‘That’s good.’
‘How was Jack?’ he asked.
‘Oh, Harry, it was horrible. He looked broken.’
‘Only what he deserves,’ Harry said gruffly.
‘I know what you mean. But he really regrets what he’s done. He’s not the Jack he used to be before.’
‘Well, something good has come of it then.’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I actually think it has. I don’t know how long he’ll have to spend in prison and I hate the thought of him in there, but I think when it’s all over he’ll be a different person.’
‘Can’t be worse than what he used to be.’
‘No.’ She paused. ‘I suppose, being the closest in age, you’ve borne the brunt of his behaviour more than any of us. But I’d like to think that eventually we can put the past behind us.’
‘And that’s why I love you so much,’ Harry said gently. ‘You really are a good person.’
Anna blushed. ‘Don’t be daft.’
‘I mean it,’ Harry replied. ‘But you’re right. We do need to look to the future. And I can’t wait to get to uni.’
‘I’m glad for you. I feel sorry for Dad, though. He’s going to be all on his own.’
‘Um, I don’t think so.’ Harry grinned. ‘You know he did that cookery course?’
‘Yes, I was amazed by how much he seemed to like it.’
‘That wasn’t the only thing he liked.’
‘I don’t get you.’
‘I don’t know how you’re going to take this, but he’s met someone.’
‘He has?’ Anna was amazed. She couldn’t imagine her dad being with someone other than her mum. But he deserved some happiness after all these years. ‘That’s great news. What’s she like?’
‘I don’t know, I haven’t met her yet, but he’s always smiling these days.’
‘Just wait till I see him,’ Anna said. ‘He’s going to get a grilling.’
And she did just that when he returned later that evening. It felt strange talking to him about another woman, but it also felt good. With her and Harry moving on, and Jack where he was, it gave her some comfort that her dad wouldn’t be lonely any more.
* * *
‘I thought we’d go straight to Lucinda’s to pick Ben up.’ Daniel interrupted her thoughts. ‘That way we can get it over and done with, like ripping off the plaster.’
‘Good idea,’ Anna said. Although they’d agreed they were here this weekend to show a united front, Anna was dreading seeing Lucinda again. At least this way she could stay in the car.
‘And as it’s such a nice afternoon,’ Daniel continued, ‘I thought we could take Ben to the park for a while and then go for a pizza.’
Anna smiled. ‘I think that’s Ben’s idea of perfection.’
‘But is it perfect for you, too?’ Daniel looked concerned.
‘I couldn’t wish for anything better,’ she replied, wanting to reassure him.
When they arrived, Lucinda opened the door but didn’t come out. After a quick exchange with Daniel, Ben scurried out of the house and straight into the back of the car with an exuberant hello. Anna smiled. It was all going to be okay and she was overjoyed at seeing him again.
