‘Oliver, we both know drinking is not one of your strengths.’
He rolls over onto his back. ‘Rory made me angry.’
‘This is not healthy, Oliver.’
‘Tell Rory that.’
I turn to him. ‘Oliver, you need to sort out your issues with Rory because this is not right.’
‘What’s not right?’
‘This…’ I point to him. ‘You should be focused on Alfie, not Rory.’
He sits up and rubs his face. ‘Rory is playing happy families with my son. I want to…’ He falls back on the bed and shuts his eyes. His words fade and are replaced by loud snores.
I can’t sleep. I’m so angry at him for doing this. I stupidly assumed he was dealing with his issues. I hug my knees and sit in my chair.
My anger subsides after a while.
* * *
‘Nelly, wake up,’ says Oliver. ‘Your alarm is going off.’
I wake up in a fright. I must have fallen asleep here in my chair.
He’s standing opposite me, and he’s dressed. He’s even tamed his hair. What’s going on?
I watch him scratch his stubble-coated chin. ‘Nelly, I let you down last night and I’m sorry. I woke up an hour ago.’
I rub my eyes. ‘You’re dressed.’
He nods. ‘I’ve decided to go back to London. Living here hasn’t worked out.’
My heart grinds to a halt. The words hit like a slap. ‘What?’
‘Last night I got in a fight with Rory.’
I gasp. ‘A fight?’
‘Yes. I was drunk. He had put this video of Alfie on Facebook…’
‘What was the video?’
He bows his head. ‘Alfie was calling him Daddy.’
A lengthy silence descends upon the both of us. I know that must have caused Oliver pain.
‘All I’ve done since I moved in is hurt you, Nelly, and annoy Rory. It’s time for me to return to London.’
I stare at him. ‘What about Alfie?’
He shakes his head. ‘I will see him when I can.’ I watch as he bows his head. ‘Thank you for everything, Nelly. It was…’ His voice cracks.
Tears rush to my eyes. ‘You’re leaving?’
‘I’m sorry for everything,’ he says with watery eyes.
I watch him head for the door and pick up a bag. ‘I have sent you money for two months’ rent via my bank account. I have also you texted you my address in Acton. My flat hasn’t sold, which is a sign. I need to go back.’
