Page 25 of The Two Halves of My Heart

“Look, why don’t you come over later for dinner? Mum’s making lasagne, and I know that’s your favourite. It will at least ensure Mads is on his best behaviour.”

“Okay.” I smiled, grateful that Oliver could read the signs and give me some space. I needed to speak to my mum.

“See you later then. I’ll text you.” He left, and I suddenly felt nervous about having this conversation with my mum—a long-overdue discussion.

“Mum!” I shouted down the stairs before going to look for her. “Mum, can we talk?”

Her shocked face appeared from the kitchen. “Sure, what do you want to talk about? Is it Oliver?”

“Oliver? No, why would I need to talk about him?” My eyebrows knitted together as I frowned.

She just tilted her head and offered a lop-sided grin. “Very well, what would you like to talk to me about?”

“Dad.”

She froze, her face expressionless before she turned away and went back into the kitchen.

“Mum?” I followed.

“Why do you want to talk about him?”

“Because we never have. I’ve never asked about him, not even before we moved. And I’ve suddenly realised that’s not normal. We’ve not had a single conversation about my father in over half of my life, and I don’t know why.”

She flicked the switch to start the kettle and kept her back to me.

“Mum!” I pushed.

“Your father left. He’s wanted nothing to do with us since.”

“Is that it?”

“He’s not a very nice man, Grace. We’re both better off without him, and I’m grateful you don’t remember him.” She didn’t turn around.

“Is that it?” I’d thought there would be more, or that she’d sit me down and explain everything. Not give me crumbs of information I could have guessed at myself. Frustration coursed through me, as I felt helpless to fill in the blanks I could see in this story.

“I don’t know where he is, so don’t ask about finding him.”

“Will you at least look at me?”

She turned around, and I saw the pain and anguish in her eyes—the eyes that looked nothing like mine. Hers were rich and dark, nothing like the light and clear blue of mine when the light caught them. I could have pushed her more, but I chose not to—at least, not today.

“I’m going to Oliver’s for tea,” I announced, not caring that she was already making dinner and had told me it would be ready at six. Before she objected, I fled to the safety of my room.

I picked up my phone to text Oliver but saw a message from Mads.

Sorry about earlier. Want to watch a film later?

I’m coming over for tea. Your mum’s doing lasagne.

What about after?

We could all watch something, I guess. I’ll be over soon.

Mads didn’t text back, and I was worried it was because I’d made his invitation about all of us.

After snuggling Bob and absorbing all of his purrs and affection, I headed over to see them both.

“Hey, Vivien.” She invited me in, and I could smell the lasagne from the door. I was lucky to be invited so regularly.

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