Helena shook her head. ‘It’s a kind offer but I think I need to do this when I’m on my own.’
‘But you will do it? Promise?’
‘Absolutely promise.’
‘Fair enough, but tell me everything as soon as you can. Call me.’
‘I will.’
‘Are you going to tell your mum about this?’
Helena shook her head. ‘Not until it’s resolved. There’s no point in worrying her.’
Amy nodded. ‘Get on the phone then.’
‘I’m going to text. After you’ve gone, like I said.’
‘I’ll just clear breakfast.’ Amy seemed reluctant to leave.
‘No need. I’ll do it. Now please go before I lose my nerve.’
‘If you’re sure …’
‘Absolutely. But thank you so much for keeping me from overreacting. I might overreact again later, but just for now, thank you!’
They hugged and then Amy left and Helena went to find her phone.
She sent a text, grateful that because of Amy wanting to meet James she had his mobile number in her phone.
I’ve seen Jago’s details on Facebook. Can we meet up soon?
After she’d sent the text she worried that James would think she was trying to pick him up the moment Jago’s back was turned but she realised this was paranoia. But she felt paranoid. It was like a waking dream – she didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t.
As she cleared the breakfast in Jago’s patchwork kitchen she had to stop herself crying. She had to stop assuming that she was destined to pack up her things, including two looms, and leave. Where would she go? She personally could go to her mother, but her looms? Where would there be space for them?
Luckily for her sanity, James got back to her soon.This would be better face-to-face. Could I come to yours at lunchtime?
Sure, she texted back.I’ll make you a sandwich.
Then she wished she hadn’t said that. Jago was the sandwich expert, not her. Making one wouldjust make her think about him. But then she realised that he had been the default setting for her brain for some time, and even thinking that she had been cheated on in the most complicated way didn’t stop her loving him. Her heart would have to catch up with her head and it might take a while.
Helena was waiting at the door for James when he arrived.
‘Hi, Helena,’ he said as he got out of the car. He kissed her cheek. ‘Did you really make a sandwich?’
‘Yes, but of course it won’t be as good as Jago’s.’ Then she found herself near tears again and wished she hadn’t mentioned him. Although considering the reason she and James were meeting it wouldn’t be possible not to.
Soon they were sitting at the table in the kitchen.
‘So,’ said James, ‘how did you find out about Jago?’
‘We – me and Amy – were looking at Facebook. At you, actually, and his picture came up.’
‘But there are no pictures of Jago on Facebook, not on my page, anyway.’ He seemed so certain about this Helena was very glad she’d anticipated the problem.
She opened Amy’s laptop and found the picture. James stared at it. ‘OK, I remember the photo being taken but where is Jago?’
‘There,’ said Helena, pointing.
