and 'at's not how she's raising 'er."

Georgie grinned and scratched her head. "Well Elvis, Laura does fancy your military side."

"I am who I am George," he said sincerely.

She gave him a side-long glance, "I know."

"She does well in school, fancies the piano lessons…" he said almost bewildered.

"Punching bullies…" she added.

"Oi! Yeah! 'At's my fault as well," he said rubbing at the back of his neck.

"No it's not! You taught your daughter how to defend herself. Ya didn't tell her to punch him."

They both knew Reginald was not keen on a ready-made family, but he had to accept Laura when he married Debbie. Georgie had learned to open her heart to the child despite how their relationship began. She chose not to feed her resentment over Elvis' first child being birthed with another woman. It was not easy, but it was not Laura's fault. Georgie saw so many families torn apart because of hatred and war, she wanted Laura to feel welcome and loved.

"Your daughter is exactly where she needs to be this weekend," Georgie said. "You have two wonderful children Elvis, and you are a good father."

Xxxxx

1100 – Sunday – Hereford, UK

A wet morning in Hereford turned to sunny skies as Elvis made certain the outdoor grill was sorted. Georgie wanted to serve steaks for the occasion and insisted on being the one to actually do the grilling. It was Father's Day after all.

"Daddy, now you come sit here," Laura commanded, tapping her hand on a chair she had placed outside the door to the conservatory.

"Yes ma'am," Elvis said with a compliant smile.

"Georgie and I have everything covered. It's your day daddy."

"Thank you sweet heart."

After Elvis settled himself on the chair Laura darted inside. He sniffed out a laugh, tickled by his little girl seemingly taking charge. When he looked up again he saw Georgie stepping through the door alone.

"Hey babe," he said.

"Happy Father's Day," she said leaning down to kiss the top of his head. She stood back and pulled her mobile form her trouser pocket. "Ready!" she called out.

Elvis curiously watched her, then his gaze went to the conservatory and he could see Laura slowly moving out to them holding Daniel's hands high as she steadied his tiny steps to the threshold. Elvis' breath caught seeing his baby son walking for the first time when Laura let go of his hands. Daniel's expression became eager when he saw his father waiting for him.

"Surprise daddy! Look what Daniel can do and I helped him!" Laura said moving close behind as the baby teetered.

Georgie was capturing everything on her mobile. Daniel plopped against Elvis' knees and was quickly picked up by strong arms. Elvis sat his son on one thigh and reached to bring Laura into the embrace as well. "Look up!" Georgie called out, adjusting the camera to include herself, and captured the entire family.