Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 40

The phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi Mum!"

"Alex!" Alice was delighted to hear from him, "How are you?"

"Great thanks."

They talked for twenty minutes or so then, after asking if she would mind dropping some stuff off at Tom's house for him, the call ended. Alice smiled to herself. It had been just over three weeks since Alex had moved into Tom's. It seemed to be working well. Tom was pleasantly cooperative. He was much nicer with her than she ever remembered him being. He had agreed to arrangements and more surprisingly, stuck to them. He had even found a common ground with George and they would talk cars quite amicably! Alex rang regularly and mother and son seemed to be developing a nicer, better relationship. It made her happier than she had been for a long time. She was also enjoying the time with the girls, no more arguments, just time spent talking, playing and baking. Life was good she told herself, smiling. She went upstairs to Alex's room and found the items he had asked for. She thought they were a strange request when she looked at them, but who understood teenage boys? She smiled even more then placed the items in a bag and went back downstairs. She met George in the hallway, wandering in from the garden.

"You're looking cheerful!"

She grinned at him. "Alex phoned. He's asked me to drop some stuff off. I was going to go later, at least, if you'll collect the girls for me?"

George gave her a quick kiss. "No problem! Anything that makes you smile that much means a lot to me!"

"Thanks George my love!" She kissed him back enthusiastically.

"Mmmmm," George whispered, "We have an empty house now. Why don't we make the most of it?"

Alice laughed. "As tempting as it sounds my love, I'm going to turn you down. I have a date with my son!"

George pulled a mock hurt face then hugged her. "Say Hi from me won't you?" he said softly.

"Of course I will." she smiled at his face, "You miss him as much as I do don't you?"

George nodded. "I feel outnumbered in this place. Far too many women!" He started laughing as Alice walked away, waving to him.

She knocked on the door then waited. Tom had a small flat on a tired looking street she noted. Still, it was clean and tidy inside and Alex seemed happy. She knocked again then looked at her watch. She was puzzled. It was the time she had agreed with Alex but there didn't appear to be anyone home. Disappointed, she turned to leave.

"Alice."

She turned. Tom was stood at the door. She could see Alex in the hallway. He was looking at her strangely, shaking his hand and waving his hands. She looked at him, puzzled. He started mouthing something at her, confusing her even more.

"Come on in." said Tom, deliberately blocking Alex from view. "I'll put the kettle on!"

Alice smiled and moved forward.

"MUM NO!"

"Alex?"

"Shut up!" Alice was startled as Tom snarled at Alex.

"What's wrong? Alex?"

Tom moved forward and took her arm. She felt herself being propelled by the elbow into the house.

"Get in there!" Tom snarled once more, virtually throwing her into the hallway. "And you..." he glared at Alex as he slammed then bolted the door, "Shut the fuck up. Got that?"

Alice stumbled as she was thrown into the hallway. "What's going on?" She looked from Alex to Tom.

Alex ran to her. "I'm sorry! It's my fault!"