Chapter 4
When Billy finally arrived back at his parents' house, he dumped his bag down on his bed and was very tempted to let his body follow suit. He wanted nothing more than sleep, but he was also ravenously hungry.
"What do you feel like?" Rebecca asked, "I could make you some scrambled eggs."
Billy nodded gratefully and his mother handed him a mug of tea.
"It's good to have you back." She said, reaching out and stroking his hand affectionately.
"It's good to be back."
"You don't sound like you mean that."
Billy sighed and made himself smile, "I do. I'm just exhausted. It's these flights." He cricked his neck.
"Billy, you sound like a fifty-year-old."
"How long do you think you'll stay?" She asked.
Billy shrugged, "Kate and I are gonna do some travelling."
"And then?"
"I'm gonna win the lottery."
Rebecca gave a chuckle. They sat in silence for a minute and Billy felt his eyelids begin to droop- he wasn't sure he'd make it through scrambled eggs.
Rebecca, who was watching his face critically, suddenly chimed in, "You know, I heard from Teddy."
Billy nearly spilled his tea. "What? When?"
Rebecca leant back, smiling slyly, "Oh, not so tired now, are we?"
"Mum, where is he?"
"I don't know, he just emailed me asking for a reccommendation. He's looking for another job."
"What was the email address he used?"
She stood up and went over to the fridge, turning her back on him. "I don't think I should tell you."
"Why not?"
"Because, Billy, I don't think he's good for you." She pulled the milk and eggs out, along with half a loaf of bread.
"You love Teddy."
"I used to," she grabbed a fork and a bowl, "but, Billy, I don't think he's in a good place right now."
"What's wrong with him?" Billy was making a tremendous effort not to shake his mother at the moment- why hadn't she told him?
"Maybe nothing. Maybe. But, Billy, once you left...I think you were what was keeping him grounded. I mean, Billy, he gave us an envelope full of bank notes. Where do you think he got that?"
Billy instantly deflated. He felt even more tired than before. "I don't believe that. He wouldn't sell drugs."
"I hope you're right, Billy; but I think it's best you try and forget about him anyway. It's been five years."
"I just- I just want to talk to him. You know, it's a loose end I want to tie."
"Well," she scooped the eggs onto a plate, "I'll give you the email address but I think this is a bad idea. There must've been someone nice on your course." She put the plate down and then sat back down in the chair opposite him. "You know, someone you have more in common with."
"What do you mean by that?"
Rebecca put her head in her hands and groaned. "Nothing. I didn't mean anything. Can we just go to bed? We've all had a long day."
Billy ate the eggs in silence and then headed to bed, unsure if he was angry with his mother or just exhausted. He put his head back on the pillow and tried to think of something other than his ex-boyfriend, but could literally not rend his mind away. His mother was right, he was being ridiculous. But, it seemed his brain wanted to be ridiculous and so he just the memories fill his head until he finally fell asleep.