Will preferred it when no one was speaking.
Will and Reu spent the rest of Boxing Day in the garage, unable to hear the neighbours banging on the door to complain about the noise. When hunger eventually drove them into the house, Reu seemed quiet as Will rustled up cheese on toast.
‘What’s up?’ asked Will.
‘Nothing.’
‘C’mon, talk to me, buddy. Is it because I ruined Christmas?’
‘Ha! Youdidruin Christmas!’ joked Reu. ‘Until then, it was the best Christmas ever.’
Of course, this was Reu’s first Christmas away from his family; it must have been tough. ‘Did you speak to your mum yesterday?’ Will asked.
‘Nah.’
‘Sorry Reu, we should have arranged for you to call her.’
‘Don’t worry. Your mum tried twice. There was no answer.’
‘That’s crap. I’m sorry, mate.’
‘Seriously. Itwasthe best Christmas ever. I got presents for once.’
‘C’mon. Your mum got you presents, surely?’
‘She tried to. My stepdad wouldn’t let her spend money on me. He’d get me something off the back of a lorry, usually for the wrong age group. Mum would get me something a few weeks later – once he’d forgotten about it. Something small that he wouldn’t notice.’
‘What a bastard. What about your little sister?’
‘She’s his little princess, so she does all right. I don’t need to worry about her.’ Reu’s voice cracked a little.
Will waited for Reu to compose himself.
‘I miss her,’ Reu whispered. Then he lost it, properly crying.
Will went to his friend and hugged him, but the sobbing only intensified.
‘Thanks for everything,’ Reu sniffed, breaking away. ‘I feel more welcome in your family than I do in mine.’
‘I’m sorry I ruined your best Christmas ever…’
‘You didn’t. It’s still the best Christmas ever.’
‘Even though we came home early?’
‘Especiallybecause we came home early. All day drumming, followed by cheese on toast – I’m in heaven. I’m sorry you fell out with your brother, though.’
‘I’mnot. He’s an idiot.’
‘Your mum was pretty annoyed about it.’
Mary had wanted to know exactly what they were arguing about. Will tried to explain, but Aidan kept talking over him, telling everyone Will had been coming on to Emily. Will and Emily protested their innocence until Izzy piped up.
‘It’s true. He’s obsessed with her,’ she said.
‘Oh, for God’s sake. I’m not obsessed with Emily!’ Will insisted.
Mary had had quite enough by then. ‘I don’t want to hear another word! It’s Christmas – I want no more fighting and arguing. Let’s all go to bed and sort this out in the morning when everyone’s sobered up.’