Chapter 27

• HayleyGran called me this morning asking if we could have lunch. Xander and I spent literally the entire weekend together and it finally felt like I was on honeymoon but today he had to go back to the office. Todays my last day of leave and I feel really bad for not spending as much time with Gran as I should of. Between training with Kyle and trying to keep a happy face on when Xander was avoiding me, I hardly got to see Gran or talk to her properly. The chemotherapy has left her tired recently and she rests a lot, which is what the doctor ordered but I still feel bad she can’t come on our daily walks anymore and that I don’t get to see her as much. I asked chef to make gran and I a picnic lunch that we could eat in the sunshine. I’m sure vitamin D will only help Gran feel better. I set up our lunch on one of the many tables in the beautiful garden and go to help Charles bring Gran outside. We each hold onto one of Grans arms and slowly walk her out to the picnic table. It breaks my heart to see her so frail. The doctor started her of on a low dose of chemotherapy and gradually increased the dose. The higher dose is taking its toll on Grandma and she’s been resting more this past week. Charles and I help Gran be seated. I thank him and tell him I will call him if I need anymore help. “Having lunch in this sunshine was a wonderful idea, Hayley. I'm already feeling so much better, although I fear the warmth is so tempting, I might fall asleep out here!" “You and me both Gran!” “These treatments have kept me so tired I haven’t had a chance to ask how things are going with my grandson?” “Oh Gran! I feel like things have taken a turn for the better these last few days.” I say, blushing, “He actually said he wanted us to try a real relationship. I never expected him to utter those words so soon.” “I knew I never raised a fool! My Xander knows a good thing when he sees it.” She says as she smiles at me. “Things feel so right Gran, I’m almost afraid to jinx it.” “Tell me everything that’s happened so far, don’t leave out anything”, she says like a school girl. I laugh but proceed to tell her about the night of the break-down and then how Kyle has been training me and Xander’s reaction to it. Ofcos, I had to leave out CERTAIN parts but from her grin I knew she had already filled in the blanks. “How romantic, my dear!” “Seriously though Gran, I’ve never been this happy before or felt this cared for... and I have you to thank for that. Thank you for whatever you saw in me and for believing in me. I would never be here without you and I need you to know I appreciate you.” I get up and walk around the table to envelop Gran in a much needed hug. Xander I've had girlfriends before but they were never constantly on my mind like Hayley is. These last couple days, my house has felt more like a home than it ever has. Before it felt like party central, now it feels like home. II love having Hayley and her little mischief makers around. I had to get Charles to cover the fountain with a net to keep the animals out but that hasn’t stopped Sebastian from sitting by the fountain almost every waking moment trying to find a way to get to the fish or the pups from staring at the moving fish hypnotized. It’s hilarious to watch. As I drive up to the front door, Sebastian is exactly were I expected to find him... lying in front of the fountain, catching the suns rays. He wakes up to rub himself against me in greeting and I scoop him up and enter the house with him under my arm. I put him down once inside and he darts of after the innocent Stella who just came to greet me, chasing her out of sight. Hayley’s cat is definitely gangster. He has those two dogs in check. It’s only around 2 pm but I decided to come home early because I missed the chaos at home and my wife. I never realised how much I used the word wife when thinking of Hayley. I thought I’d shy away from it but I don’t. I scan the house but don’t see her anywhere. I finally find Charles who tells me she’s out back having a picnic with my Gran. Stella has found her way back to my side and I ruffle her fur as I make my way to the gardens. I see Gran and Hayley deep in conversation. Gran is giggling like a little school girl and Hayley is laughing along with her. I stop and just watch them. My heart feels warm just looking at the two of them. Hayley doesn’t do things for me or anyone else to see. That’s part of the reason I’m so attracted to her. She genuinely loves my gran. It’s not an act. Despite how unwell Gran has been feeling, she looks so much better just talking to Hayley. Looking at them, I’m beginning to think that maybe Gran really does know best. Stella barks and runs to her owner as Gran and Hayley turn to see me approaching them. “Xander! What are you doing home so early?” asks Hayley shyly. I walk up to her and kiss her on the cheek just to see her blush before kissing a very happy looking gran. “I missed my favourite girls....Zola and Stella....so I had to come home early", I joke. Gran laughs and Hayley looks so chaffed that I mentioned her dogs, even though her cheeks are beet red. I sit down next to Hayley and place my hand on her thigh knowing how flustered I’m making her, before turning to Gran and asking, “What’s to eat Gran? I'm starving.” Though not for food, I think as I squeeze Hayley’s thigh.