Page 30 of The Rescue

Her words cut deep, and reopen some of the scars I’ve desperately spent years trying to heal. It’s hurtful when your own mother tells you these types of things, but to hear it from a complete stranger hurts just as much. Mrs. MacNee doesn’t know, but yet she’s made her assumption, and it’s pissed me off. She said it again,a girl like me.

I’ve finally had enough of people judging me, and basing their opinions of me before they’ve gotten to know me. Mrs. MacNee did it because she doesn’t like the way I dress or I look at her grandson a certain type of way. My mama judgesme because I refuse to live my life how she wants me to live it. I wouldn’t usually speak to an elderly woman like this, but I’ve had enough.

“Listen, you old crow. I’m just working for him, but you clearly think I’m some hussy trying to seduce him.”

Mrs. MacNee, blinks at me in shock and I think for once I’ve made her speechless. I also see a little bit of respect flash across her face. I think she’s never met someone as forthright as me. I spent my whole childhood and teenage years being polite to the women in my family, who would constantly put me down. When I moved to Boston, I vowed I would never let anyone speak or treat me with disrespect. I refuse to take shit from people.

I mean, she isn’t wrong, I am trying to seduce him, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let an old fart like Mrs. MacNee judge me for it. Everyone in this town needs to stop worrying about what’s good for Rabbie and let him live his life the way he wants to.

Rabbie returns from the kitchen carrying a tray of tea and cake, and Mrs. MacNee beams a smile at him, as if butter wouldn’t melt. I’m keeping my eye on that old woman.

We sit and eat our cake in silence, Rabbie leans his leg against mine, and I try not to choke on a mouthful of cake. My stomach does a somersault and my mind races with questions. What does this mean? Is he into me, or is it just friendly?

My thoughts are quickly dashed by Mrs. MacNee dropping a bomb on the already weird evening.

“Your mother called me on the telephone today.” She doesn’t look at Rabbie as she blurts out this news.

Rabbie stops eating his cake, his fork suspended in mid-air. His leg that was gently pressed up against mine slowly retreats and I’m left feeling slightly cold.

He blinks at Mrs. MacNee as if he can’t believe the words that just came out of her mouth.

“What did she want?” He finally asks.

“I dunno, I didn’t give her a chance to ask. Probably, what she always wants, money.” Mrs MacNee puts another piece of cake in her mouth, her face is stoic, and this conversation looks boring to her.

I see the hope on Rabbie’s face slowly disappear and a look of disappointment replaces it. His shoulder’s sag and he pushes the rest of his cake around on his plate, my heart aches for him. Dylan did mention that his mum wasn’t around but never went into detail and now I’m getting a small glimpse into his childhood.

I don’t know why but I lean my leg against his, I guess to offer him some comfort. I know I want to have casual no-strings attached sex with this man, but I still have a heart, especially when it comes to family trauma. He must’ve forgotten for a second that I’m here. His head snaps up to me and a mortified look on his face appears, probably because I’ve witnessed the conversation about his mom. His face flushes a deep red, and his adam’s apple bobs.

“It’s getting late, we should head home. Thanks for dinner, Nan. I’ll call you tomorrow when I get a break.”

He stands, and leans down and gives his nan a kiss on the cheek. She grabs his face and looks him in the eyes.

“Please, don’t let this bother you. I love you, my braw laddie.”

“I love you too,” he says softly.

He grabs my leather jacket off the back of the chair, and holds it open for me. How he’s remaining calm, and gentle, right now is beyond me. His face is calm but underneath I can sense a flurry of emotions.

“Thank you, for a lovely evening, Mrs. MacNee,” I give her a genuine smile.

I can see the worry written all over her face, and I now see why she is very protective of him. I try to portray in my smile toher that I’ll make sure he’s okay, but she must not see it because her worried eyes are fixed on Rabbie.

She walks us to the door, and Rabbie rushes us out into the fresh air and waves quickly back at her. We walk down the street, and he takes in big gulps of fresh air. I walk with him in silence, and wait for him to initiate the conversation. I’m here if he wants to talk about it, but I won’t force it. I know this must be a hard thing to talk about with people he hardly knows. I shouldn’t be getting too involved, but he’s quickly becoming a friend, and I want to show him that I can be trusted as a safe space for him.

“Sorry about that. That’s the first time my mum has reached out in years.”

He runs a hand through his shaggy blonde hair, and sighs.

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” I bump my shoulder against him.

He stops in the middle of the street, it’s dark now and there isn’t a soul around. Crossmackie is a ghost town on a Sunday.

“I do. The way my nan treated you, the way I rushed you out the door. I was feeling like the walls were closing in on me, and I just needed some fresh air.”

I wasn’t expecting him to be so direct. I at least expected to coax him a little. I’m not used to a man talking so openly about how he feels. I’m now starting to understand why everyone thinks Rabbie is so precious. Because he is. He’s so genuine and soft but also masculine and charming.

“Don’t worry about your nan, she’s clearly from a different time. I completely understand why she was so standoffish. I can handle a little judgement from older women, it’s nothing new to me. And your mom, I know it must be hard for you, but it’s not your fault. I hope you know that. ”

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