The Riviera

Chapter 6

After settling back in the tiny loft, Cal’s breathing quickened as his son peered up to him. Was Jack assessing his trust? He could wait. As hard as it was not to speak, he wanted the boy’s version. What he’d learned from Lizzie was just hearsay as far as he was concerned. He wanted the facts. The nuts and bolts of the grief Jack had built inside him. He wanted him to deconstruct it piece by piece to him and replace it by building trust. Jack had spent his life wrapped in cotton wool. He’d never wanted for anything, nor anyone as far as he was aware. He’d had family and friends within a close community to watch out for him and provide for every need. He was a bright, athletic boy who was more than capable at anything he put his mind to. What the hell was troubling him? Cal scratched his head.

Jack licked his lips repeatedly, his eyes now peering down to a wooden rafter.

‘It’s difficult, Dad. You wouldn’t understand.’

‘I want to listen and understand. That’s why I’m here,’ Cal said, wishing he was in a position to wrap his arm around him and hold his son to make him feel safe. ‘It’s just between you and me. No one else will know. Trust me.’

‘It’s embarrassing though. I don’t know if I can explain.’

‘It’s me you’re talking to.’

Jack shifted his body forward and took a deep breath. ‘Well, it started with this girl Jessica Lawrence. She’s fourteen. She kept hanging around me for ages with her sister Samantha who is my grade. It started as a bit of fun, we’d tease her a bit but when we went to a party just before Christmas she brought along her friend Chloe. Her friend was nothing like her, you know, Dad, she was really hot, much more mature and I really liked her. I still like her.’

Cal nodded. ‘And then?’ he prompted with inner relief his son was opening up.

Jack licked his lips again and let out a sigh. ‘Well, obviously I knew this Jessica was on my case. Oh God, she’d bugged me all the time ringing me and texting me and, wherever I went, she was there. It was a joke. I even told her to get a life. It stopped being funny. She was annoying but I couldn’t get rid of her.

‘Anyway, I thought I’m never gonna get rid of her. I even told her sister to tell her to back off which back-fired. She accused me of being a tease. I couldn’t believe it. Anyway, I tried to ignore them. Then, after the New Year, I got Chloe’s number, bit the bullet and rang her. She could only say no. But, I couldn’t believe it. She said yes. I told her though not to tell her friend yet and she agreed. So we dated a few times but then, I still don’t know how this Jessica found out. But that’s what I mean, this is such a small town, maybe someone saw us out. I don’t know but this Jessica went ballistic when she found out. I mean, it’s not like I was dating her but she started giving me all sorts of shit. Calling me names and texting vicious messages. Then she started giving Chloe crap, calling her names and turning everyone against her.’ Jack held his head in his hands and blinked away the moisture filling his eyes. He then swallowed. ‘I mean, she was really nasty, the names and…Chloe didn’t deserve it and neither did I.’

Cal reached out and rubbed his shoulder.

‘Well, then she…she put a post on Facebook, on her sister’s but it was her. It said I’d tried to molest her and I gave her an STD. Dad, it was horrible! All the posts and comments after it were…like saying I was sick and a user. Dad, I didn’t do anything. I don’t know how someone could make something up like that. I wouldn’t touch that! Dad. It wasn’t true but now I’m the villain. Robbie knows it’s not true and some of my mates but Dad, some, there’s a group of seniors – they called me a pervert the other day.’ Jack lips quivered. ‘I…I just want to kill myself. I can’t face being here. I tell you it’s worse than a nightmare. It’s real. I think the post was removed, but I can’t walk down the street. Everyone thinks I’m some sort of monster. Girls walk the other side of the street. Chloe has ignored me. I don’t want to be here, Dad.’

Seeing his son’s eyes fill, Cal grabbed his son’s other shoulder and pulled him closer so that their heads met.

‘Oh Jack,’ he managed with a constricted throat. ‘No wonder you’re upset. That’s really tough, mate.’ He gripped Jack’s shoulders as they shook, swallowing hard with every muscle to contain his own emotion.

Although his heart ached for his son, he considered it best to stop talking and let Jack spill out his pain. This was serious stuff for one so young. Anger fired inside him burning his chest. Stupid, silly girl. She has no idea. He doubted talking to her would improve things. No, he told himself. There’s no point. Jack was thankfully OK. And he could talk about it. He’d confided. That was a massive step, albeit just the first. He may take a while to regain his strength and dignity but he was sure they could do this.

After several minutes Cal wiped his son’s tears with his thumb then reached into his pocket.

‘It’s a bit screwed up but you can use it. It’s clean,’ he said passing the boy a tissue.

Jack took it from his hand and broke into a smile. ‘Ha, like me really.’ He blew his nose.

‘Yep. You’ve done nothing wrong so you’ve nothing to worry about. You’re dealing with a child here who hasn’t learnt the basics. Kids are like that. And it’s what growing up is all about. It isn’t pleasant, far from it, but you will get knocks in life. Most folk are nice but occasionally nasty ones come along and surprise you. You’ve heard the phrase “I’ve seen another side to him”? Well there’s the proof.’

Jack raised his eyes and nodded. ‘I could have accepted it if she’d just slapped me or punched me but no, she made it, like, public! And what the fuck did I do?’

‘Dent her pride, shatter her dream. She was hurt. Her friend betrayed her. She’d perceived it as a personal attack and wanted to get even.’

‘But why would she be so malicious?’

‘Who knows? She’s immature and doesn’t know any better I suspect. And I’ll tell you something, it will blow over sooner than you think.’

‘No it won’t. The whole school knows about it now.’

‘People are too busy worrying about their own lives, believe me. OK, so you may get a group of silly girls with nothing better to do but tease but…’

‘Dad, seniors…they’re not…’

‘Those seniors will be off to college. You won’t see them.’

‘I’m talking about now. I’ve still got a couple of months before my SATs. I can’t go back. You don’t see it do you?’

‘Jack.’ Cal closed his eyes, momentarily numbed at his powerlessness to take away his son’s wound. ‘I do. I really do. I want you to understand that for you it feels and sounds a hundred times worse than it does for anyone you know. In your mind it’s a monster – but to everyone else, it’s a mouse. You might be the butt of the jokes for a few days, weeks maybe, but like you say, you’ve done nothing wrong so why would you hide? What message does that give?’

‘These kids can be pretty sick, Dad. And it’s not you that would be facing them every day. You could probably do it because you’re older.’ He shook his head and shuffled backward. ‘I can’t.’

Cal tried to sit up and not without bashing his head. ‘Ouch,’ he grumbled rubbing it.

Jack pulled a face and guffawed.

‘Well, good to see your sense of humour hasn’t dissolved,’ Cal grinned. ‘OK. I think we should go and find some space in the house.’

‘Oh God, Dad. Mom will want to know what’s going on.’

‘I’ll tell her we want to come in and go straight to the first-floor snug. Naturally she’s concerned so I’ll tell her you only want to talk with me for now. I imagine your pop is back by now too.’

Jack clenched his teeth and leant back with a protesting sigh. ‘Aww Dad, do we have to go in?’

‘No, but wouldn’t you rather be comfortable? And we’ve almost got through all these snacks.’

‘I don’t care if I starve to death at the moment and I don’t care if I don’t see my family again. Dad. They’re not to know.’

‘Sooner or later they will know. Someone is bound to say something to your mom. Wouldn’t you prefer she hear it from you rather than a distorted version from someone else?’

Jack, again, dropped his head in his hands.

Cal began to wish he had a magic wand because his boy looked like he could do with one right now. It was possible they would be here for some time.

Chapter 7

‘Well Jack, I must say, you have impressed me. OK, so you’re still worried, but you’re to be congratulated for the way you’ve handled this.’

‘What do you mean? I don’t think I’m handling it at all.’

Cal, trying to ignore the cold gnawing into his bones, crawled back on his elbows. He was tiring and he had to keep his son interested. He thought for a moment.

‘You’ve gone through a hard time and not overreacted, number one. You made a decision to return home, admittedly not indoors, but you made sure you didn’t put yourself in danger – admirable. And, in the last two hours, you’ve not only put your total trust in me but you’ve spoken about the problem, calmly. In my eyes, and my experience, that’s impressive so, another high-five!’

Jack’s lips curled upwards as he slapped his father’s palm and then he pouted his lips proudly. ‘Yes. I suppose I have.’

Brushing Jack’s hair affectionately Cal said. ‘So, tell me, what are your options?’

‘Well, I think we should go in and discuss it because you must be freezing.’

Pausing for a few seconds to look to his son for confirmation, Cal wiped his brow.

‘Great idea. Follow me.’ Cal’s muscles grumbled at his command. ‘Well, once I can reactivate these bones.’ Cal unfolded his chilled body.

Jack jumped up. ‘Ah, come on, I’ll help you. I know you’re my dad but I didn’t think you were that old. Pops, I can understand, he’s old. Not you.’

‘Ahem. I wasn’t in a sleeping bag and it’s bloody cold,’ Cal said, wriggling himself slowly backwards.

Jack scooted nimbly around him and guided his father’s legs to a step. ‘There, wait until you’re balanced.’

Gradually Cal felt the blood shimmy to his feet. ‘Thank God,’ he said beginning the descent. He jumped the last step and held the ladder firm to steady his wobbly legs.

‘Hold on,’ Jack barked, securing his trousers. ‘You go and keep mom from the lobby and hall. Tell her we’re going to hang out in the snug and I’ll wait outside and sneak past. Don’t let her come out, please?’

‘Cool. Ready.’

Cal couldn’t believe what just happened. He was convinced they’d be there all night. He peered up to the house. As expected, Kelly was at the kitchen door ready to pounce. He operated his legs in motion and marched in to her and led her inside the kitchen. She took some convincing to stay. She had Reuben bathing the children just so she could hover in case Jack came in, she’d told him. He wasn’t exactly comfortable but he stressed he’d promised Jack that was the deal and couldn’t risk him turning back. She finally relented when Cal assured her that her son was in good humour but wasn’t ready to face being questioned. She even insisted they have a warm meal she’d prepared. He did wonder if his vocation would have been easier in the diplomatic corps.

Feeling progress was at last being made, and getting a whiff of fresh herbs, he thought of Lizzie. How he wished she was here. He could really do with a warm hug and a good night’s sleep with her in his arms. His night was not over yet however and as he took a mug of coffee and a mug of chocolate from the glistening counter, he told Kelly to close the door behind him.

‘Just call if he wants to speak to me,’ she said. ‘I promise not to ask him anything. I just want to give him a hug, tell him.’

‘I will.’

After he gave the nod to Jack, he followed him up the stairs and into the snug. They were soon wrapped in soft fluffy throws and fast asleep.

Lizzie hadn’t been able to sleep much without Cal snuggled up beside her. She’d spent her nights wisely however and looked up and planned all of her and Thierry’s travel arrangements. The thought of travelling such a long distance alone with her son was a bit daunting. When they flew at New Year, Cal was amazing at keeping Thierry busy so she just hoped she had enough to keep him occupied for what would amount to about fourteen hours. She had hoped she could entice him with the prospect of a ferry ride at the other end. He would really look forward to that but the short flight to Nantucket was much quicker, and easier. She would have to find a boat ride during their stay. Seeing Cal again would be the carrot if he became irritable. She’d decided she wouldn’t mention that they would see Cal until he’d had a sleep on the flight otherwise he would get overexcited the whole journey. She just hoped her plan worked.

With just a few hours to go before setting off for their flight, Lizzie picked up her Kindle again. She read the first paragraph but her mind was still wandering back to Cal. How blessed was she to have him? It was still crazy to think back to last summer, Thierry’s third birthday. The day she’d found out Cal wasn’t her mother’s lover. After months of being convinced they were a couple, it had come as a real shock. A lovely shock though. Cal and she could admit how much they were attracted to one another. How she recalled being blown away by the fact. She’d made a real fool of herself tripping over and dropping things, not to mention almost dropping the beautiful Thomas Tank birthday cake. Then the night they’d first made love at his cottage. It was what dreams were made of. They were both so hungry for each other, and yet it was such a naturally sensual experience. Stop. Stop – you’ll drive yourself mad.

With very little sleep, Lizzie popped into the office first thing. Sophie was already working with a client. It was becoming quite normal for early and late appointments for Botox and filler treatments. Even lunchtimes. Lizzie just hoped her friend wouldn’t burn out. As the client left, Lizzie slipped in.

‘Don’t you ever sleep?’ she jested.

Sophie turned in surprise. ‘Oh, hi Lizzie. I don’t mind. Charles is working virtually twenty hours a day so I might as well be here.’

‘I don’t know why he doesn’t just move in with you.’

‘Well, that was the plan, but quite when he actually gets around to it, I’ve no idea. I’m hoping Easter when I get back from the US. I expect I will end up organising it.’

‘Have you completed on it yet?’

‘Two weeks then it’s officially mine. Exciting! I’ll get a few bits sorted. I need to speak to Jean-Luc. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be going to the airport?’

‘Yes, just popped in to say bye. I’ve brought these in for Josephine too. She’s interviewing a couple of guys tomorrow. One I saw yesterday was good.’

‘Oh brilliant. Well you don’t want to worry about that now.’

‘Did you speak to Charles about going with you to America?’

‘Briefly. He’s preoccupied. I will though – now I’m armed with all that info you found.’

‘Good. Well, don’t burn yourself out while I’m away,’ Lizzie said hugging her friend. ‘And I’ll see you when I get back. Ring me if you need anything.’

Lizzie skipped back to her apartment. This time tomorrow she would be with Cal.

The brief stop-over wait was tedious but once on their flight to Boston, Lizzie was beamingly chuffed with herself for her forward planning. Thierry was a little treasure; colouring, doing miniature puzzles and playing games on his Leapfrog tablet. She did have to rein him in a bit when he began taking photographs of other passengers though. One lady sleeping with her mouth wide open would not have appreciated it! Once he’d tired himself out, Thierry slept. She had to wake him but that was easy. All she did was tell him that Cal would be meeting them.

After the long wait at security and two full packs of sweets consumed, they finally reached the arrivals lounge. Thierry was sat on the loaded luggage trolley as Lizzie wheeled it out when suddenly, Cal jumped out from the crowd.

‘Whoa!!’ Her heart leaped! ‘Cal.’

‘Cal,’ Thierry echoed instinctively, his arms reaching up to him. ‘It’s Cal, Mummy.’

Cal reached out for Thierry and swept him up, simultaneously grabbing Lizzie to his chest, sending her legs clinging to his knees.

‘Yes it’s Cal. I’ve missed you two, so much.’ He squeezed them both while kisses fired between them like bullets.

‘Oh, you won’t believe how much we’ve both been pining for you.’ As soon as she said it, she winced inside. Did she sound too needy? It was probably just a bit too much information.

‘Oh that’s music to my ears. It’s great to feel loved. Am I brave enough to confess my pining too? Why not? I can’t pretend otherwise.’ Cal kissed her on the nose and whispered. ‘I’ll put that right later.’

Lizzie, at once felt a surge of anticipation rush through her. Her cheeks blushed as he placed her back on terra firma, her knees buckling. ‘Ha, ha. Anyway. So happy to see you. And glad to be getting out of here.’

Swopping Thierry into the other arm and squeezing him, he said, ‘And, little man, you look great, buddy! Let’s go and find our next plane. You will love it!’

‘I can swim, Cal.’

‘You can?’

‘I swimmed in the pool wiv Mummy a long long way!’

‘That’s great news, T, well done. We’ll stick to the aeroplane for this crossing though.’

‘Not another aeroplane!’ Thierry sighed, dragging his feet.

Cal glanced at Lizzie and they mirrored each other with an empathetic smile.

‘Last one, buddy. You want to come and stay with me don’t you?’ Cal asked. ‘We have been very lucky. Jack’s mom and Pops have very kindly let us stay at their beach house. What do you think about that?’

‘Is it on the beach?’ Thierry asked as they reached the departure gate.

‘It certainly is. We can go every morning to the beach and we can paddle or ride bikes, and guess who is staying with us?’

Thierry looked up to him with searching eyes and a hesitant smile. ‘Mummy.’

‘Yes, of course, Mummy. Who else?’

‘Who else?’ Thierry repeated. ‘Is Jack going to stay with us?’

‘Yes! That’s right.’

Thierry began bouncing again at the news and then as they boarded the lighter aircraft fired more questions. It was another twenty minutes and they were in the air again before he settled with his tablet and Lizzie could finally get a word in.

‘So, how are things with Jack?’

Cal grimaced and lifted his eyebrows. ‘Well – and this is in confidence – Mum was right. There was some grief with a girl and it has seriously knocked him back. He has spoken to me about it, but he’s not ready to face school or any social normality. Rightly or wrongly, I’m trying to persuade him to go back to school and just complete his SATs but…’ He shook his head. ‘He doesn’t agree.’

He continued telling Lizzie the story so far. Giving her an account of the last six days since he’d arrived. It was hard to believe that since the first day, little progress had been made with Jack psychologically. His son was still adamant he couldn’t face going to school. Cal had visited the school Principal and between them they discussed some possible solutions, The short-term being a homebound instruction and some counselling. His only option to transfer schools was Martha’s Vineyard. There wasn’t another high school on the island. Jack agreed to the schooling but not the counselling and neither he nor Kelly felt they should push him until he was ready.

Lizzie reached across the narrow aisle and took his hand. ‘That’s really tough. It’s going to be a waiting game by the sound of it.’

‘Yes. That’s all I can do for now. Obviously, try to keep him upbeat and try to shift this idea he has of living in London out of his head. He’s too young and, to be honest, running away isn’t the answer. I don’t know. I’m not sure that it’s my selfishness or his best interest. I don’t want to return to London. Not now I’ve just got my life together.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘And, things have just come together for me. Well, for us, but I’d do it if I had to.’

Lizzie swallowed hard as her mouth numbed. ‘Needs must,’ she said, hoping it wouldn’t come to such drastic measures. ‘I’m sure we’d work something out.’

‘We’ll wait and see. Maybe in a week or two he’ll feel differently.’

Thierry chatted incessantly as they completed their journey to Nantucket Island and in the car as Cal drove down the long dark track to the beach house. Lizzie could see the lights from the dwelling getting closer and with it a mix of relief and anticipation warmed her. It stood alone out on the marshy dunes overlooking the now black sky. As they neared the entrance a face appeared at a window on one side of the house. It was Jack and then another; Kelly.

‘Jack’s looking out for you, Thierry,’ Cal said. ‘Can you see Jack?’

Lizzie’s mouth engaged before her brain. ‘Oh, is Kelly staying too?’

Cal smirked. ‘No. She’s just stayed with Jack whilst I flew over. I would have brought him but he wanted to stay put.’

‘Oh, right. Yes.’ Lizzie sat back tightening her lips.

Cal pulled up next to Kelly’s parked car.

‘I’ll get the bags if you want to get Thierry,’ he said.

Kelly opened the door as Cal stacked the bags on the wooden deck. Lizzie led Thierry to the door where Kelly stepped out and embraced her.

‘Hi, guys, Lizzie,’ she said kissing her cheek and Thierry. ‘Well look at you. My, you’ve grown even more handsome than before.’ She leant down and kissed his forehead.

‘Say hello to Kelly, Thierry. You remember Jack’s Mummy?’

‘See Jack in the house?’ Thierry asked.

‘Thierry, say hello. Where are your manners?’ Lizzie insisted.

Thierry pointed his chin up to Kelly. ‘Hello.’ He pulled a cheeky grin with mischief pouring from his eyes.

Lizzie’s eyes closed as she made a disapproving face, her head nodding from side to side.

Kelly laughed. ‘Oh, I can see you’re gonna be a real charmer with the girls, young Thierry. He knows how to woo the ladies, Mommy.’

‘Oh, no, anything but follow in his father’s footsteps. How are you, Kelly?’

Kelly stepped back with her hands on her hips and swept back her now blonder hair.

‘Over the worst, I hope. Jack’s looking forward to seeing Thierry. Take him straight in, Jack is in the lounge. I’ll help Cal with the bags and then I’m sure you’ll want a drink.’

Thierry ran to Jack as soon as he spotted him and Lizzie was so pleased to see Jack’s face light up and his arms stretch out ready to catch him.

‘Hey, bro. Good to see you,’ Jack said lifting him straight onto his lap.

It was such a sweet moment and Lizzie became quite choked. Cal’s son was so good with him. And the term ‘bro’ was pretty endearing too. She watched for a moment as Thierry introduced Jack to his figure, Raphael Turtle.

‘Well, while Cal’s taking your bags upstairs, what would you like to drink?’

Lizzie turned to face Kelly behind her. ‘Oh a coffee would be lovely.’

‘How do you like it?’

‘Oh just white, no sugar please.’

‘Pop your coats in the hall,’ Kelly said as she dashed off to the kitchen.

Lizzie, feeling rather like a spare part with Thierry’s attention diverted and Kelly rushing around after her, did as she was told and then went to join her in the kitchen.

‘It’s a beautiful place. It’s yours and Reuben’s I understand?’

‘Yes, we moved here when we first came to Nan. Great for the beach but I was too far from civilisation. Jack and Reuben loved it here but Main Street is far more practical for me and school each day. It’s only six miles but, no we rent it out most of the year now.’

‘Don’t you use it in the summer?’

Kelly tucked a mug under the coffee machine and, throwing in a capsule, hit the switch. ‘We have done on the odd occasion it’s not let. It earns too good an income and we can cycle out with the kids now. Yes, there are bikes here and a child seat. Toys, beach boards, balls, fishing gear – anything you can think of really. Help yourself.’