KOL 5 – Libby 15.33

“Hey, you’re back.” Libby came out into the hall to greet Jess, drying her slender hands on a tee towel. “How was the fitting? What does the scarlet dress look like?” she asked cheerily.
 
“Oh, the dress was fine,” replied Jess heading towards the living room and throwing herself on the sofa. She grabbed one of the big blue cushions from the end and hid behind it, hugging it to herself.
 
“Well, you could have fool me,” said Libby from the door way, hands on hips. “I thought everything was fine?”
 
“Oh Lib, you’ll never believe what he’s done,” Jess blurted out from behind the cushion. “He’s sent her the cruelest of letters, cruelest ever telling her to get of his life.”
 
“Woah chicken, woah,” breathed Libby, sliding herself across the arm of the armchair opposite Jess and pulling it closer. One leg in each corner of the chair she leaned forward and put her hands on Jess’s knees. “Slow down, and tell me everything. This is your brother I guess?”
 
And Jess recounted exactly what had happened, the dress fitting, the panic attack, the ambulance guys who had been so reassuring. As she finished talking Libby let out a jet of air between pursed lips.
 
“But what was exactly in this letter to make your mum act like that?,” she asked. “I mean, everyone knows Paul’s been off since the wedding. It’s not new.”
 
“No, but telling someone you have a nine week old baby that you will never let them see is,” replied Jess. “I mean, its her grandchild after all. And then, if that had been all but it was the way he did it. I’m so, so …. angry with him.”
 
Libby pulled back in the chair. “Why? What happened?
 
“Well, he told her the reason she would never see his baby is because she beat him, and would never give her the opportunity to beat his child,” said Jess, wiping a tear savagely from her cheek with her wrist. “I don’t understand, I don’t remember her ever beating him. I don’t get it,” she said.
 
Libby was rubbing her mouth with the tips of her fingers. “Are you sure there isn’t something you’ve forgotten?” she asked. “I know she’s your mum, but are your sure?”
 
Jess slapped the cushion down her legs and beat it with her fist. “No Lib, I can’t be sure, but I am sure that I don’t remember anything and I do know that I didn’t beat him and nor did Dad, but neither of us can see Paul either, and neither of us will see the baby,” she growled.
 
“Hey,” said Libby leaning forward. “I’m your friend remember.” She wiped the tears gently from Jess’s cheeks and slipped across on the sofa with her. She pulled her in tight towards her, hugging her close, offering her support. She placed gentle kiss after gentle kiss on Jess’ soft black hair.