Page 43 of One More Day
Oh.
I’m a bit flummoxed to say the least. So he does have a heart in there somewhere.
I pull the marker from the clip beside the board, wipe his message off and write my own message so that he’ll get it in the morning.
Apology accepted. Even the Grinch was misunderstood, I reply.Have a lovely day.
Seven Days to Christmas
Chapter Twelve
Charlie
I didn’t mean to sleep so late, but even Max is still snoozing when I eventually do wake up, so maybe we needed the lie-in.
I could blame the few drinks and the big dinner I had when I got back from the pub for keeping me up until almost eleven. Or the fact that the book I’ve been reading has disappeared from my bedside locker. I like to read before I sleep – I always have – but last night I found myself scrolling through my phone, which did more to keep me awake than knock me out.
I’m sure the book will turn up at some stage. I’ll ask Rose if she’s seen it, though I’ll have to tread carefully. I suspect I was a bit too sharp with her last night over the decorations. I did apologise on the whiteboard, but maybe I should have done it in person.
Shit, I feel awful now.
The more I looked around me at the effort she’d made, the guiltier I felt at being so tart, but it was unexpected to say theleast. I really believed she was as anti-Christmas as I’ve been feeling coming here.
I check my phone to see the usual string of missed calls from Helena and throw myself down on the bed again.
I’m not able to switch off at all like I’d hoped to while I’m here.
Last night’s call with Rebecca knocked me for six, and the guilt of leaving Helena for Christmas is never far away. Then there’s this insane living arrangement with Rose who I’ve managed to unintentionally offend already over something as silly as a few twinkling lights and candles.
What’s happening to me? Am I turning into some sort of grumpy old man who hates everything and everyone?
Max stretches out his paws and opens his eyes slowly. I find watching him wake up soothing and it makes me feel a little bit better.
‘I suppose we don’t have to get up at a certain time if we don’t want to, eh? We’re on holiday after all. Well, at least we’re supposed to be.’
Max obviously fully agrees as he curls into a ball at the bottom of the bed and drifts off to sleep again, but when I close my eyes, I imagine Rebecca playing happy families with her new stepdad on his luxury boat as the sun sets behind them, learning more new Spanish words with him and laughing as they sail. I see him giving her a ‘gold star’ then patting her head as she grins up at him.
I try to think of how I’d advise my clients if any of them were to be in this position. I’d probably say to think of the child’s happiness even though you’re feeling broken inside.Yes, I would try to divert their agony. So, I do just that for myself.
I picture my daughter’s smile with the wind in her hair as she sails, and this does ease the ache in my heart a little bit. I visualise her toothy grin, her long dark hair and her sheer sense of wonder and innocence.
She seems happy, so that should make me happy too.
I’d better get up and shower, but before I do, a text from Niall stops me from making a move just yet.
Your to-do list whilst in Fanad, he writes to me.
It can be quiet there in winter, but don’t be lonely. Keep busy.
Drive out to Glenevin Waterfall if the weather allows it
Sit by the famous Fanad lighthouse and inhale the ocean. So good for the soul!
Meet the locals, say hello to everyone you meet in the Lighthouse Tavern
Take some photos at the Great Pollet Sea Arch, even more beautiful under the dark sky and stars
Marvel at the amazing views as you drive along the scenic Mamore Gap – it will make you feel alive!
