2nd September 1976
I didn't even have time to question why he was there. One moment, the bed was cold, the house silent as I slowly awoke from a lonesome slumber, the next, he was on top of me, peppering my weary face with kisses as I giggled underneath him, the warmth provided by his body shaking away those September blues. I had hastily pulled him under the covers and laid there awhile, giggling with our heads under the comforter like a pair of lovestruck teenagers.
"What are you doing here?" I had questioned, dazed, breathless, as our foreheads rested against one another, staring into each other's eyes. "You're supposed to be at Ridge Field studio" I reminded him. He had been gone for almost two weeks, but somehow it had felt longer than that. Still, as was always the case when we were reunited, it felt as though no time had passed between us at all.
"No, silly, I'm meant to be here, with my wife" Roger corrected me, distractedly caressing my cheek. I giggled. "I need to be here to make her breakfast in bed, and take care of the kids, and maybe even take care of her, if you know what I mean" Roger winked cheekily at me, that familiar smirk coating his lips. I whacked his arm gently.
"I'm too tired for that now. I love you, but you have just interrupted my sleep, which is scarce enough already with the baby" I rolled my eyes softly. Roger chuckled, as we resumed our usual slumbering positions; Roger lying on his back, one arm around my waist as I curled into his side, my head resting upon his chest. His fingers instantly began playing with my hair, knowing it would soothe me back into that wonderful dreamland.
"Get some rest, my darling" he whispered, softly kissing my forehead.
"How long are you staying?" The words were uttered before I could stop them. Still, I couldn't fall asleep in his arms without knowing he would be there when I awoke.
"I don't know, baby, we may only have a few days. But I'll stick around until the weekend at least, I promise" he vowed sorrowfully. It was Sunday night now, meaning I at least had a few days to enjoy him. They would be bittersweet.
"That sounds great, baby" I purred, yawning. "How did you get the band to agree to that?" I questioned, furrowing my eyebrows. Every second word was punctuated with a yawn as I queried just how Freddie and Brian had relented to Roger's request for time alone.
"Don't you worry about that, my darling. I'll explain it in the morning. For now, get some rest; it's 4 am, and you've been looking after the children alone for way too long. Rest, my daring, and the next time you wake up will be for breakfast in bed" Roger vowed. I didn't have the energy to question just why Roger had to sneak back home at 4 am and instead nestled further into his chest. Sleep had barely overcome me when the silence was broken by Roger Jr.'s persistent wails from the other room.
"It's your turn" I mumbled sleepily, not even bothering to peep open an eye. Roger chuckled as he wordlessly pushed himself up from the mattress, accepting his fate.
I was just falling back into slumber as he heard him push open to door of Roger Jr.'s room and exclaim excitedly, "That's my boy". I fell asleep picturing the smile on his face as he picked up my son and whirled him around the room.
When I awoke again, it was clearly dawn. Blinking to adjust my eyes to the rays of morning light streaming through the gaps in the curtains, I groggily pushed myself from the bed and wandered into the living room. My feet light in my slippers, Roger didn't hear my descent down the creaky staircase until I emerged into the light of the kitchen, tiredly rubbing at my eyes. Lola was already dressed for her first full day at school, immaculate in her uniform, as Roger bundled around the kitchen, slaving away over half a dozen different pans, Roger Jr. tied in a sling around his front. I don't know what was more overwhelming for me – the sight of my love perfectly fulfilling the role of devoted house husband after so long away, or the sight of my daughter, so grown up in her blonde plaits and blue school jumper, as she munched demurely on her toast, no longer needing her highchair to eat at the family breakfast table.
