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grandparents, and because of this, they’ve taken the hint and acquiesced to take Silas for ten days over my busiest work period for the year; he’ll be gone during the Christmas and New Year season.  I travelled with him up on the XPT train service to Armidale, and now I’m returning home so I can get back to work.  The ride back is boring, and I’m sitting next to some smelly homeless looking dude who is determined to strike up freaky conversation.  I try hard to keep up and remain friendly, but by the time I get back into Broadmeadow station, I’m desperate for fresh air and no conversation!
     
    ***
     
    It’s Christmas Eve and I’m at work.  The bar is absolutely pumping, and I’ve enjoyed the last two days of living alone.  Today I finally settled into a Jade only routine, and I’m significantly grateful for having forgiven my grandparents. I’m even considering taking someone home so I can get some of my frustrated angst out.
    Rachel and Sandy have finished their degrees, and they’re here to party; staying at my house tonight and going home tomorrow for their families’ Christmases.  I could’ve joined either one of them... I was invited; but I’m working.  I need every shift during this season, to get ahead of my bills.  I’m returning to uni next year to do part-time, one subject a semester.  It will take me three years to complete my final year , but it will mean I can continue to look after Silas and drop maybe only one shift a week.
    “Jade?  Your phone has been calling nonstop out back.” Simon says when he returns from break.
    “Shit... can’t be good... it’s 11 o’clock at night!” I lament.  “I’ll take my break now that your back and see what’s going on!”  I sigh.
    Nine missed calls from my grandparent’s number.  I dial...
    “Hello?” my grandfather answers.
    “Pa?” I respond.
    “Oh, honey... look, we really tried, but we just can’t do this.  We really have to give Silas back.  He’s too much for your grandmother.  She’s crying all the time and threatening to leave.”  He explains.
    “I can’t leave here Pa!  I’m working this entire period!” I try to reason.
    “We’ll be there in the morning to drop him off then.  I’m sorry honey... you know your Gran.  She’s not cut out for this behaviour crap.”  He argues.
    “And I am?” I reply snidely.
    “You do a marvellous job sweetie.  If Silas was more like you, there wouldn’t be a problem!” He states.
    I’m gobsmacked, I’m so angry right now with that statement and all it implies, that I’m just going to demand he drives Silas home right now.
    “Leave with him now Pa... I want him home in the morning to wake up for Christmas day with me.” I growl.
    “It’s a long drive honey... I’m tired.” He argues back.
    “I don’t care Geoff.” I respond, using my grandfather’s real name.  “Get Uncle Dave to share the driving.  I’ll see you in four hours!” I seethe.
    “Okay!” he sheepishly agrees.
    I just can’t fucking believe it!  He didn’t even change his mind through guilt; he didn’t even give me one... more... day!  I can’t even have a little break!  I can’t even rely on anyone in this God damn world!
    I hang up and scream!

Chapter Three: The Second Year
     
    ...November ...
    “I’m so glad that’s over!”  I lament and sigh at Warren as we go over the kegs and clear the lines before the start of the day.
    “So, do you think you did alright in your exam?” he asks, concentrating on the VB line.
    “Yeah... it’s much easier to do one subject at a time, so marks wise, I’ll be killing it!”  I explain, thinking about how I’ve only got two more years of this shit, and then I’ll be earning proper money ; at least, proper money for me.
    It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good.  Sure, Silas and I have found a rhythm ; he’s going to school, even if it is begrudgingly, and I go to work.  We swim every day; he argues he doesn’t