* * * *

“Are you sure?” Peter asked, stuffing his wallet and phone into his pockets while Andrew fastened his shoes.

“Yeah, absolutely, you two go out, have a good night,” Helena told him, having just refused their offer to join them on a night out. She felt they deserved some time together, what with having spent more than week putting up with her and the kids, and she could see they were happy about the prospect of some alone time. 

Peter grinned back at her, silently thankful that he got Andrew all to himself, and told her, “We will… Don’t wait up.” Andrew followed him to the door, saying a goodbye to his sister while she saw them out, waiting until they were already seated in the back of the awaiting taxi before closing the front door. She let out a long breath and made her way back into the living area. The children had been playing in the paddling pool around the back for most of the day and worn themselves out. They now sat in the living room, oblivious to the setting sun whilst completely engrossed in the animated film playing on the wide-screen television.

Helena smiled at the sight of them together, sharing a blanket, Leah’s head resting against her big brother’s arm. Away from the raucous noise coming from the television, the Brit allowed herself the indulgence of thought, casting her mind back to her children’s development in behaviour since her and Robbie’s split. She knew the effect it had on them would not be positive, but she had been too caught up in her own turmoil to foresee the extent of the distress they were in. They became shadows of themselves, afraid to voice their opinions lest their words crack their already fragile family home into shattering completely. Time had healed their little family, there was on doubt about that, though even now Helena could see the missing pieces in her childrens’ personalities; she could only hope that they had not been permanently scathed because of their parents actions.

“Mummy?” Leah’s voice broke through Helena’s thoughts, causing her to lift a smile to her face. The little girl, upon seeing the change in her mother’s expression, continued, “Why didn’t he just leave Nemo alone?”