Eastern District School

Chapter 50 - A double

"Okay, I want you to listen to me now." Rose's Nan was leaning on both the front seats as she spoke. "I want you to leave me here. Do not come back again until this evening. I don't know where you want to go, that's up to you. Just leave her with me. This evening, come get your things ready, don't try to speak to her. Then early in the morning I want you both to leave. Rich you are welcome to stay at my place again tonight. I would be most happy to have you company. Just make sure you leave me an address that we can drive to. You have to trust me this will work, but only if you do not give her any contact. Are we clear?"

She spoke so sternly that Rose and Rich just nodded in agreement as if she had just scolded them. Their gaze not leaving the dashboard in front of them. 

"So?" she asked suddenly, making Rose jump once again. 

She spun her head around to her grandmother then. "So?" she echoed.

"The address? Where shall we meet you?" she asked simply, her voice dripping with the courage she always wore.

Rose looked to Rich in desperation. His eyes suddenly worried. What had he not thought this much through? What was wrong?

Rich reached up to his sun-visor and opened it to find a notepad and pen. He scribbled a few lines down, tore off the page and passed it to her. Silvie took the note and without looking at it, she put it straight into the pocket of her cardigan. 

"Okay good, I shall see you tomorrow sweetie," she kissed the top of Rose's head and patted her on the shoulder. Then turning to Rich she said, "...and you lad, I'll see you tonight." Rich then received a pat on the shoulder too, before she opened her door and got out. 

Rose watched her walk up the stairs to the porch. 

"I have a bad feeling about all this. She seems too keen. I think she knows too!" Rose whispered, never taking her eyes from her Nan.

"Things will plan out!" came Rich's voice, calm, clear, composed. 

She turned to him then. "Why were you so worried about giving her Eastern District's address? I could see it in your face!" She stared at him as he continued to face towards the house.

"I didn't give the address of the school!" he said, his voice remaining ever calm.

"What?" she exclaimed. Puzzled by Rich's behaviour. 

"I gave her my father's address!" He turned to her then, a strained look in his eyes.

"Really? Whatever for? Did you contact them to let them know?"

Rich shook his head. "No, I'll give him a call later today. It's fine. There is plenty of room there for them to stay. Would be more welcoming than a hotel, within an hour's drive to E.D."

It sounded reasonable, but..."We'll be staying in a hotel with work anyway won't we?" She paused for a moment. "Except we're going back tomorrow, they will only have my hotel room sorted from Monday afternoon. I told them I would be staying away at the weekend."

She set another glance upon him. There was that slow smile creeping on across his face. "Wait, you want us all to stay there tomorrow night? What will that achieve? Seriously, that does not sound like a good plan. Not to mention how will we all fit in there at short notice?"

Rich laughed. His laugh, where he threw his head backwards and let out a chuckle that emitted from the depths of his stomach. His teeth on full display, as he held nothing back. "Rose, oh Rose," he shook his head then, still with the smile on his face. "There is plenty of room in Abel Pastor. After the bought the house, my father made several extensions. There are several guest bedrooms."