Chapter Three - James
239 Words
Chapter Three - James
Michael accompanies Charlotte, pale-faced, red-eyed, but composed, into the wet room. He slips the towelling robe from her shoulders, holding her hand in support as she lowers herself into warm bubbles. Beth, already soaking herself, shuffles closer along the step, giving Charlotte’s hand a squeeze.
Richard slides along to sit the other side of her. “Feeling a bit better now?”
Nodding, she forces a smile. “A bit.”
“Here…” I pass a glass of wine to Richard, then step down into steaming, perfumed water. Michael joins me.
Richard sets the glass in Charlotte’s free hand then, slipping his hand around her shoulder, kisses her forehead. “It will be fine. You will be fine. You’ll see. You and Michael will try again, and the next time, you’ll have a fine, bouncing brother or sister for Cara.”
He tips the glass from under the stem. “Drink your wine. Get this one inside you. Then James will pour you another, and we’ll all just relax and enjoy each other’s company Alright?”
Her smile is a bit wan but is looking more genuine. “Alright.” She settles back, some of her tension easing.
This was the right thing to do…
It was always my hope that when, as will inevitably happen in anyone’s life, disaster strikes our household, we all would have each other for support. And now, it’s proving itself to be so. Sipping wine, surrounded by the people she loves, a faint ray of sunshine brightens Charlotte’s smile.
Family…
*****
- Writer
