Page 130 of Tiers of Joy

“Look at the emotion pouring from his mother. It's killing her that he is leaving, even the father looks like he wants to grab his son and never let him go. They are scared and worried for him but they are trying to stay positive for his sake.” I observe.

“How in the hell did you get all of that just by looking at them?” He asks.

I point to the son’s large duffel bag that has the Canadian armed forces logo on it.

“He’s leaving to go back to the army. All parents are proud of their children if they join the military but they’re also petrified because they just want to keep them safe.” I state smiling and stroking my huge bump.

Gaige places his hand on my bump and the baby kicks.

“Woah! I guess he knows his dad is here.” He smirks.

“She certainly does.” I quip.

An announcement over the speakers lets us know that Sally’s flight has landed. I clap excitedly.

“Come on, I want to be ready for when she arrives. Do you have the sign I made?” I ask.

“Yes I have the sign ready. Why do you need this exactly?” He asks, looking at it.

“Because it’s funny. She would have done it to me. Now come on or we will be late and it won’t have the full effect.” I say dragging him by the hand.

We stand and wait at arrivals. I hold the sign up and people laugh and point to it.

The sign reads:Welcome home from rehab Sally, glad they removed the anal beads. #sexisarealaddiction #saveourprostitutes #thinkbeforesinkintothestink

“What the hell have I let myself in for?” Gaige sighs.

I turn and smile at him.

“You’re in for a hell but it will be fun, I promise. Just be thankful I can't drink.” I wink.

The doors open and people from the flight start filtering through.

“Ahhh she’s nearly here.” I screech excitedly.

I spot her in the distance walking with a handsome guy who is pushing a trolly with their suitcases.

“There she is!” I yell.

As they get closer her head comes up. Her eyes squint as she reads the sign. I watch her as she bursts out laughing and then points, showing her boyfriend it. She doesn’t give him a chance to comment because she starts running towards me and screaming like a loon.

When she reaches me she hugs me tight.

“Oh my god Esme! I’ve missed you so bloody much.” She sobs.

“I’ve missed you too.” I sob.

We break our hug as her bloke finally catches up. I wipe my eyes.

“Esme, this is Flynn.” Sally introduces.

“Hi Flynn, nice to meet you. I’ve, um, heard a lot about you.” I smile.

“It’s good to meet you too.” He replies with a thick Australian accent.

“You’re Australian?” I ask.

“Yeah. I guess that’s one bit of information Sally left out hey.” He smiles.

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