Tyler's Battle

Chapter 17 - Cousin Irene

It was very brave of you to get up and say what you did Tyler said cousin Irene at the wake.
Not really, I just said what need to be said he shrugged
I wish I had known how much your mum was struggling. I would have visited, tried to do something to help.
Really responded Tyler disbelievingly
Yes. It's such a shame we drifted a part. We were really close when we were younger. More like sisters than cousins.
Then how come I never met you?
Well you have but you wouldn't remember. You were just a baby when I last saw you. My husband got offered an incredible job opportunity in Australia so we moved over there. Your mum and I stayed in contact at first. But she was busy raising you and well we were busy starting our new life in Australia. We have two daughters now, once they came along there wasn't much opportunity to come back for visits especially while they were young.
I was so shocked to hear she had passed away. At first I thought it was a mistake. That is was another Sally Lewis.
But it wasn't interjected Tyler
I still can't believe it. We had so much fun as kids. We lived just a few streets away from each other and we were constantly round at each others houses. My mum and your grandma were sisters. They took it in turn to look after each others kids, so we were always together growing up.
We used to tell each other everything, which boys we liked, which popstars we had a crush on.
Really exclaimed  Tyler smiling for the first time that day at the thought of his mum as teenager.
Yeah. I still remember the day she told me she was expecting you. By that point she had moved away to work but she still came to visit and we would spend hours on the phone to each other.
I remember her telling me. She was really shocked but really excited. She couldn't wait to tell your dad.
My dad echoed Tyler. The words hit him like a freight train. My dad he repeated feeling dazed.
But my mum told me that she lost touch with him before she found out she was having me. She would never tell me anything more than that. 
Irene suddenly seemed really flustered and unsure what to say
Well I don't really know the details she hesitated
If you know something about my dad you need to tell me Tyler protested
Well... I know that your mum was still in touch with your dad when she found out she was pregnant and that he knew about the pregnancy but that's all I know. She stopped talking about him and seeing him, so I assume he didn't want to be involved
I don't understand. Why didn't my mum tell me about my dad? Tyler's mind was suddenly racing with thoughts and questions.
I'm sorry. I honestly don't know anymore about it than that
What was his name? Stammered Tyler
Henry Hughes  Irene replied
Henry Hughes repeated Tyler. He tried to digest the news but it was a lot to take in.
That's why your middle name is Henry, after your dad added Irene.
This was just too much information to handle. He walked off shakily.
Are you alright? Asked Mike making his way over from the buffet. You look a bit pale.
I'm OK mumbled Tyler.
Maybe it's time to go. We can go straight home if you like or to bowling, it's upto you. said Mike sensing that Tyler would prefer to head back to the house
Home Tyler mumbled