Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) Read Free

“She's lying to hurt us, hurt us all”
    Shaking off Sarah's arms she stormed back upstairs.
    “I'm getting dressed and then when the roads are clear we're going there, to her house. If you won't take me I'll call a taxi” she yelled. Slowly I stood up and made my way up to her bedroom. I knocked lightly and then walked in to find her lying on the bed. Her silent sobs shook her body with every wracking cry.
     
    I felt motionless faced with her grief but I didn't want her to feel alone and unloved like I had when my world had cracked. Sitting down on the duvet next to her I rubbed her back and her sobs subsided to a sniff.
    “Mum, what can we do” sh e hiccupped. Sitting up she allowed me to wrap my arms around her, her head resting on my chest.
    “I don't know Charlie. I just don't know but believe me if James thinks the best thing to do is to wait and inform the police then that's what we need to do. I can't help but think she is behind all this but I also know that a confrontation will only provoke her wrath”
     
    She looked up into m y eyes ; hers were so puffed up that I could hardly see the green.
    “Now how about you take a shower and come and try some of Uncle Chris' delicious omelettes” I persuaded.
    “Ok, but I don't think I'm going to be very festive today”
    “I don't think any of us will, but let's try our best”
    She nodded and I squeezed her even tighter for a few minutes before she shrugged me off.
    “Thanks Mum”
     
    Back in the kitchen all eyes turned to me.
    “It's ok she's calmed down and is going to have a shower before trying your world renown cooking Chris”
    Sweeping into a bow with spatula in hand he grinned at me, it was infectious and caught Sarah and James. The beat on the radio must have felt the change in atmosphere as “Rocking around the Christmas Tree” started to play. By the time Charlotte appeared the plates were loaded with food.
     
    By eleven Darren, Sophie, Pam and Peter had joined us and we sat down to open the presents under the tree. Charlie took it upon herself to hand them around, avoiding the small pile that were for Mitchell. I watched Pam wrap her new scarf around he r neck . Peter stuck his head in the first book that he opened. Chris and Sarah pulled their fun Christmas sweaters on and then I watched as Charlie opened hers. It was a full length midnight blue velvet coat that she had admired earlier in the year.
    “Thanks Mum, Jame s it’ s beautiful” she said, trying it on and giving us a twirl “I'm sure Mitch.....” She never finished the sentence as a single tear balanced on her eyelash.
     
     
    James picked up an envelope and passed it to me.
    “For you” he whispered. I opened it up to find plane tickets to New Zealand for the two of us, flying out on the 16th February.
    “This really starts to make it feel real” I breathed, turning to brush his cheek with my lips. He then handed me a small jewellery box, opening it I found a necklace and matching ear-rings with mesmerising blue tear-drop sapphires. I held them up in the light and they shone.
    “They're breath-taking” I exclaimed, fumbling to fasten the clasp.
    “Allow me” James said, doing the honours.
     
    He dropped a quick kiss on my upturned lips before I gave him the couple of presents from me. He laughed out loud at the festive boxer shorts.
    “Shall I model them for you now” he joked.
    “Hell no” Charlie laughed as she caught Sophie's eye and saw her giggling. His next present was the 25th Anniversary copy of Top Gun o n DVD.
    “I think both of our copies are worn out now” I said.
    “Especially as the on e wascurtes y of the old video shop where I used to work” Chris said. My final present to James was also in an envelope, he opened it to reveal a pair of tickets to g o swimmin g with Dolphins when we were over in New Zealand.
     
    With the present pile depleted Darren and Sophie left to have Christmas Dinner with her parents and Pam slipped into the kitchen to