Chapter Text
Seren sat at a table in the little pub they had come across that evening that said they had vacancy in the rooms just a floor above. It was a small pub, the walls completely covered with wood paneling, old photos of famous Scotsmen and women, famous golfers striking a pose with their clubs, musicians with their instruments. The small fire in the hearth created some light and a warm atmosphere amongst the other few patrons who drank at the bar or played darts in the corner, drinking and chatting quietly amongst themselves.
Her eyes fixated on the glass of scotch that sat in front of her, but she hadn’t had a sip, nor had she really moved since she sat down. Her mind was harking back to everything that had transpired that day. That afternoon, really.
When the contents of the horlicks tin were revealed and the tears had stopped, the photo albums came out and the stories began.
The following hours flew by in the blink of an eye. Once Seren had explained why she had come there, it seemed all reservations from both Delia and Patsy had dropped. They welcomed her and Frankie into their home, showed them around, showed them their garden, told them their stories. Oh, goodness the stories. The life these women had was, well, extraordinary, to say the least.
Dinner was prepared by Patsy, with Frankie hovering in the kitchen eager to help. The sounds of pots and pans clanging and the smells that soon emanated from the kitchen were barely noticed by Seren as she witnessed her great aunt speak to her mother for the first time on the phone via video chat.
'My word,' Delia said, holding the phone out and looking down at the smiling and curious face of Seren's mum, 'I didn't know mobile phones these days could do this. Like something out of a James Bond movie.'
Seren was surprised to hear the two of them make quick introductions before switching their conversation to Welsh, the sing-song cadence of her country's language making Seren feel a little homesick, even though she had only been away for a short time. Delia looked happy too, and Seren was glad to see this small reconnection with her family didn't go as horribly as she had feared it would.
Seren broke from her train of thought when Frankie sat across from her and pulled their pint of Smithwicks closer to them.
‘All set,' they said, referring to the room they had just booked.
Seren barely heard them, only vaguely thinking that she would be too anxious to sleep tonight.
Frankie sighed and leaned back in their seat, looking as if the long day was finally weighing on them.
‘Alright?’ they asked.
Seren simply shook her head.
Frankie held their pint up to their mouth and sighed. ‘Patsy?’
‘And Delia,’ she sighed. Despite all the happy moments and stories they had heard that afternoon, she could only focus on the not so happy ones. ‘Just... one traumatic event after the other.’
Frankie nodded, swallowing a sip of beer, ‘Yeah. Amazing isn’t it?’
Seren finally looked at Frankie. Were they joking?
‘Just everything they had been through…’ Frankie elaborated.
Seren almost barked a laugh. ‘Fucking world war two internment camps.’
‘Memory loss.’ Frankie added.
‘Separation…’
‘More death.’
‘More separation.’
The two paused, and Frankie too was now staring off into the distance, recalling, it seemed, everything that had transpired earlier.
Together, the two of them took a long, slow swig of their beverage.
‘...They… both lost their whole family, in a way… didn’t they?’ Seren remarked after a quiet moment.
Frankie nodded contemplatively. ‘...In a way, yes.’
‘What that must have been like to venture out into the world with just one another. No family to fall back on, the whole world against them just because of who they are…'
Franke smirked. ‘Like I said. Amazing.’
Seren squeezed her eyes shut tight, feeling the tears sting, threatening to fall over.
'Their life makes me regret everything I've taken for granted,' she sniffed, 'what did I work so hard for? I have nothing to show for it except grey hair and a failed marriage. I could have been a better partner to my wife, could have been a mum, traveled, written a book, I -'
Frankie placed a hand on Serens wrist, and despite their size Seren was almost taken back at how gentle they were.
'Everything you've ever done has led you right here to this moment. If you had gone back and changed anything you wouldn't be here.'
Seren didn't know what it was about Frankie's touch that calmed her down. It grounded her, brought her back from the verge of being so hopelessly upset. Their expression conveyed one of kindness and compassion, something Seren didn't know she needed until just then.
'You're a wonderful person, Seren.'
Seren was very caught off guard by this compliment. She sputtered, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as her eyes darted side to side, not knowing where to look.
'You being funny? I'm an absolute wreck.'
She picked up her glass and tried to hide behind it, not wanting to admit to herself she missed the feeling of Frankie's hand on her when they pulled away.
'You're the sum of all your experiences, Seren. We all are, and everything you've experienced has made you the woman you are today. I'm glad to be sitting next to you, sharing this journey with you.'
Seren didn't know how to respond to that. It was rare for her to hear someone speaking of her with such high regard, especially now when she felt like she was going through the lowest point in her life. She watched as Frankie leaned back in their chair and took another swig of their beer, looking up, contemplating their next words.
'You discovered an injustice done to a member of your family and without hesitation you set out to make it right.'
'Anyone would have…'
'No, I don't think just anyone would have.' Frankie said quietly, 'Think it speaks a lot to your character to have done what you've done. Taking care of family is important.'
Seren slowly nodded, her thoughts on her ex wife, wishing she could go back in time and put the same effort into her marriage as she was doing now with reconnecting Delia with her family.
'Suppose family means a lot to you… given well… you know. Your dad…' Seren petered off, tucking shyly into her glass and gulping down the last of her whiskey. She felt like an idiot for even mentioning him and thought it best to make sure this was her last and only drink for the evening lest she bring up any other horrible thing from Frankie's past.
'It's true.' Frankie took another swig of beer and wiped their mouth with the back of their hand, 'Me gran is all I got in this world, and looking after her is top priority, but that doesn't mean I don't have a chosen extended family. Met all sorts in the RAF. Have friends scattered all over the planet I keep in touch with.'
Seren smiled, happy for Frankie to have such a connection to supposedly so many people.
Though, she hated herself for feeling sad that it made her feel less… special.
Seren forced the feeling aside much like she forced a smile on her face.
'Doesn't surprise me one bit,' Seren said, ignoring Frankie's inquiring eyebrow, 'you've been nothing but caring and supportive since I showed up at that old nurses home.'
'T'was nothing.'
'No, it's everything.' Seren insisted, feeling on the verge of tears again, thinking that she honestly would not know what would have happened to her on this journey had she not run into Frankie. She shook away her tears and reached out to Frankie again, needing that connection, 'You're amazing and anyone would be lucky to have you as their friend… We’re friends now, right?’
Seren felt the smallest bit of relief wash over her as she watched Frankie give a curt nod.
'I hope one day I can do something for you in kind, something that's just as important to you as this whole journey has been for me.'
'Being present with you is more than enough.'
Seren looked down, so overwhelmed with emotion that she was unable to hold Frankie's gaze.
How was it that this person just knew the right things to say? Seren had felt so hopeless for so long that she forgot what it felt like to matter to someone. Frankie was making her feel human again.
Seren sighed and focused on Frankie's hand in hers. She suppressed the overwhelming urge to bring that hand to her mouth and kiss it. Friends kiss one another on the hand don't they? What would Frankie think of that, she wondered.
Her eyes fixated on Frankie's thumb, watching as she felt the soft pad of it graze gently over her knuckles. It was the most intimate touch Seren had felt in years, followed by the exhilarating beating of her heart and butterflies in her stomach that she hadn't felt in so long. Frankie made Seren feel more than human, they made her feel alive !
She wondered if it was a sign that she should maybe go ahead and lay a kiss on that hand. Just one…
The phone buzzing noisily in her pocket broke Seren off her train of thought, and she quickly dropped Frankie's hand before she did something she might regret.
'Sorry,’ she said, and pulled out her phone.
She answered immediately when she saw who it was.
'Delia!'
'Hello cariad,' Delia said softly, and Seren smiled at the term of endearment, 'I know it's late so I hope I'm not interrupting anything.'
'Oh, not at all,' Seren fibbed, looking quickly to Frankie who was downing the rest of their beer and had an unmistakable blush across their cheeks
Fireplace Seren tried to convince herself, they're just warm from sitting so close to the fireplace.
'We're just enjoying a drink in a pub nearby… What's up? Everything alright?’
'Oh, yes, everything is fine. Have you found a place to stay the night? You're always welcome to come back and take the guest bed.'
'We wouldn't want to impose, but thank you. We've managed to find a room at the pub here.'
'That's good. Offer still stands in case of, you know, bedbugs .'
Seren suppressed a laugh as she could hear Patsy give a stern Delia! from the other end of the line. She must be close by listening in.
'Right, well I'm calling because a thought just occurred to me. How are you getting home to Tenby, dear?'
'Oh… well,' Seren looked at Frankie. She certainly didn't want to inconvenience them by having them drive her all the way back to Tenby and then London, 'I suppose I would take the train so Frankie could head back home to Poplar. They've got to make it back in time for work.' Seren held Frankie's gaze for validation, but they merely shrugged.
'That's what I thought you'd say, dearie. Well Patsy and I have just had a nice long chat about this whole predicament.'
'You have?'
'Oh, yes. Never thought I'd hear myself say this but given everything that's happened today and the news of my brother, well… Patsy and I thought now would be a good time to go and give Tenby a visit.'
Seren brought a hand to her mouth, 'Oh my gosh, really? That's wonderful news!'
'Already had a chat with the neighbors. The kids are willing to look after old Garbo while we're away. Patsy even looked online and found a little cottage to rent near South Beach.'
Seren again suppressed a laugh, wondering if Patsy's desire to stay near South Beach had anything to do with the exquisite golf club nearby.
'You're more than welcome to stay with my mother and I.'
'We reckoned it would be a little crowded with five people in the house. Your mam probably has enough on her plate looking after my brother. Besides, I'm still not sure if he even wants to see me, but it would still be nice to meet some of the other family down that way.'
'Of course he wants to see you. Oh, Delia, please don’t worry about being turned away by him or anyone. Bampi does love you and misses his sister. I'm so happy to hear you want to come to Tenby.'
'We'd like for you to join us for the ride down, if that's something that interests you.'
Seren smiled at the prospect. 'Really?'
'Of course. You're heading back anyway so why don't the three of us just go together? I know it's a long ride and if you'd rather take the train than be stuck with us old biddies…'
'No!' Seren yelled, then quickly shook her head, 'I mean, yes! I'd love to join you and Patsy. I'm thrilled at the offer, thank you!'
Seren didn't mind one bit that she would be stuck in the car with two people who she had just met hours before, hell, hadn't she done that with Frankie just that day? And this was Delia, her long lost Aunt, and her wife Patsy! Whom she already knew had a wonderful taste in music, and she could listen to the two of them tell stories of their past adventures all day.
They ended the call after making arrangements to meet again early the next morning to hit the road, Frankie offering to give Seren a lift back to Delia and Patsy's house.
The two grabbed their things and found their room upstairs, and while Seren expected one bed, she tried not to make a big deal about it but felt nervous all the same sharing such an intimate space with Frankie.
Still. The two of them stood side by side at the foot of the bed and looked down at it.
'Do you have a preferred side?' Frankie asked.
Either side is fine so long as it's next to you , Seren thought, then immediately chastised herself for thinking something so inappropriate.
She was completely knackered though, finally feeling the weight of the day as she picked the closest side, sat down, and kicked off her shoes.
'I'm going to have a shower. Would you like to get in there first or…?'
Seren waved her hand, 'Showered this morning before we left. Should be alright for another day unless you think I'm stinky.'
'Hmm,' Frankie approached Seren and leaned down, giving the woman a sniff.
The proximity of Frankie's body to hers made a shiver run down Seren's back and she could feel the skin rise on her arms.
'I deem you not stinky.'
Seren tried not to laugh, her eyes following Frankie as they walked towards their things and carried them to the bathroom. This person was just so sweet and weird! She secretly loved it.
'Excellent,' Seren replied, before laying flat on the bed and giving a big stretch. Frankie had shut the door to the bathroom, and only when Seren heard the sounds of running water did she move to change into her pyjamas.
Later, when all were showered and changed and teeth brushed, Seren found herself under the blankets, the pleasantly heavy duvet warm and pulled up to her nose so only the top of her head was exposed to the elements. She was struggling to keep her eyes open as Frankie lay beside her flipping through the few channels they had available to them on the little tv sitting on the chest of drawers.
'Are you going to be up much longer?' she asked quietly.
Frankie looked down, their expression softening at the sight of Seren looking as she did just then.
'Sorry,' Frankie turned off the television and the room was enveloped in darkness, save for the soft glow of the moon coming through the curtains. They situated themselves under the duvet with Seren and shifted until they were comfortably laying on their back, one arm resting above their head on the pillow as the other draped over their body. Seren couldn’t help but notice Frankies finger tap tap tapping on the duvet
‘You alright?’ she asked.
‘Yeah.’
‘Been a long day. Just checking in.’
‘I know, thank you.’
Another deep breath of air from Frankie, trepidation, more tap tap tapping.
Without even cracking an eye open, Seren rested her hand over Frankies, stilling their motions.
She kept a firm grip on that hand, and even though her eyes were closed, she could sense Frankie struggling with something, contemplating.
'I wouldn't have minded giving you a lift back to Tenby.' Frankie finally said.
It took Seren a moment to register what Frankie was saying, recalling the conversation she had with Delia just a few hours ago. She found the sentiment sweet, but didn’t think she was important enough to Frankie to warrant such treatment.
'Oh Frankie don't be ridiculous,’ she replied softly, ‘that's such a long drive for you. What about your job?'
Frankie shrugged, 'Don’t really need it anyway. I just like spending time with you.'
Seren could feel her heart jump at Frankies words. Was this a signal, a sign, that perhaps they had a connection? That she wasn’t crazy to fancy Frankie after only knowing them for two days? That her feelings might be reciprocated?
It was so late… and yet, too early to make any kind of moves on Frankie to test this theory. Seren was so tired, and when she breathed she could take in the scent of Frankie, the fresh mint of their toothpaste, the subtle spice in their soap. The warmth of Frankie next to her was lulling her into a deep sleep she very much needed after such a long day.
Seren rested her head against Frankies shoulder, interlocking her fingers with theirs. Even on the precipice of sleep, she could feel Frankie take a few deep breaths, their body calming. Seren could feel herself nodding off, listening to the sounds of Frankies slow, calm breathing, her forehead pressed against Frankie’s shoulder.
She remembered feeling warm and safe before she finally drifted off to sleep.
Seren squeezed Frankie tight and nuzzled her head into their chest.
She wasn’t happy at all to be saying goodbye to Frankie, but it was time for her to head back to Tenby with Delia and Patsy. The two aforementioned women were just next door, chatting with the neighbor as they handed over all of Garbo VII’s belongings and articulated a strict set of rules and diet habits the pooch had. The mum and dad seemed to be listening, but the kids only seemed to care that they would have a pup to play with for the next few weeks.
So while they had this final moment alone, standing next to Frankies car in front of Patsy and Delia’s house that morning, Seren took the chance to be as physically close to Frnakie as she could, happy that Frnakie didn't at all seem to mind the physical contact.
‘Thank you, Frankie,’ Seren said, her voice muffled by the fabric of Frankies jumper, ‘Just… thank you so much for everything.’
‘I told you, it was nothing.’
‘Stop,’ Seren said, looking up at Frankie with a stern glare.
Frankie relented, their features softening, and Seren could even feel their body relax in her arms.
Seren watched as Frankies eyes searched her face, finally resting on her lips. They almost looked as if they were about to lean down and kiss her. Alas, Seren merely felt a pair of soft fingers gently brush her fringe from her eyes and tuck behind her ear.
‘You take care, alright?’
The words seemed so cold, a stark contrast to the warm gaze Frankie was giving her. It made Seren feel a pain in her chest.
Was this really it?
‘Will you call me when you get home?’ she asked. ‘Just... want to make sure you get back safe.‘
Frankie shrugged and gave a crooked smile, ‘I already got gran looking out for me, you don’t need to worry.’
The cheeky… Seren’s nostrils flared. ‘You’re allowed to have more than one woman in your life who gives a damn about you.’
Seren watched as Frankie gave a chuckle, their eyes crinkling as they smiled, ‘Alright, I promise.’
‘Alright.’
Begrudgingly, Seren let go, and forced herself to turn around, telling herself over and over again don’t look back, don’t look back
Instead, she focused on Patsy and Delia, still chatting with the neighbors as the kids danced around Garbo. The younger of the two was already trying to dress the dog in silly hats and scarves while the older tried in vain to get the old thing to go and fetch a stick.
Garbo took it all in stride. She seemed to sleep where she sat, her eyes closed and tongue lazily dangling from her mouth, though not at all minding the energetic attention from the children.
With their things already packed away in the boot, Seren situated herself in the back seat of Patsy’s car and decided to simply wait, not at all wanting to watch Frankie drive off back to London and possibly out of her life. The car was idling to warm up, and the sting of the heat hitting Serens cheeks made her feel uncomfortable, fidgety. She removed her scarf and happened to catch Frankie just standing there with their back turned to her.
Frankie had one hand on their hip, the other scratching the back of their head, as if they were mulling over something.
What were they thinking about? Seren wondered, and watched curiously as Frankie finally turned and started walking towards her. She rolled down the window as Frankie approached, watching them carefully as they rested a hand on the car and leaned forward.
‘Seren, I need…’
Seren didn’t know if she was sleep deprived, or had been too influenced by the stories from her great aunt and her wife and all their adventures, but for whatever reason, she impulsively decided to interpret this moment as a sign from the cosmos that she was interpreting her desires correctly, that this was meant to happen.
Serens brain just switched off. It was like she was watching a movie through her own eyes without any control or say in what her body was doing, and she watched herself grasp at Frankies jumper and pulled them through the open window, planting a firm kiss on their mouth.
When Seren pulled away, she opened her eyes to see Frankie looking completely gobsmacked, and she was suddenly horrified that she had just made a terrible mistake.
Frankie quietly cleared their throat, blinking several times and looking as if they were trying to think coherently. Seren felt the smallest bit of relief as they gave that crooked smirk again.
‘That was nice, but what I was going to say is I need your number .’
‘Oh, Frankie,’ she said, covering her mouth with her hands, ‘I’m so sorry!’
‘What are you apologizing for? Said it was nice, didn’t I?’
Seren covered her face with her hands, and leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. How could she have made such a huge mistake!?
‘Can I still have your number or…’
‘Ohh ,’ Seren nearly growled, frustrated with how cavalier Frankie was being after she had so thoroughly embarrassed herself in front of them. ‘Give me your phone then, you cheeky-’
Seren snatched Frankie's phone through the window and angrily tapped her number in.
‘Hey,’ Frankie smiled, and reached through the window, hooking their finger under Serens chin to gently coax the woman to look at them.
Seren looked into those eyes again, the ones who had held so much warmth and compassion for her these last few days now seemed dark, filled with longing. Seren could feel Frankie's finger move, slowly graze along her jawline before their hand cupped her cheek and slowly pulled her in for another kiss.
This one was gentle, slow, and when Frankie pulled away, Seren immediately missed their warmth, the taste of them.
She needed more.
The phone dropped from Serens hands into her lap, and she leaned towards Frankie, reaching out for them and wrapping her arms around their shoulders to bring them in. Her lips crashed to theirs in a smoldering kiss that left her breathless.
'You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, Frankie.' she whispered against their lips.
She had her mouth against theirs again before Frankie had a chance to protest, her hands grasping at their jumper, clutching onto their short hair to pull them in, closer.
Seren vaguely heard the sound of the driver's side door opening, and then a cheerful 'All set then?' cut through the moment.
Seren broke from the kiss like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on her, and similarly, in their haste, Frankie hissed painfully when they bumped their head against the door as they pulled away. The prominent thunk went unnoticed by the two octogenarians approaching the car.
Seren was petrified, frozen in place as Patsy settled herself into the driver's seat, Delia walking around the front of the car to get in on the passenger's side.
'Was so lovely to meet you Frankie,' Delia beamed, reaching out to take Frankie's hand in both of hers, 'do get home safe and give Valerie our love.'
Frankie nodded shyly, digging through their pockets, 'Reminds me, Miss Delia, she wanted you to have her number. Write it on a card for you here. She'd love to hear from you to catch up on old times and the like.'
‘Oh, lovely,’ Delia beamed, ‘will be sure to give the old girl a ring when we settle in.’
Frankie leaned over as Delia entered her side of the car, and gave Patsy a wave through the window before awkwardly requesting Seren give them their phone back. It was only then that Seren noticed the thing still in her lap, and it was all she could do to keep herself from throwing the thing at Frankie.
As they drove off, Patsy commenting on the weather as Delia fiddled with the radio, Seren was torn. She was so happy to be here with Delia and Patsy, on her way home. Yet, the further away she was from Frankie, the more she felt her heart pull towards them.
She shook her head feeling silly. This journey wasn’t about them, or her. It was about Delia. It was about Bampi and reconnecting the brother and sister, and bringing Delia back to meet the family. She decided to put her phone on silent, not wanting the temptation to even look at it to see if Frankie messaged, and pushed her feelings down, focusing instead on hearing another story from her great Aunt.
The sunlight warmed Serens skin that June morning, and she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming her nerves.
She did it again, pressing her palms against her yellow sundress, smoothing out the fabric.
And again.
No avail.
‘Seren!’
Seren jumped at the sound of her name, and turned to see her mother looking at her through the sliding door that looked over her garden.
‘Oh, sorry annwyl, didn’t mean to startle you. The men are here to take the bed back.’
The spare room was where Seren had been staying after her breakdown. When she returned to Tenby with Delia, she learned they would be moving him in with a hospital bed that would help elevate him, assist in his breathing. She had volunteered to let her grandfather stay in her room while she took the sofa, but they all soon came to find the room hadn’t been big enough to hold the in-home hospital bed. Her grandfather, as a result, had been resting and sleeping in what had been the dining room. He preferred it that way after all, with the large glass sliding door to look out onto the garden and enjoy the birds and the blossoming flowers.
Seren entered the room and gave a curt greeting to the men, giving one last look at what should have been a very impersonal hospital bed that was loaned to them from the hospital. Instead she saw them rolling away several memories.
Her Bampi had been in that bed resting. Seren still wasn’t quite used to seeing her grandfather so deteriorated like this, the plastic tubes from his oxygen tank looped around his ears and in his nose. He seemed to have taken a turn for the worse when she returned from her trip. He was no longer the energetic, quick witted man she had always known. He looked to struggle to keep his eyes open, and his breathing was labored the moment she watched Delia walk into that house to greet him for the first time in ove 60 years.
Delia did not seem deterred in the slightest by the sight of her brother in such a state, in fact, she walked right in and pulled up a chair beside him, and rested her hand over his. In the moment, Seren was so curious, dying to be apart of their conversation, wanting to know what they were talking about, but she and her Mam gave them privacy, and she could only wonder what they were talking about over the random fits of laughter or tears.
That was six weeks ago. In that time, Delia had come by every day to see her brother. When the weather was nice and he was feeling well, they would sit in the garden for their tea and talk for hours and hours. Other days when the weather was poor, Delia would bake welshcakes and sit with Rhys while they watched his favorite game shows on television.
One day, Rhys met Patsy, and all he could do was thank her for loving Delia and looking after her, and apologize for not being there for them all this time. Seren tearfully recalled Patsy saying she left that day feeling like he had been a brother to her all along. She joined Delia with her visits everyday thereafter.
Word slowly started to get around the family that they had a “new” member, and the curious aunt or cousin of Serens would come round to check in on ol’ Uncle Rhys, but also to meet this new person. Seren felt privileged to be there for the occasion, and to hear over and over again the stories Delia had to tell about her life, all she had accomplished and where she had been. At first she had seemed reserved in mentioning her relationship to Patsy, but when the truth finally revealed itself, as Seren had expected from her own coming out to the family, no one blinked an eye. No one thought any less of her. Seren could sense the feeling of relief from Delia being able to be her true self to her own family.
More time passed.
Rhys had died peacefully in his sleep, and Seren and her mother managed to keep it together until the medics came to take him. It was only when she looked back at the crumpled mess of sheets on the now unoccupied hospital bed did it really hit her that he was gone.
The funeral was of course a somber event, though while sad, the family that had not yet met Delia and Patsy surrounded them at the reception, looking on at them curiously and asking all sorts of questions. The two women spent most of the day shaking hands, learning names, who was related to whom and how. They had become real celebrities within the family that day, and found their social calendars booked by the time they left with invitations for tea and super by all walks of aunts and uncles and cousins.
Seren was happy for them to finally be reacquainted with the family, to finally get to know everyone as she knew them; loving, supportive. Not at all like great-granny Busby.
Now, the bed was gone. The men had packed it into their van and drove away. The room her grandfather had occupied these remaining weeks of his life was eerily empty.
Seren and her mother moved together in silence. One dusted, the other vacuumed. Crooked picture frames were straightened and wiped down. The dining table and chairs that had been set aside were now back in their place, a fresh white linen draped over top.
‘Well, that’s that then.’ Serens mother said with a sad tone of finality, ‘you sure you don’t want any help?’
Seren looked over her shoulder to the kitchen, where she had the beginnings of scones and little sandwiches for her plans that afternoon.
She shook her head, ‘I’ll be alright. You go on then. Have fun with your sisters.’
The woman nodded, and collected her things. Seren waved her off as she set out to meet her relations for a bit of shopping and luncheon in Swansea. It was rather spur of the moment with only a day or so notice, but when Seren knew she would have the house to herself that day, she made plans. She felt even more sense of urgency knowing that Patsy and Delia were beginning to make plans to head back to Scotland.
Not wanting to think about them leaving, she continued with preparing in the kitchen, getting the scones in the oven before she whipped together a refreshing punch. She went outside and set up a table and chairs with plates and cutlery under the shade of the tree in her garden, and by the time she looked up, Patsy and Delia, having grown comfortable enough to let themselves in by now, had entered through the gate. They were dressed exactly as Seren had expected, Patsy looking like a 1950’s movie star with red lipstick and cat eye sunglasses, and Delia in a floppy hat and Birkenstocks. They looked ready for a cruise, not tea in the garden.
‘Come in, come in,’ Seren waved them over and gave the two women a hug, ‘I want to spoil you two on your last weekend here.’
‘You certainly don’t have to.’ Patsy insisted.
‘Just spending time with you is enough. You didn’t have to plan anything.’ Delia replied.
‘I do want to know what this surprise is.’
‘Patience.’ Seren replied.
‘Yes?’
‘No, I mean be patient.’ Seren laughed as Delia swatted her wife on the arm. ‘Please, have a seat and get comfortable.’
Seren left them to do just that and collected a tray of warm scones and jam, a plate of finger sandwiches and fresh fruit, and brought it out to them.
The three enjoyed their food and their company, Patsy remarking on the lovely weather that day and admiring the birds as Delia took in the warm sun and gentle breeze on her skin. Seren took a moment to just look at Delia, once again thinking back on all the stories she had shared and thinking of everything this woman had been through.
The story Seren’s mother had shared with her the day she found out about Delia came to the forefront of her mind.
‘Delia,’ Seren paused, fighting off the waiver in her voice. She hadn’t even said anything and she already felt on the verge of tears.
Delia looked back at her, smiling. ‘What is it, cariad?’
‘I was just thinking of something my Mam told me a few months ago, about how when she was a kid, a letter came through the door. A Christmas card. She said she remembered it being beautifully decorated and... when she gave it to great granny Busby, she… snatched it from her. Walked away with it and tore it up. So… well we figure now that the letter must have been from you and…’
It was only when Seren felt Delia place her hand in hers did she feel the hot tears rolling down her cheeks.
‘I’m sorry,’ Seren continued, crumbling her napkin in her free hand, ‘I don’t mean to bring up any unpleasantness, it’s just… if you did ever want to write… we’d write back. Or call, or… or visit,’ Seren dabbed at her runny nose with her napkin, ‘Or if one of your neighbors sell their house, I’ll come and snatch it up so you’ll always have a family member close by.’
‘Oh, sweet darling,’ Seren could hear Patsy say.
Seren suddenly felt herself enveloped in a hug, gentle arms wrapping around her shoulders as her head was tenderly placed in the crook of Delia's neck.
‘Seren, you’re an angel,’ Delia whispered, ‘you don’t have to do a thing. Of course we’ll write. We’ll visit. You’re not getting rid of us that easily.’
‘Wish you didn’t have to go, but I’m happy you’ll be heading back home soon. I’m sure Garbo misses you.’
Delia laughed, ‘I’m sure she does, but… this feels like our home now. In all this time I don’t think we’ve thanked you yet for coming and finding us and bringing us here.’
Seren shook her head, ‘No need to thank me, in fact I want to apologize. Don’t feel there's anything I could ever do to make up or the abhorrent way great granny Busby treated you-’
‘No, Seren… to start, that’s not your responsibility… my mother may never have accepted me as I am but I’ve made peace with that, and you’ve reconnected me with my brother in his final days… reconnected me and Patsy with an extended family we never knew we had, who we are getting to know and love. Seren, if anything, what you’ve done has been such a blessing.’
Delia reached out and gently wiped a tear from Seren’s cheek, cradling her head in her hand as she spoke softly.
‘Cariad, you’ve given us the most wonderful gift we could have ever dreamed of.’
Seren nodded shyly, and wiped her tears. ‘I hope you’ll oblige me and stay just a little bit longer. I have one more gift for you.’
‘Oh?’
Patsy raised her eyebrows, ‘Our surprise?’
‘Soon,’ Seren sniffed, and thought it’d be best if she took a moment to collect herself. She stood, ‘I’m going to freshen up. Won’t be a moment.’
Seren went to the bathroom and splashed some water on her face, blew her nose, dried her tears with a fluffy towel. She looked at herself in the mirror, thinking she had had enough emotions for one morning and needed to get a hold of herself if she were going to make it through the rest of the day. She smiled at herself in the mirror, thinking of what was soon to come, and she focused her attention on adjusting her contacts and reapplying her makeup.
Through the small window above the toilet, she could hear a bit of commotion outside.
Seren hurried through the kitchen and out the back door leading to the garden to find Patsy and Delia had gotten to their feet, a look of astonishment on their faces.
‘Well if you lot ain’t a sight for these sore eyes.’
Seren turned around to see three figures walk though her garden gate. Two she recognized as Valerie and Frankie, the other she could only assume was Trixie, who seemed to have the same sense of style as Patsy with their bold makeup and designer clothing.
‘I’ll say.’ Trixie replied, ‘My word, Delia, you haven’t aged a bit!’
‘Trixie!’ Valerie chided, ‘That’s Seren, you blind old biddy!’
‘Who?’
‘Delia’s niece! The one who invited us out here!’
Trixie slid her sunglasses down her nose and looked from Seren to Delia, then Seren again before finally turning her attention to Delia.
‘Delia! You haven’t aged a bit!
Delia laughed, opening her arms to her friend as she approached, ‘Trixie! Is that you?’
Trixie embraced Delia and placed a kiss on either cheek, ‘Of course it is darling, who else would it be? And Patsy!’ Trixie raised her cane and shook it at the bemused former redhead, ‘How dare you run off and get married without telling me, you dark horse.’
‘Oh, really.’ Patsy pishawed, ‘After how many years without so much as a phone call you berate me about that?’
Trixie hugged and kissed Patsy and then headed for the closest chair.
‘I want to hear all about the wedding.’ she said, settling in, pulling a folding paper fan from her handbag and fanning herself.
‘There’s nothing to tell.’ Patsy implored.
Frankie held out a chair for Valerie and then Delia, who along with Patsy sat and grew comfortable as Seren fixed the newcomers with a glass of punch.
‘Nonsense, I love weddings.’ Trixie replied.
‘Yeah, so much she’s ‘ad three of ‘em!’ Valerie snickered and elbowed Patsy in the arm.
Trixie ignored her comment and tipped her glass to Seren. ‘This is non-alcoholic?’
‘Oh, yes, sorry,’ Seren replied, ‘I’m afraid we don’t have any alcohol in the house at the moment.’
‘No need darling, this is perfect.’ She took a sip of her punch and smacked her lips. ‘Absolutely scrumptious. Thank you, Seren.’
Valerie pulled a flask out of her handbag.
‘Gran!’ Frankie huffed.
‘What?’ Valerie looked innocently to Frankie, who looked sternly back at their gran, hands on hips, ‘Just a dash, love. Swear this kid thinks they’re the one who raised me !’
The motion of Frankies hands to their hips caught Seren’s eye, and she finally was able to get a good look at them. They were wearing a dark blue button down with the sleeves rolled quarter length, dark blue trousers, and a brown belt. They looked nice . Seren needed to resist yanking Trixies fan from her grasp to cool herself off.
‘There’s nothing to tell because there was no wedding!’ Patsy finally said, ‘We went to the nearest registrar's office and made it official the moment we were allowed, didn’t we, darling.’
‘Doesn’t make it any less of a wedding, dear,’ Delia insisted.
‘So no walking down the aisle? No reception?’ Valerie asked.
‘No dress?!’ Trixie balked.
‘No! Well, Delia wore a dress, and I wore this gorgeous pantsuit.’
‘Was it plaid?’ Valerie grinned and Patsy narrowed her eyes.
‘No no no, this won’t do.’ Trixie shook her head, ‘You must have a wedding.’
‘But we’re already married!’ Patsy insisted.
Valerie waved her hand dismissively, ‘She just wants to throw you a big party, love, let her do her thing.’
‘Now, let’s talk colour schemes,’ Trixie pulled an enormous iPad out from her handbag and for some reason licked her finger as if she were about to turn the page of a book, ‘I have already started a pinterest full of ideas.’
Delia leaned forward with interest to get a better look, and that’s when Seren met Frankies eye. She smiled and tilted her head towards the house, and together they snuck off while the four of them continued to drink and discuss wedding planning.
Seren turned around as the kitchen door clicked shut, happy to see that the four women outside were still chatting away, not noticing at all that she and Frankie had gone. She didn’t quite know what to do with her hands, nervously flattening the creases of her dress with her palms. She was relieved to see that Frankie looked just as nervous, their hands finding their way into their pockets as they leaned against the kitchen sink. Regardless, Serens whole body fluttered with nervous energy being in the same room again, alone, with Frankie after so many weeks apart.
‘They don’t even bother with discussing the old days, just right into what’s next.’ she said, giving a nervous laugh.
‘Suppose that’s a good thing.’ Frankie shrugged, ‘Don’t know how much of their past they’ve shared with one another. Might be a difficult thing to talk about, you know?’
Seren nodded in understanding, empathizing with anyone who wished to move on from their past.
‘Suppose you’re right.’ she replied, and smiled. ‘How are you? How was the ride in?’
Frankie shrugged and scratched the back of their head, and it was then that Seren remembered that Frankie wasn’t one for small talk.
‘’M alright,’ they said, ‘Ride was uneventful, thankfully. Glad we had a chance to rest and freshen up at the b’n’b down the road.’
‘Was about to say, you look nice.’
To her pleasure and relief, Frankie smiled bashfully. ‘Was just thinking the same about you.’
They hadn’t really talked much about the last time they had been together in person. Their texting dwindled as the weeks went on and Serens grandfather's health deteriorated, and she was consumed with planning the funeral. Seren liked to think she knew Frankie a little better now after their few, deep conversations, but given the time that had passed and all that had transpired in these last few weeks for Seren, that initial spark had faded. She didn’t know how she felt about Frankie nor how she would feel upon seeing them with her own eyes.
Until, right now.
Serens feet carried her the few paces forward she needed to go to embrace Frankie, and she sighed, happy and content to be wrapped up in Frankies arms again.
‘Is this alright?’ she asked.
‘Yes.’
Seren nuzzled her head against Frankie's chest. ‘Sorry, I didn’t know how much I needed you until I saw you.’
‘Everything alright?’
Seren gave a deep sigh, ‘Yeah… just been a day, is all.’
‘Yeah…’
Seren breathed in deep, taking in the smell of Frankie, their warmth. A shiver ran down her back as she felt the tentative, yet tender fingers tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. Despite Frankie being made of mostly hard muscle, Seren could still feel a hesitancy in their touch, their body tense. Something was off.
She pulled away slightly and looked up. ‘What's the matter?’
Frankie shook their head. ‘Nothing.’
Not liking that Frankie couldn’t seem to meet her eye, Seren pressed, ‘No, what’
‘Sorry, I… I’m sorry I really want to kiss you, but we haven’t really talked about…’
Seren immediately understood, and if she were honest with herself, she was wondering the same thing up until a few moments ago. She didn’t know what her feelings were for Frankie. Had the kiss they shared in the car been on a whim after an emotionally trying journey? Was Seren just reacting to the compassion she needed in that moment? These thoughts scared her. She didn’t want Frankie to think she had used them in a moment of weakness. She knew she cared about Frankie, knew they were someone important and special to her.
Though, seeing Frankie with her own eyes again, holding them like this again, was all she needed to know for sure.
Seren reached up and gently placed her hand behind Frankie's head, ‘Come here.’
Their lips met briefly in a chaste kiss, somewhat to reacquaint themselves with one another. When they came together again, it was unlike any of their previous kisses. This wasn’t frantic and rushed. This was downright sensual, and Seren could nearly feel herself melting into Frankie's embrace.
Seren forced herself to pull away, and rested a reassuring hand on Frankie's chest, ‘I’m sorry. We can have that talk now.’
Frankie physically relaxed under Serens touch. ‘Yeah?’
Seren nodded, and then kissed them again, ‘Yeah. Think the ladies will be occupied for quite a bit catching up on the old days anyway. They won’t notice us missing.’
Seren led Frankie to her bedroom, and she needed to stifle a laugh when she sat on the bed and Frankie hesitated at the door.
‘What’s the matter? We’ve shared a bed before,’ she teased, patting the space next to her. Frankie rolled their eyes and huffed, and begrudgingly sat.
Once settled, Seren reached out and took Frankie's hand in hers, interlocking their fingers. A few moments passed where Seren simply looked at their hands interlocked in her lap, before bringing the back of Frankie's hand to her lips for a soft kiss.
‘I’m in a better place now than when we met.’ she said softly against Frankie's knuckles, and then lowered their hand to her lap, her head down, eyes focused on their hands. ‘I think now that my grandfather is…. gone, and Delia and Patsy are reconnected with the family, I can focus on other things. Myself, mostly. On figuring out my next steps and getting on with my life.’
Frankie hooked their finger under Serens chin and gently turned her head so she was looking at them. ‘I’m glad. That’s a big step.’
Seren smiled, enjoying getting lost in Frankie’s pretty blue eyes. ‘What about you?’
‘Hmm?’
‘Well, I suppose… I just want to know what’s going on with you and your life. I know I haven’t been the best at keeping in touch recently…’
‘Not that much time has passed, Seren.’
‘No other beautiful women appearing out of the blue to whisk you away to far off places?’
Frankie smirked, ‘Contrary to what you might think., no, it doesn’t happen nearly enough.’
As silly as Seren knew her comment was, she was actually quite relieved to hear.
‘Anyway, you’ve been occupied, so I understand you need to focus on things here.’ They reached up and scratched their head again, ‘And really, not much has changed with me. I’m still working that stupid guard job, living with gran… except….’
‘Except?’
Frankie rolled their eyes playfully, ‘Well, she’s gone and found herself a boyfriend.’
Seren struggled to contain her laughter, ‘What?’
‘Read stud, this guy. Some retired dock worker she picked up down at the bowling alley about 20 years her junior.’
Seren brought her hand to her mouth to hide her smile, ‘ No .’
‘Oh yeah. Gran’s still got it in her 80’s… whatever it is. She’s been hinting to me that I ought to move out and find me own place.’
‘What? Why?’
‘Cramping her style, obviously.’
Seren finally let herself laugh. ‘Wow.’
Frankie raised a finger, ‘....but, you know, given the rent prices I’d be lucky to find a closet with 8 flatmates for the measly wages I get, so…’
‘So what are you saying?’
‘Well, what I’m saying is…’ their head rocked back and forth, looking as if they were debating telling Seren what they were really thinking or not. ‘Oh, I don’t know, I feel like you’ll think it’s stupid.’
‘No, what?’
‘I… I’ve been taking an online course to be certified as a personal trainer.’
‘Really!’ Seren exclaimed, genuinely excited, ‘Frankie! That’s wonderful, that’s the perfect job for you!’
‘Right, well,’ Frankie looked to be suppressing a blush, ‘I’ve got about two weeks left in the course, but once I’m certified it’ll definitely help me in getting a job… well, anywhere.’
Seren blinked. ‘Anywhere?’
Frankie merely nodded, looking down at their clasped hands.
Hope is what Seren felt coarse through her body. Was Frankie saying what she thought they were saying?
‘Could anywhere mean… here?’ she asked tentatively.
After a long, agonizing pause, Frankie finally said, ‘It could.’
Seren rested her forehead on Frankies shoulder, ‘That makes me so happy to hear.’
‘Oh?’
‘I’ve missed you.’
There was a sigh of relief, and then Seren could feel a pair of soft lips on her forehead, ‘Didn’t know how much I needed to hear those words until you said them.’
‘It’s true.’
‘I’ve missed you, too.’
Seren pulled away excitedly, ‘You know, the house Delia and Patsy are currently occupying is about to become vacant. Shall I put in a good word for you with the landlord?’
Frankie smirked, ‘What's the place like? No nosey neighbors, I hope?’
‘Don’t know about that, but it’s got a jacuzzi.’
‘Sold.’ Frankie said, and Seren laughed. ‘Send me the lease now, I’m signing it before I go.’
‘Really? I’m dead serious, Frankie.’
‘Me too.’
‘I want you to live here.’
‘I do too.’
Anxiety suddenly swelled up within Seren. Her life was still a complete wreck, by her terms anyway. She was still living at home with her mum, still unemployed. What did she have to offer Frankie? Certainly Frankie could do better than her right now. Frankie was at the very least doing something to better their own life, to make a change and move on from their situation. Seren was still stuck!
‘But I mean, don’t just do it for me, OK?’ she said nervously, her self deprecating thoughts extinguishing any confidence.
‘I’m not. I mean, I’m definitely going to need your help.’
‘What? Why?’
‘Savvy business woman like you? Could use your hand in helping me get some sort of business off the ground. Build up a client base and all that.’
Seren rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest, ‘I’m not as well connected as I used to be.’
‘What are you talking about? Half the population in Tenby is a relation of yours. You’ve got to know someone who wants to get in shape or is in recovery from a knee injury or something.’
Seren put a finger to her chin, considering Frankie's words. They weren’t wrong in any sense, and the thought of putting herself to use in getting any business idea of Frankies off the ground would prove her worth… to herself anyway. She did wonder what she could do to repay Frankie for all they had done to get her where she was today, with Delia and Patsy. Perhaps, this could be it. This could be that thing .
‘The house does have a decent sized garden…’ she thought aloud, her mind beginning to spoon with ideas.
Frankie raised an eyebrow, ‘Garden? Never had one of them before. Wouldn't know what to do with it.’
Seren rose from the bed and began pacing the length of her room. ‘We could possibly use it as a space for you to host sessions or classes. Would yoga be part of your training?’
‘Yoga?’
‘Dancing? Aerobics?’
Frankie scoffed, ‘Can you really see me running an aerobics class in the garden?’
‘Hmm, right, we need an alternate solution when the weather’s poor.’ Seren snapped her fingers, ‘Youtube.’
‘What?’
‘We’ll make you a youtube channel. Excellent, that would be a good way to get you a client base outside of Tenby. Outside of the UK, even. I’m thinking global.’
Frankie looked nervous, ‘Global ?’
‘What about Patreon?’
‘Petri-what? I don’t even know what that is.’
‘We can even host live streaming sessions for paying clients. Offer additional perks to those who pay extra. Hmm… this could be a very lucrative opportunity for us.’
Frankie took Serens hand and pulled her back to sit next to them on the bed. ‘You know I’m going into this because I like working out and helping people, right?’
‘What?’ Seren shrugged, ‘We would be helping people.’
‘I can literally see the pound signs flashing behind your eyes like a fruit machine.’
Frankie looked down and took a deep breath, and Seren felt bad for allowing herself to get carried away for a moment.
‘Look,’ Frankie sighed, ‘obviously I need to make a living, and I very much love your passion. It’s very encouraging that you want to jump right in and help make this personal training thing successful. I think it would be fun to take on something like this together with you, it’s just… we can start small. All that online stuff can come later. Besides, there’s… more important things I want to focus on right now…’
Seren looked down and nodded. Frankie was reminding her of what she should be prioritizing right now.
‘Right. You’re right.’ she relented, ‘I think after everything that’s happened, I’m just eager to move on. Get involved in some sort of project and make myself useful again. Especially if it’s one that involves you.’
Frankie squeezed her hand, ‘This is the project I want to work on, the Seren and Frankie one.’
Seren smiled at the sweetness of Frankie's words, and she reached out and tenderly cupped Frankie's face with her other hand.
‘You really want to do this?’ she asked.
Frankie kissed her palm and gave a reassuring smile, ‘Definitely. I’m looking forward to a change; a new career, a fresh start.’
‘Are you sure you want it to be here? In Tenby?... with me?’
This time, it was Frankie who took Serens hand, bringing it to their lips and placing a soft kiss along her knuckles. Seren felt herself met a little at the intimate touch.
‘Seren, I really like you.’ they said quietly, ‘and wherever I go next, I want you to be there with me.’
And that was it.