Page 19 of A New Arrival at Cwtch Cove

‘Oh god, Henry, I’m going to have to tell my mum today.’

He nodded. ‘Yeah… but not right now. You can speak to her later when she gets back from shopping. And, well, she kind of knows already, doesn’t she, because of what your nanna said?’

‘That’s true. So it won’t be a total shock.’

‘Your mum will be supportive. She’ll have your back through this and through anything. Slight change of subject for a moment but are you hungry?’

Alice frowned.Am I hungry?

‘I could eat something. If it’s not too much trouble.’

‘No trouble at all. Back in a bit.’

There was more noise from the kitchen then Alice smelt toast and cheese. Her stomach gave a loud rumble. It seemed that even if she wasn’t sure what she wanted right now, her body would let her know.

When Henry reappeared, he set a plate in front of her.

‘You made me a grilled cheese sandwich?’

‘It’s the perfect comfort food. Plus I thought that it has carbs for energy and cheese for calcium and protein. Try it.’ He sat opposite her and waited so she raised one of the triangles to her mouth and took a bite.

‘Oh… that’s so good.’ She covered her mouth as she chewed. He was right, it was the perfect comfort food.

He nodded. ‘I use mature cheddar and mozzarella. Flavour and texture in one delicious snack.’

‘You’ll make someone a wonderful partner.’

He laughed and a flush crept into his cheeks. ‘Well, maybe… I’ve just never met the right woman.’

‘Never?’

He shook his head. ‘Commitment and me don’t gel. Never have, really. I mean, I’ve dated but I’ve never fallen in love.’

‘I haven’t either.’

‘Wow! Does that make us a pair of sad cases?’

Alice shrugged. ‘I don’t think so. Just picky.’

Henry laughed and she joined in then took another bite of the sandwich.

She quickly polished off the grilled cheese sandwich and the hot chocolate. ‘You were right,’ she said. ‘I do feel a bit better. Physically if not emotionally.’

‘You can’t function properly with low blood sugar. You’re going to need to look after yourself a bit better now that you’re growing another person.’

Alice rubbed a hand over her face. ‘Oh god. It all feels surreal.’

‘I’m thinking it will take time to come to terms with it but you’ll do it. You’ll be fine, just wait and see.’

‘Thank you for being so kind,’ she said.

‘It’s no trouble at all. I’m glad I could help.’

‘If I can ever return the favour. You know… be a shoulder for you to cry on…’ She smiled. ‘Let me know.’

‘I will. But really, it’s no trouble. I’m just glad I was there today to help. It’s nice to feel useful. Could I walk you home?’

That would be nice.’

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