Page 137 of When We Were Young

‘You okay?’ Miranda asked once they had gone.

She nodded. ‘Where’s Scott?’

‘He had to stay at the flat, his bedroom window’s smashed. What was Will doing?’

Emily sighed. ‘I don’t know.’

The sliding doors at the entranceswooshedopen.

Emily recognised the family that came in. ‘Oh, shit…’

‘Who’s that?’ asked Miranda.

‘Will’s parents.’ Emily had not seen them since that Christmas Day years ago. She stood up and walked towards them.

‘You!’ cried Will’s mother, stopping Emily in her tracks. ‘What have you done?’

‘I—’

‘What happened?’ Mary Bailey’s voice shook with anger.

‘I… I don’t know.’

‘What do you mean you don’t know? You’re his girlfriend, aren’t you?’

‘Not anymore…’

‘Ha!’ Mary’s laugh was bitter. ‘I knew it wouldn’t last! What are you doing here, then?’

‘He broke into my flat. He cut himself on the glass. We found him unconscious and bleeding.’

‘Well, I hope you’re happy with yourself. I hope you can sleep at night. Breaking that boy away from his family and driving him to… this.’

‘Mum,’ said Aidan, taking her by the shoulders. ‘Leave it.’ Aidan’s eyes met Emily’s for the briefest of moments before he steered his mother away.

Mary allowed him to usher her towards the reception desk before turning back. ‘You’re not wanted here. Leave him alone. Leave us all alone!’

Emily stepped forward. ‘But––’

‘No! Get out of here!’

‘I’ll wait over––’

‘Getout!’ roared Mary.

Emily stood paralysed as Aidan coaxed the woman away. Will’s father’s glare was bright with hatred.

Miranda came up beside her. ‘Come on, let’s wait outside.’

Chapter 63

July 2016

Liv

When I arrive atAmplifyon Tuesday morning, there’s raised voices coming from the meeting room. I can see Paul pacing around above the frosted section of the glass wall. Everyone in the office is engrossed in their work, pretending it’s not happening.

I sit at my desk and carry on researching a Tracks Decoded article. Ten minutes later, the meeting room door opens. Paul strides towards me, shoots me a black look as he passes and carries on out the main door. I let out the breath I’ve been holding.