Page 5 of Wistful Whispers

“I think you’ll make a great mum,” I shrug.

“So you don’t think it’s crazy? I mean, I have no way of contacting the baby’s father. I don’t even know his name. I was quite drunk.” She hides her face in her hands.

“Who cares? You’re going to be a super mum, I know you. And I’m here to help. And so is your family.”

“What if they’re angry with me?”

“Are you having a laugh? Ols will be crazy happy if you make him an uncle.” Her brother would do anything for his family. No way will he be upset about this.

“Maybe you’re right,” she wipes more tears away. She looks like a cute little panda with her smudged mascara.

“I’ll be with you every step of the way. You’re not on your own. I promise you.” I gently squeeze her hand.

“It’s not your responsibility—”

“Hell, it isn’t! Am I your best friend or not?” I give her a big encouraging grin.

“I panicked when the doctor confirmed my suspicion this morning. But then Dan, the mountain rescuer who helped Ols during his accident, brought his daughter into the store. They were out trick or treating. She was an adorable little zombie and when she hugged me after I gave her a big bar of chocolate, I thought that maybe I want this. I’m forty. Time is running out and this might be my only chance to have a baby.”

“You know that’s not true. You could have any man you want.” I never understood why she hasn’t ended up in a relationship with one of the many, many knobheads who drool over her whenever we go out.

“But I don’t have one. I’m going to be a single mum,” she sounds scared again.

“Single mum with an amazing best friend and a supportive family… have you told them yet?” I rub her upper arm.

“No. I didn’t want to tell Ols today, knowing that he had good news waiting with Keeley coming back. I’ll tell them at the weekend. Mum wants us over for Sunday lunch.”

“They’ll be fine,” I softly kiss her on her forehead. “Are you hungry?”

“I am,” she sighs. I bet she hasn’t really eaten a lot today. She’s not a nervous eater. If anything she stops eating when she gets anxious.

“How about I make us one of my special sandwiches?” I wink. She loves my sandwiches so much that I can guarantee she’ll have all the ingredients in the fridge. Salami, lettuce, red peppers, a bit of cheese—they’re not really that special, but she insists nobody makes them like I do. Apparently, I nail the mustard-to-salad cream ratio like no one else.

“That would definitely qualify you for the title of world’s best friend,” she grins. “And I’ll go and take a quick shower. I’m sure I look like a zombie myself by now,” she points at her face.

“Not like a zombie but a cute little panda,” I chuckle.

“Whatever,” she slides off the bar stool. Just as she gets to the stairs leading to the upper floor, she turns one more time. “Jake, please will you come with me on Sunday? I’d feel better if you were there.”

“Of course, Hanny-bee.” There isn’t much she could ask me that I wouldn’t do for her. After all, she’s the most important person in my life.

Hannah fidgets nervously as I pull into the driveway behind Ols’ car.

“They’re going to be fine,” I say, turning the key to kill the motor.

“I hope so. But if Mum’s in a bad place I won’t tell them today. Promise you won’t give me away,” she looks panicked and I mime zipped lips. Hannah’s mum has struggled with depression since her husband died a few years ago. Hannah found it extremely difficult to deal with it, especially when her mum refused to get help from a professional. Ols carried all the burden of keeping the family going.

After Ol’s accident, he said he was going to see a therapist. We hoped it might give his mum the nudge she needed to get help too, knowing there’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeking support. We never know how her mum will be when we see her, and I understand why Hannah might decide not to tell her.

“Why did you not tell me that Keeley was coming back?” Ols chuckles and pulls Hannah into his arms when he opens the door. The hug is a bit stilted as he’s still wearing the back brace he was given after his accident. It’s been over six weeks but a broken back takes time to heal.

“And ruin the surprise?” Hannah laughs.

“Oh Jake, it’s so nice that you can join us,” Hannah’s mum greets me.

“Hope it’s okay, Rosemarie.” I give her a quick hug.

“Of course! There’s plenty of food,” she smiles before embracing Hannah. I guess she’s having a good day.

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