Chapter 39: Cora - The Foster Child

— ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS —

It’s been a hectic few days, what with the school carol service at the local church on Wednesday and the Christmas party yesterday. Today is a more relaxing day, the children bring games to play with and there’s a happy atmosphere in the school. I’m so relieved that this is the last day before the Christmas break. I could do with the break after all the stress of the last few weeks, but thankfully things have calmed down now both at home and school. Several of the parents gave me a Christmas card and some of the children gave me presents. Then Elaine popped into the office with a present for me and thanked me for all I’ve done this term. She actually said that I’ve been an asset to the school.

I hope everything is over now. There haven’t been any incidents since the wreath, unless you count the tap running in the kitchen and maybe I did leave that on, it’s easily done. I think Caleb might have been behind everything in defence of Tilly but he’s had his fill. I hope so. I just want a happy, peaceful family Christmas and to put all this behind us.

‘Lucky you to be finished work for a couple of weeks,’ Gabby says as we walk home together. ‘I’m working at the pharmacy until midday Christmas Eve but I have Boxing Day off too, thank goodness.’

‘I bet you’ll be glad to put your feet up and relax. I’m pleased to have time off to get the house straight, especially as Lori and Jacob are staying with us for a couple of days.’

‘Nothing like a family Christmas, is there?’ We’re at Gabby’s gate now so both stop and Gabby continues. ‘Scott is really grateful to Elliot for taking out his tooth. He’d love to buy you both a meal and a drink tonight to say thank you. If you’re not busy that is.’

‘That’s so kind of you, although there’s no need.’

‘Really, we’d love to. I know you need to ask Elliot first, so how about you let me know by about seven thirty? I’ll book a table for eight, provisionally for four people.’

‘Thanks, Gabby. I’ll check with Elliot and get back to you. I’m sure he’d love to unless he’s too exhausted. Work’s been pretty full-on just lately.’ Elliot is even having to work tomorrow and it should be his Saturday off.

We say goodbye and I carry on up the hill, my mind on Lori. She still hasn’t returned my messages. Stop being such a worrier, she’s an adult and at university.

I’ve only been in five minutes though when I get a message from her.

Sorry, Mum. It’s manic at the moment. We’re coming down Christmas Eve and staying over a couple of days. Is that okay. L xx

I’m so relieved to hear from her that I can feel the smile spread over my face.

Perfect. Looking forward to it. Mum xx

I reply, keeping it short and not ending with a question that she has to reply to, even though I have a dozen I’d like to ask her. She’ll phone when she has time. And we’ll have a few days over Christmas to catch up.

When Elliot comes home he looks exhausted. ‘Tough day?’ I ask, giving him a comforting hug.

He nods. ‘You could say that.’

He has dark bags under his eyes, as if he isn’t sleeping. I’m worried about him and can’t wait for him to have a few days off and be able to relax. I make him a coffee and pass it to him.

‘I haven’t started dinner yet because Gabby and Scott want us to join them for a meal and drink at the pub tonight, to say thank you for you seeing to Scott’s tooth at such short notice. They’ve booked a table for eight. Are you up to it?’

For a moment I think he’s going to say no but then he nods. ‘Sure, why not? It will be good to relax.’

I hum to myself as we both get changed later. Things are looking up, our tormentor has stopped, school has settled down, I’ve heard from Lori, and Gabby and Scott are turning out to be very good friends. My only worry now is Elliot. He’s so tired and seems on edge. Almost as if he’s expecting something awful to happen.