Elle nodded.
‘Try and relax. Just remember she wants this as much as you, otherwise she wouldn’t be here.’
Not trusting herself to speak, Elle kissed Irene on the cheek.
‘I’ll see you soon. Good luck.’
Elle took a deep breath, and, with mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation, slowly walked towards the designated meeting place. After a few steps, she glanced nervously over her shoulder. Irene gave her a reassuring smile.
Oblivious to everything around her except her own thundering heartbeat, Elle carried on walking.
The café was up ahead. The first thing Elle noticed was a woman sitting on one of the tables outside. She didn’t know whether Cora would be waiting inside or out – but before she could figure out what to do, the woman at the table looked up at her.
‘Hi, Elle.’
Elle’s breath caught in her throat. She’d hoped that she wouldn’t bump into anyone she knew, but it was too late.
‘Hi, Jenny. It’s a lovely day for it.’ Elle tried to keep her voice bright despite the nervousness that was swamping her whole body. She didn’t feel like making small talk, but she knew she couldn’t ignore Jenny. Quickly she scanned the inside of the café but everyone was sitting in groups and there didn’t seem to be anyone on their own.
‘Have you been to the fair?’ asked Jenny.
‘No, not yet.’
‘I’m just grabbing a pot of tea. Would you like one?’
‘I’m actually just going to grab some water. Is there anything you want whilst I go inside?’
‘No, but thank you.’
Trying to keep her nerves under control Elle stepped inside the café. As much as she liked Jenny, she didn’t want anyone witnessing the moment she met her mother. After paying for the water Elle wandered back outside and looked up the path but there was no one in sight. Now she felt a twinge of panic. What if Cora had changed her mind?
‘I’ve just seen Wilson near the entrance to the park. He’s sitting on a picnic blanket reading.’
Jenny nodded. ‘He’s waiting for me.’
Elle looked at her, puzzled.
‘I’m waiting for someone,’ Jenny added, her voice faltering. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘I’m waiting for someone too,’ Elle said, taking a seat on the bench next to her. ‘And you look as nervous as me.’
Elle’s pulse began to race as she studied Jenny’s face. She forced herself to breathe calmly, even as she realised that the face staring back at her resembled her own. Surely, she couldn’t be…
Elle looked away, her thoughts running wild. She was letting her imagination run away with her. This wasn’t Cora Hansley, this was Jenny.
She glanced one last time up the path, but there was still no one else in sight.
Elle hesitated before finally asking, ‘Are you Cora Hansley?’
Jenny looked at her in shock, her eyes searching Elle’s as she registered the question she’d just been asked.
‘Are you Cora Hansley?’ Elle asked again.
‘Yes.’
Elle tried her best to hold on to her tears, but it was no use. They began to roll slowly down her face.
‘I think that someone you’re waiting for might be me. Are you … my mother?’
