Her Silence

Chapter Twenty Two

"There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem." Harold Stephen

I jump as we pull into James's driveway when I hear a squeal from the backseat. I whip around to check on Harry, uptight from the anxiety that had developed during the journey home from the police station.

"Is everything alright Harry?"

"Rosie I am so excited! Pizza, spaghetti, Harry Potter and no school-work!" He claps his hands to emphasise his excitement even more. I almost pout in adoration at Harry's mannerisms.

"Well let's get you inside and get this evening started then hey?" He silently gets out of the car and peers up towards James's house with wide eyes. "It's probably not as big as your house, is it?" He shakes his head.

"My house is too big. It's so full of the most meaningless things that it almost feels empty."

"Christ." James mumbles. I would have said the same. This child is way, way too smart for this world to the point that it's almost upsetting. "Let's get you inside buddy, it's freezing out here."

"It is, isn't it?" He looks up at James imploringly, and marches into through the front door. James locks it, and then locks it again out of paranoia I suppose. I know he's worried about me, but I'm more worried about what my Mother could do to his house if she ever found it – God forbid.

"You okay?" James asks. I smile at him and nod my head, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head against his chest. He places his lips on the top of my head and then spins me around, pushing me into the kitchen. "Let's get this food cooking!" Harry asks if he can help, and collectively we work together for the next half an hour prepping the pizza and the spaghetti bolognese. Harry is stood on a chair so he can reach and decorates his pizza in the shape of a smile face. Mine is shaped as a heart made out of tomatoes, and James's is quite frankly a mess.

"What the hell is that?" I ask laughing.

"Oi! At least mine isn't cringey. Harry's definitely wins though."

"Mine looks just like you Rosie." He says, sticking his tongue out at me. I pretend to gasp in offence and tickle his waist. "Okay... okay, stop! I'm finished now!" We put the pizzas in the oven and spend the time waiting for the food to be ready talking about Harry Potter. Harry asks a load of questions that James and I answer to our best ability without giving away the plot, proving to be quite difficult. In turn, we then ask Harry questions about his school and his family, but we don't get anywhere in learning anything crucial about him and why his parents are practically neglecting him. As soon as the timer goes off, Harry tears into the living room to get the best position on the sofa whilst James and I bring in the food. Eventually, we are all settled down munching away and watching the film. Once I've finished my plate of food, I feel James tugging on my arm; I move to lay between his legs, and he begins to stroke my hair. I watch Harry, who is now clutching at one of the cushions whilst the Quidditch scene is playing. Wondering how long we had been watching the film I check the time, and to my alarm it's already a quarter to eight. I sit up in panic, wondering where on earth in Joan is and whether she is okay.

"Rosie?" James asks. As he does, headlights fill the living room through the gaps of the curtains that James had shut.

"That will be Nana!" Harry says, leaping off the couch. He picks up his plate and glass and runs it through to the kitchen. I hear water running and I bring my hands to my chest.

"Harry, we have a dishwasher!" James calls through to him as I make my way to the door. When I open it, I see Joan shuffling up the driveway. I wave at her and hurry her in and out of the cold. The temperature seemed to have dropped even more and I worry she will catch a chill.

"Joan! How are you? Was everything okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'm quite alright. Sorry for being so late, the traffic is absolutely horrendous. I think there had been a crash quite some way down the main road. Near the turn off to Tidy's I believe." Blood rushes to my head and I can only presume what has happened, but I've got a clear idea. I hear footsteps scattering down the hallway and behind me appears Harry. I ruffle my hand through his hair. Joan smiles down at him. "Now, have you had fun young man? Been on your best behaviour?"

"Of course I have Nana. Can I come again?" Harry asks openly. Before Joan becomes embarrassed, I jump in.

"You are more than welcome to Harry." I reach over to Joan's arm and squeeze it. "Whenever you need help with Harry, James and I will be willing." For some reason that I can't even fathom, Joan looks as though she might begin to cry. She hurries Harry to get his coat and shoes on, and thanks James and I endlessly for our help. I ask her whether she would like to meet some day next week, and she replies that she needs to, striking me as rather odd. James's hand is on the small of my back, moving around in circles at a comforting rate, before he moves is away to hug Harry and Joan goodbye. He promises Harry that the next time we look after him we can finish watching the film, which sends Harry skipping off down the drive. Before she follows him, Joan looks at me with a worrying lack of emotion in her eyes. I frown.

"It's not good Rosie. It's not good. I fear I'm going to need more of your help than you're offering to give." She leaves me standing in the doorway with James's hands tightly gripping my arms.

"She will tell you in her own time baby." He mutters in my ear. I know he's right, but I'm beginning to care for my two friends deeply, and could not cope with anything bad happening to them.

*****

Who else loves Harry Potter? I genuinely didn't mean to name Harry, Harry, but here we are! My favourite film has to be either The Prisoner of Azkaban or Deathly Hallows Part Two. The books are even better!

James and Rosie are definitely meeting parenting standards, it's SO cute!

What do you suppose is wrong with Joan? Read on to find out...

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