Tyler's Battle

Chapter 31 - Jody On A Mission

Jody left Tyler's room, grabbed her bag and snuck out of the house. She caught the bus to town and then changed buses. Eventually she got off at the stop near Tyler's dad's house.

She knocked on the door and it was soon opened by Tyler's dad. He had the same eyes as Tyler and the same smile. 

How can I help you young lady? He asked cheerily

I need to speak to you about your son Tyler

The smile faded from his face

Look I don't know who you are or what you want but I can't help you

Yes you can. Tyler is all alone in the world and your his dad, there's plenty you can do

What do you mean he's all alone. He's got Sally

She died last month responded Jody

What exclaimed James I don't understand

She took her own life.

James looked shocked, his face went pale.

Then suddenly from with the house his wife called.

Darling, who's at the door?

Oh, just a delivery but the driver got the wrong address. Came to Pear Tree avenue instead of Pear Tree Road, again. Shouted James over his shoulder.

Look, you've got to go he hissed I'll meet you in an hour at the park down the road. We can talk there.

Then he shut the door, leaving Jody on the doorstep. Jody was glad Tyler's dad wanted to talk.

Jody walked to the park. She sat on a swing whilst she waited. She watched the kids running around, and the parents looking after little ones or sitting on benches keeping an eye older ones from a distance. One family were even having a picnic. Watching the kids smiling and happy with their parents made her wish she had a nice family like that and had spent her childhood having picnics and playing in parks. It seemed so idyllic and a far cry from her childhood. She watching the goings on in the playing ground for ages and had almost forgotten why she was there when Mr Hughes appeared.

Shall we find somewhere quieter to talk? He said

Yeah, sure

They went and sat at picnic table some distance from the swings

I don't even know your name

Jody

So how do you know Tyler?

We're best friends. Have been for years. We live in the same care home

Care home? Tyler's in care?

Yeah, has been for years. He was about six when he went into care

I had no idea.

Losing his mum has been hard. He's been going through a tough time recently. Even harder was finding out he had a dad. Sally always told him she didn't know who his dad was. Then he met her cousin at the funeral and she mentioned you

I didn't even know I had a son. Not til years after Tyler was born. Sally told me at the time that she was pregnant but we had already broken up by then, and I was young and selfish, I didn't want to know. Part of me didn't believe it. We lost contact not long after. I soon realised what a mistake I'd made but by then it was too late. Sally had moved and I didn't have her new address or phone number. I tried contacting her friends but they wouldn't help me contact her.

Then why did you shut the door on Tyler when he came looking for you?

Because my wife doesn't know about him and I have Sebastian and Sophie, my kids, to think about. I couldn't bear to loose them too.

And what about Tyler. He has no one, no family left except you

I know. I know that now.

Will you meet Tyler again then? What if I brought him here?

Of course.

How about tomorrow?

Yeah that's fine

Great, meet you here tomorrow at 2?

2 it is

Jody got up to leave

Tyler's lucky to have you, you know. Said Mr Hughes

Jody smiled and turned to leave. She could hardly contain her excitement.