Chapter 28
By the time Charlene put the phone down to her mum it was time to collect Bill junior from school.
As she went to walk out Charlene remembered the news earlier and decided to give Kelly a ring to see what had happened. The phone went straight onto voice-mail, shrugging, Charlene dropped the handet into her bag.
The lunchtime traffic was a nightmare, road works near the school making the usually flowing traffic grind to a halt. Arriving she was glad to see she wasn't alone in picking her child up late.
Getting home she tried Kelly's phone again, still no answer. Wondering if she was still down the cells Charlene scooped up the little boy and headed back out ringing her mum on the way.
"Yes mum, I'm on my way now, I'll see you in about quarter of an hour.
"Okay I will, bye.
Shortly after she was pulling up outside her childhood home. Her dad had bought their council house plus the adjoining property, knocking them into one big house.
As soon as she pressed the bell, releasing an electronic version of Yankey Doodle Dandy, the door opened and her mum stood beaming, arms outstretched.
"You okay love? she asked hugging Charlene as if she hadn't seen her for years.
Charlene nodded smiling, anxious not to give anything away.
Reaching over her mum grabbed Bill junior's cheeks,
"'Ello darlin', how are you?
"Hello nanna.
The older lady smiled looking back to Charlene,
"You sure you're okay, you look like you've somethin' on your mind, everythin's alright with Bill isn't it?
Charlene followed her mum into the front room where a large television blared out the latest home shopping bargains.
"Of course mum. What you watching this rubbish for?
Her mum tutted,
"It's a jade special, you know I love my jade.
Charlene rolled her eyes,
"Where's dad?
"Down the Magpie, ¦and Frank's there, you'll probably see them later.
Looking round the room Charlene spotted the over sized family photo hung above the mantle-piece, Frank, a bloated version of their father, dominating the picture.
"You got time for a cuppa?
"Nah I'd better go mum, cheers I'll see you later.
"What time?
"Usual.
"Alright then love.
With that the older woman settled into an armchair and began watching the television. Bill junior went over and sat with her.
Watching Charlene smiled to herself,
"Oh mum, he aint eaten nothing yet, could you do him some dinner?
"Course love of course.
Charlene feigned a frown,
"And no crap mum, proper food.
Bill and his nan looked at each other and smiled,
"Of course not.
Charlene shook her head,
"I mean it.
Driving home she wondered if she was doing the right thing, taking Bill away from everything he knew.
Back at the house she jumped into the shower before changing quickly. While she dressed the television was on. The news bulletin broke in giving a brief summary of local events.
As the news of Kelly's death was read out Charlene stopped dead.
Staring at the screen she reached for the phone and rang Kelly's mobile already knowing there was no mistake.
