To Break a Curse

Chapter 22

'Remember,' said Rose quietly to Will and Oliver. 'Don't make it look like we've been away for more than half an hour. No hugs or anything like that, just act normal.'

They were walking back to Will's farmhouse after delivering the cow back to Andrew.

'I know,' said Will.

The back door opened and they saw the silhouette of Will's mum who was waving them inside.

'I'd better be off,' said Oliver awkwardly.

'Come in and get dry first,' said Rose, giving his hand a quick squeeze.

'I've got some hot chocolate on the go!' Will's mum called to them. She shut the door behind them and bustled off into the kitchen.

Will, Rose and Oliver left their shoes in the porch and followed her inside. The kitchen was warm with the lit stove giving it a cosy glow. Will glanced at the clock – it was only half past six in the evening. An hour or so ago he and Rose had been watching the sun set and the storm come in. Or was it three weeks? Time travel was confusing him.

'Are all of the cows back?' Will's mum poured them a mug of hot chocolate each and handed it to them.

'Yep,' said Will, warming his hands on the mug.

'Good good. By the way, your parents are here, Rose, love. A few cows had got through to your farm so after they brought them back, I invited them in for a cuppa and to wait for you.' Will's mum poked her head into the sitting room, 'they're back!' she called.

The door opened and Rose's parents came out.

'Hello Rosie,' said her mum.

'Hi, mum. Alright, dad?' Rose, despite what she had said earlier, was finding it hard not to give her parents a huge hug each. Rose looked around for her brother and sister. 'Where's Matt and Charlotte?'

'We left them at home cooking tea,' said her mum.

'Did you have a good horse ride?' her dad smiled at her

Rose cast her mind back about three weeks, 'yeah, we saw the sun setting and got back just as the storm started.'

'Just in time to help go back out in it to herd in the cows then,' her dad grinned. His gaze fell on Oliver and his smile faded slightly, 'I don't think we've met?'

'This is Oliver,' said Rose quickly. 'He's in the rugby team we rent the field to and we're at college together.'

'I see.'

Oliver attempted a friendly smile at his girlfriend's father, trying to add in the right proportions of respect while maintaining a steady gaze. He wasn't sure how successful he was being so gave up and tried to hide behind Rose.

Rose's dad opened his mouth to say more, but Rose's mum had sized up the situation and smiled at Oliver, saying, 'lovely to meet you, Oliver. You must come round for tea sometime.'

'Thanks,' Oliver returned the smile, relieved. 'I should be going, though. My parents will be wondering where I've got to.'

'You can't go out in that storm, love,' said Will's mum, concerned.

'It's fine,' said Oliver. 'It's only a fifteen minute walk from here to home.'

'I'll give you a lift,' said Will, finishing the last of his hot chocolate. 'Can I borrow the car?' he checked with his parents.

'Of course,' his mum smiled.

Will grinned at Rose, 'coming?'

'We'll make our way home, Rose,' said her dad. He looked at Will, 'can you drop her home after?'