Chapter forty-three - Billy

Elsie's quiet all the way to my Grandmother's house, which is where my mum decided we should meet so she can make us a proper home cooked meal.

I'm so excited to show Elsie off, I know if my mum can get past the fact that she's Carly's daughter, she'll realise they're nothing alike and will really like her. My grandmother will adore her anyway, since she never liked my dad and I know she's glad he and my mum have split up.

"You ok?" I ask Elsie for what feels like the fifth time during the journey to my grandmother's.

"Yeah, just nervous." She gives me a weak smile, so I squeeze her hand in the hopes it will reassure her a little.

My mum greets us at the door, a big smile appears on her face when she sees me.

"My boy." She pulls me into a hug, then pushes me back and hits me around the back of the head. "How could you move away without telling your mother? I don't even know what university you've chosen."

She hits me again, then turns to walk into the house, tugging me behind her