Chapter 2
“Serena was very nice.” Stephen said as he put the kettle back on. And they all sat at the kitchen table.
“I used to go to school with Raymond, that's Serena’s dad. I haven't seen him for weeks. I must give him a ring."
"What about his wife? "
"His wife left him when Serena was only about 2.”
"What, she just left her baby? Where did she go?"
"Haven't a clue. I don't even think Raymond knows where she went."
"What kind of mother leaves her own baby.?"
"God knows. Raymond has brought Serena up all on his own.”
“That must have been hard for him.”
"It was. But he just concentrated on bringing up his little girl and running the business."
"Why are we talking about someone else's family problems? We have got enough problems of our own. Your Wife and our Mum have just died or have you forgotten that." Bernie snapped as she got up from the table. And went to the room where her Mum was. Bernie immediately spotted that the bed had been made. And the flower.
“I’m sorry if me and Stephen upset you, love. We won't ever forget your Mum.” Howard said as he held Bernie's hand.
"I know. I'm sorry for shouting at you."
"It's ok."
"I thought it would need tidying up here. But it doesn't."
"No. Serena will have done that I bet.”
“I know why they opened the window. It’s to let the person soul out who’s passed. We do that at the hospital. So erm, Serena doesn't look very old."
"She's not. Serena is your age. Your Mum and Justine, that's Serena Mum."
"The one who left her."
"Yes. Well they were pregnant at the same time.”
“Really.”
“Yeah. Come on sweetheart, let's leave this room now."
"Ok." Bernie said as her Dad and her left the room.
"Are you two going to be alright? Because I need to get home, Louise rang and Maise is playing up."
"We'll be fine. You get yourself off home to my gorgeous Granddaughter."
"Thanks Dad. I'll come round tomorrow."
"Ok son. Bring Maise and Louise with you tomorrow. I want to see them."
"I will. Love you Dad." Stephen said as he hugged Howard.
"I love you too, Son."
"See you tomorrow Sis." Stephen said as he put his arms around Bernie. And they gave each other a hug.
"Bye."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"I'm always here for you. You know that don't you?"
"I know you are."
"I'll see you all tomorrow."
"Bye son." Stephen put his coat on and left. "I don't know about you, love but I am getting hungry."
"Shall I make us something?"
"No, love. I just need to make a phone call and then how about we have a takeaway tonight, yes."
"Yes." Howard kissed Bernie on the cheek as he went into the lounge.
"Good Morning Darling." Raymond smiled as he entered Serena's office.
"You're up and about early." Serena stood up and hugged her father.
"Yes. I just thought I'd pop in to see how things were going."
"Busy. We have got funerals back to back today. Have I done something wrong? Is that why you're here?"
"No,quite the opposite. I had a phone call last night from an old friend, Howard Wolfe."
"We picked up his wife Edith yesterday."
"Yes you did."
"The daughter was absolutely gutted. She must have been really close to her Mum." Serena said with tears in her eyes.
"Come here sweetheart." Raymond held Serena close.
"At least her Mum loved her. Mine never loved me did she?"
"Don't say that sweetheart."
"Dad, it's true. If she loved me she wouldn't have left me. Would she?"
"I'm sorry If I didn't bring you up the way you wanted to be brought up."
"What are you talking about? You brought me up so well. You have done everything for me. I love you so much Dad."
"I love you. More than anything in this world. I just want you to be happy darling."
"I am happy."
“Are you? When was the last time you were in a relationship?”
“Over a year ago.”
“Exactly.”
“And look what happened she broke my heart.”
“Not all the girls out there are like your ex. I just want you to meet a really nice girl and settle down. Get married even.” Serena sniggered. “And maybe even make me a grandad.”
“I can assure you that is never gonna happen.”
“Sorry to interrupt.” Jason said as he stood at the door. “Everything is ready to go.”
“Thanks. Dad, I need to go.” Serena said as she put on her hat. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful as always.”
“See you later.” Serena kissed her Dad on the cheek and went outside. Raymond went to the window and watched Serena as she bowed before the coffin and shut the door. Before getting in beside the driver. I'm so proud of you. I'm going to find you a nice girl. Someone who deserves you. Raymond thought to himself as he watched the Hearse drive away.