Bad News

Part 7

Chapter Ten

A couple of days later, Lincoln jogged upstairs. Debs didn't hear him as he came into the bedroom. There was a basket of washing at her feet and she was staring at something in her hands. Lincoln saw it was the picture of him and his Mum.

"Hey" he said quietly.

Debs jumped and the photo fell from her hands onto the bed.

"Oh, hi, sorry" she said, picking the frame up and putting it back in place. Her cheeks were flushed.

"It is ok" said Lincoln.

She put the washing basket on Connor's bed and began hurriedly putting items on the bed. She scooped out the clothes from the dirty basket.

"Do you have any washing?" she asked.

It's ok. You don't have to do my washing. I'm used to doing it myself." It felt weird to have her do things for him. She wasn't his mum after all.

She smiled at him. "That is good, but I am putting a load on now."

"Um, ok" Lincoln grabbed the dirty pile that was sitting at the end of his bed and handed them to her. "Thanks."

She smiled, her cheeks still red.

Lincoln glanced at the photo and then back at Debs as he sat down. "Did you ever meet her?" he asked.

She looked away from him.

"No, I never did."

"I guess having me here isn't great for you, huh?" said Lincoln softly.

Debs looked at him for a long moment and sat down next to him.

"I am glad you are here. What happened with me and your Dad, and your Mum, well that was all a very long time ago."

Lincoln nodded.

"About your Mum, I don't think I have said yet how sorry I am"

Debs put her hand on top of his. Her warm, soft skin reminded him of his own mother.

"Thanks" he replied, his voice constrained.

"I can't imagine what this has been like for you. Losing your mother and being thrown into this situation, not knowing any of us."

"It isn't easy" he admitted. He tried to be tough but truth was he felt overwhelmed at times.

She squeezed his hand.

"It is a learning process for all of us."