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Sandy had been speechless. Terry it seemed, was intent on making clear that he expected nothing in return bar her getting her life back together. What benefitted her would also be good for Mia. Despite her outward appearance,
Mia was at times noticeably edgy. No doubt from the trauma of never knowing what to expect from her situation at home, as had been. He was unaware of the true difference in Mia’s moods, Sandy however could see a relaxed, much happier daughter; how she had been before she let that evil into her life.
"Look, the place would have been empty. I’d much prefer it to be occupied. Course I could also do with some help to get the place clean and tidy for selling. As for all the things to sort through. A nightmare. These days, it’s Nina and me. Nina is off to University next year, so doesn’t want to be clearing this place. She started to cry.
“It can’t be.. how can this happen to me! No one gets lucky like this. You don’t even know me. How do you know the moment your back is turned I wont sell everything and run off.“ Terry was grinning as he poured himself another cup of tea.
“Can I have that in writing! Save me on clearing the place out and paying you to do it!“ He started to laugh as he put his cup down, the tea rocking in it like a mini tsunami. “See, you’re making me spill my tea.”
"Still on reflection. “ She noticed that grin starting to form again. “Any chance of that happening? Sounds quite good to me." “Be serious! It’s a lot to take onboard.” “Look we’re two adults, in our forties, I’ve gone past, the stage of being surprised by what life throws up.
Even if I have to admit, you, could have knocked me, over with a feather, by recent events! Here I was doomed, to spend Christmas thanks to my pride and arrogance, over NOT spending it with my sister, who I had had an invitation from for Canada and turned it down, due to a stupid argument.
I realized before Mia waved to me, after you had fortunately, crashed.” OOPS ! Terry stopped, thought to himself that it might not be appropriate! “UHH, unfortunately, crashed the car.“ He breathed a sigh of relief. Sandy was now smiling. Smirking at his apparent discomfort?
“That I was beginning to regret my stupidity and at the same time, feel very lonely. Which kind of gives us both, a miracle at Christmas don’t you think.“ She slips some gum into her mouth and starts to chew on it, offering him some.
"When I was younger. I had so many dreams. I wanted to be a mechanic like my Dad. Then I ended up married, pregnant with Mia and everything went to the wall. Not forgetting, all of the rubbish choices, I've made over the years since Kevin's death. My husband not that trash Shaun.
After Kevin died, I felt so lost. So lonely, waking up in the morning turning over and no one there to hold you, to cuddle into. You get to believing that nothing, no matter how hard you try, is ever going to change from the crap existence you have. Day in, day out, the same.
Until finally you give in, no will power anymore to fight it, let it happen, all of the sadism from him, the violence, the cussing, swearing and mental as well as physical torture. OR do, what you've done a couple of times before, run from the nightmare.
Praying it can be different, that you don't have to go back and face your demons all over again. That when you get back, things will be different? Cept as always its the same crap all over again and back into that circle. Until now.
I stumble into your life, at your mercy, cos I'm finding it so hard to get my head around what feels so good! Yet, why do I sense this time is more than an illusion, more than a dream; but, I'm terrified that it might all fall apart, not because of you but me! Suspicious, wary, untrusting, paranoid.
Mia is my life, my love and I want so much for her. To get her out of the hell I brought into our lives, I will do anything to make that happen." She stood up, moved closer to him.
"If you can help me, cos I need help. I need someone who can see me for the girl I once was, but also to accept that if they take me into their life, Mia is not an added extra. Terry stood up, their faces close, the feel of her breath on his face.
"Life, is about taking chances. Find something good, seize it, hold onto it. No relationship that is worth having is without work. Grit, tears and good, bad or indifferent it NEVER is about sadistic scum like Shaun in your life.
Sometimes you need someone to come along and prove, that good things can happen, to change things for the better. To put those like him, in their place, expose him, for the sadistic bullying trash that he is.
You're recovering from all of the stress, the pain, the torment and I could take advantage of all of that. But I don't want to share my moments with you, have you in my life because it is the answer to you breaking free, of all that has gone before, or cos I can take advantage, of your vulnerability.
The place is yours to live in, recover, learn to trust again, to enjoy life. I promise you, if that sod comes anywhere near this place, he will get the shock of his life. I'll be more than happy to show him a little gratuitous violence on my part!
She stood up, moved close to him, picked up the keys. A kiss? Light on the lips.
A soft whisper. "In that case I accept your offer!" Terry smiled. "I was thinking of taking a walk? Fancy joining me?" "I'll get my coat. Though don't expect Mia to join us!"
It would become apparent over the next few hours, just how much they shared in common. Walking back to the house. “I might be able to fix your car, but it will require us going into Bilsden. Or I could bring back the spares from Birmingham.“
“Only had that, a few months. Second hand but reliable. The one thing I struggled to keep from him, to stop him from wrecking, what do I do?! I had to take a loan out on it to pay for the tax and the petrol here. It’s a good motor, well it was.”
“In that case, its worth fixing. "If I had the parts and the tools I could probably fix it myself." He grinned. "Tools? You fixing the car. Now that would be worth seeing!" He moved towards the barn with her following close on his heels. Pulling open the doors he moved inside. Some filtered daylight across the bench in front of them.
A piece of solid timber, she reckoned it was at least 3 inches thick and must have run the length of that side of the barn. He flicked back part of a cover that ran the length of it. Under it the flash of tools?
Containers with spanners, screwdrivers and a stack of other tools. He was impressed by her knowing what the various power tools were. Sanders, drills, metal cutters.
"A professional tool kit. A well decent set of tools! Why would your father need all of these?!" He smiles, no; grins. Taking her hand he leads her to the far end of the barn. Pulls at a drawer to find what he had been searching for! Light bulbs!
With some effort and her helping him, he managed to replace two of them. Flicking the switch, the lights now illuminated the place. Her eyes peered at the far end of the barn as she let out a gasp.
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