Chapter 44: Cora - The Foster Child

I arrive at the station as the train pulls in and go down the steps to help Lori with her luggage. She’s only got one suitcase and a holdall. She looks very pale and when she hugs me she clings to me as if she doesn’t want to let me go.

‘Are you all right, darling?’ My eyes go to the dark shadows under her eyes and her chewed fingernails. Then I notice a bruise on the side of her left cheek and am even more worried. What the hell has happened?

Has Jacob hit her?

‘How did you do that?’ I ask gently. I want to ask if it was Jacob, he seems so arrogant and conceited I wouldn’t put it past him to have a temper. But if it wasn’t him Lori will be upset that I’ve accused him, and if it was him she will probably deny it. I’m so glad that Lori got away from him and came to me.

‘I hit it with my suitcase when I got it down from the wardrobe,’ she mumbles, avoiding my eyes.

I don’t believe her. I swallow down the rage, leave it to her to tell me when she’s ready. ‘Oh darling, that must have been painful.’

‘It’s okay. I shouldn’t be so careless.’ She gives me a wan smile. ‘Are you sure that Elliot doesn’t mind me staying over the Christmas holidays?’

‘Of course he doesn’t,’ I reassure her. ‘We’re both delighted to have you. There’s lots of fun things going on in the village. We’ll all have a wonderful time.’

‘Thanks, Mum.’

We put her suitcase and bag in the boot, then Lori gets in beside me and we set off. She barely speaks though, replying to my questions with monosyllables, but then as I drive into the village she gasps. ‘Oh Mum, it looks so festive. It’s only been a few weeks since I visited, I can’t believe the difference. Lucky you living here.’

‘I know. I adore it here. And wait until you see our big Christmas tree.’ I’m so pleased that the horrible things have stopped happening now, I want Lori to have a chance to relax, not be stressed. I’m determined that we’re all going to have a wonderful Christmas.

I’m surprised to see Elliot’s car parked in the drive. I wasn’t expecting him home for ages yet but it’s nice that he’s managed to finish early to welcome Lori.

He opens the front door to us, a big smile on his face. ‘Hello, Lori.’ His eyes narrow as they rest on the bruise on her face. ‘Looks like you’ve been in the wars a bit.’

‘Just me being clumsy.’ She steps forward to hug him. ‘Thanks for letting me stay.’

‘Anytime.’ My heart glows as they hug each other. These are the two people I love most in the world and it really means a lot to me that they get on so well.

We go inside, Elliot has lit the log fire and it looks very welcoming with the Christmas tree lights twinkling. My collection of Christmas cards from the pupils at the school is hung on a string across the far wall and several candles are dotted around the living room adding a lovely scent to the air and making it look even more festive.

‘It looks wonderful, really Christmassy,’ Lori says enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling.

It does too.

‘Thank you, darling. We like it,’ I say with a smile.

‘It’s been a long journey for you so why don’t you settle down and have a warm drink and a chat to your mum,’ Elliot tells her. ‘I’ll take your case upstairs. Cora can show you your room later.’

‘I’d like that,’ she says. She wriggles out of her coat, kicks off her boots, tucks her legs underneath her and snuggles up on the sofa. I smile, pleased to see her relaxing already.

‘How does hot chocolate with a dash of brandy sound?’ Elliot asks. ‘And we have some sourdough bread if you’d like a sandwich. Ham, cheese or salmon?’

‘I’ll do it.’

‘You do the drinks and I’ll do the sandwiches,’ Elliot says.

I follow him into the kitchen.

‘I don’t like the look of that bruise on Lori’s cheek. Do you think Jacob hit her?’ he asks in a hushed whisper.

‘I don’t know. I asked her and she denied it then quickly changed the subject.’

His face darkens. ‘I wouldn’t put it past him. If he has and he turns up here, he’ll have me to answer to.’

I kiss him on the cheek, grateful that he’s so protective towards my daughter. ‘I’m just glad that she’s left him and come here.’

‘Me too,’ Elliot agrees.

I take the drinks in to Lori and sit down beside her. I reach out and touch her hand. ‘I’m sorry that it didn’t work out with Jacob. Although to be honest, I did wonder if he was the right one for you.’

Her face clouds and I wonder if I should have said that. I hardly knew him after all, and if she still loves him, if he wasn’t responsible for the bruise on her face and this is just a little squabble that will blow over, I don’t want to cause a wedge between us.

‘What do you mean?’ Her voice is tight.

I shrug carelessly. ‘It’s nothing really but you didn’t seem entirely comfortable with him. And he was a bit overbearing.’

Tears fill her eyes. ‘I really love him, Mum, but I can’t do anything right for him. I couldn’t stand it any longer so I ended it.’

‘Good for you. If it’s not working then you’re best to part,’ I tell her.

‘The thing is—’ But before she can continue the doorbell rings.

‘Violet’s at the door,’ Elliot calls from the kitchen.

I look at my doorbell camera app. It is Violet. Damn, she’s the last person I want to see right now. I just want to spend some time with Lori. And she must have only just come home. Why has she come straight here?