In which two bitter strangers mourn together and maybe, sort of find themselves whilst they're at it.
[SEQUEL / SPINOFF TO 'THAT NIGHT', CAN BE READ AS A STAND ALONE BUT CONTAINS HUGE SPOILERS, MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION INSIDE TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL SP...
OF ALL THE PLACES TO GO WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO MOPE AROUND AND MOURN, SIR KNIGHTLEY'S HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT TOP OF THE LIST. So when Ciara kicks up a fuss about returning for good, her mother almost gives her a free pass. Almost.
"It's time you went back properly, Ciara," she says sternly. "You were supposed to be back weeks ago - you technically already are - but when was the last time you actually made it in for five whole days in a week?" She sighs. "I know your father and I have been busy, Ciara, but I can take time off work if you need me to. Just say the word and I'll get someone else on my case instead."
Ciara sighs. "No, Mama," she says. "It's okay."
It's not okay, not really, but then again nothing is, so Ciara's not entirely sure why she would even expect anything else anymore. She'd love to be selfish and ask Mahaliah to take a week off - hell, even just a day! - but she's learned how to survive on her own. There's no need to disrupt any of the balance her parents have worked so hard to achieve.
"Are you sure?" Mahaliah's eyes are gentle and inviting, but Ciara's mind is made up.
"I'm sure."
"Okay. Well, I'll be off now then. And call Artie if you have any problems." She grabs her keys off the hook and opens the door. "And Ciara?"
"Mhm?"
"I love you."
Ciara smiles ever so slightly. "I love you too, Mum."
And then Mahaliah leaves, closing the door firmly behind her.
Sometimes, Ciara wishes that she was one of those children who was exactly like her parents. Mahaliah is the picture of success - she's empowering and she's a highflying lawyer and she is everything that Ciara wishes that she could be but knows that she will not. Her phone buzzes, and she chuckles a little when she sees it's a message from her mother already.
MUM: I forgot to mention before we went out - Dad and I were going to book an Air BnB for the weekend as a congratulations get away for Artie... you up for that? Will be a nice fun get away with the family. Let me know. Mum.
CIARA: Sure, sounds good x
MUM: Okay. Enjoy school. Mum.
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THE MCADAMS FAMILY LIVE WELL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF KNIGHTLEY'S, SO CIARA HAS LITERALLY NO EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE. It doesn't stop her from sauntering into the sixth form common room eleven minutes after registration has ended, however, with headphones plugged in and tie halfway down her chest.
She doesn't understand why Knightley's feels the need to have a uniform for the sixth formers. Only posh, private schools ever seem to do that, and Knightley's is by no means one of those.
She sighs, plopping down into a chair and folding her feet up on the table in front of her.
She doesn't really understand why she has to be here, anyway. It's not like she does anything.
