Odd One Out
The People's Friend|August 05,2017

Dawn’s friends were all having grandchildren. When would she be so lucky?

Odd One Out

WANTED to speak to Matthew, too.” Dawn’s husband, Pete, looked apologetic as he put down the phone.

“Sorry, love. He rang off before I could stop him.”

She sighed and leaned back in the sun lounger, letting the warmth of the summer morning melt over her.

“Well, as long as he’s OK.”

Pete didn’t reply. Dawn glanced at him. He was avoiding her gaze, adjusting his sunglasses and pulling a cap over his thinning hair.

“Pete, he’s all right, isn’t he?”

“Yes, love. He’s fine.”

Matthew was their younger child, although even he was nearly thirty. Sara, their elder child, was already thirty-three. Dawn often wondered where all the time had gone.

“What’s going on?” she asked, sitting up and fixing her husband with a piercing look. “I know something’s happened. Spill the beans.”

Pete rubbed his chin and grimaced.

“Don’t get upset, love, but Matt’s broken up with Rachel.”

Dawn frowned and slumped back in her chair. No wonder Matthew hadn’t wanted to speak to her.

She stared moodily around their garden. A multitude of roses were basking in the sunlight, the old fruit trees rustled gently, and Pebbles, their moggy, was curled up in the shade with her kittens.

All was peaceful and settled. Why couldn’t her children settle, too?

Of course, Sara was happily married, but she’d just got another promotion and seemed no more likely to start a family now than when she’d married eight years before. As for Matthew, he’d been through one girlfriend after another.

Dawn sighed. Rachel had seemed such a nice girl and they’d been together for three years. She’d had such high hopes.

Pete grinned and took her hand.

Denne historien er fra August 05,2017-utgaven av The People's Friend.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 05,2017-utgaven av The People's Friend.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE PEOPLE'S FRIENDSe alt
It captured everyone's imagination
The People's Friend

It captured everyone's imagination

A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The UK has amazing marine life
The People's Friend

The UK has amazing marine life

Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 25, 2023
It's About Time
The People's Friend

It's About Time

Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Breath Of Country Air
The People's Friend

A Breath Of Country Air

Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Test Of Courage
The People's Friend

A Test Of Courage

Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 25, 2023
We Work Together
The People's Friend

We Work Together

Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The Art Of Laughter
The People's Friend

The Art Of Laughter

Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Life After Linda
The People's Friend

Life After Linda

It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
The People's Friend

ES! There in the corner are the speakers

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Lovely Glen Lochay
The People's Friend

Lovely Glen Lochay

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 25, 2023