Chapter Text
Ruby wasn't sure where to meet William. He had no idea she existed until last week when Louise contacted him by Facebook and revealed the truth of what happened when they were fifteen. Ruby wasn't sure about calling her biological parents mum or dad just yet, she felt like she was betraying her adoptive mother for a start. Also...what she had got to know of Louise so far, was a let down to how she imagined things would have gone. Louise was a ward sister in a big hospital, but she got the feeling that she was only there for the money and not for patient care.
"Yeah babe, I work in the geriatric ward in North Manchester General Hospital. Half the patients have dementia, so you have repetitive arguments with them about how their wife died ten years ago and they need to get back into bed. I just ignore them and let the HCA's deal with their needs. It's what I had to do when I was a HCA, so it's only me passing down the knowledge."
Ruby wasn't sure that was right, but what did she know about nursing? Though she certainly wouldn't be putting her grandmother in that hospital anytime soon if she thought elderly patients were not being treated right.
While she wanted to make her own mind up about William, Louise had already given her opinion and described his family background.
"Your father is of Irish gypsy stock, so don't expect them to be friendly with you. I know his father used to hit him to make his son harder so to speak. He's now a semi professional boxer, he's a poorer version of Tommy Fury. Also, I think he has a few children but his partners left him for whatever reason. So hey, some siblings for you to meet."
Ruby had to say something. "Look mum, I know you have your biased opinions of him, but he's my dad. Can I make my own judgments please? Don't be so discriminatory against travellers. That's my blood you're talking about ok. Also remember that my adoptive mother is black and so I'm sensitive and more aware when it comes to racism. I've had to deal with it as a white child of a black woman."
That had shut her mother up and Louise had been making a bit more of an effort to try and watch her mouth. Ruby went to Carla, the woman who she felt was her proper mother, the woman who raised her since an infant with kindness and compassion.
"Mum...I think I'm going to regret finding Louise and William. Louise...I wouldn't say racist, but she has a loose mouth. William already sounds like a tool."
Ruby wiped her eyes while sitting on the couch leaning on Carla.
"Honey, I did warn you before making this search that you could find things that you won't like and that you shouldn't get high expectations. However, if you stop this search now, I know you'll regret it." Carla went and kissed Ruby on the forehead. "Just know if Louise says anything else discriminatory or I feel your gran should not be around her, then she won't be allowed here anymore. This is our safe space to feel comfortable."
Carla stroked Ruby's hair.
"You know how many kids I've fostered. Remember Charlie? When he went on his journey to get back in touch with his drug addicted parents. He thought he had some regrets, but I went to his wedding last year and his mum was there. Lovely lady who came out of her addiction. It's why she couldn't look after her son."
Ruby was re-assured by this, even if everything went tits up, she had Carla...the mother who raised her to come back to.