How hard you can get hit

‘de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr….’

Rose usually giggled when the Rocky theme tune started on her phone as it was her brother’s favourite film and it made her think of the countless impressions he had done of Sylvester Stallone over the years, mostly with a sweet or olive in his mouth for extra effect. He frequently recited: 

‘It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward’

When she had travelled to Philly for work a few years back, he was insistent she had to visit the ‘Rocky steps’ and re-enact the scene where Rocky runs up and down the steps ahead of his ‘big fight’. Despite the freezing temperatures and looking like the Michellin man with countless layers, she did persuade a total stranger to film her running up the steps for her beloved brother. She had really ramped up her best Queen’s English and did a sort of buffoon Hugh Grant style of pleading which seemed to amuse the lady and worked a treat. You could hear her giggling on the video which only added to the charm. This was how much she loved her brother. 

In fact, it wasn’t just her, everyone who met Ed loved him. As well as being very ‘easy on the eye’, 6ft 4, with an athletic build and a chiseled jaw, he was so cool, calm and collected. He wasn’t phased by anything and was good at absolutely anything he put his mind to. His stock answer to anything was ‘oh fine’ which worried their parents non-stop. Despite being under huge pressure at work, he didn’t show an ounce of stress. Best in his year academically, best at all sports he tried and he always sustained the best of relationships with friends and family. She’d find anyone else like this quite nauseating but not Ed. She was so proud to be his sister.

But today she wasn’t giggling when the phone rang. Ed was always the picture of health until two weeks ago when he’d been out on a date with his beautiful wife, Gurpreet and fainted. When Rose found out she told her husband Paul to hold the fort. She had to see her baby brother and had charged up the M5 from Cornwall to Surrey to see him. She was completely taken back at how thin and gaunt he looked which reduced her to tears . Giving him a huge hug and kiss she launched into bossy sister mode: 

‘Ted, tell me, what’s going on?’ 

‘I don’t really know, I thought I’d just fainted, but Pree said it was more than that. I just don’t remember’. 

‘What did the doctor say? 

‘They’re done my bloods and MRI but recommended I have a consult as well as a head scan’. 

‘When is that? Have you got a date? ‘ 

‘They’re sending it through next week. It’ll be ok Rose, it’s just a precautionary measure. At least all else was ok. I know you worry but it’s probably that I’m a bit run down and have been working too much.’ 

‘Well you do need to take it easy and you need to stop working long hours and weekends. We all love you.’ With that she started to sob and it was Ed who morphed into his usual reassuring role.

‘Sorry Ed, Preet, it’s just that you two mean so much to me, Paul and Jimmy and Clara love their uncle and auntie so much. When can you take some time off?’

‘Soon, soon.’ He repeated his stock response . 

Rose gave Gurpreet a look as if to say ‘typical! He needs to slow down’. Gurpreet was always saying she never saw Ed and in the past months since his promotion at Unilever, even less. Their attempts at starting a family hadn’t been successful and you could see a sadness in her face. 

As she left them in Surrey, Ed said ‘I’m trying to keep this quiet…’

‘Don’t worry I won’t say anything.’

Gurpreet chimed in ‘What he’s trying to say is he dosen’t want you know who to know. Not that he’s bothered about anyone else’

‘I know I’ve not spoken to him in months’ and with her mind full of that someone, she drove back to Paul and the girls. 

A week later, Rose was in her office at home, trying not to get distracted by the beautiful view of the Nature reserve she looked onto. Beyond the reserve, currently being enjoyed by Canada Geese and a selection of cows of all breeds, you could see the top of the south west coast path where walkers/ runners/cyclists were enjoying the path and the views out to the unruly seas. She really wanted to join them and not be stuck in front of a screen.

‘de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr, de ne nerrr….’

‘Hey trouble’ Ed said in his usual upbeat way. 

‘You don’t fool me with that tone, how did it go?’ 

‘It all went well, and the consultant said that maybe it’s time to slow down a bit and work a few less hours. Maybe a bit more golf and painting’. 

‘Really? You’re serious?’

‘Absolutely. He said everyone is allowed one ‘episode’ in their lifetime but now is the time to slow down and enjoy life. 

Rose thought she was going to ball her eyes out but instead inhaled a huge sigh and said. ‘Amazing, I’m so pleased. Right, sister’s orders ‘book time off now and book a trip’. 

‘Well its funny you say that Rosy as Pree and I were just talking about it and we wondered if you Paul and the monkeys fancied a trip to Sicily? We really fancy staying at that amazing hotel featured in that HBO series. You know, the one with all those hateful people staying at the hotel. What do you think? 

‘I think that’s a perfect suggestion. I’ll organize it all. Love a project. I’ll call you back at the weekend with the itinery.’ 

And much to Rose’s word, she booked flights for them all and the most amazing hotel rooms overlooking Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian sea. It was like something from a dream. The drive over from the airport was full of ‘Wow, look at the view, Wow, look at how stylish everyone is, look at their trendy sunglasses’.

The wow factor continued at the hotel as they were greeted in the lobby by the most charming concierge.

‘Buongiorno cara mia’s, Sono Massimo. Welcome to the San Giovesse Hotel. I shall be your host throughout and please do come to me directly if I can help you. I have asked Sabrina to help with your beautiful children throughout your stay so mummy and daddy can relax.’

Rose thought this holiday was getting better by the second. Holidays with two small children hadn’t been totally restful over the past few years. Paul had insisted that they carry on as before, lots of trips to the mountain for skiing but flying down a black run after a disturbed night with two children, wasn’t what she deemed restful.

As the children were taken off for a bit of quiet in the hotel suite, the adults headed off to explore the hotel and ended up one of the fabulous rooftop bars looking across the Ionian Sea. 

‘This is so amazing. Thank you, Ed and Pree for suggesting. I think we all needed this’.

They found a peaceful part of the rooftop, with a beautiful olive cloaked seating area. After two or three very strong spritzes, Rose couldn’t stop herself :

‘Shall we talk about you know who or not mention at all?’

Paul had heard Rose go on and on about the topic so said: 

‘Why don’t Pree and I go for a wonder and check out the bar downstairs while you both discuss ‘sibling to sibling’.

‘Ed, I’m sorry to mention it at the start of our beautiful holiday but this has been sitting with me for so long. I’m so worried about mum and dad and the impact it’s having on them, but I think if we’re truly honest with him, he’ll just bolt.

‘You’re right sis, maybe a subtle chat from both of us when we’re back but separately so he doesn’t think we’re ganging up on him.’

They were talking about their sibling, Robert who had caused them and other family members no end of grief over the years.

‘I know I say this again and again, but I just don’t understand how we are related to him.

‘I just don’t understand this whole victimhood approach. Mum and dad did everything for us, we all had the same opportunities, supported us throughout but someone claims to have had the hardest life. I can’t bear it!’

‘Ok so we have a plan, we both try and meet up with him and tell him how we feel?’

‘Yes, I know it’s hard but I think it’s the only way to move forward. For now though let’s just all relax and have some fun! How often do we get to enjoy this indulgence? 

And so, with that they found Pree and Paul doing shots at the bar. Sabrina came up to check in with them and offered to organise dinner for the children and put them to bed’

‘You are a treasure Sabrina’ Rose gratefully said and with that she headed off to sort out the children.

‘We may have to take Sabrina home with us’ Paul quipped knowing he would get a smack on the bottom and then they both laughed. 

Later that evening after copious amounts of spritzers, wine and shots and with the children snug in their side room, Paul started dancing in their room and pushed rose onto their bed ‘Have I told you recently how hot you are Mrs Matthews?’ 

‘Not today you haven’t!’

‘Well, you are and I’m so lucky to have you’.

Their bedroom activities had always been incredibly good and mutually satisfying and it didn’t take them both long to drift off to sleep peacefully.

Rose woke to the sound of the wardrobe wobbling and her book falling off her chair.

‘What was that?’ she asked Paul.

He stirred and they both went to check on the kiddies who had slept through quite a significant rumble. She opened the bedroom door out into the corridor where a couple of other guests had clearly been disturbed. Rose led them all down to Reception to be greeted by a very upbeat Massimo who said

 ‘It’s fine, it’s just Etna letting us know she’s there…when she rumbles like that there is an ancient saying that ‘something unexpected will happen. It honestly nothing to worry about. Would anyone like a nightcap to take back to your rooms?’

And with that Rose headed back to the room where Paul was already fast asleep. When she woke in the middle of the night, she couldn’t help but think about family troubles especially with her brother Robert. She felt as if he was increasingly out to get her and make life difficult between all of them. She hated the way he manipulated her children and seemed to deliberately undermine her parenting. Who does that? She fell back to sleep and was amazed when she’d managed to sleep till 930am.

Breakfast was full of lots of chatter about the rumble in the night and Rose couldn’t believe Ed and Pree has slept through it. 

‘It must have been the shots of Oozo! I was out of it! Ha’

‘Well lucky for you…I thought I was going to vomit when I woke up to it!

‘The owner said it’s meant to mean something…not sure I believe him…’ Rose giggled.

She then turned pale as if her eyes were deceiving her…

‘Uncle Robbie’ squealed Jimmy and Clara as they ran over to the shifty stocky figure heading towards them. A Hawaiian shirt and shorts and more tattoos that she remembered from last time and accompanied by a rather large specimen wearing a very tight dress and pink hair.

They flopped down on the chairs next to Paul as if they’d just arrived home without barely a glance at Pree and Paul which infuriated everyone more.

‘Robbie, hi, how are you? Has something happened? Rose managed to say despite the shock.

‘Why do you always think somethings happened? God you’re so dramatic. Ma and pa thought it would be nice if we join you out here. We’re not staying here…this is far too sophisticated for us isn’t it babe?’ as he turned to his lady love. ‘ No, we didn’t think it was right to completely invade you all enjoying your holiday together.’

With that Robert signaled by clicking his fingers to the waiter and ordered two Aperol Spritz’s and a full breakfast. 

God, Rose thought, why did he insist on acting so entitled all the time? It’s so embarrassing.

‘Robert and ….’ Looking to his brother for a bit of civilized behaviour.

‘Tracy’ she said quietly.

‘Robert and Tracy, why don’t you join us on the boat after you’ve finished breakfast? Ed calmly suggested.

‘Yea sounds good. Is that alright with you petal?’ Robert sprayed egg on Tracy’s lap while he spoke.

Another thing that wound Rose up, why did he think it was ok to act like a slob? They’d all been brought up well and their schooling had reinforced civility. She hated it as well as her kiddies adored him, and she hated that they may mimic his revolting behavior.

A few hours later, all of that seemed to disappear as they enjoyed the mesmerizing views from the boat. It wasn’t just a boat; Ed had called up someone from work who had managed to lend them an amazing yacht. Rose couldn’t help but feel like a Hollywood A- lister for a moment. 

‘This is amazing…’

Sabrina took the kiddies off for a rest in the cinema room on the boat as she sensed the adults needed some time and from the tense atmosphere that an argument may be brewing.

‘I guess you guys are really thinking what am I doing here? 

‘Well, I’m quite surprised to be honest as you are always telling mum and dad you can’t get away from work …what line of work are you in now?’

‘Well, yes while I’m building up my new business it’s really difficult to get away but I’ve been offered an opportunity for a great investment and wanted to put it to you both. I’ve spoken to mum and dad and they’re keen …they said they’d happily cash in some of their pensions to support me. ‘

Rose couldn’t bear the entitlement any longer ‘What the fuck Robert. You have got to be joking. You shouldn’t be asking mum and dad for anything. You’re a grown man of 45! When are you going to grow up?!’

‘Well that’s a bit harsh Rose. You know I’ve struggled and had a really hard time. Not like you two. You’re both so lucky.

Paul waded in at this point

‘It’s not luck, it’s bloody hard work. Your siblings have had the same opportunities you’ve had and it’s outrageous to put it flippantly down to luck. I’m over this act. You Robert need to grow up! Excuse me.’

and with that Robert stormed off to see the children. 

Ed, cool and collected as always said ‘Look we’re just trying to enjoy our holiday and you shouldn’t be pressuring mum and dad for money. They have worked hard for what they have and it’s time you stood on your own two feet. You’re smart and you have the charm thing going on. Use it’. And with that Ed left as he felt slightly faint. Pree ran after him.

Which left Rose and Robert.

‘Look Robert, we all love you but you’ve got to get your act together. It always seems like you’re playing a game with everyone’s emotions. I think we’re all at the end of our tether’

‘Oh for fucks sake, you two are always ganging up on me. You probably wish I wasn’t around’

And with that he stormed off.

Rose was slightly relieved their boat trip was coming to an end. 

Everyone has had enough later that evening and Ed recommended having a quiet evening and perhaps even room service.

After a less disrupted night, Rose headed to the hotel gym and spa early and headed to get a juice before heading to the bedroom. As she indulged in a bit of quiet looking at the magnificent Mount Etna, she saw Robert and Tracy getting into a taxi and heading off into the distance. What’s that all about?

As they all met for breakfast an hour or two later, Ed announced ‘he’s gone. I made the problem go away.’

‘What do you mean? What problem?’ 

‘ I gave him a chunk of money and told him to leave mum and dad out of his latest dodgy business proposition. Pree and I discussed it and felt it would show him in his true light if he took it and it has. We’re ok financially and if it means protecting mum and dad, we don’t mind at all. He has scooted. That’s all he wanted.

Rose felt so sad about the situation but was slightly relieved to not have to deal with it.

‘I’m horrified but thank you’

They all fell silent. Rose stared out across the sea wondering what Mother Nature had in store for them all next.