Chapter 10
Bernie didn't know what to say, she was drunk, exhausted and embarrassed at getting things so wrong. She sighed rubbing her face with both hands. Her weary body beginning to betray her now. Elinor had flung herself against the back of the sofa and wasn't saying anything.
Serena was still stood in the doorway, she hadn't moved, she watched as the two of them flailed around on the sofa. Elinor rubbing her head, laughing quietly and complaining the room was spinning. Bernie still with her head in her hands, trying to muster the courage to speak to Serena again and make sense of this whole ridiculous situation.
Serena watched the pair of them unsure what to think, apart of her was jealous that Bernie had some how so easily connected with her daughter. Well that's what it looked like, maybe they hadn't connected at all and they couldn't stand one another, but there was a spark there that annoyed her. She wanted them to get on of course she did, but her and Elinor had an unstable, rocky relationship at the best of times. Elinor could be so loving and caring one moment and others a right spoilt brat. Serena was unsure as to what had caused her daughter's behaviour at times. Maybe she was a bad mum, but she had tried her best and that was all she could do, wasn't it? Maybe Serena suddenly thought, maybe she should have been around more or maybe she should have stayed with Edward until Elinor was older and understood why their little family was being ripped apart at the seams. Serena sighed and rolled her eyes. It wasn't an excuse now, she was an adult and she needs to learn.
'Cat got both your tongues?' She snapped in frustration. 'This is pathetic...' Serena stopped as she saw Bernie look up at her.
'I met with Ellie...to...to...I don't know...fix...' Bernie turned to Elinor and shock her head, waved her hand between the two of them and continued her thoughts.' to sort this mess out.'
Serena softened ever so slightly, her stern expression dissolving slowly. 'Go on...' she smiled before turning her face sour again, not fully convinced.
'I messed up, I'm sorry, I was rubbish I know...'
'You can't keep using the "I'm rubbish" line every time...it only gets you out of sticky situations so many times Miss Wolfe.' She frowned.
'If Jason was home, he'd say he could see your frown lines, Serena...even though it's dark in here.' Bernie chuckled quietly. Aware of the tension that was around her.'Too soon?'
Elinor shook with laughter and she elbowed Bernie in the rib softly. 'Do you actually know how to charm a women or have you always been this much of a screw up?'
'ELINOR!' Serena seethed
'So now I get another lecture from my mother...' Elinor sarcastically spat out, turned to Bernie and glared at her. Bernie looked uncomfortable and shuffled on the sofa. Finally she conceded.
'It's ok sweetheart...she's right. Look I wanted you both talking...I didn't mean to come back here tonight. I gave the taxi man the wrong address.' Bernie stared up at Serena, unable to stand as she would now be unsteady on her feet due to tiredness and the best part of a bottle of whiskey. Her tone was almost pleading.
'She was meant to be taking me back to her place...she...I thought you had secretly moved her in...step-mummy.' Elinor was still led back and only slightly turned her head to her mother with one eye open. 'Wouldn't do that would you? Oh wait you already did that with a cousin I didn't know existed.'
'Oi come on...no low blows, we're in this together.' Bernie grabbed Elinor's hand and without thinking gave it a squeeze for reassurance.
'Elinor this is my house...but I haven't secretly moved in Bernie ok? I love you Ellie...' Serena tried to remain calm, however Elinor cut her off abruptly.
'Great we're talking, you have succeeded in your plan...good work Major!' She whipped her hand out of Bernie's and raised it quickly and mocked saluted Bernie. Her eyes half closed, she too was exhausted.
Serena felt hurt by this, but carried on regardless of Elinor's antics to get under her skin any more.
'You can both explain yourselves in the morning...I might get more sense out of you...I'm going to get you some water and toast to sober you up a bit...then I am going to bed...'
'You don't need to do that...' Bernie was barely focused on her now, she swayed slightly and was holding her head.
'I want to...I'm not getting into an argument now, we can discuss it in the morning.' Serena ordered.
'Now look who is in the dog house.' Elinor quipped playfully.
'I always am!' Bernie huffed. Bernie and Elinor looked at each other realising the other one had also been at the receiving end of Serena's wrath. Bernie wasn't her kid, but Serena felt like she had to care for and protect her against the world, Serena's love is fierce and strong, but that meant sometimes her love was relentless and she nagged and worried all the time.
Serena turned away from them swiftly and screwed her face up. Was it really that terrible that they had gone for a drink. It felt like it was done behind her back, she wasn't too keen on the idea of Bernie interfering in this matter, but on the other hand, she thought she trusted Bernie.
Serena left them to it as she plodded off down the corridor to the kitchen. Why did she feel like she was mothering too many people at the moment?