Holiday - Chapter 10

[fbrobey.livejournal.com]

Not posted any chapters for a few days so anyways here is the next installment, hope it was worth the wait!  Comments appreciated as always!

Flo xxxxx

Title: Holiday
Chapter(s): 10 of 12
Rating: PG
Summary: Wayne has a holiday he isn't ever going to forget.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the story.  This did not happen as it is purely a fan fic.  It is not intended to slander the people it dipicts.

Greg, Jennifer and Wayne seemed to come to a silent agreement not to talk about Amanda again. The topic was clearly too raw in the couple’s mind for them to open up any more. 

Wayne had the sort of feeling you get deep down within your gut that Greg and Jennifer rarely spoke of their past to anyone, not even each other. Their struggle for children was clearly an ugly cavity within their marriage they chose to gloss over. Jennifer venting her frustration out with the aid of colour and brushes; Greg with comedy and dope.

The couple had given up on children, unable to face the heartache and loss any longer. After a string of miscarriages and stillbirths Amanda had been their last hope. The short-lived joy that filled the hole in their lives. Like a star that had shone brightly then burnt out, their hope had died with her. 

Wayne however, after a quiet word with Jennifer had convinced her at last it was important for both her and Greg to go to the UK together at the end of the week. Jennifer had not replied but embraced Wayne warmly and thanked him for being there.

*****

Jennifer picked up the receiver, which peeled loudly through the house cutting through the air. 
“Hello?” Jennifer answered. “Okay, I’ll get him.”
“Wayne?” She called. “There’s someone called Mandie wanting to talk to you.”   Wayne felt his stomach turn to lead. Why would she call him here?
“What’s up?” Mouthed Jennifer concernedly. 
“I’m just about to find out” Wayne mouthed back sadly.

“Wayne, it’s Mandie. Mum died.” Sniffed his ex-wife at the other end of the receiver. Wayne could hear the shock and sadness in every syllable she spoke. “I want Melissa back home.”
“What?” Yelped Wayne, eyes widening. Jennifer patted his arm gently worry etched clearly in her eyes.
“Yes. She needs to attend Granny’s funeral.” 
“No… she can’t…it’s to horrible for her.” Wayne argued shakily.
“She’ll be fine Wayne. I’ll be coming to collect her tonight.” A faint clunk told Wayne Mandie had hung up. Sighing, he replaced the phone too and turned, stricken to Jennifer. A soft shuffling alerted them to Greg’s arrival.

“Hey Wayne buddy. What’s happened?” Greg wondered by the look on Wayne’s face. 
“It’s my ex-wife. She’s coming to collect Melissa.”   Wayne looked from one shocked face to the next before adding sadly. “I don’t know how I’m going to tell her.”

*****

The anxiety within the lounge was almost unbearable. Greg puffed thoughtfully on a cigarette something, which under normal circumstances would have earned him a scolding from Jennifer. (“Not in my lounge Greg! Do it outside or not at all.”).

Wayne sat staring unblinkingly at the television screen, occasionally glancing at his daughter, but finding her upset face heart wrenching. Jennifer’s eyes flitted from one glum face to the next, pausing sadly on each then up to the clock on the mantelpiece.

Shia curled protectively next to Melissa, her soft purring the only sound piercing the silence alongside the occasional quiet bursts of unshared laughter and talking from the television set. 

Melissa petted Shia absentmindedly, tears still glistening in her eyelashes. It was her first proper holiday. She’d been enjoying herself and wasn’t ready to leave. She’d loved every second spent with her Dad.

Greg gave a shocked yelp of pain as his cigarette singed his fingers. Everyone jumped stirring from their sullen reverie.
“I’ve told you you’d burn yourself one of these days.” Sighed Jennifer exasperatedly pulling Greg towards her, cradling his head. “You always forget them.”

Jennifer stroked his hair as he pouted. “I know Jennifer honey. Don’t nag.” Still nursing his fingers, Greg enquired, “What time is she coming?” Before Wayne had chance to do more than open his mouth, a loud knocking caused them all to stare momentarily dumbstruck in the direction of the front door.
“I guess I’ll get it then.” Grumbled Greg half-heartedly, still slightly cross about his sore fingers.

Fresh tears leaked from Melissa’s eyes. Wayne instinctively cuddled his sobbing daughter. Rocking her gently to calm her.
“I don’t want to go right now” She sniffed.
“We don’t want you to go either” Wayne whispered gently. “Daddy will see you more often. I promise, and we’ll come and visit Greg and Jennifer again.”
“Of course you can” interjected Jennifer, “You’re always welcome.”

“Aw, come on now honey, don’t go on like that.” The soft voice of Melissa’s mother floated across the room. “Granny’s been ill for a long time. I know it’s a shock…”
“No mummy. I don’t want to go home yet. I want to finish my holiday.” Said Melissa, distraught.
“What do you mean Melissa?” asked a concerned Mandie.
“I want to stay with Daddy some more.” Wailed the little girl at the unfairness of it all.

“Would you like somewhere more private to talk? Cut in Greg, hesitantly. Wayne nodded gratefully.
“Just use my study,” said Greg kindly before addressing Melissa.
“Why don’t you stay here for a bit honey and calm yourself down eh?” Melissa snuggled into Shia’s soft, warm, silky fur for comfort, unsure of anything. 

*****

Mandie stood with her arms folded, glaring at Wayne for being so awkward. She had been lonely without her daughter and needed someone by her side at the funeral. She wasn’t able to cope alone.

“Please be reasonable Mandie, all I want to do is spend the rest of the fortnight with her as planned.” Begged Wayne, desperate.
“Why now Wayne? You weren’t that bothered with her when we were married. You were at work all the time.”
“That was my mistake, and it’s already cost me my wife. Don’t let me lose my daughter as well. This last week has been an eye-opener for me. I want to see Melissa more. Please?” Said Wayne, hopelessly. Silence followed this speech.

A forlorn Wayne looked into his ex-wife eyes. Tears had begun to form there.
“Come to the funeral with me Wayne. I need someone there, that’s why I wanted Melissa with me.” Mandie revealed unexpectedly.
“I still wanted to give Melissa the chance to say goodbye though, so she needs to come home.”
“When’s the funeral?” Asked Wayne panicking.
“4 days time.” Stuttered Mandie, “Why?”
“Stay until then” Wayne had crossed the room and for the first time in months held Mandie, who composed herself with the aid of the comfort.
“Lets hope we make better friends than we did spouses.” She smiled at up at Wayne who grinned broadly back.

Comments

[fbrobey.livejournal.com]

Awww Sienna,

Thanks so much for your kindess as always! ^_^ Heh! I've never had anyone bsessed before *is proud*

Yeah the complete thing is on WLIIA Love, although I started posting it here first... wierd huh? :)

Heh glad you like the ending :P *tries desperatley to stick ear on with Pritt Stick* honestly I don't mind, I adore love comments! Thank you so much!!

*hugs*

Flo xxxxx

[pdglyph.livejournal.com]

Lovely as per usual

Yup
-PD

[fbrobey.livejournal.com]

Hey PD thank you so much for you comment! ^_^

I love your icon!!! It's just adorable!!

*hugs*

Flo xxxxx