Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 12

Max picked up the call on his Cell phone, and seeing Robyn's name he took a deep breath, not sure what to expect. On the other end Robyn also inhaled before saying uncertainly, "Hi Max, I'm just letting you know I'm back." Max couldn't help sounding stern, "Okay, good. Do you want to tell me what's been going on since I haven't heard from you in like more than two weeks?" Robyn's voice faltered, " Yeah, but I'm scared you're mad with me, I know I should have called. Can I come 'round to the house? I need to talk to Allie before I come anywhere near the office." Max's tone softened, "Course you can, I'll be home by six. Will that work?" Hearing the emotion in her voice Max was concerned, "Robyn, is Jack okay?" Robyn sniffed, "Yeah, he's good. I'll have to bring him with me because Jeremy's in work and won't be home until seven." Max smiled, "I'll let Margie know, she'll be excited to see him and you." Robyn relaxed a little, "Thanks, I'll catch you later."

The next person she dialled was Allie, but it went to voicemail. She cut the call and paced the room trying to decide whether to ring back and leave a voicemail. Conscious Jack was about to demand attention she rang the office and got Pauline on reception who told her Allie was with a client until ten. She said she'd ring her cell again later and dodged Pauline's question about when she would be back. She played with Jack a little and then set him up with a snack and some toys while she dialled Allie's number. This time Allie picked up and said "Robyn, hi, are you back?" Her voice shaking Robyn said, "Yeah, I got back last night. Listen, I really need to see you." The hesitation in Allie's response destroyed her fragile composure and her voice broke, as she said, "I know I've no right to ask after what I said to you." Allie sighed, "How about I whizz over for a coffee at lunchtime. I won't have long because I've got a twelve o'clock and a two." Robyn agreed tearfully, "Thanks, I'd come over to the office but I want to talk to you first."

Allie messaged to say she was leaving the office at just after twelve thirty and she jumped into the car to drive over to Robyn and Jeremy's place. Knocking the door she was filled with anxiety after their last interaction. Robyn opened the door with Jack in her arms and the little boy smiled. Robyn lifted him towards Allie which slightly broke the awkwardness, but as soon as they sat on the couch he wriggled down to walk around the furniture. Allie smiled, "He's so nearly walking." Robyn gave a rueful laugh, "Yeah, it's getting harder to stop him falling over and head butting objects by the day." Allie nodded, "Remember that stage well. Rose had bumps and bruises so often I used to worry people would think I was beating her!"

Robyn moved into the kitchen and got them coffee, bringing out some pizza from the oven. "Thought you wouldn't have had time to eat anything." Allie have her a small smile, "Thanks. To be honest I haven't got much of an appetite." Robyn looked guilty and turned away before saying, "I don't blame you. I don't know where to start Allie." Allie sighed and said, "How you feeling?" Robyn was quick to reassure her, "Fine, I'm good physically." She glanced at her friend , "I told Jeremy when I got home yesterday I needed to talk to you, to try and fix things between us, regardless of whether he wanted me back or not. Allie I'm so sorry about what I said, how I was. It's no excuse but I hit out at you because I was scared, and I hurt just about the closest person to me as a way of deflecting that fear. I told Jeremy I'm jealous of the relationship you guys have, not because I'm worried you're more than friends, but because when I mess up he and I both know you wouldn't make the same mistakes." She sighed and added miserably, "I don't think I've explained that very well. It's not really about you and Jeremy, it's about me."

Allie was choked, "I'm no plaster saint Robyn. I get things wrong too, all the time. I only wanted to be a good friend. I just thought if you went ahead without telling Jeremy not only would you have to go through all that without his support, but you also might regret it in the future." Robyn had tears spilling down her face, "I know, and I promise I'll never treat you like that again. Jem was so upset yesterday, I have a lot of making up to do, but Allie he explained to me just how important you are to him, how you helped him open up to life, to me and I get it because I realise that's what you did for me too."