Anchored (8 page)

“No thanks. I think I would rather get this over with. Where do you want me to start?”

Jonathan sighed and led the way to the bedroom. “Maybe here. I’ve got some plastic bags out for her clothes.” He cleared his throat, “Mia, how are you coping?”

Looking at her father she wondered what it must be like for him to be alone. She tried not to notice the quiet in the house. “I’m doing okay, what about you? How are you managing here alone?”

“I don’t like it, it’s so quiet. Your mother used to make quite a lot of noise, what with her playing the piano all the time and her constant chatter. Sometimes I wished she’d just be quiet, but now I want to hear her talking about anything.”

“I’m sorry. Sorry I’m not here with you, but I can’t live here. I hope you understand.”

“Can you at least think about moving back? It would make things much easier for me.”

“No. I won’t live here. Don’t ask me,” she said in a rush.

“Your mother would want you here with me.”

She strode past him into the lounge. Her eyes skimmed over the room and her eyebrows drew together slightly. Spinning around she glared at him in silence.

They stared at each other, neither backing down.

Jonathan rubbed his forehead. “I think I’ll pack up some of her books and things off the shelves in the lounge. I think she’d want you to have them.”

Mia nodded and went to the bedroom.

She felt close to her mother as she fingered a scarf her mother had worn and a favorite pair of earrings she’d loved. Mia was happy to have these things and would treasure them. Slowly she worked her way through the dresser drawers, putting everything she wanted into bags and the rest of the gear in a pile to be dropped off at the clothing bin.

It wasn’t until she was going through the wardrobe that she noticed a wooden box on the top shelf. Reaching up she pulled it down; it was exquisite, with intricate carving in the shape of a rose on the lid.

Opening the lid, she was surprised to see a false lid made of material covering whatever was inside. Embroided on the material was ‘Mia Grace’. Her mother must have designed and carefully completed each letter.

It was beautiful.

Sitting on the bed she opened the box and looked inside. Mia picked up a gold locket and recognized it as being her Nanny’s. She could remember her Nanny wearing it and as a child would often ask to look inside. Mia opened it and saw the images of her grandparents looking back at her. Her Nanny had always said it would be hers one day and now that day had arrived.

Smiling she put it on. It was nice to feel she belonged to them, that they were her family.

There were other things in the box that she would go through later, photos and keepsakes her mother obviously wanted her to have.

She was about to close the box when she noticed an envelope with her name on it.

Mia picked up the letter just as her father came to tell her he’d poured them both a glass of orange juice.

She glanced at her watch and realized she’d been there for over an hour. She’d been so engrossed that time had flown. She noticed her father’s arms were folded over his chest and she felt a stab of guilt at the way she’d spoken to him.

“I think I’ve done most of it. This pile here I’ll drop off at the clothing bin if that’s okay with you.”

“Whatever you think,” he said in a flat tone.

“It wasn’t as hard I thought it’d be. I sort of felt close to Mum, touching her stuff and remembering her wearing it. How did you get on with the book shelf?”

“Everything I picked up I put back on the shelf. Useless really. Your mother loved to read and I never did get to finish a book right through. If you want to take them all I can arrange to get them to you.”

“I would love them but I don’t know where I would put them right now.”

“Are you planning on staying at Robert’s long?”

“I’m thinking of getting a place of my own. We were talking about it last night and I will probably start looking for somewhere next week.”

“I see.”

“Can I leave the books here for now and when I get settled pick them up?” Mia heard the stiffness in her voice and hated it.

“Of course, no hurry. I was wondering about Margaret’s piano. I keep looking at it and seeing her sitting there. Shall I sell it, or do you want it?”

Mia couldn’t believe he’d think of selling the piano and her lips twitched showing her disdain. “Mum loved that piano—how can you think of selling it? You seem to want to remove all evidence that Mum actually lived here or even existed.”

A scowl settled on Jonathan’s face. “Don’t be silly, Mia. Of course this is her house and—yours too.”

Steeling her features, she asked him to wait until she had a place of her own to let him know if she wanted the piano. “I need to go.”

“What about your drink? I’ve poured it for you.”

“Right now I think I’d choke on it. I’m sorry—it’s all too much.”

Jonathan moved towards her but then stopped as Mia raised her hand.

“Thanks for letting me have Mum’s things. I’ll phone you.”

As they passed the piano, Jonathan picked up her mother’s Bible and held it out to her.

~~~

When Mia arrived at her uncle’s she noticed a car parked beside the garage. Uncle Robert must have a visitor; she smiled knowing that people often popped in to see him.

Holding a box on her hip she opened the door and maneuvered her way in to the hall. She could hear male voices in the kitchen and walked towards them.

She placed the box on the dining room table and entered the kitchen to say hello to her uncle and his visitor.

Uncle Robert was laughing at something David had said and Mia felt her stomach flip. She hadn’t expected him to be here. Her uncle turned towards her and beckoned her over.

“Hey, Princess, David called in to see how you’re getting on. We’ve been having a good old chat and I’ve asked him to join us for dinner.” 

David’s mouth curved and his eyes seemed to pull her into their warmth. “I hope that’s all right with you, Mia. It would be a change from cooking for myself.”

“It’s up to you, David.” Mia wasn’t happy and didn’t want to pretend she was. Would it be rude to excuse herself and leave? Looking at her uncle she could see determination in his eyes and knew that he wanted her to like David.

“Let me help you, Uncle Robert. I’ll go and wash my hands.”

“No, Mia, I have it all planned in my head and I don’t want you getting in my way. Tonight the kitchen is all mine, that is until you guys do the dishes.”

Laughing, he shooed them away and Mia had no choice but to lead David outside to the verandah.

“Great view, this certainly is a wonderful place to live. How long has your uncle lived here?”

“It seems like forever, but probably twenty years or so.”

“Robert was telling me you’re going to get a place of your own. Have you decided where you want to move to?”

Mia looked at him in surprise. “I’m not sure, I’m still thinking about it.”

“Blue Bay certainly is a great place to live and being able to go to the beach every day is amazing. The weather is perfect.”

Mia stood staring at him, her stomach humming with nerves.

“Mia, one of the reasons I called around was to see how you are. Often people don’t ask you how you’re doing because they don’t want to upset you, but I believe it’s important to talk about how you’re feeling.” 

Mia remained silent.

“Your mother may not be here physically but she’s still here.”  David placed his hand on his heart to indicate what he meant.

Mia found her eyes watering and looked down. Why is he talking to me like this? Why does he care? “I know you’re only trying to be kind, but I would rather not talk about how I’m doing with you.”

David arched an eyebrow.

“I’m sure Uncle Robert will understand if you change your mind about staying.”

Mia knew she’d been rude and glanced at him under her lashes. She saw the challenge in his eyes and was unsure of what to do.

“Thanks for the out, Mia, but I’m enjoying myself too much to leave.” David smiled. “I have a proposition for you if you’re interested in hearing it.”

Shaking her head, Mia held up her hand. “Not interested, David.”

“That’s a shame, Bruno will be disappointed.”

“It’s to do with your dog?” Trying to look disinterested, Mia leaned back against the railing.

David nodded. “It’s like this. I have to go to Sydney next week for five days and I was wondering if you’d be open to spending some time with him. Look after him for me.” David eased away from the rail and faced her squarely. “You already know Bruno and he loves you. He hates going to the kennel and he makes me pay for putting him there when I get back. He sulks for days. If you could see it in your heart to look after him for me I’d be forever in your debt.”

Mia liked the thought of spending time with the big dog. “I’m not sure if Uncle Robert will let him stay here.”

“If he would, would you help me out?” His eyebrows lifted in question.

“I have to be honest with you, I was surprised to see you here. I really appreciated how you helped me at Mum’s funeral but I’m not—” Mia stopped and cleared her throat. “I’m not interested in seeing you. I already explained this to you. I don’t want a boyfriend right now.”

“That’s pretty straightforward of you.”

“Why are you here then?”

“My best mate, Bruno. Remember him? What do you say, will you help me out?”

Mia had never had a conversation like this and wasn’t enjoying it. Though it took an effort, she kept her voice indifferent. “I would like to look after him.”

“Thank you.” David smiled and Mia drew a breath. Her lips formed a slight smile in return and she sighed.

“You could call around to my place and spend time with Bruno there or he could stay with you. Whatever works best for you.”

Mia nodded and felt foolish. He hadn’t been asking for anything other than a favor and it was the least she could do.

“Who usually looks after him?”

“My brother Patrick.”

“Are you sure you want me to look after him? Won’t your brother be upset at not having the opportunity to come and stay?”

“No, Pat’s in India right now.”

Mia wanted to ask what his brother did but kept silent.

“How about this Saturday we plan on taking Bruno for a walk to see how you go with him on the lead?”

Mia hesitated for a moment, “All right, what time?”

“Say ten-thirty. Is that too early for you?”

“No.”  Mia’s vision blurred and she looked down to hide her emotion. Her mother would have loved Bruno. She’d always wanted to get a big dog, but her father had not allowed it.

Chapter
13

Judy realized a man was watching her from the shop window and decided to go home. She thought being by the water would help clear her mind, but she hadn’t been able to stop her racing thoughts.

She knew Jonathan loved her. Yes, he’d tried to break up with her when Margaret had the baby, but Jonathan hadn’t been able to stay away. For a while she’d hounded him to leave Margaret and marry her, but he said if she didn’t like the arrangement they had then they were over.

She’d come to enjoy the secrecy of their relationship. It had become a game of romance and she imagined she was in a movie. Yes, a movie star, she felt powerful and believed she controlled their entire destiny.

When Jonathan and Margaret went out together she would put pressure on Jonathan to come to her during the night.

Once she’d deliberately bumped into Margaret at the library and Margaret had smiled at her and apologized as if it was her fault. Everything was Margaret’s fault and she was glad Margaret was dead.

Hadn’t she waited all these years, been there for him and not complained? It was her turn to have him. She was desperate for his touch and she longed to hear him tell her how much he’d missed her. She’d phone and tell him to come to her.

When Jonathan answered the phone Judy felt heat shimmer up her spine. “Hello, Jonathan.”

She could hear his breathing and wondered why he didn’t say anything. “Have you missed me, darling? I’m sorry we’ve not been able to see each other since the funeral. I want you to come to me tonight. You will come, won’t you? I need you.” Judy smiled as she pictured him longing for her.

“I don’t know—” His tone was almost a whisper.

“Would you rather I came to you? I can now you’re all alone in that big house. Shall I come now? I could be there in twenty minutes.”

“No. Absolutely not! I will meet you. Where are you?”

“I’m at my house. I’ll expect you in half an hour. Don’t be late.” Having said this she hung up and began pacing back and forth.

Why didn’t he want her at his house? Surely it wouldn’t matter now if people saw them together. With his wife out of the picture how long would she have to wait to move in with him?

She’d had enough of this stupid game and she was going to tell him so. After all the sacrifices she’d made for him, she loved him and he owed her.

~~~

Jonathan was surprised by the pain that stabbed his chest. He hung up the phone and moved to the lounge, folding his body into a chair.

His head fell back and he closed his eyes. His chest heaved up and down as he considered his options.

If Mia knew he’d been having an affair with Judy all this time, she’d hate him. He’d have to go. Maybe he could talk to Judy about having some time apart so people would think he was the grieving widower.

A tear slipped out the corner of his eye and slid down his cheek. Jonathan’s index finger wiped at the tear and his eyes looked at the moisture in surprise.

“Margaret, my love—I miss you. Forgive me.”

~~~

Being back at Judy’s place haunted him. His mouth sneered as he stormed down the path and into the house. He came to an abrupt halt in the front room. What was it with Judy and candles? The small candles flickered casting shadows around the room and the sweet smell sickened him.

As soon as he saw her Jonathan gritted his teeth and his fists clenched.