Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Flora’s mum, Belle, had given me a spare key once I started insisting on doing her shopping for her. Unlike my mum, Belle gave me money every week for my help. Flora used to do it for her, but since I was already bringing Mum hers, I didn’t see any point in Flora stressing herself out trying to run the café and look after Belle. I knew Flora’s husband was a police officer and had little free time either. So I helped. It was why Flora wouldn’t let me pay for coffee.
“Belle, it’s me!” I called as I stepped inside, lugging her groceries.
“Hullo, Monroe!” she called from the living room. The kitchen, like ours, was at the front of the cottage, so I dropped the bags off first before I headed into the sitting room at the back.
October had brought with it the first signs of winter chill, and Belle looked cozy, settled on her lounge chair with a blanket over her lap and a book in hand, walking stick nestled beside her.
“Look at you.” She rested her book on her lap. “Cheeks all pink with the cold. You’re pretty as a picture.”
I smiled at her compliment. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Belle. How are you? Can I get you anything before I put your shopping away?”
“Do you have time for a cuppa?”
Of course I did. “Let me put the shopping away, and then I’ll bring some tea and biscuits through.”
Not longer later, I sat across from Belle on her floral sofa, sipping tea and munching on shortbread. I knew the longer I waited to go next door to take care of Mum’s dinner, the snarkier she’d be, but Belle seemed to delight in my visits. I knew Flora loved her mum dearly, but despite her sometimes sunny demeanor, Belle focused on negative articles she read online or in the newspaper. I’d noticed many elderly people did this. I understood it could be tiring, and I think Flora didn’t quite know how to deal with it without getting frustrated or depressed.
But everyone needed someone to talk to, so I listened as Belle chatted away to me about corrupt governments, conspiracies against the elderly, and how climate change was devastating us already and everyone was burying their heads in the sand.
Once we finished our tea, I gave Belle a kiss on the cheek, and she smiled at me fondly before I left.
I found Mum in the kitchen, fumbling around, pain etched on her features.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“What am I doing?” She glowered at me. “I’m starving. Where have you been?”
“I’m sorry you’re hungry, but I had to drop off groceries for Belle.”
“I’m your mother, not that old witch.” She stepped into my space, her face almost touching mine. “You remember who took care of you.”
I pulled my head away from hers. “Funny, this coming from someone who didn’t even want me here looking after her in the first place.”
“Then fuck off,” she snapped, stomping her walking stick angrily as she tried to hurry from the kitchen. “You’re not wanted.”
Apparently, I never had been.
Ignoring how my chest caved in a way I thought would’ve disappeared with age, I removed my coat and got to work making Mum’s dinner.
6
Monroe
THE PAST
* * *
I spent most of my days on Ardnoch Estate. Brodan’s family owned acres upon acres of land, and growing up, we’d made it our life’s mission to explore every inch. They even owned a private, golden-sand beach, and on those rare gorgeous summer days, we’d hang out there. Most of the time, Arran was there, sometimes even Fergus. When we were much younger, Lachlan and Thane would have joined us too. Yet today, the skies above the castle estate were brooding, the clouds’ mauve bellies threatening a downpour. It was humid, though. So bloody humid that my hair stuck to the back of my neck, and I’d braved wearing a short summer dress even with the threat of rain. My mood mirrored it as we walked across the wild lawn toward the castle.
“Tell me what’s going on, Sunset.” Brodan nudged me. “You’ve been off for days.”
I gave him a tight-lipped smile. “Nothing’s wrong.”
My friend scowled and stared straight ahead. It had been his suggestion to hang out at his place today, and though I wasn’t the best company, I’d do anything to get away from Mum. She was part of the reason for my shit mood. Thankfully, it was only poor Brodan being infected by it today. Fergus had to work, Arran was off with some girl, and Lachlan should have been home for the summer from his second year at St. Andrews University, but by fluke, he’d ended up as an extra in a movie and grabbed the attention of the producer who’d gotten him an audition for another film. And he’d gotten the part! It was crazy. Right now, he was filming a proper Hollywood action movie in Canada. I still couldn’t get my head around the fact that we’d be able to go to the cinema to see Lachlan in a movie. It was mind-boggling. His whole family thought so too.