Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 38

Fifteen year old Alexander, now taller and much more grown up, was stood in front of George and Alice, a determined look on his face. His parents were looking at him, stunned.

"I want to go and live with Tom for a bit." he repeated, "I've thought about it for a while. Tom and I have discussed it and we both think it wuld be a good idea."

"NO CHANCE!" Alice was firm. She stood up. "That man wouldn't know how to look after a dog, never mind a child Alexander. No, you're not living with him."

"You can't stop me mum! And for fucks sake, stop calling me a child!"

"Alexanxder Harrison, don't you EVER swear at me." Alice was furious. "And yes, I can stop you from living with Tom!"

"Actually mum, you can't."  said Alex arrogantly, "Tom and I have looked into it. I'm nearly sixteen and old enough to make my own decisions. Tom is my dad and therefore has a legal right for custordy. You can't stop me."

He stalked from the room.

"What didn't you say something?" she snapped at George, "Back me up in some way? George what do we do now?"

George looked grim, knowing a new battle ground was going to be developing in the household. "There's not much we can do Alice love." George told her gently, "He's right. Tom is entitled to custordy if its what Alex wants."

"He's not getting it!" said Alice, "I'll fight Tom for as long as it takes. He won't want to fight in court. He won't want to pay the costs for it. If nothing else, Thomas Donovan is a mean, tightfisted bastard!"

Suddenly there was the sound of the front door slamming. Alice ran from the room, followed by George. Alexander was making his way down the driveway to a waiting car. As Alice reached the gates she stopped dead. Alexander, carrying a large holdall, climbed into a car driven by Tom. Alexander waved to her as the car pulled away. Alice flew out onto the road, shouting for it to stop. Of course it didn't. As George arrived, he saw Alice slowly fall to the ground, sobbing. He ran to her and pulled her to her feet.

"He's gone George," she sobbed, "My baby has gone. I've lost him to that monster! What are we going to do George? What are we going to do?"

He led her into the house, comforting her as much as he could. The scared face of their youngest daughter appeared.

"Daddy?"

George turned to her. "Why are you out of bed Kitty my love?" he said softly, using her pet name.

"What was the big bang? It woke me up and scared me," she looked across at Alice, "Why is mummy crying daddy?"

"The big bang was the door slamming." he explained softly, "It must have blown in the wind. Mummy trapped her fingers too."

"Poor mummy." She walked over to Alice, who had hastely wiped her yes.

"Hello baby." she whispered, "You should be asleep."

"Are you OK mummy?" Kate asked, "Can I kiss it better like you do for me?"

Alice gave a small laugh. She reached out and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Give me a big hug instead Kate Harrison! That will make mummy feel better!"

Kate hugged her mum and then yawned widely. "Come on missy," said George, "Let's go back to bed. Daddy will tuck you in."

"Night night mummy." said Kate, giving her one last kiss then reaching out to George.

"Bye baby. Thanks for the hug! I'm better now!" Alice smiled at her daughter.

It was just a few minutes later that George reappeared. "How are you feeling now Alice love?"