Chapter 5-2
504 Words
I was glad to hear that Mark was hungry, so I decided to cook a full English breakfast. I poured some fresh orange juice into a glass with the now customary straws and put a large plateful of fried food on the table between us. We used the same feeding routine as the previous evening, and although eating took longer than if Mark could have fed himself, we did okay.
We had a fair bit to do that morning, so I got ourselves ready to go out. Mark said he’d better use the toilet again before we left, so we trooped upstairs to take care of it. I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of handling his equipment.
After that task was accomplished I made Mark sit on the closed toilet lid while I brushed his hair. Mark’s black hair was fine, soft, and naturally curly. I took a little longer than was strictly necessary. I don’t think Mark minded.
Once I’d finished I gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. “There, you’re done.”
“Thanks.” He smiled up at me.
“To stop you feeling as though you’re just tagging along, I’m going to make you wear my rucksack. You might as well be of use while I’ve got you.” I grinned to let him know I was kidding.
He chuckled.
We descended the stairs. I put on our coats, got out the bag for Mark and fitted it on his back, making sure the straps weren’t too tight.
After closing and locking the door, we walked towards the town centre. I explained what I thought was the best plan of attack.
“I’ll need to go into the library and arrange some time off.”
“Sorry I’m being such a burden.”
I shook my head. “I’ve plenty of leave owing and I’ve got to use it up by the end of April, otherwise I’ll lose it. I didn’t take a holiday this summer so I think I’ve got almost three weeks saved up.” I didn’t tell Mark the reason I didn’t take a holiday was because I hated having to go alone. “So if I take two weeks worth of leave, plus the bank holidays, you should be well on your way to being able to potter around the house by yourself by the time I’ll have to go back. If you’re not, I can always use the rest of the leave, or you could come into the library for half a day or so. I’m sure I’d be able to find you something to do.”
“You’re being very kind.”
“Rubbish, it really is nice having someone around the place.” I didn’t add that I hated being alone at Christmas. I guess I could have gone down to Birmingham to see my parents, but they often worked through some of the holiday, and it really wasn’t worth the hassle with the trains.
“After the library, I thought we’d go down to the DHSS and get some forms, so you could start getting unemployment benefit.”
“Okay.”
“Then I’m taking you clothes shopping.” I could tell Mark was about to object, so I cut in, “Now, Mark, please, we’ve discussed this.”
He looked at me and sighed. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I? Doesn’t mean I like it.”
“It’ll be okay.” I gave him what I hoped was an encouraging smile.
- Writer
