Hunger

July (part 4)

Frankie had to admit that being with Harry was healing her in ways she had never thought possible, and in places she didn't know needed healing. Her relationship with her parents had needed Harry. He somehow closed the gaping hole Frankie had always felt her awkwardness and lack of self-confidence had left between them. As they said goodbye her dad held her a little closer and a little longer.

"You deserve a good man, pet." He said, his voice was a little shaky. "I'm very happy for you," he added and Frankie found herself having to dry her eyes.

Her mum was hugging Harry, and saying something that made him laugh. "I will, I promise," he replied before they switched places.

Dad opened his arms to Harry and hugged him tightly, patting him on the back.
Frankie smiled to herself, and went to kiss her mum's cheeks and hug her.

"Take care of yourself, my dear." Mum was sniffling, as she hugged Frankie tightly and held her hands to Frankie's cheeks. "You look slimmer, Frankie. I'm so happy for you," she kissed Frankie's cheeks. "He is a wonderful man. Now go help him, your dad is never going to let the poor lad go."

Frankie laughed lovingly at her dad holding onto Harry like he was never letting him go.

They waved goodbye as they drove off and Frankie felt a calmness in her stomach. Like she made peace with something she had been needing to close for a long time.

***

They drove to Holmes Chapel and settled in for a visit with Anne. Anne was so happy to see them, and she hugged them both for the longest time. She had baked an apple pie for them, and set a beautiful table in her garden. Frankie was hit with a wave of nostalgia. It was like summer in her Nan's garden, and it made her feel safe and happy. Nan had always been the kindest woman, she knew. She never judged Frankie for her size, and not once did she comment on it, apart from telling her she was the most beautiful girl in the entire world. And somehow that feeling came back to her, sitting in Anne's garden, enjoying a piece of apple pie.

Harry was holding one of Anne's many cats, telling his mum about the Old Trafford visit with Frankie's dad. She beamed at him, obviously proud of her son and his kind nature.

"It sounds like you've charmed the in-laws," Anne giggled and winked at Harry.

He smiled shyly and turned his attention back to the cat. "They are lovely people, and they are important to Frankie." He gazed at Frankie, and she smiled sweetly at him. "I'd do anything for her."

Frankie put her hand on his arm, and squeezed it. The cat he was holding took it as a welcomed third hand to give love. Frankie petted the cat softly, and it enjoyed her head scratches so much, it abandoned Harry's lap for hers.

Anne laughed warmly. "Oh dear, Harry my love, you've been replaced."

Harry chuckled. "Can you blame him?" He said and winked at Frankie, who blushed and stroked the cat, that settled into her lap.

***

Anne's boyfriend Darren came around to pick them all up. They had been invited around to Anne's best friend's house for drinks and dinner. Harry had always had Louise, his mum's best friend, in his life. She had almost been like an aunt, and she was very important to both him and Gemma. Frankie had fussed about what to wear, and she was very nervous, but Harry held her hand and whispered to her, that she was beautiful, and he couldn't wait to introduce her to Louise and her family.

Like Harry's family they were warm, open and louder than Frankie's own family. She was embraced immediately, not treated like a stranger at all. Louise was lovely, and very interested in hearing everything about Frankie and her job. Frankie's initial shyness was long gone by the time they sat down to eat. Her anxiety of eating in social contexts wasn't gone though. She felt her stomach turn at the idea of having anyone watch her eat, and instinctively she started picking at her nail. Harry caught her picking her skin, and put his hand on hers, gently stroking her hand with his thumb. Frankie looked at him and mouthed "sorry".