‘You were both very lucky,’ Nick says. ‘This could have been a terrible tragedy.’
We’re all silent for a moment as the enormity of the danger we were in hits us. Then the ring of the doorbell makes us alljump. Nick goes to answer the door and returns a few minutes later with George.
‘Judith darling, how are you?’ His voice is full of emotion as he sits down on the other side of Mum. I move along a bit, leaving them to hug.
After asking how we both are George tells us that the insurance company have already sent an inspector out, and they have confirmed the cause of the fire as accidental. The look he gives me when he tells me this leaves me in no doubt who he blames.
‘They’re arranging to have the cupboards replaced and the kitchen and back room repainted.’
‘Mum had better stay here with us until it’s all finished,’ I say. ‘It’s not good for her to be amongst all that.’
‘I want my wife with me,’ George replies firmly. He takes a seat by Mum. ‘Alison is coming home today, darling, and between us we’ll be able to help you up the stairs, you can sleep in our bed again,’ he says, holding her hand and gazing at her adorably. ‘Sleeping on the sofa like this is no good for you.’
‘I think Mum is safer here,’ I tell him.
To my dismay Mum pipes up, ‘I want to go home with George, Lizzie. I think I can manage the stairs now. And you have the children to think about. You don’t really have room for me here.’
‘If you can manage the stairs, I can put the kids in together and you can have Isaac’s room,’ I tell her. Both kids have a pull-out spare mattress under their beds for when they have friends to stay over, so it won’t be a problem for them to share.
Mum is adamant though. I am terrified of her going back home, the only comfort I have is that Alison will be there too.
‘It’s only natural that your mum will feel more settled in her own home,’ Nick says. ‘I know you’re worried, Liz, but you needto look after yourself too. You went through a terrible ordeal last night.’
Kenny and Sheila arrive then. George has obviously told them what happened, so they’ve come straight to our house.
‘Are you all right, dear? What a horrific experience,’ Sheila asks Mum. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll all look after you. Now, let’s get you home and comfortable.’
‘We can all look at the wedding photos together, Sam’s just emailed them over to me,’ Kenny adds.
‘I’d like to see those,’ I say.
‘We’ll check them all and Judith will send you a selection when she feels stronger,’ George tells me. ‘Now come on, love, let’s get you home.’
I’m outnumbered. Again. And all I can do is watch them help my mum into the car and drive off.
Everyone obviously thinks that I’m responsible for accidentally starting the fire and that Mum is safer away from me.
‘Don’t take it personally, it’s only natural that Judith will want to go home,’ Nick tries to reassure me. ‘Now I’ll go and get the kids from school, you put your feet up and relax.’
I can’t relax. I keep going over and over last evening. I’m sure that I turned off the cooker. I forgot to turn off the iron the other day though, didn’t I? When my anxiety is really bad, I sometimes get confused and forget things. Could that have happened this time?
I feel so bewildered. I’m doubting myself. I need to get away for a bit, put a bit of space between me and Nick with his watchful eyes and unspoken accusations. I need to get my head together.
I text Jodie.
Can I stay with you for a couple of nights?
Sure. Are you bringing the kids?
I know that there is no way Nick will let me take the kids. Besides, I need space and they have school.
‘No, Nick’s working from home, so he’ll be there for them. I need a bit of time to myself, to clear my head.’
Her reply shoots back.
Come whenever you’re ready. I’ll make you a bed up.
Nick is back with the kids now, they’re full of chatter about school. I wait until they’ve gone up to their rooms to play then tell Nick that I’m going to Jodie’s for a bit. He doesn’t even try and talk me out of it. He merely nods and says that maybe a couple of days away to rest will do me good.
