Chapter 55

The next morning. Leigh is asleep in the chair. Shannon is getting ready for work. Shannon gently shakes Leigh. Leigh wakes up and says "Charlie?"
Shannon says "No, it's me."
Leigh says "Did she come back yet?"
Shannon says "I don't think so. Her room's empty."
Leigh says "Do you mind me staying until she's back?"
Shannon says "Course not. I'm making a drink, do you want one?"
Leigh says "Please." Shannon goes to the kitchen. There's a knock on the door as it opens. Mickey and Louisa walk in. "What are you doing here, Squid?"
Mickey says "Could ask you the same thing. You know mom worries."
Leigh says "Aren't you supposed to be at school?"
Shannon takes Leigh her drink and says "Morning, girls. Do you want a drink?"
Louisa says "No thanks."
Mickey says "I will. Is there juice in the fridge?"
Shannon says "Help yourself."
Leigh says "You didn't answer my question, Squid."
Mickey goes to the kitchen. Louisa says "I came to see my sister. When will she be back?" Leigh and Shannon look at each other. "She told me she was going to work yesterday, isn't she home yet?"
Mickey passes Shannon some letters and says "I guessed she wouldn't be. Charlie always brings the mail on her way in."
Shannon looks at the letters and says "Thanks."
Louisa says "Do you know when she'll be back?"
Leigh says "I don't even know where she is."
Louisa says "What?"
Shannon says "It won't be today. Leigh you need to read this."
Shannon passes Leigh a letter. Leigh takes it and reads it aloud "Shannon, I've got to go away for a while but everything is taken care of. I'm sorry about this note but I know Leigh will still be there and I can't face her right now. Please tell her and Louisa I'm sorry, and Mickey I keep my promises. Look after yourself and keep an eye on my family for me. Charlie."
Mickey says "Leigh, what did you do?"
Leigh says "Me?"
Mickey says "It says she can't face you. What the hell happened?"
Leigh says "Nothing happened."
Mickey says "If nothing happened, why has she gone?"
Louisa says "She's gone. She's left me again."
Mickey says "She'll be home. Four months nine days. She'll be home."
Louisa says "What makes you so sure?"
Mickey says "Charlie keeps her promises."
Shannon says "I hate to do this but I've got to get to work."
Leigh says "You work at CRBG Acounts?"
Shannon says "Yeah."
Leigh says "Take the day off if you want. One of the partners is on indefinite leave."
Shannon says "What are you talking about?"
Mickey says "That's Leigh and Charlie's company."
Shannon says "What?" Leigh nods. "I'd better go. You're welcome to stay, just lock up when you leave."
Shannon leaves. Mickey says "She didn't know?"
Leigh says "Doesn't look like it. Shouldn't you two be going to school?"
Mickey looks at Louisa and says "I don't think we should. Lou, are you ok?"
Louisa says "She left me again."
Mickey hugs Louisa and says. "She's left us all, but I know she'll be back."