Mum, what are you doing here? I asked, pulling back.

The older version of me, regarded me with tired eyes. I noticed the grey wisps of hair around my mums temples had all but taken over the desperately dyed colour. Her face looked more drawn and showed her age, the wrinkles showing through the thick make-up. I was worried, I could see tears behind the smile in her eyes.

Look at you, all grown up. she said, brushing a stray strand of hair off my face.

Behind her I saw Lizzie making hand movements to say she was going to give us some privacy. I nodded and sent a smile over to my friend.

Do you want a drink mum? Go have a seat, Ill make you a cup of tea. I said, soothing the mildly distraught woman in the only way I knew how.

That would be nice, thank you Trixie.

I gave her a squeeze and motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa while I made the drinks.

A few minutes later I reappeared with two mugs and some biscuits, I set them down on the coffee table and took a seat next to my mother.

Im sorry to just barge in like this Trix, but I cant work out how to use this bloody thing. she got out a mobile phone which looked like it had been made in the stone age. And it takes such a long time to get here, I just wanted to get here as quickly as I could.

Mum, really its ok. I said, placing my hand over hers, trying to calm her down a bit.

She met my eyes and managed a weak smile, before averting her eyes again. I had that feeling in the pit of my stomach, the dread was building up and churning around. I shifted uncomfortably and lost my smile, not wanting to know what my mum was about to say.

Ive got to get back home as well because of Tommy, hes staying with Uncle Berty right now so I thought Id take the opportunity to tell you in person, but you know what Uncle Berts like, ***** probably have Tommy drinking whisky and all sorts! she joked, her laugh was empty, she was stalling.