The next morning after breakfast, Nell washed all the dishes and put the pots back in their rightful places before swinging open the doors of the ‘Nollie’ and stepping out on to the deck. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and even though it was early morning, there were already boats gliding through the water. Nell sat down on the bench and stared out towards Lloyd’s boat. She had no idea what it would have been like walking in his shoes for nearly the best part of thirty years, losing the woman he loved and handing his child over to his sister. Nell didn’t feel any bitterness towards him. So many things in her life had changed in such a short space of time, and she needed to take the positives from the situation. She knew Lloyd had suffered enough and understood his reasons perfectly for giving her to Gilly and Benny.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she swung round to find Bea standing on the boat, ‘Come here,’ she said, ‘I wanted to come over last night but knew you needed space.’ She sat down next her friend and squeezed her knee.
Nell had texted Bea late last night and told her not to worry and that she would explain everything before work.
‘Well, it’s true. Lloyd is my father.’
Bea widened her eyes, ‘I don’t know what to say,’ she said softly.
‘I kind of worked that bit out for myself, but it’s the next part that shook me to the core.’
‘Go on.’
‘Lloyd Keaton is actually my mum’s brother.’
Nell saw the shock on Bea’s face as the words registered. ‘Which means my mum isn’t my biological mum,’ Nell added.
‘Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that either.’
‘It’s been a huge shock for all of us.’ Nell quickly filled Bea in on everything she had learned last night.
‘Oh, Nell, this is all so heart-breaking.’
‘There’s more,’ she locked eyes with Bea and took a breath, ‘He came back for two reasons …’
‘The first?’ asked Bea.
‘To sell the Old Picture House. It was his.’
‘So he was the one who gave it to you?’ Bea clasped her hand over her mouth, ‘Wow.’
Nell nodded. ‘Yes, once he found out who I was, but now for the sad part.’ Nell’s eyes were bleary, ‘He’s selling the Old Picture House because he has cancer and only a matter of months to live.’
‘Oh no, how sad, come here.’ Bea slid her hand around Nell’s shoulders and hugged her friend. ‘How are you feeling about it all?’
‘At least it’s all out in the open and no more secrets. I can’t change any of it and it’s very strange discovering that my parents aren’t really my biological parents, but I’ll never think of them any differently. They made me who I am, nurtured and cared for me and loved me with all their hearts.’
‘And that’s why I love you, Nell Andrews, for who you are. They did a wonderful job.’
‘Giving me to them must have seemed like the simple solution at the time. They couldn’t have children and Lloyd was also grieving. They kept me in the family.
‘Do you forgive Lloyd?’
‘I have no bitterness towards Lloyd whatsoever. How must he have felt every birthday, every Christmas? My birthday is the day his wife died – so heart-breaking for everyone.’
‘Where do you all go from here?’ asked Bea tentatively.
‘I’m going to make the most of the time I have left with Lloyd. He’s an old man and I can’t wait to get to know him better.’
‘And your mum?’
‘I love her with all my heart, that’ll never change.’
Nell’s eyes met Bea’s, ‘I told them about the baby.’
‘How did they take it?’
‘On the whole it couldn’t have gone better. They are delighted to become grandparents. Now my only dilemma is what I do about Guy.’
‘You mean, do you tell him?’
Nell nodded, ‘It’s still very early days. I’ve got enough time to figure that one out yet.’
Bea smiled at her friend, ‘You know, no matter what, I’m here for you.’
‘I couldn’t have got through any of the last few years without you and Nathan and that gorgeous godson of mine.’
‘Onwards and upwards,’ Bea smiled, ‘Are you up for working in the deli today?’
‘Of course. I’ll follow you across in a minute and it’s a big week for you too.’
‘Yes, I’ve get Fern and Gilly sprucing up the shop for the presentation on Friday.’
‘Deli of the Year. You so deserve it, my gorgeous friend,’ Nell popped a swift kiss on Bea’s cheek, ‘We must make a night of it after the presentation – a meal at The Waterfront.’
‘Excellent plan,’ said Bea, standing up, ‘I’ll see you in a minute.’
‘I won’t be long,’ said Nell, watching her friend walk down the jetty and disappear inside the deli.
Nell took a moment to reflect on the last twenty-four hours. She felt shattered, emotionally drained but relieved that all the secrets were out. She knew she couldn’t change any of the past. Benny and Gilly had been her rock growing up and in her eyes would always be her parents. That would never change. Nell was loved by both of them and throughout her whole life she’d wanted for nothing. She was going to make her mum proud and get on with her life. As Bea had said, onwards and upwards was the only way to go.