‘I think it just might be, Pippa Lawson.’
Before Elle could say any more, Pippa pulled her to her feet and hugged her tightly. ‘We are going to havesomuch fun! It’s going to be like one long girly holiday! When can I move in?’
‘How about the day after my birthday?’
‘Absolutely perfect!’ Pippa squealed before squeezing Elle again.
ChapterSeven
Lying in bed listening to the wind and rain batter the windowpane, Elle knew despite the weather she would have trouble sleeping tonight. It had been the same for as long as she could remember. As soon as it turned midnight on the second of February there would only be one person on her mind for the next twenty-four hours – her biological mother.
Burying herself under the duvet she willed herself to go back to sleep, but it was no use – she couldn’t drop off. Through her tired eyes, she watched the clock for what seemed like every second of the night, tossing and turning until around four a.m., when she finally placed one weary leg in front of the other and padded downstairs to make herself a hot drink. Clutching a mug of steaming tea, Elle lingered for a moment at the bottom of the stairs in front of the hall mirror.
‘Happy thirtieth birthday,’ she whispered to herself.
Staring at her reflection she knew the time had come. As much as she loved Irene, Elle needed to find the missing pieces of herself, even if it meant facing the possibility of rejection. If she was successful in tracking down her mother, would the woman want to acknowledge her existence? Or would the answers she needed so badly prove to be ones she didn’t want to hear? Would the whole endeavour leave her with nothing but crushing disappointment? Only time would tell.
With a sigh she climbed back into bed and leaned against her pillows, pulling the duvet up to her chest. As she took a sip of tea, her thoughts tumbled over the past. Moving between various foster homes, she’d experienced a sense of loss on many occasions, and had no experience of positive relationships until she’d met Irene.
Living in Glensheil and working in Heartcross had settled her life into a happy routine. Elle had never imagined she would fit in anywhere, but this place felt like home. She’d made good friends in the village, it was a beautiful part of the world, and she now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Elle knew this was the right time – she had a supportive network, gorgeous friends and Irene to help her through the difficult times that might be coming her way. With an anxious feeling swirling in the pit of her stomach, the decision was made.
Elle was ready to find out exactly who she was. She was going to start the search for her mother. Today.
With the torrential rain sounding like bullets, Elle finished her tea and snuggled back under the covers, knowing she would find some kind of closure one way or another.
Whatever the outcome, she was about to embark on the biggest emotional journey of her life, and thankfully she knew Irene would be by her side every step of the way.
She finally managed to doze off for an hour or so, to be woken by the alarm clock. She forced her eyes to open when her phone beeped with an incoming message. The first happy birthday text of the day was from Pippa and there was also an Instagram story she’d tagged her in. Elle laughed at the collage of photos Pippa had put together, which showcased all the fun they’d had together over the last six months. There was the fancy-dress party for Pippa’s birthday at The Grouse and Haggis where she’d insisted everyone had to replicate an outfit worn by Harry Styles in the past five years. Then there was the alpaca racing at Foxglove Farm, where Elle had ended up face-down in the mud after slipping over. In such a short time they had certainly got up to some memorable antics.
After a quick shower, Elle got dressed and ventured downstairs. The rain had finally stopped and according to the weather app the sun would be shining by the afternoon. Deciding on a breakfast of scrambled eggs on buttery granary toast, Elle scrolled through her phone. Already there were messages from Isla, Eleni and Florrie. Suddenly she felt a little teary that everyone was being so kind. Another message pinged. It was Pippa.
Guess what?
No clue! Surprise me!replied Elle.
Two seconds later an image appeared on the screen of Pippa waiting at the bus stop.I’ve beaten you to it for the first time ever!
Elle shook her head, chuckling.Unbelievable!she replied, grabbing her bag and coat before heading out of the door and locking it behind her.
* * *
As the bus stop came into sight Elle couldn’t quite believe her eyes. ‘Oh my gosh…’ she said as she walked towards a grinning Pippa, who was trying her best to hold on to a bevy of colourful balloons reading ‘Happy Birthday!’
‘It’s a good job the wind has settled down as you would be flying high in the sky!’
‘Good morning, birthday girl!’
‘Have you gone mad? Everyone’s looking at you.’
‘Let them look. It’s my best friend’s birthday and I’m going to make sure you’re spoilt rotten, all day.’
Much to Elle’s embarrassment, Pippa began to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at the top of her voice. A number of amused onlookers standing in the bus queue joined in with the three hip-hip-hoorays at the end of the song.
‘Thank you,’ Elle whispered, shooting Pippa a look that meantbehave, but judging by the look on her face there was going to be no chance of that.
‘These are for you.’
