Chapter 23: it ends

The days went by: paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, helping with the cooking, playing, having fun, and suddenly, all too soon, it was the last night. I was sitting on my bed in my pyjamas staring at the floor feeling hollow inside. Mum came in and sat down next to me. We put our arms around each other and for a while neither of us said anything.

Then she spoke in a sort of faraway whisper, "When Randolph was born, I caught an infection that damaged my reproductive system. I had two operations over the following years but it couldn't be fixed and I'm not able to have any more children."

Mum sighed and went on, "I love Randolph, but I always wanted to have a daughter as well. Lynda, thank you for being a surrogate daughter for me over these past two weeks, it's been wonderful."

I started to cry softly and whimpered plaintively, "Why does it have to stop? Why can't we just continue?"

"Oh Lynda, I wish it could too, but it can't, love, it can't. Come on, let's get you into bed."

She tucked me in, kissed me on my forehead and said, "goodnight, sweetheart," in the usual way.

I lay there with my head full of futile wishes and vain hopes, and eventually fell asleep.

I remained as Lynda while we finished packing up and for the drive back. We stopped about ten minutes from my house and I reluctantly changed back to Lynden.

They walked me up to the door. It was Sunday and both my parents were at home. Mr Keaton spoke, "Well here he is, safe and sound, and let me say that his behaviour has been exemplary."

Mrs Keaton added, "We have all had a great holiday and we would be happy to take Lynden with us any time."

I think my parents were a little taken aback by the glowing reports and after the goodbyes and we went inside, Dad enquired with raised eyebrows, "So you behaved okay, did you get on with Randolph all right?"

"Yeah. I was a bit unsettled for the first day or two, but after that it was all good."

"And you enjoyed yourself, dear?" Mum asked.

"I had a fabulous time, Mum, but I'm a bit tired now so I think I'll go and lie down for a while."

I went into my bedroom and laid down on my bed. I didn't start crying but I was close.

I was interrogated at the dining table so I told them about all the things we did - no mention of Lynda though.