“Thanks, that’s nice of you. What if we come round at about five thirty and give Layla her birthday card and present before we head off?”
“Perfect. We’ll see you then. Go. Get changed,” he ordered, with a smile and Carrie felt her mood improve a little.
* * *
By the time Carrie came back down in dry clothes she was much calmer. Yes, she still believed her aunt shouldn’t have spoken of Tony that way, but she knew it was done out of love. And one of her favourite things about her aunt was that she always spoke her mind, which occasionally meant you were told things you didn’t want to hear.
The shop was empty of customers and Auntie Mary stood behind the counter examining an order form. She looked up as Carrie came in.
“I’m sorry I deserted you and left you to run the shop by herself,” Carrie said.
“It’s not like I don’t know how to.” Auntie Mary laughed. She held out her arms and Carrie went in for a hug. Auntie Mary stroked her hair. “I’m sorry I upset you. I love you and I want you to be happy, but I shouldn’t have been so blunt. You’re an adult and it’s your life.”
Carrie went to open her mouth to explain again why she was doing what she was but stopped herself. Her aunt only wanted what was best for her and Poppy, and she didn’t want them to argue, especially with this being their last day here.
“I love you too,” said Carrie.
“I’m fine down here if you want to get on with packing,” said Auntie Mary. “I can give you a shout if I need a hand. I’m all caught up with the paperwork.”
“Thanks,” said Carrie. She had been looking forward to a final day but it was just making her feel sad, especially after her argument with Auntie Mary, and snapping at Michael. She realised she’d be better off hiding away for a bit, especially as they were now going to Auntie Mary’s for dinner so she really wouldn’t have any time to pack before Poppy went to sleep. She’d better get packing.
* * *
Carrie packed to the sound of Taylor Swift, determined to be positive and get herself in a better mood. They’d had a wonderful summer, but it was time to go back home now, just as had always been the plan.
Carrie’s mum and Poppy arrived back at four thirty. They’d had a great time exploring a castle further up the coast, a ‘proper castle’ Poppy explained. Poppy’s cheeks were pink and her knees a little scuffed from climbing stone walls. Her hair smelled of the sea.
Carrie had packed everything she could and had put a load of washing on. Poppy went to check her room in case any of her toys had been missed.
“Auntie Mary says you’re thinking about moving here,” Carrie said to her mum.
“Yes,” Ellen replied, slowly. “I am. I miss my sister and it’s a lovely place to live. When I left to work in London when I was eighteen, I didn’t imagine I’d be gone for so long, but then I met your father and had you, and I suppose I never got around to coming back. And then Poppy came along and I wanted to be near you.”
“I’m guessing Auntie Mary spoke to you about her offering me a job and the flat?”
“She did,” Ellen said.
“It was really kind of her . . .”
“Yes, but she also needs a manager and knows that you’d do a great job. She loves having you and Poppy here, and wants me to move back too, so she’s not being completely altruistic.”
Carrie laughed. “When you put it like that...”
“But Mary messaged me and told me your decision.”
“I’m sorry, Mum . . .”
“Only you can decide what you want to do and I understand why you’re going back.” Ellen spoke gently. “Poppy is always your priority and her father is in London.”
“I know what Tony’s like, but I worry so much that Poppy is going to end up completely without a dad like I did.”
“You can’t control that, just like I couldn’t control what your father did. All you can do is be the best mum you can be to her.”
“You’ve always been a fantastic mum, and you were completely right about my dad.”
“Thank you, darling. And you’re a wonderful mother. Poppy is so lucky to have you.”
Carrie hugged her mum. “Thank you, and I love you.”
