Page 4 of Forgive Not Forget

“Abi, and I’m eight,” Abigail answered before Laura could finish her sentence. “Are you a tour guide?”

“No, I’m the marketing and events manager.”

“So why do you look like a tour guide?”

Anna pulled herself upright. Luckily, she could see the funny side of the comment.

“I was a tour guide, and I suppose I’ve continued to dress the same.” She leaned closer to Abigail. “Adults are creatures of habit! Perhaps it’s time for a change. What would you suggest?”

Abigail eyed her, then looked around the room. She pointed at Katherine. “Like that lady.” Abigail looked back at Anna and examined her. “But I’m not sure you can carry that skirt like she can.”

Anna smirked at her harsh, yet quite accurate observation. This was one terrifying girl that stood before her, yet Anna liked her manner. She was straight-up, a trait Anna generally liked in people — though such naked honesty from a child may become increasingly hard to take.

Laura shifted uncomfortably. “Sorry. She’s one for saying what she thinks. She wasn’t born with a filter.”

“It’s fine, honestly. I kind of like it.”

Abigail folded her arms and looked at her mother indignantly.

“So what have you been up to these past” — Laura paused as she did a quick calculation in her head — “twenty-odd years?”

“Not a lot until I moved back here last year to be closer to Dad.”

“How is he?”

“He moved into a home last year. He has Parkinson’s.”

Laura scrunched her face. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ve just moved back myself with these two. I lost my husband last year. We needed a fresh start, didn’t we?”

Tom and Abigail lowered their gaze to their feet.

Laura continued. “I thought, why not return home to Nunswick?”

“I’m sorry.” Anna scrunched her face. “It’s as good a place as any for fresh starts, that’s for sure.”

“Have you got a husband?” Abigail asked suddenly.

“Erm, no, I don’t.” Anna wasn’t sure if she should say anymore, then realised how ridiculous it was. She shouldn’t have to hide her relationship. Children weren’t homophobic unless they had been taught to be by their parents or peer group. Abigail didn’t seem like the sort of child who would be influenced by anyone. “You know that lady that carries off that skirt in a way I couldn’t?”

Abigail nodded.

“I’m going to marry her.”

Abigail’s eyes twinkled. “Really? That’s epic. Can I be a bridesmaid?”

Anna and Laura both laughed.

“Can I come back to you on that? We may well have a vacancy.”

“Sure,” Abigail replied with a shrug.

Anna caught Laura’s eye. She was relieved to see her smiling.

“Congratulations.”