“No, I wanted to find her. Her story...”
Libby paused. Why had she been so keen to find this woman, investing so much of her time and energy in the search? Yes, she’d wanted to find her for Frank, but it wasn’t only that.
“Your girl on the bus did the thing I’ve always regretted notdoing. She defied her parents and went to art school, while I let my parents talk me out of it. So I think I wanted to know if she made the right decision. Were her sacrifices worth it? Was she happy?”
Frank was watching Libby as she spoke. “Please don’t think I’m not grateful for your help, Libby, but it’s time we stopped. You and I have both been hiding behind this search, and we need to face up to our own lives.”
“What do you mean?”
He raised his chin. “I spoke to Clara on Friday. I’m going to have the care assessment and move into a home.”
“What?” Libby tried to hide the horror in her voice. “But why?”
“It’s what Clara wants. And after all the worry I’ve caused her over the years, it feels like the least I can do now.”
“But, Frank, you said yourself, if you move into a care home, you won’t be able to go out on the bus anymore.”
“Haven’t you been listening, Libby? My days on the 88 are over.”
“But what about your walks up Parliament Hill? Do you really want to give up that freedom before you have to?”
He shook his head. “I have dementia, dear. Sooner or later, I won’t be able to do any of those things anyway. So I might as well give up now, with my dignity intact.”
“Oh, Frank—” Libby started, but he put his hand up to stop her.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me. I’ve made peace with my decision. I have the care assessment in three weeks’ time, and I’ll tell the social worker that I can’t cope in the house anymore and I want to move to a home. It’s all for the best.”
“And Dylan?”
Frank shrugged. “We’ll still be friends, I’m sure.”
Libby slumped back on the bench. She couldn’t believe this was really it, the end of the search.
“You need to get on with living your life as well,” Frank said gently. “I know this has given you a much-needed project these past few months, but it’s time you moved on too. You’re young, single, and carefree; you shouldn’t be spending your days riding the bus for an old fogy like me.”
“Frank, I’m not young and carefree. I’m turning thirty in a few weeks, I’m pregnant, and my ex-boyfriend wants nothing to do with me or the baby.”
Frank’s eyes went wide. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yep.” She pulled her loose dress against her body to show him the bump, which seemed to be getting bigger by the day.
“My goodness, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I only found out a few weeks ago at the hospital, and I was in shock to begin with. And then Nasima got in touch, and I didn’t want to tell you right before you met Mrs.Stokes.”
“But this is wonderful news, Libby. You’ll make a fantastic mother.”
“Thank you.”
“And your birthday so soon as well? What are you doing to celebrate?”
“I hadn’t really planned anything. My sister’s family are going on holiday and my parents are staying with them that week, so I’ll probably have a quiet night in front of the TV.”
“Why don’t you go away with them?”
“They did invite me, but honestly, the thought of being in close quarters with my sister and mum is more than I can handle,” Libby said, wincing. “I’m not the flavor of the month with either of them right now.”
“Well, you can’t spend your thirtieth birthday on your own. You have to celebrate it with friends.”
