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I looked blankly at the two of them, so Aidan explained, “It’s a family thing. We screen a kid-friendly movie open air, and everyone sits on the grass and has a picnic. I could take the two of you if you like?”
“We’ll have to see,” I replied, something that had Kade whingeing, but better that than getting his hopes up. The cottage was nice. Airy and painted all in white, the big picture windows let light stream in, and beyond them, I could see there was a big fenced-in yard with a slide and jungle gym. God, it was tempting to just hide out here, process what I needed, and then plan for my next step.
This is home, my Tirian insisted.
And if it isn’t? I can’t let Kade put down roots before we’re ready.
Where is better for the cub, but here? No violence, no threats, plenty of help.
We’ll see.
“The fridge has been stocked full of food, as I asked,” Ophelia said. “But most of us go to the mess to eat our meals. I’d like to see you there…” She caught the tensing of my body. “When you’re ready.”
The concept of meeting a whole lot of strangers while I looked like this was unappetising, to say the least.
“The married mess hall is down here,” Jules said, pulling out a piece of paper that had a map of the community printed on it. “You can go to the single one here” —that got a rumble from Peter and Aidan— “but I wouldn’t advise it with a kid in tow. They get a bit wild over there.”
They were really trying, and I could see that. Jules was making everything clear and easy to understand, wanting to make sure I understood what my options were, and abstractedly, I appreciated the effort, but it felt like it was all going in one ear and out the other. I didn’t have any more space in my brain for additional information. She seemed to sense that, straightening up and sending a meaningful look at Ophelia.
“You need rest. Anything else you need help with, just send out a call on the walkie talkie,” Ophelia said, jerking her head at the black device hanging on the wall. “I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you are doing. Remember, this is your house, your rules. Everyone is here under your sufferance.”
And then I was left, bruised, battered, and aching, with two strange men in my house.
“Mum! They’ve got the whole Star Wars series here. Even the new one!” Kade said, looking through the DVD collection.
“You’re not watching the new series. It’s too mature for you.”
“But Muuuum…”
“Mate, the new ones are no good,” Aidan said, dropping down to his level. “The first series, that’s a classic. How about we put A New Hope on while Mum has a rest? She’s still not feeling great. Are you hungry?”
I saw my son nod mulishly.
“I asked them to get some of that nice yoghurt with the fruit in it that you liked,” Aidan said. “Tell you what, you sit down, and I’ll getcha a drink and a tub, and we’ll watch all three, back to back.”
I followed Aidan as he went to the fridge to pull out the food, observing every movement like some sort of ghost. Kade called out to him from the lounge room, talking about the movie they were about to watch. Aidan replied, perfectly naturally, like he’d been doing this for years.
He was taking over. This stranger was taking over looking after my kid.
“It’s OK, I’ve got this,” I said, intercepting him as he came out of the kitchen. “Thank you for helping while I was—”
“No problems. Kade’s a great kid. He was pretty upset while you were out and I…” He shook his head and passed me the food. “I can go if you’d prefer.”
“C’mon, Aidan, let's watch the movie!” Kade called out.
Had he ever sounded like that with his father? His smile was so bright in comparison to the ring of bruises on his neck. The fact that he was smiling at all was a bloody miracle.
“No,” I said, awkwardly putting the yoghurt and spoon back in his hands. “I’m sorry I…”
Aidan’s hands closed over mine for a second longer than needed, the warm weight felt after he pulled away.
“Look, I’m probably horning in where I shouldn’t. I’m sorry. I just…” He shook his head, looking back at me and seeming to catalogue all my injuries in one long look. “I think you’ve had to handle too fucking much, just quietly, and I can’t help but want to take some of that burden.”
He jammed his spare hand in his pocket, his shoulders hunching.
“Maybe you kick puppies for fun or something, but, Flick, you got Kade out. You walked away from that prick, and brought him here so he can’t hurt either of you again. The doc couldn’t believe you drove here in that condition.”
He looked over to where Kade was setting up his action figures on the coffee table.
