The Family Screw Up Finds Himself A Girl

Chapter Five

I'm not telling Philip that I am coming to New York, he lives in Long Island, but I really can't see him at the moment. My focus is on supporting my friend, Jude. I called him to see how he was holding up and he seems to be in shock. He told me the entire story of how his wife became dangerously obsessed with their baby. She kept him inside their apartment for months, his diet consisted of bare minimum vegan products, when Jude tried to take him to the doctor she refused. Eventually, Anne took matters into her own hands and shot her one night. It's unbelievable to think something could escalate like that so quickly. At least his baby is safe now, albeit he is without a mother now, but he has a Dad who idolises him. So, I know he will grow up happy and loved.

Mum and I land in New York City the day before the funeral. The last time I was here was with my girls, Hannah, Jackie and Ruby. I contacted them to explain the situation and that I would be around until Sunday, but I'm still yet to hear back from any of them. It would be nice to introduce them to my Mum and have a catch up, I still haven't told them about Philip yet. That said, it would be another thing to make me look stupid in front of them. How could I not know that he was related to my sister's ex?
We settle into our hotel room at the Edison in Times Square, there is no time for sightseeing as we have the funeral tomorrow morning.

It is awful, there are no other words to describe it. Jude tried to do a reading, and he completely fell apart. His friend had to take over from him. My Mum is in pieces too, unable to comprehend how one of her dearest and oldest friends could murder someone like she did. I'm still struggling to believe it, although I can understand that she must have felt that she was doing right by her son and grandchild. The sound of the church door opening makes the entire congregation jump to attention, I'm too distracted by my mother and her sobs, I hold her in my arms, trying to console her the best way I can. I hear a deep voice, "Is this seat taken?" I look to the side of me and I'm dumbfounded, it's Philip! What the hell is he doing here?

"Oh my God! What are you doing here?!" I whisper, feeling slightly uneasy. I move up to make room for him to sit down. "Your Facebook, I saw your post. How could you not tell me you were in town?" He sits down next to me and places his hand on my thigh.

An old lady in front looks over, glaring and mouthing to us to shut up. "Later, ok?!" I say to him irritatedly. He smiles and kisses my cheek. I'm thinking to myself, this guy is eager, isn't he?