The Riviera. Karen Aldous

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      ‘It’s beautiful isn’t it?’

      ‘Fabulous,’ she agreed.

      ‘I can’t believe we’ve been stuck in Jack’s room all week when we could have enjoyed all this.’

      ‘Probably not so romantic with Jack, but yes. If he’s come this far, maybe he will venture out more now.’ Lizzie’s twirled her arm around capturing the breeze.

      ‘Yes, perhaps we’re being over-protective. Oh God, who knows? How are you supposed to know what the best thing is for your child?’ Cal kicked the sand with his bare foot. ‘It’s difficult as hell. Unfortunately, I’ve not been around on a daily basis like a real parent. Mind you, neither has Reuben. I wouldn’t have thought either of us know him as well as Kelly.’

      ‘You can’t, surely. I’m sure my mum thought she was doing the right thing, but I construed it as overbearing and domineering.’ Lizzie peered round again at the boys. ‘I hope our relationship is much closer so we are more involved in each other’s lives and the children’s. I don’t want to be one of those mothers to just tell my son what he should do, but rather, guide.

      ‘Mmm. I do wonder if Kelly tries to overpower him. The way he tried to avoid her when I first arrived makes me think he’s clamouring for some peace, or space.’

      Lizzie wanted to shout Hell yes that woman is controlling! There were so many similarities to her own mother. Even the last twelve or so hours Lizzie had felt constricted. Kelly was practically running the beach house as a guest house rather than letting it. As much as she appreciated her welcoming them, she didn’t expect her to be here with them all day today and do every activity with them. Then, Lizzie feared she was being a little harsh. It was Kelly’s son who was going through the trauma, and the reason why they were here. Maybe it was just her way of feeling useful in a crisis.

      ‘I suppose it’s hard to get a balance sometimes, and possibly it depends on the child and the dynamics of the relationship. I don’t think many teenagers talk to their parents about their problems. I know I didn’t,’ Lizzie laughed, ‘as you know.’

      ‘No. I didn’t share much with my parents, although Mum was, and is, a good listener. She would never have forced me to do anything I wasn’t happy doing.’ Cal flicked a mass of thick tresses from his face.

      ‘And, I suppose, what’s happened with Jack is extreme. Kelly didn’t have any idea and even if she did, what could she have done different?’

      ‘We can only do our best.’ Cal took her arm and twisted her round to face him, embracing her, knocking her off balance then, grabbing her waist, found her lips. Lizzie responded like a magnet instantly succumbing to its force. Blood rushed to her loins. It was so good to be wrapped again in his arms and kiss those lips. She truly felt she belonged to him and this blissful state was the crescendo of a long and beautiful symphony she could play time and time again. She and Cal and their little family. Quite possibly making more little additions to their family. She wished she could picture them all in their new home.

      As if reading her thoughts as they prised themselves apart, Cal slipped his hand back into hers and said, ‘Maybe one day, when we make that old wreck of a house liveable, Jack can come and live with us.’

      She glistened a smile knowing how much that would mean to him. Although, as a mother, she doubted he realised how much Kelly would abhor that idea. She would have to face it though if Jack was making plans. It could be a reality soon. She shuddered at the thought of Thierry leaving her one day.

       Chapter 9

      By nine thirty the following day, they were at the car ready to leave to tour the island. Jack was holding Thierry’s turtle figure and climbing in as Lizzie secured Thierry in his seat. Cal was loading the back with coats and wellies. Kelly pulled up beside them and, appearing rather more made-up than yesterday, pulled out several grocery bags.

      ‘Good morning. Have you found the map? It’s behind Reuben’s chair.’

      Cal nodded. ‘Yep.’

      ‘Good. I’ve brought you some fresh bread and milk, and I’ll prepare your dinner. I thought you’d enjoy a homemade chicken and ham pie.’

      ‘That’s very thoughtful, thank you,’ Cal told her. ‘I’m not sure what time we’ll be back though.’

      ‘Thank you, Kelly,’ Lizzie echoed.

      ‘Oh, no problem. You guys have a good day.’ Kelly dropped her bags and walked across to Jack. ‘How’s my boy this morning?’

      ‘Yes. All good, Mom. See you later then.’

      ‘Well, give your mom a squeeze.’ Kelly leant in and hugged Jack. ‘I love you, sweetheart. Have fun.’

      Lizzie noted Jack shrug awkwardly as his mother shut the car door. Typical sixteen-year-old boy, she grinned to herself.

      After a few hours of stopping off at beaches and lighthouses, they made a stop for lunch before heading for the whaling museum. Thierry couldn’t wait to see the giant skeleton of the sperm whale Jack had told him all about.

      Whilst Thierry waited for his chicken nuggets and chips Lizzie pulled out some of his other figures from his small Superman rucksack. He began chatting to Jack about his super-heroes as he pulled out a Spider-Man, Superman and The Hulk.

      ‘They’re running,’ he motioned Superman to Jack.

      Jack explained how many of them would run or fly to help people and save them. ‘They’re nice guys like my dad.’

      ‘Is Cal a super-hero?’ Thierry asked.

      ‘Yes, he’s my hero,’ Jack laughed.

      ‘Is my mummy a super-hero?’

      ‘Yes, she’s your super-hero. Wonder Woman maybe.’

      ‘Is your mummy Wonder Woman?’

      ‘No. She’s…’ Jack was suddenly aware that the adult ears and eyes were present. ‘Sometimes.’

      ‘Does your mummy fly?’

      Lizzie started, aware her son was now embarrassing Jack. ‘Tell Jack how many super-heroes you have, Thierry? Count them. Ready, one, two…’

      ‘Three, four, five and Ironman. Mummy, where’s Ironman?’

      ‘In the bag, poppet, but look, here comes your lunch.’

      After lunch Lizzie took Thierry out to the cloakroom.

      Jack turned to his father. ‘He’s a really bright kid. Fun to be around. A shame they’re not staying longer.’

      ‘Yes,’ Cal smiled. ‘I’m glad you like each other.’

      Leaning further in Jack said, ‘I can come to Europe. Dad, I’ll see more of you if I’m in London. I was talking to Robbie yesterday.’

      Cal’s eyes narrowed. ‘I think we СКАЧАТЬ