Nut Features Neice

Chapter 11 ✔

*I felt this chapter was necessary, I felt we needed to say goodbye to Nellie, properly. Frances Cuka, who played Nellie, sadly passed away in February 2020 and I felt we all need a proper goodbye for our favourite grandma*

It was quiet in the goodman house, all of us dressed in black, paying our respects for the wonderful woman that was Eleanor Buller.

It had happened so suddenly, she was fine one minute, organise lunch with johnny and I on the Saturday, then on the friday she was in hospital. She was sick and the doctor gave her days to say goodbyes, two weeks later she passed away.

That was a week ago and it was still fresh in our minds. Jackie and would drive up to see her almost every day, each day watching her grow stronger and stronger. Then, she just, went to sleep and didn't wake up.

Johnny Adam and I had been staying at the Goodmans all week, the boys wanting to be with their mum while Martin and I worked tirelessly to help arrange the funeral, to make sure Jackie and the boys were eating and drinking properly.

We went out once a day for some fresh air and Jackie would hide out in her room. I don't blame her of course, she lost her mum, the last of her side of the family. If it wasn't for Martin and the boys she'd have no one.

I was stood in the kitchen, washing dishes, hiding out from the grieving guests who had gathered after the lovely funeral service. Jackie had gone to bed, having a headache, Adam was sat talking to Val and Spencer while Johnny sat alone in the living room.

I hadn't had much time to process the loss myself because I felt I didn't have the right to. I had only k own Nellie for three years but in that time she had become special to me. Much like my own grandma.

I heard the door bell ring and knowing that Martin and the boys were busy grieving, I dropped the dirty dish I was washing and dried my hand, heading for the door. When I opened it inlet out a heavy sigh.

"Hi uncle Jim." Jim looked up at me confused.

"Yes, hello Tony, you look...did somebody die?" He whispered, pointing at my black dress, tights and stilettos.

"Yes, Nellie, Jackie's mum, passed away last week."

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, I must pass on my condolences to Jackie...and the others." Jim insisted, trying to step by me but I stopped him.

"Actually Jim, Jackie is sleeping, she isn't feeling very well, and I think maybe you should leave it for now, just let the family grieve." I suggested kindly, Jim stopped for a second and nodded slowly.

"Yes, of course, would you like to come by for a cup of tea, let the family be alone?" He asked and I shook my head. "I know you loved Mrs Buller as much as they did, you'll need time to grieve too."

"Its OK, Jim, i have everyone here to help me grieve too."

"But...you said only family?" He reminded me, confused.

"But Jim, I am  family, I'm marrying Johnny soon remember? Jackie, Adam and Martin will be my in-laws and right now, they need me." I reminded him. He quickly nodded agreeing then turned to leave.

"Goodbye Tony, make sure to pass on my ..."

"Condolences, don't worry Uncle Jim, I'll tell them." I smiled before shooting the door to see Johnny and Martin stood behind me.

"Who was it?" Johnny asked, his face still red and puffy.

"Jim, he sends his condolences.' I smiled, walking past Jihnny  trying to hold back my tears as I walked over to the fridge and pulled out some food, passing it to johnny.