48 || One bed

CALUM

My smile is permanent. I’ve been smiling since we boarded the plane to Manchester. But the thought of seeing Mum dampens the mood. I look towards Cathy to seek comfort from her but she’s fast asleep. Mace is also asleep in my arms. The boys have the seats behind us and are probably asleep. I can’t seem to sleep. I’m scared of Cathy’s and my reaction to seeing Mum. I’m nervous about her opening act for us.

She’s singing one song, an original titled: Pretty angel. I curl a piece of her hair around my finger. Her hair is at shoulder length now.

Cathy’s head drops to her shoulder as her snores increase. I stretch my body towards her and tilt her head so the weight is on my shoulder instead of hers. She moans but doesn’t move. Moments later, she mutters something under her breath. She jerks, twisting in her space beside the window. I shake her gently and her eyes flutter open.

Fear shadows her features for the first few seconds. I use my free hand to cup her face.

“Hey, I’m here,”