The Islands in the Bay – Chapter (034) Boxing Day

 

Boxing day at Cliff Haven was a very casual affair which started late and involved Molly and Danny wearing their pyjamas and watching TV all day.

Their visitors were finally arriving the next day so they were taking advantage of the peace and quiet and enjoying their own company while they could.

 

Gwen Loots was having an even busier day with her children and her sister, culminating with her going out on a date with Phil Holgate, as her sister Ruth was staying for Christmas, so she was babysitting the children, but after spending three hours getting ready, she was suffering a crisis of confidence.

“I’m going to call him and cancel” Gwen said.

“Why?” Ruth asked, “He’s totally smitten with you.”

“It was probably just the wine” she retorted.

“He snogged your face off” Ruth pointed out.

“That was probably the wine too” she retorted forlornly.

“Don’t be silly” Ruth said sternly “Put your coat on.”

Five minutes later there was a knock on the door and when she opened it Gwen stepped straight out and headed up the path.

“Have a great time Gwennie” Ruth called after her, but she didn’t reply, and Phil gave her a look.

“She’s having a wobble” Ruth whispered, and he nodded sagely.

“A large glass of wine and some comforting words will do the trick” he said, “See you later.”

“That should do the trick” Ruth said and laughed.

“Have a nice evening.”

Once inside she refilled her glass, and resumed her seat on the sofa, she was so pleased that Gwen had a date, with a nice guy, it was only a couple of drinks at the Philips Folly pub, but it was a beginning.

At some point during the evening Ruth fell asleep, she loved her nieces, but they were wearing her out, she woke up just after eleven o’clock, and only then because she needed to pee.

After spending a penny, she returned to her seat and watched TV, but was really ready to go to bed.

About ten minutes later the front door opened and Gwen tottered into the lounge with a broad smile on her face.

“So, did he snog your face off again?” Ruth asked as Gwen plopped down on the sofa.

“He did,” she said smiling “three times.”