Ashes

Deal

Christie

I hadn't seen my brother in over a year. We kind of lost touch with the whole mum thing. I know I shouldn't take it out in Matt, but it just happens. I keep everything so bottled up when I'm around Violet so she doesn't pick up on it, but then I explode when she's not around. We sat in Violets favourite diner waiting for Gabby and Matt to get here. "What are you going to order?" I asked looking over at Violet sitting next to me. "Schnitzel sandwich," she said looking up at me, "that's what I always order mum, you should know that," she laughed. God she could bring a smile to my face. She knew exactly how to cheer my up. I don't know why I was nervous about seeing them, I feel like it has something to do with the fact Matt said he had news.

The bell on the door chimed and I looked up to see Matt walking through the door, Gabby following behind him with her hand in his. She's pregnant. Gabbys pregnant. I can see it from here. "Matt hey." I said standing up and hugging him as he walked over. "It's so good to see you," he smiled embracing me back. "Look at you!" I smiled walking over to Gabby and embracing her in a hug. "Matt why didn't you tell me about this?" I smiled pointing to Gabbys stomach. "That's why we came today." Gabby rested her hands on her stomach and smiled as we all sat down in the booth. "Does that mean I'm going to be a cousin?" Violet asked me, and I nodded. "I've missed you Vi," Matt smiled reaching over and kissing Violets head. "Missed you too uncle Matt. And you Gabby."

Matt

It was so good to see Christie and Violet. Violet had grown so much. "Should we order?" I asked looking at Christie and then Gabby. They both nodded at me and I looked at the menu. "What do you want babe?" I asked Gabby. "Schnitzel sandwich, with extra cheese," she smiled. "That's what I'm having!" Violet smiled. Gabby lent across and high fived Violet. "How old are you now Violet?" She asked. "I'm 11 now Gabby." "Christie what did you want?" "I'll get it." "It's my shout, what do you want?" She smiled at me, "I'll have a bolognese thanks." I got up and grabbed my wallet from my pocket before walking over to the register. "Can I have 2 schnitzel sandwiches, one with extra cheese. A bolognese, a steak, and a bowl of chips?" "What table number?" I turned back around and looked at the table. Christie looks the happiest I've seen her in a long time. Gabby was playing some game with serviettes with Violet. "Table 7." I said before walking back over to be table. "What are you playing?" "Hangman! Gabbys beating me uncle Matt!" I laughed and kissed Gabbys head. "O." She added o to the line of letters that formed the word. "R." "Nope!" She gave our handing little stick man an arm. "I'm not very good at this game Violet!" I laughed. "That's okay."

I looked over to Christie, "how have things been?" "They've been really good actually. The money from the divorce finally came through and Violets back in her old school which is good. Jim's been really reasonable with everything. He's paying all the school fees and still send money monthly to contribute to food and living costs." "That's
good Christie." "What about you guys? Looks like things have been going pretty well." I chuckled slightly and looked at Gabby, "Yeah we are getting there. Went through a rough patch about six months ago, but things are looking better now aren't they babe?" Gabby nodded with a smile. "And we've just bought a house." "Matt that's great. I'm really happy for you guys. Gabby when are you due?" "Feb 6th," she smiled taking my hand. "That's so exciting!" "I know it's crazy."

Our food came out and the waiter placed it on the table. I looked over at Christie. "Promise me we will do this more often." "Deal," she smiled.