I nodded and watched Louisa stroll back to her desk. That was the other shocking piece of news that came up. A high-profile judge had been delving into the world of underage prostitution. Not only was it a shock to everyone, it also meant that every case he had ever tried in that area could be brought back for re-trial.
It made me think of my mum and dad for a moment. I had to wonder if this would affect them. Deciding to be a loyal daughter, I quickly fished out my mobile and gave my mother a call.
“Tyler, I must admit, I’m thrilled to hear from you, but a little disappointed it wasn’t sooner.”
I sighed. “I’m sorry, Mum. Things have been so hectic.”
I heard her sigh. “You know, I’ve always been proud of you, honey. However, I must admit that I think I would have sometimes preferred it if you had become a teacher like you always said you wanted if you couldn’t be a journalist. You know, your sister could get you into America with no problem at all. Maybe could be a kindergarten teacher there.”
I had to laugh. “Mum, you say you want to see me in one breath, then you’re trying to move me over four thousand miles away in the next.”
She giggled a little. “I know but, as unbelievable as it sounds, I get to see Emily more than I get to see you.”
I chuckled a little, remembering all the dreams I used to have when I was younger. I always wanted to be a journalist, but my second choice was a kindergarten teacher. As strange as it sounded, I loved kids. The thought of working with them always filled me with a sense of pride and achievement. I think it was the thought of watching them as they grew, seeing them learn new things. You could always see the most dramatic differences in their first years. It would have been a joy to teach them and watch them grow up.
I must admit, it was sometimes tempting to seek out the more tranquil side of life. Not that teaching small children was tranquil. It would just mean my life would be more ordered than it is now. I certainly had the qualifications to become a teacher. As well as my degree in English, I also held a degree in Education. I was always so enthusiastic when I was younger. I just thought if it turned out I hated journalism, I always had my other qualification to fall back on. It helped I had a sister who was married to an American. I had the choice to either be a teacher here or in the U.S. At least I had options.
“I’m sorry about that, Mum. I promise I will visit you as soon as I can.”
“Well, I hope you do. Your father misses you, too.” I heard her sigh again. “Listen, honey. I’m due in court in five minutes. I really need to go.”
Remembering that’s why I called, I sat up a little. “Okay, but that’s one reason I called. I take it you know about Judge Lyons?”
She sighed in frustration. “Yes. What a shitstorm that is. It looks as though all his cases will be reviewed again. It’s a fucking mess. Sorry, sweetie.”
I laughed, knowing that she was apologising for swearing. “That’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
I heard her muffled voice saying she was coming before she said, “I really have to go. They’re calling me in.”
“Okay, Mum. No worries. I’ll speak to you soon.”
“You better,” she replied before hanging up.
*****
The day went really quickly, simply because I was frantically going through all my messages and picking out all the ones I considered the best. I was getting hundreds of them in. It was quite exhausting on my eyes, as well as everywhere else. I loved it, though. It was actually nice to feature something positive for a change. For once, I felt like I was helping the outside world. I knew it sounded silly, but there simply wasn’t enough love. I felt I was helping the people, even if it was a tiny population, reach out to one another. Nothing can be more gratifying than that.
The other reason I had to get everything done as quickly as I could was because I was anxious to see Jeremy. He needed to know I was going to be there for him whether he liked it or not. It was hard for me to get away near five o’clock, but I was determined to do it for him if I could, even if it meant me coming in at seven every morning.
The only thing that disappointed me was the fact that I didn’t get a response to Jeremy’s message. Maybe it was a little too soon, or it may be that she would never get to see it. The latter did fill me with a certain unease. I really wanted Jeremy to get his first kiss.
Rushing to get everything done, I managed to leave a little after five. Both Ian and Louisa raised their eyebrows at me, but I wasn’t going to hang around long enough to hear what they had to say.
I managed to get to the hospital just in time to squeeze in the last half-hour with Jeremy. I walked through the door and spied the same nurse who would smile at me, but never said anything. Jeremy had his head in a magazine, as every other patient had family members or friends milling around them. It made my heart ache. It just didn’t seem right that he was always on his own, fighting his cancer alone. I just couldn’t comprehend how he would want this in his life.