Letters - Michael Gray

Christmas

One year later

It was Christmas Eve and Valarie was making last minute preparations for Christmas while Michael was still at work. She was just finishing wrapping last minute presents while Henry, their one year old son, played with his toy truck next to her.

Henry was born a few weeks after Michael was released from prison. It was a shock to Valarie when Michael has suggested the name Henry as she knew that was his name when he lived with his adoptive family but, he said he wanted to thank them in some way for his up bringing. Of course Valarie agreed but chose Alfie as a middle name.

Valarie was too occupied that she did not hear her husband walk through the door.
"I'm home" called Micheal as he hung up his coat then walked into the living room "how have my two favourite people been?" Michael has picked up Henry and watched Valarie finish wrapping presents.
"Fine, I think Henry knows that most of these are for him though" said Valarie while looking at all the presents that were already under the Christmas tree.
"I don't think he does love. I think he's just curious about the random boxes in the living room all of a sudden" laughed Michael
"Well it was a nice thought while it lasted. How was your day?" asked Valarie.
"Same as always but Tommy stopped by today. He said we need to agree with mum about the spirts and keep off whiskey, snow and her tablets" said Michael.
"Well I suppose Tommy does know her better than anyone and she needs to get better. The other day she came here while you were at work, drank nearly all your whiskey, then tried to tell Henry about Tommy and why he can never trust him. I don't want to tell your mum she can't come here anymore but I can't have that all the time" said Valarie
"I know love and that's why we're going to help her. Anyway we better get going if we want to see Ada"

When the young family arrived at Polly's they were quick to notice that the front door was open. Michael looked at his wife with worry.

"I'll go in first, but I've been thinking. Maybe it's best if I speak to mum alone" suggested Michael. Valarie nodded in anticipation with Henry on her lap, she knew it was for the best. "I'll take him upstairs to the spare room"

"Mum? It's me, Valarie and Henry" Called Michael as he strolled through the door and put his coat down "you left the door open"

"I'll just head upstairs to put Henry down" Valarie had to lie otherwise she knew that Polly would know what her and Michael were up to.

Valarie climbed the stairs with Henry on hip, dreading the conversation that her husband was trying to have with his mum.

Although Valarie loved spending time with her son, she was on edge and couldn't concentrate on her and Henry's game of cars. Just like Henry, Valarie was lost in her own world.

Suddenly, both Valarie and Henry were brought back down to earth, as Polly opened the door.

"I wondered where you two were. I thought you had done a runner" laughed Polly.
"What?... oh yeah sorry for coming straight up here but Henry was getting fussy and I thought he should go down" apologised Valarie
"Don't worry, looks like he's awake now though. Why don't you both come down?"
"Oh thanks. I will soon. I think Henry is still tired though" Valarie knew that Michael hadn't spoke to his mum just yet.
"Alright but don't stay up here all night" with that Polly left the room and Valarie let out a breathe that she didn't know she was holding.

It didn't take long before Valarie heard a bottle being smashed downstairs, making her and Henry run to see what the commotion was. With Henry on her hip, Valarie stepped on the landing and saw her husband with her mother-in-law in his arms.

"This has got to stop!" Screamed Michael, while Polly cried hysterically.

"Hello Polly" Said Ada as she entered the house. She was just as confused and concerned as Valarie was. "Hello Michael. Hello Valarie and Henry. Merry Christmas. Door was wide open"

"I spent the whole day tidying up, I wanted it to be nice" said Polly she couldn't believe her nice had just walked through the door.
"Why, Pol, it's only me" reassured Ada while hugging Polly.

Michael walked over to his wife and took his son in his arms.
"Listen I think we should just go. Have a normal Christmas at home, just the three of us" suggested Michael
"Yeah, yeah, let's go then" agreed Valarie. She knew better than to ask now why they were rushing off.

"We'll leave you two to it then" said Michael as he was about to walk out the house.
"No, you stay" said Ada, Making Michael and Valarie stop in their tracks "now listen something's happened. Things have changed. Today, everyone in the family received one of these"

Michael and Valarie watched as Ada gave Polly an envelope to open. Without hesitation Polly opened the envelope and looked around her family.

"What does it mean?" Michael finally broke the silence.
"Tommy's called a family meeting. He wants you all to come" said Ada.

Nobody knew what to say or do. That night the young family stayed the night at Polly and it was arranged that Michael would pick up John and Valarie would meet him at Charlie's yard with their son.