Making Arrangements

“Terry!” Ceri stood on the patio watching Terry swimming laps in the pool. She smiled, hoping that he was beginning to come to life. She and Max worried about the fact that he’d been wandering around like a zombie ever since they’d opened up their home to him. They were happy for him to stay with them for as long as he wanted and needed, but they didn’t like the way he was cutting himself off from the world.

Terry was lost in his swim, concentrating only on his regular breathing. When he turned at the far end of the pool, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, realising just before submerging again that it was a figure standing near the pool. He finished his lap and came up for air.

“G’Day, Luv,” he spluttered, wiping the water from his hair and face. “What’s up?”

“The sky,” Ceri replied, not stopping to think before she spoke. She was relieved to see a smile flash across Terry’s face for a fleeting moment. “Come out and join me, I’ve made us a smoothie.”

“What flavour?” Terry asked, coming gracefully out of the water and grabbing a towel before joining Ceri on one of the recliners.

“Summer fruits…your favourite.”

“Thanks, Luv,” he replied, taking a sip and sighing with pleasure at the taste.

“I’ve got some news for you, Terry. I hope you’re not going to get mad at me, but Bron and I had a visit from Toni the other day. We told her what had happened and that you were staying here for as long as you want. She mentioned that now she is living with Travis, her house is standing empty. She asked us to tell you that they would be more than happy for you to make use of it…if you want to…”

Terry sat back and looked at Ceri for a few moments before replying. “You and Max sick of me?”

“Of course not, you’re family!! Our home is your home. It’s just that we worry so much about you. We know it’s hard, but you’re becoming a recluse, Terry. Everyone in The Glen misses seeing you around. You have friends everywhere you know.” She moved her chair closer and squeezed his hand.

Terry looked down, angry with himself for saying that. “Thanks, Ceri. I didn’t mean to upset you. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Max…Bron and Ed too. That’s very kind of Toni to offer. I’ll have to get her a call and arrange to go see her about it.”

“That’s good, and of course you know that if you decide to move in, Bron will insist on arranging the decorating, and no doubt Meri will do the interior designs.”

“I’m getting spoilt aren’t I,” Terry smiled; a smile that this time reached his eyes. “There’s something really important I need to do before I speak with Toni and Travis though.”

“What’s that, love?”

“I need to speak with Marie. I’ve put it off for long enough, and she deserves for me to tell her face-to-face. I need to make sure that Bud is there when I do. I’ll give him a call to arrange a tme and day.”

“At least finish your smoothie first,” Ceri replied.

“No worries, mate. I’m not gong to let that go to waste. Let’s relax here for a bit, there’s a nice breeze coming up. I’ll have a shower later and then give Bud a call.”

Ceri smiled as Terry put his empty glass down and lay back in the recliner. This was a good sign; he was ready to talk to Marie at last.