Nate beamed. ‘That’s amazing.’
‘And Mum has been sober for months!’
‘No way! Go, Kath!’
‘And Jake is really my dad, and Joti next door to Mum – you know, the Sri Lankan lady I mentioned – well, she’s my half-sister.’
Nate laughed aloud. ‘Now you’re shitting me.’
‘I’m really not.’
‘What the fuck!’
‘Tell me about it.’
They were silent for what seemed like an age. Then Vic stood up and reached for her handbag on the kitchen side. ‘I’m going to go now, Nate.’
His face fell. ‘But you’ve only just got here. Stay for the weekend – for old times’ sake.’
‘No, Nate. I need to get home.’
‘Can we stay in touch, then, please? You know how much I hate goodbyes.’
‘Let’s just see where life takes us, OK?’ Vic, proud of her own strength, sighed deeply.
Nate nodded. ‘You know I only wish the best for you.’ His voice cracked and he looked away.
‘And me, you.’ Vic wobbled. ‘I need to sort my face. Can you ring me a taxi please?’
Vic went up to the bathroom, used the loo and wiped the black mascara streaks from her face. The taxi was already waiting for her when she came downstairs. Without words, Nate held out his arms out to her and hugged her again, tightly. As she walked towards the taxi, case in hand, she turned around.
‘See you when you’re older, Nathaniel Carlisle.’
THIRTY-FOUR
SLOUGH
The Drop-in Centre
A few days later, Vic, fresh out of the shower, balanced her mobile against her ear as she looked for a suitable top to put on with her jeans. She could hear her mum laughing downstairs at something on the kitchen radio.
‘Mand, it’s me. Not a bad time with feeds, is it?’
‘No, he’s a great sleeper – just like his father. Just got myself a cuppa so it’s perfect timing. You OK?’
‘Yes. As you know, Nate took it so well that I feel like a great weight has been lifted, to be honest.’
‘Good. And dare I ask if you’ve said anything to Jerico yet?’
‘This is why I’m ringing, actually. You know I went to that drop-in centre in Slough months ago?’
‘Yep.’ Vic could hear Mandy taking a slurp of tea.
‘Well, they’re have an evening session tonight, all around HIV and relationships. I kind of thought it might help me get my words out in the right way, when I do tell him, but I’m not sure.’ Vic let out a growl of frustration as she awkwardly pulleda top over her head, trying not to displace the handset in the process.
‘What are you are worried about?’ Mandy’s kindness shone through, as always.
‘It’s just, I don’t know if I want to talk about anything HIV-related. Especially with a group of strangers.’
