Episode 32 - Somebody's Daughter
Friday: mid-afternoon
Midge got home from work, tired and looking forward to a long bath.
Jez sat on her doorstep looking pale and withdrawn.
'What's up, matey?' she asked worriedly.
Jez looked up, her eyes red and Midge was shocked at how old she appeared. She knelt down and put her hand on Jez's shoulder who then broke out into a fresh wave of tears. Midge held her awkwardy. Jez was always the shoulder to cry on; the rock that all could hold on to and feel safe. Jez wept on her shoulder and held on to Midge.
Midge gently moved Jez back from her, scrutinizing her mentor's face.
'What's up, old duck?' she said, trying to lighten the mood. Jez only fell into a more hysterical bout of sobbing.
Midge decided they couldn't sit here forever and peeled herself from Jez's embrace and opened her door. She led Jez inside and sat her on the couch.
'Do you want a beer?' Midge asked kindly.
'A cup of tea would be nice,' Jez sniffled. Midge nearly fell over. She didn't think she had seen the old bird drink anything other than a beer or a coke. She put the kettle on to boil.
She grabbed some toilet paper off the roll, reminding herself to buy tissues, and handed it to Jez who blew mightily, making Midge grimace. Jez dropped the tissue paper on the coffee table and Midge picked it up with two fingers and put it in the bin.
She remained silent, waiting for Jez to be ready to tell her what was wrong. She coughed and made herself busy doing the daily crossword.
'Do you see much of your mum?' Jez finally asked, sipping on her cuppa.
'Not really, not since I left home. I send her cards and stuff and we ring occasionally but I don't think there is any love lost between the two of us since I came out.'
'I wish I could have been there for you,' Jez howled. Midge looked at her, completely confused.
'It OK, it's not a gay thing. We have always had our differences. I guess me coming out just drove the wedge in a bit deeper.' Jez started sobbing again. 'For fuck's sakes, Jez, whats wrong? I've never seen you like this.
Jez slowly put her cup down on the table and walked over to Midge. She placed her hands gently on Midge's shoulders. She cleared her throat and looked into her daughter's eyes.
'I have something to tell you.'
to be continued... |
