The Argument.

 I didn't mention this last night, because basically I ran out of time. But after getting a shower and changed I went down to the kitchen to see if mum wanted any help. I walked in and dad was back so I went and gave him a hug as I do them both when they have been away for any length of time. I could tell by this point that something had kicked off and I assumed that it was because of the shopping at the farmers store thing, and so felt bad that I was the cause of this. I wasn't sure how to deal with it. I didn't know whether maybe a group hug was in order, but if they rejected it, would it upset me, more to the point I my patience with them. I could play for sympathy. Make out it was upsetting me. But then they would just be reconciling my problem to please me and not theirs to please them.

In the end I just said, "I don't know what's the matter with you two tonight but I'm not enjoying it."

Mum said, "You're not the only one either."

There seemed to be a hidden message in there which I wasn't hearing. I went over to dad who was now sitting at the table and I put my arm around him.

"Come on dad, it's no big deal, me and mum will go to the farm place and buy some clothes. it can't be that bad in there I'm sure. But don't blame us if we spend all your money though."

I should add at this point that mum hates the farmers store, she sort of feels intimidated some how. 

Dad gave a little laugh and a comment when I said about spending all his money. 

"He knows it's not just about the clothes." was mum's reply.

Dad then volunteered more information.

"We've only just got back from two weeks away and she's on at me to go again as soon as I get in."

This is good I thought, now at least we are talking.

I could see dad's point, but I also know that mum is hoping to go away more now they had the camper van. They're very funny about this sort of thing, not at all compatible for breaks. Dad won't stay in what he calls other peoples beds, meaning hotels, B&Bs and such like, although he has been known to stay at relatives over night. Also mum won't drive the camper at all saying it's to  big, also she won't drive on motorways which means dad always has to do most of the driving, which never gives him much of a break considering that he does driving all the time at work.

"I don't mean immediately. I just wanted him to commit to a date, and all I get is sometime never - like with your clothes" mum replied.

Knowing all of this it seemed that the obvious answer to this little upset was for me and mum to go away by ourselves leaving dad to enjoy the farm, so this is what I suggested.

"How far are we going to get with my driving." replied mum. I felt she was warm to the idea but not yet warm enough to feel it.

"You don't have to drive, you'd be with an experienced hitch hiker!" They both laughed at that.

"Just be sure to jump over the hedge if you see a blue van coming in your direction." Suggested dad still with a smile.

So I went on, "There's trains, coaches, we could go on a coach trip, or even fly off to somewhere exotic."

"Steady on now, that exotic bit sounds like it might be expensive."

Dad was getting on board now.

"Oh! don't worry, it's going to darn well cost you Mr." I had to smile at that, she was careful to miss the old out from in front of MR..

Now they were actually talking to each other, and while they'd been doing so I had a thought.

"We could get the bus or train to Edinburgh and visit Irene for our first trip, then if we got on okay we could go on other trips then." I suggested. 

Mum was won over now too, and dad knew it because he got up from the table and came over to us. He got hold of me and gave me the biggest bear hug cuddle I have even had, but not tight, very gentle he was.

"Come hear you, I got home tonight to find Eric running round the yard like a kid with a new toy, you've impressed him, and that's not easy. Now you've gone and sorted us two daft buggers out. You're such a god given blessing to us, how anyone could throw you out in to the gutter the way they did is beyond me, but it's our gain, there's no mistake about that."

He then pulled mum in to the hug too, now we were back as one. Thank goodness.

When he pulled away I caught him wiping tears away, "Dad, you're crying, OMG you're actually crying." 

He immediately turned away embarrassed and apologetic. I told him not to be silly and went and gave him another little cuddle, and of course he'd got me crying by now also.

I heard mum saying, "You're two are a right pair of soft devils, I don't know what I'm supposed to do with you, I really don't!"