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Post by sophie on Jun 5, 2010 17:58:12 GMT
Thanks!
The next afternoon Bridget and Riley went to see Josie and Clara after school, only Clara was still out. “She shouldn’t be too long,” said Joanna, glancing at the clock. “She promised me half past four and it’s nearly that now, so you head upstairs.”
So they left Joanna to look at the clock and look annoyed, and Bridget hoped that Clara would keep her promise, and also that she would not be so angry this time round.
“You suck,” complained Josie. “You’re leaving next week!”
“But I came back last time,” Riley said in defence. “And I’m coming back in June, which is pretty much just a month away.”
“It’s ages.”
“It’s not too bad. And then I’ll be back around July, after Didge has the baby. Think about that; you’ll have a new niece or nephew.”
“Sort of.”
“You will!”
“It’ll be the holidays,” said Josie hopefully, and she grinned, and Riley and Bridget looked at each other.
“Is school going okay?”
Josie’s smile left her face and she looked down.
“Yes,” she mumbled.
“That doesn’t sound very convincing.”
“It’s going fine.”
“Josie, if they’re giving you hell, just tell me or your mum or dad and we’ll sort them out, Clara and Didge as well. You don’t have to take it.”
“There’s nothing to take,” she said and sounded more cheerful. “It’s fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she said sulkily. “I’m going to get a biscuit,” and she disappeared downstairs.
“I don’t think she’s okay,” Riley said to Bridget.
“No. Me neither.
“Well, we’ve got to do something.”
“Do what? We don’t know she’s not telling the truth –“
“Didge, she’s obviously not –“
“The only thing we can do is tell Joanna again and remind Josie to speak up. I’ll keep an eye on her and tell Clara too as well.”
“Shouldn’t Clara be back by now?”
As if in answer to his question they heard the front door open, and Joanna’s angry voice saying, “Young lady, you are late!”
“Ten minutes Mum!”
“You knew Bridget and Riley were coming round and that the only reason I let you go was because you promised to be back by the time they got here.”
“It’s only ten minutes,” they heard Clara whine. “There was a queue.”
“Presumably not one that lasted half an hour!”
“You’re getting like Dad!” Clara snapped.
“Well, maybe your father’s right! If you don’t get your act together maybe you’re not mature enough to see him!”
“You both suck!” Clara shouted. “We just like each other!”
“Clara, don’t you dare talk to me like that! You are grounded!”
There was nothing said in reply but they could Josie’s nervous giggling and Clara hurrying upstairs.
“Hi,” she sniffled.
“You shouldn’t talk to your mum like that,” Riley said and she scowled.
“And I bet you were nice all the time to your mum, won’t you?”
Bridget laughed.
“You wouldn’t have known, Clara, he spent half the time in his room. But he did have rows with her sometimes.”
“Don’t let me get started on you,” Riley said to her. “And besides, it’s not the point. You shouldn’t disrespect your mum.”
“I was only ten minutes late!”
“You should have kept an eye on the clock and not yelled at her!”
“Excuse me, it’s not your business,” Clara snapped. “You’re like Dad. You’re like another bloody dad.”
There was an awkward silence but Riley and Clara glared at each other.
“I’m going to find Josie,” said Clara, getting up. “She’s probably trying to get me in more trouble.”
She went downstairs as well.
“And that,” sighed Bridget, “is what I get to look forward to. Maybe you will as well, if you have kids. Though she’s right mind you, you do sound like a dad.”
“Really?” asked Riley and he grimaced. “I don’t think I’m dad-like.”
“Just in the way you told her off. God, I’m getting this twice over. Two teenagers. God.”
“That’s a long way away.”
“At the moment I have India with enough energy to supply a country. I love her, but she’s so tiring, and on Saturday she’s going to a birthday party and will be even more hyper then. I can’t really relax when she’s asleep because she wakes up or I’m so tired as well I feel like going to sleep!”
“You’re doing a good job though.”
“I hope. I really couldn’t do it alone though. How do people do it alone?”
“I don’t know. I know you were as hyper as India though.”
“Poor Mum and Dad. I don’t know how we’re doing it,” Bridget mused. “I really don’t.”
Clara and Josie came back upstairs.
“Did you have a nice time, anyway?” Bridget asked.
“Are you going to tell me off any more?”
“No, not for now.”
“Good. It was nice. I really didn’t mean to be late,” she said apologetically. “I really didn’t. I lost track of the time and I was going to say sorry to Mum when I got in but she yelled at me so I got cross.”
“You still should have apologised to her.”
“I know,” Clara sighed.
“It’s ‘cause she loves Andrew,” teased Josie, “and she doesn’t think of anything else!”
“Shut up Josie!”
“You love him, you love him!” she sang. “And you want to marry him!”
“I don’t,” said Clara, going red. “Make her shut up!”
“Josie, give it a rest,” said Bridget sternly, and Josie stuck her tongue out. Clara looked positively murderous.
“Why don’t we help your mum set the table?” said Riley hastily to Josie. “Give your sister a break.”
“Oh, okay,” she sighed and they left.
“Am I forgiven?” asked Bridget.
“For what?”
“For last time. I wasn’t trying to interfere or make your mum look bad.”
“I know,” said Clara shortly.
“So is it okay? I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” said Clara shortly again. “I’m sorry too. I’m sorry I yelled.”
“How is it all going, anyway?” asked Bridget tentatively.
“Fine.”
“Good.”
“School’s still boring. Mum and Dad are okay. Andrew’s great. Why don’t they want us to go out?” she asked desperately.
“I think they worry it’s a distraction.”
“I was only late once,” she said sulkily. “Or twice. And Dad still thinks I’m six.”
Bridget wondered what Declan would be like when India was twelve.
“Give me a call if you need anything,” she said, somewhat lamely, and then, catching a closer glance of her sister’s face, said, “Clara, that’s a lot of makeup! Did you mum let you wear that to school?”
“I put it on afterwards. A girl lent me some.”
“It’s a lot!”
“I’m only trying it out,” she said in defence.
“You don’t need to wear makeup.”
“You do. You wear makeup.”
“Not very much. I don’t like it very much.”
“Why wear any then?”
“Habit, I guess,” said Bridget, considering the point, and feeling odd. “I don’t mind some.”
“Dinner’s ready!” came a call from downstairs.
“Wipe your face,” warned Bridget, and Clara hurried to the bathroom.
“Was a it a good day anyway, girls?” asked Joanna, when they were all sitting down. “I didn’t really talk to you properly.”
“It was okay,” said Josie briefly, and her mother looked as though she was going to ask more, but Clara cut in with, “Dad rang! He rang me at lunch!”
“That’s nice of him,” said Joanna briefly. “I’m sure you’ll have a lot to talk about on Saturday.”
Clara looked very disappointed.
“It was nice talking to him. Do you miss him?”
“Clara, not now.” Joanna looked like she was going to change the subject but she stared at her daughter who had not got all the makeup off.
“Clara! What is all that on your face?!”
“Just some mascara,” she mumbled. "And eyeliner."
“But you didn’t wear that to school!”
“Someone lent me some!”
“You know you can only wear mascara in the house and on special occasions! My God, Clara...”
“Mum, it was only after school.”
“That’s not the point. Oh, I can’t argue about this now. I’m too tired. Anyway, Riley and Bridget are here. How are you? What have you been up to?”
“We're fine. We’ve done the nursery,” Bridget said. “It’s yellow.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” said Joanna.
“Ours was pink,” said Josie.
“So was India’s. It’s funny because she hates pink now,” said Bridget fondly. “Dad did it up for her when we were still in hospital. It was beautiful.”
“It sounds it,” said Joanna. “We weren’t allowed to paint the walls for you,” she told Riley suddenly, “but your father went and put an animal frieze and posters all around the walls and we got a cot from the neighbours.”
“Thank you,” said Riley, and no one really knew what to say. “Did you change it for Didge?” he asked after a pause.
“No. We didn’t know if we were having a girl and anyway, there wasn’t another bedroom. We put the cot in our room. I used the animal posters again, but your dad had bought a poster of a mermaid in case. I used that too.”
“Oh,” said Bridget and she didn’t know if she was feeling happy or sad. Both, she guessed. “I liked mermaids when I was a kid.”
“You loved them,” reminded Riley. “You wanted to be one.”
“Me too,” cut in Josie and it felt less tense and they were all able to smile.
“Bye,” said Bridget, hugging Joanna as Riley waited in the van. “Thanks. Sorry for getting you in trouble last time.”
“No, don’t worry, Clara snaps at anything these days.” Joanna sighed.
“I think she feels bad,” said Bridget.
“She’s been through a lot lately.” Joanna sighed again. “I worry because I see myself in her,” she said awkwardly, sounding embarrassed. “And I know she thinks she’s grown-up.”
“Clara’s fine,” Bridget assured her. “She’s going to be fine.”
“I know it’s a phase. We’ll get through it. Well, I won’t keep you. Goodnight, Bridget.”
“Night,” said Bridget and she saw Clara coming downstairs looking upset and saying, “Mum?”
“Bye guys,” said Bridget quickly.
“We’ll get the door,” said Joanna distractedly.
Bridget went down the van, got in and then groaned.
“What?” asked Riley.
“It’s my jacket; I left it. Hang on.”
She set back up the path but as she reached the house she saw that the door was ajar and through the crack she could see Clara and Joanna hugging and Clara saying, “I’m sorry Mum. I’m really sorry.”
Bridget turned and went back to the van, deciding that the jacket could wait until tomorrow.
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Post by Bee on Jun 6, 2010 5:09:21 GMT
that was great sophie (:
cant wait for more!
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Post by sophie on Jun 7, 2010 10:44:56 GMT
Thanks!
“Mummy, I don’t want to wear my dress!”
“India, it’s a birthday party, and it’s Mrs Smithson’s birthday party so she’ll want you to wear a dress!”
“It’s not her birthday!” laughed India. “It’s Timothy and Jane’s birthday party!”
“Yes, I know. But it looks like a bit of a fancy party.”
India still sulked but gave in and put it on, but refused to sit still when Bridget tried to comb her hair and she shouted when Bridget pulled on a tangle.
“OWWWW!”
“Well, I can’t do it gently if you keep wriggling about!” said Bridget in frustration.
“I don’t care if my hair’s tangly!”
“Well, I do! Sit still!”
India looked cross but sat still and finally Bridget was able to make her hair look neat and when she had finished she had to hold back laughter as India sat with a face like thunder and her arms crossed over her dress.
“Stop looking so sulky! You’re going to a birthday party!”
“I hate my dress!”
“Stop whinging or you won’t go at all,” said Bridget. “Go and put your shoes on.”
India sighed and ran to get them and Bridget remembered going to a birthday party in a similar outfit, only the dress had been blue, and feeling just as annoyed. Miranda had made the mistake of putting a ribbon in her hair and by the end of the party the ribbon was out of her hair and tied around a girl’s wrists in some sort of game and the dress was covered in grass stains and dirt after they had been unsupervised in the garden. Bridget hadn’t seen her mother so angry for a long time but she had never worn a ribbon since, and she knew better than to put one on India.
“Have a good time kiddo,” said Declan. “Are you excited?”
“I want to go on the bouncy castle!”
“Have you got the presents and card?” Bridget asked. They had bought Timothy a sticker book and Jane a small jigsaw.
“Yes.” India picked them up.
“I guess we should go then.”
The three of them set off. Mrs Smithson’s house was in a posh part of the neighbourhood and her house was massive, with a huge garden, and Bridget and Declan’s mouths dropped when they saw the party: a huge bouncy castle, what looked like millions of children shouting and running around, tables of food and,
“A magician,” Declan shuddered. “I hate magicians.”
Bridget laughed in surprise.
“I didn’t know that. Most people are weird about clowns.”
“I don’t like them either,” Declan admitted, “but magicians are just plain creepy.”
“I don’t think he’s creepy,” said India. “He’s pulling a rabbit out of a hat, look Daddy! He’s cool!”
Declan still shuddered and Bridget laughed at him.
“Come on; let’s find the birthday boy and girl. Declan, just don’t look at the magician.”
Declan still looked unnerved.
Mrs Smithson and Timothy and Jane were standing at the front of the house.
“Hello,” she said. “Thank you for coming. You can put your presents on the table. What do you say, Timothy and Jane?”
“Thank you,” they said in small voices.
“Happy Birthday!” said Bridget, leaning down slightly. “How old are you guys?”
“They’re seven and eight,” answered Mrs Smithson for them. “It’s Jane’s birthday today and Timothy’s on Monday.”
“Maybe you’ll get a little party in school,” Bridget said brightly to him and he gave a small smile.
“Happy Birthday!” India said.
“Do you want to go on into the party?” Mrs Smithson asked. “We’re staying until everyone arrives so you go ahead.”
India didn’t need asking twice and she gave her parents a quick hug and huge grin and raced joyfully into the crowd and onto the bouncy castle that was swarming with children.
“Well, we’ll leave you to it,” said Bridget awkwardly. “I hope India behaves. Happy Birthday again you two!”
“Thanks,” said Timothy and Jane added,
“We’re waiting for our daddy.”
“Oh?”
“He’ll be here any minute,” assured Mrs Smithson, but she looked a little worried.
Bridget and Declan glanced at each other but just smiled and left and Declan couldn’t help calling,
“Indy, be careful!” as he saw his daughter do a backflip on the castle.
“She’s fine,” assured Bridget, as they saw India cheerfully wave at them. “She’s having the time of her life. You’re a very overprotective dad, Declan Napier!”
“I am not!” he protested. “Just careful!”
She smiled at him and they left the huge house and wandered around the streets.
“Where are we going?” Declan asked and she held his arm.
“I don’t know. Isn’t it nice not to know? God, it’s so quiet. Can you remember this? Not having a little someone racing around or doing a chore or going to work? You never realise how much you miss some peace. God,” said Bridget, thinking and laughing at herself, “I sound like an old woman!”
“No, you sound like a mum.”
“Not like Didge Parker though?”
“Yes you do,” said Declan in surprise. “You’re not boring now!”
“I know – that’s not quite what I meant. I just find it weird thinking of myself as a mum.”
“I find it weird thinking of myself as a dad.”
“I don’t think of you that way all the time,” said Bridget and they walked on, not knowing where they were going, around some streets they didn’t know. It was a bright sunny day and it was nice just to walk in silence and not to worry about everything. They turned a corner and found a small path into a carpark which looked vaguely familiar to Bridget and she stopped, puzzled, when the memory hit her.
“Declan, do you know where we are?”
“No,” he said confused.
“We’re in the carpark we got stuck in after we drag raced with Justine!”
“No way!” Declan’s mouth fell open.
“Yes!” laughed Bridget. “Look; we stopped the car just in front of there and then we had that standoff –“
“and I pulled you over that hedge!” Declan exclaimed, and they walked over to it.
“I’m glad it’s still there,” said Bridget.
“I’d say we could try and climb over now, but it’d be pretty dangerous!”
“We’ll just walk round,” said Bridget. She touched the hedge briefly and they carried on.
“There’s still a dumpster!” Declan exclaimed.
“I’m guessing it’s a different one.”
“I remember hiding behind it like it was yesterday.”
“God, me too. I’m not getting behind it now though!”
“No, me neither. I was so nervous.”
“I felt nervous. And then you told me to get my neck checked and I panicked and made that awful joke about Dad curing me of kennel cough.”
Declan laughed.
“I liked you so much,” he said. “That day. And before then.”
“Me too. I wanted to kiss you too, a little, when you touched my neck, but I was too scared.”
“I can’t believe how long it took us. Still, I guess it’s not a very good place for your first kiss.”
“It was behind a dumpster, but it was still pretty cool.”
“I know.”
They sat down on the small hill.
“Didge,” said Declan hesitantly.
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry I was such a tool that day, and I kicked off at you, and said all that horrible stuff to you.”
“It’s okay,” said Bridget in surprise. “You were just upset about the car. You said sorry the same day. I shouldn’t have goaded Justine.”
“But I was still a tool. I liked you for who you were, not being a girly girl, and how you fought everyone and everything.”
Bridget smiled.
“I was such a tomboy. You’d have to fight me to get me into a dress. You don’t think I’m girly now, do you?”
“No,” said Declan.
“I still think of myself as a tomboy,” Bridget mused, “even though I wear dresses sometimes and a bit of makeup.”
“You’re still her, you know. Just grown up.”
“And you’re still badboy Declan Napier!” said Bridget, poking him. “You’re still the boy Mum and Dad were horrified I liked and got me into a life of a crime – okay, a drag race and a joyride.”
“Excuse me Bridget Parker, you joyrode first!”
“You inspired me! And even though you’re India Napier’s overprotective dad I think I’ll always see you as that too.”
“I’ll always see you as that tomboy too.”
“We’re not boring now, are we?” Bridget said.
“Of course we’re not!” said Declan. He paused, and then he said, “When you got pregnant I was scared of our lives ending.”
“Me too,” Bridget said quietly. “I had this image of me as a tired mum strapped to the kitchen sink and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. It shocked me when I found out. I didn’t even know if I wanted kids. It’s crazy how it all happened. I wonder what our lives would be like if it hadn’t happened.”
“I think that too. I’m not sorry though.”
“Why do we always say that?” Bridget asked. "That we're not sorry? Of course we're not, but it's okay for us to wonder, isn't it?"
"I know," said Declan in surprise. "But whenever I wonder about what would have happened I feel like I have to say that because I love Indy so much."
"I know you do," said Bridget, taking his hand. "I love her more than anything too and I feel bad if I don't say it. But I know you're not sorry."
"I know you're not sorry too."
They sat there for a while, looking out at the street, and Bridget rested her head on his shoulder and then finally they walked home.
A few hours later Bridget and Declan went to pick up India. They stopped and gazed at the party: total pandemonium as the children ran everywhere and as they searched for their daughter some kid threw jelly at Declan and it hit him smack in the chest.
“Hey!” he shouted but the boy disappeared into the crowd.
“India Napier!” shouted Bridget, who found her daughter having a jelly fight on the bouncy castle with several other children. “Get down from there!”
“But it’s boys against the girls!” India exclaimed. “And we’re winning!”
“Get down now!” Bridget shouted as jelly landed on her daughter’s shoulder, and India climbed down, looking extremely disappointed.
“Stop it!” shouted Mrs Smithson. “Stop it children! Timothy, Jane!”
Bridget couldn’t believe that it was the same children; the ever silent boy and girl had their mouths shouting in glee and were running around yelling,
“It’s our birthday, it’s our birthday!”
“Put the jelly down!” shouted Mrs Smithson when suddenly some slapped onto her dress.
Bridget knew if she looked at Declan she would laugh, so she just said very quickly,
“Thank you for the party!” and they left. Bridget wasn’t happy to see her daughter’s dress destroyed but she met her husband’s eyes and they started laughing and then couldn’t stop and Bridget knew that they still were who they were, whoever that was.
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Post by Bee on Jun 8, 2010 8:37:26 GMT
great update Sophie (:
cant wait for more!
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Post by sophie on Jun 9, 2010 22:10:43 GMT
Thanks!
The sunshine had disappeared by Sunday but it didn’t rain and instead the air felt oppressive and heavy. India was cross and sleepy as she had not gone to sleep for hours the night before; after being excited and hyper still from Timothy and Jane’s birthday, and the peacefulness from earlier that day had disappeared as quickly as the sun as Bridget and Declan had fought to get her bathed, changed and into bed as she had tried to reenact the bouncy castle on the sofa, and the backflip as well, and also managed to smash a small plate in the course of an evening. Bridget remembered reading a book when India was a toddler about how a story before bedtime calmed children down. Well, she thought grimly, they hadn’t met her daughter. She had had a story before bedtime since the day she was born and if India decided she didn’t want to go to sleep then no number of chapters seemed to help. Finally she had dropped off at around ten or eleven and by that point Bridget and Declan were so tired themselves they went to bed as well and fell asleep instantly.
“Can I go on the bouncy castle again?” India asked after breakfast.
“No, that was only for the party yesterday.”
“Can I go back to Jane and Timothy’s house and see if it’s still there?”
“No.”
“Can we get a bouncy castle?”
“No.”
“Can’t I have one for my birthday party?”
“India, no,” said Bridget, turning to her and putting her hands on her hips. “You are not going on any more bouncy castles.”
“Ever?!”
“Don’t be silly, of course you’ll go on one again sometime, just not today. Maybe not for a while and you’re not getting one for your birthday.”
“When I grow up,” India announced, “I’m going to buy three bouncy castles and jump on then all day!”
Bridget smiled.
“Are you really?”
“Yes.” She put her elbows on the table. “I wish I was grown up because then I’d stay up all night, eat nothing but jelly, go to England and see Auntie Rachel all the time and never, ever wear a dress! Even for a party!”
“That sounds like fun. You might get tired though and you know jelly isn’t very good for you.”
“I think grown-ups made that up so we’d eat vegetables. I wouldn’t get tired.”
“We didn’t make it up. You're tired today.”
“Not very tired!" protested India, rubbing her eyes. "Anyway, when I’m a grown-up I’m going to do exactly what I want and I’d get a pet kangaroo like you did.”
“Indy, I only had Pouch because she was a joey and didn’t have a mummy. I had to let her go when she was grown up. Kangaroos aren’t for pets, you know that.”
“Maybe I’d get a special kangaroo. Or a dog. Mummy, can I have a dog?”
“No, darling.”
“A cat then? Oh Mummy, please can I have a kitten?”
“Sweetheart, we can’t afford pets, especially with the baby coming.”
“But babies are little, they can’t need much!”
Bridget had to laugh.
“They need a lot of things. I think that’s enough questions for one morning.”
“Well, I’m going to have five cats and five dogs one day,” India said firmly. “And they can go on the bouncy castles as well!”
“I’ll visit you,” said Bridget, trying not to laugh at her. “And we’ll all go on the bouncy castles together. It’s time to get dressed now.”
“I don’t have to wear a dress today, do I?”
“No,” said Bridget. “You practically ruined your good one India Napier.”
India grinned and didn’t look very sorry.
“What was Mrs Smithson thinking?” Bridget said to Declan later that day. “The whole class! With tables of jelly!”
“She’s crazy!”
“I don’t think she knows how children think. I wonder if she got the jelly out of her dress.”
“I couldn’t get the jelly out of my shirt,” said Declan moodily. “I scrubbed at it for ages.”
“You scrubbed it for five minutes,” scoffed Bridget. “Then you got bored.”
“I put it to soak,” said Declan in defence. “I’m not so keen on Indy having jelly at her birthday party now.”
“We won’t invite forty kids. Anyway, did you see Jane and Timothy? They actually seemed to be having fun for once. I think that’s the first time I heard them laughing.” Bridget smiled.
“I’m glad they had a good time,” agreed Declan and Bridget smirked suddenly.
“What?”
“This is awful of me but I’m happy Mrs Smithson got jelly thrown at her,” Bridget admitted and they both started laughing.
That afternoon the air was still humid. Bridget and Declan took India to the park in order to try and get some air and burn off some of India’s energy from the day before, but it didn’t seem to help, and as she clambered onto a climbing frame they heard an ominous rumble of thunder and glanced at each other, and a trickle of wind suggested a spot of rain so they headed back. India, bored, ran around the house and Bridget went into the kitchen to make a drink for something to do. She looked into the fridge and swore under her breath when she saw that there was no milk.
“What?” asked Declan, coming up behind her.
“There’s no milk.” Bridget clapped the fridge door shut. “I’m going to go to the shop and pick some up.”
“Do you want me and Indy to come with you?”
“No,” sighed Bridget. “I won’t be five minutes and it could start to rain. You stay in and play, I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Take an umbrella.”
Bridget set off with the umbrella by her side, not needed yet. She headed into the shop and as she picked out a carton she heard someone behind her say,
“Bridget?”
“Josh!” she said in surprise, turning round. “Sorry we couldn’t meet up yesterday, or this week. We’ve been busy.”
“That’s okay. Hey, do you want to get a drink now?”
“I don’t know,” said Bridget uneasily. “I said I’d be five minutes. I’m just picking up some milk.”
“I won’t take up much of your time. You can always call Declan. Or are you busy today?”
“Not until this evening, really,” Bridget admitted. “Okay. But only for ten minutes.”
“Awesome.”
They went to the cafe opposite and sat outside under the awning after ordering two milkshakes.
“To you,” said Josh, holding out his milkshake.
“To me for what?”
“I dunno. For not giving up on stuff. You were so determined and you were right back then you know.”
“About what?”
“About it not being the chair. About me being stupid for blaming all my problems on it. You know, when I grew up a bit and lost a bit of ego I found a great job and someone who was great for me. Well, I thought so,” he finished sadly.
“You should be proud though,” said Bridget earnestly, and he gave a halfhearted smile. “You should.”
“How’s Donna these days?” he asked suddenly.
“She’s fine,” said Bridget, surprised. “She’s exactly the same.”
“Is she seeing anyone?” Josh asked and after Bridget raised her eyebrows slightly he laughed awkwardly and said,
“That sounded a lot more subtle in my head.”
“No, it’s fine,” laughed Bridget. “You’re more subtle than she was – she’s single too, I mean.”
“Oh,” said Josh. “Do you think she’d want to go out for a drink sometime? It would be nice to catch up with her too.”
“I’m sure she’d be very interested,” said Bridget, grinning and they started talking again and Bridget forgot to check her watch.
“Didge?” came a voice behind them and Bridget turned round in her seat to see Declan behind her frowning.
“Hey,” she said apologetically.
“You said you’d be five minutes!”
“I ran into Josh,” she said. “I was only going to be another ten. Sorry, I was going to text. Where’s India?”
“Mum dropped round. She was going to have a cup of tea with us and asked where you were and I said you were on your way back and that was twenty minutes ago.” Declan sounded annoyed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I texted you and called.”
“I didn’t hear my phone in my bag. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry, man,” said Josh but Declan just glared and clenched his fist, feeling like he had seven years ago.
“Declan!” exclaimed Bridget, catching sight of his expression. “I’m sorry I was late, I am, but I didn’t know your mum was coming round and I really didn’t hear my phone. You don’t have to be angry with Josh, it’s not his fault.”
“Let’s just go,” he said angrily.
“Declan!”
“It’s cool,” said Josh. “I didn’t mean to hold her up.”
“I bet you didn’t.”
“You’re pathetic,” said Bridget angrily. “No, you are. I’m sorry about him Josh, he seems to have reverted to a teenager. I’ll call you soon.”
“Didge!” exclaimed Declan but she gave Josh a quick kiss on the cheek and strode off. The air broke and rain started pouring down but Bridget didn't bother with the umbrella.
“Come on, let’s go then!” she snapped but before he followed her Declan leant over to Josh.
“I don’t trust you. I don’t care how many years it’s been. You leave her alone.”
“I’m not interested in her!” Josh exclaimed. “I just wanted to see how she was! Clearly she’s been through a lot, what with having your baby.”
“What’s that meant to mean?”
“Nothing, just that it’s rough being a teenage mum.”
“I was a teenage dad and we did it together. I love her. I love her more than you will ever know so you leave us alone.”
“I’m not into her now. I only like her as a friend. I’m not eighteen now,” said Josh but Declan just glared at him and strode away too.
“Declan!” shouted a voice but it wasn’t Bridget’s. Declan spun round.
Rachel stood there glaring.
“Bridget’s just gone past,” she said, “and she didn’t even see me. She looked like she was crying. What the hell is going on?”
“Nothing!” Declan snapped.
“Well, it’s clearly something if you’re both so angry and Didge is crying.”
“It’s nothing Rachel! I just got annoyed because I saw Didge with Josh!”
“Is this what this is about? For God’s sake, Declan, don’t tell me you’re jealous.”
He glared.
“You’re being ridiculous!” Rachel snapped. “You guys have been married for nearly seven years, been together nearly eight, you have a little girl and she’s pregnant with your next one! You don’t honestly think something would happen?”
“No!” said Declan in frustration. “It’s just him. Coming back into our lives and with his perfect life and reminding us of what happened before.”
“That was seven years ago! You guys were teenagers! He’s not interested in her now!”
“You believe him?”
“I believe Didge and she believes him, so yes. For God’s sake Dec, grow up and go and apologise to her. I’m going home soon and I want you guys to have made up.”
“We’ll have made up by then,” said Declan uncomfortably.
“I don’t want you to have made up by then, I want you to make up now and stop sulking about it!”
“It’s really none of your business Rachel.”
“It’s my business if Didge is upset,” said Rachel angrily. “She’s still my best friend.”
“Not everything gets sorted straight away! Life’s not like that!”
“This can be! My God, why do you both have to be so unbelievably stubborn? Just go and talk to her!”
“I’ve got to go,” said Declan. “Mum’s come round. I’ll see you later.”
“You’re both just like teenagers sometimes!” Rachel called as he walked away. “And you don’t have the guts to talk it out!”
“Oh,” said Rebecca uncomfortably when she saw the upset expressions on her son and daughter-in-law’s faces. “Maybe I should come back later.”
“No, it’s fine,” said Bridget sniffling. “Please stay. We need to catch up.”
“Didge has the milk now,” Declan added and she held it up.
“Me and Grandma did a puzzle,” India announced. “Do you want to see?”
“Yeah!” exclaimed Declan and as she showed him Bridget went through to the kitchen, Rebecca following her.
“Has something happened, darling?” she whispered.
“Nothing,” Bridget sniffled and Rebecca gave her a hug. “Just a dumb argument.”
“Declan’s too hotheaded sometimes,” said Rebecca comfortingly.
“I am too,” sighed Bridget. “I guess that makes us a good match,” but she wondered silently if that actually worked against them.
“Are you sure you want me to stay?” asked Rebecca worryingly and taking her face. “Because I understand completely if you want some time to yourselves. I can take India out for a bit as well if you like.”
“No,” said Bridget, shaking her head. “I want you to stay. I really do.”
“All right,” said Rebecca and Bridget put on the kettle and she caught up on all the news.
“Joanna says she’s worried because Clara’s a lot like her,” said Bridget, when Declan and India had gone to find Teddy and London. “And I know what she means. I know what she means because I see a bit of myself there too. If that doesn’t sound arrogant.”
“No, of course not. How do you see yourself in her?”
“In being stubborn and thinking that I didn’t need anyone to look after me. She bottles a lot up and she snaps when she’s annoyed. She thinks she’s an adult, or nearly anyway, and can handle anything, but she’s only a kid really. Clara would be so angry if I said that to her.”
“Are you worried about her?”
“She’s not handling the divorce well at all. I’m worried that she’s not accepting it and she’s not doing well in school. Hopefully she’ll come through it all, if she talks to her mum and dad.”
“And Josie?”
“You wouldn’t think she’s only ten. She’s okay – more okay than Clara anyway – about her mum and dad not being together but she’s being bullied in school. She’s told Joanna and we’ve told her to speak up but I’m not sure if she’s just pretending it’s over. I’m keeping an eye on her.”
“Those poor girls,” said Rebecca sadly.
“I know. I feel sorry for Joanna too – she’s trying to look after them both and soon she’ll have two teenage daughters.”
“Maybe you will too,” reminded Rebecca. “Have two teenage girls.”
“Or a teenage girl and a teenage boy.” Bridget smiled nervously and put a hand to her stomach. “Are teenage boys easy, Rebecca?”
“No,” said Rebecca honestly and they laughed. “Well. They pretty much just get addicted to their phones and become silent. And Declan stayed out all night sometimes. But that was just him. Every kid’s different.”
“He’ll have his genes though,” said Bridget. “And mine!”
“What about me?” asked Declan, coming downstairs and holding India’s hand.
“We’re just discussing your future son,” said Rebecca and he grinned.
“I knew you thought it was a boy!”
“It could be a girl!” protested Bridget, and they forgot they were annoyed for a moment. “We were just discussing EITHER possibility!”
“And him or her in teenage years,” added Rebecca.
“My little girl can never be a horrible teenager,” said Declan and Rebecca shook her head.
“I’ll be a yucky teenager!” exclaimed India. “I’ll be the worst!”
“Well, I should head off,” said Rebecca, and she picked up her bag. “You guys give me a call if you need anything, or if you want to talk.”
“I’m going to go and play,” announced India and she went back to her room.
Declan looked at Bridget.
“Did you say anything to Mum?”
“Would it have mattered if I had?” snapped Bridget. “And no, I didn’t.”
“Good!” said Declan moodily and he got his keys.
“Where are you going?”
“The gym! I’ll be back in an hour, don’t worry, I won’t bump into anyone on the way back!”
“You’re so immature!” Bridget shouted but he had already gone.
“What is going on with you two?” asked Miranda, laying down her fork. Bridget and Declan had barely said anything to her.
“Nothing,” said Bridget sulkily and her parents raised their eyebrows but changed their attention to Riley.
“Marie’s got a new job,” he said excitedly. “She’s stoked.”
“That’s wonderful!” they all exclaimed but Bridget and Declan didn’t feel very excited for her and Miranda caught the look of sadness on her daughter’s face.
“Darling, what is going on?” asked Miranda, taking Bridget outside. “You look so upset.”
Bridget felt her lip wobbling.
“Darling!” Miranda hugged her.
“Do you remember my first boyfriend?” asked Bridget.
“Josh?” said Miranda, thinking back.
“Yes, him. Well, I bumped into him – twice – and Declan was such a jerk about it. I’m trying to be understanding but God, Mum, he’s acting like a three-year-old.”
“He loves you,” said Miranda.
“And I love him!” exclaimed Bridget. “I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong.”
“Of course you’re not, but sweetheart, he’s your ex-boyfriend and Declans your husband. You parted on bad terms – you and Josh. Him and Josh too. I don’t know the full details but I know he tried to split you up.”
“He’s not listening,” said Bridget, wiping her eyes. “And then we had a dumb row.”
“It’ll sort itself out,” reassured Miranda. “Just talk to each other.”
“Thanks Mum,” said Bridget gratefully and she felt more hopeful when they left that night.
“I saw Rachel earlier,” said Declan, when they had got in and had put India to bed.
“Did you?”
“She said she saw you.”
“I didn’t see her.”
“She said you looked upset.”
“And you’re surprised?”
“No, of course not! I’m sorry I snapped!”
“If you’re sorry, don’t do it! It’s always like this! You always lose your temper over stuff and then just say, oh sorry.”
“But I am sorry! He just pushed my buttons!”
“How? By me talking to him?”
Declan looked uncomfortable and shifted slightly.
“Oh, why do you have to be so bloody possessive?” snapped Bridget and the thunder crashed outside. “We are married and I’m pregnant! I’m not interested and he’s not interested! Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I trust you!”
“Then why should it matter so much?”
“Because....I don’t know why. It just does.”
“That’s not much of a reason!” said Bridget irritably.
“I think of him as when he was younger,” said Declan. “I don’t know him now. When I see him I think of him seven years ago and him telling me he’d split us up, with that horrible smirk. And him goading me. I shouldn’t have reacted.”
“I know,” said Bridget, feeling a little less angry. “But Declan, it can’t be like this. It’s not healthy. Anyway, he's taking Donna out on a date. If she agrees, that is, and I'm pretty sure she will."
"Donna?" Declan exclaimed and looked very surprised.
"Yes. They did go out once. Why don’t you try and know him now? I wasn’t trying to be secretive, you know.”
“I know,” sighed Declan and they took each other's hands and looked at each other when India ran downstairs suddenly sniffling in her nightie.
“What is it Indy-pants?” asked Bridget in concern, lifting her up.
“There’s thunder and lightning!” she sobbed. “And it’s scary!”
“Hey, it’s okay,” soothed Bridget. “How about I make hot chocolate and we watch a movie? The storm can’t get us.”
“Okay,” sniffled India and she buried her face in Bridget’s shoulder. “Even though it’s bedtime?”
“Just this once.”
“I’ll make the chocolate,” said Declan. “You guys sit down.”
So they sat down together and watched a movie, India lying between them, and finally she fell asleep. They took her back to bed and when they went to bed themselves they kissed, and though neither had said they were sorry Bridget had felt they had made up all the same.
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Post by smilelino on Jun 10, 2010 8:37:40 GMT
Great update. I am happy that they made up. I do understand Declan and didge too. I really hope that Josh is not trying anything. Thanks for this great story.
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Post by Bee on Jun 10, 2010 9:12:52 GMT
thanks for the huge update Sophie (:
i love this
once again, i cant wait for more!
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Post by sophie on Jun 13, 2010 12:31:58 GMT
Thanks!
After she had dropped India off at school the next morning Bridget sat down at her computer and tried to study. She hadn’t studied last week; she thought ashamedly and decided to try to make up for it this week, and got out some books and notes. Bridget had always loved science, how everything tied together and how amazing the world seemed when you studied it; every little, simple detail. She had gushed a little about to Rachel and Donna and though they did not have the same passion as she did, she had been walking through a park with Donna once on one beautiful day and she had stopped and said, “I know what you mean.” And Bridget had decided after the initial shock and terror of the pregnancy had settled and she had made her choice that no matter what happened she had to use her love of science somehow, she had to be a doctor she would not, she could not, be someone who stayed home and then only used her talent to help with her daughter’s homework. Maybe that was alright for some women, staying home, and Bridget respected their decision, but not for her. She remembered being a young girl and thinking about women who decided to be housewives and deciding, not me. Never me. She had to think hard and urge her brain into working that morning, which made her feel panicky. It was understandable she guessed, rationally anyway – India had woken at six and then she had to make her packed lunch, give her breakfast and get her washed and dressed, with a hundred questions on the way to school as well, but Bridget couldn’t help criticising herself anyway and feeling angry for not doing any work last week. Make up for it now, she thought firmly again, and thought hard, thinking back to Year 12 Biology, and then back again to a few evening biology classes she had taken briefly when India was three. She had felt good about herself then; the classes had been three nights a week, an hour long, so she hadn’t felt as though she had been missing out on too much time with India, but then the classes had stopped and no one had set up any more. They had been basic but good, keeping the information running through her mind and the basic, simple formulas which always helped her to remember and she had used to repeat them during the day as well, so they were always there, but now she had to think harder to remember. The baby gave a kick and Bridget’s panic level upped – how could she keep up with the baby? But I’ll do it, Bridget thought, I have to do it, no matter what. No matter what. So she thought and thought and thought and when she glanced at the clock she started as she saw three hours had gone by and she had to go to see Donna and Rachel.
“Hello!” cried Bridget in surprise when she saw Rachel holding Theo. Donna hadn't arrived yet. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m giving Zeke and Jessica a day off. They looked like they were going to cry when I offered, with happiness I mean. Because they’re so tired.”
“I remember that feeling,” said Bridget, taking Theo’s little hand and laughing when he giggled. “Though it’s hard to believe you give your parents any trouble.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” said Rachel. “Before you came he had an hour-long crying fit. He’s all giggles now but you should have seen him earlier. Didge, I don’t think I can ever be a mum, I’ll stay being an auntie. I love him to death but I don’t think I could handle the crying or know what to do!”
“You’d be a great mum,” contradicted Bridget. “I know what you mean though. Before I got pregnant I thought I’d let Riley have a baby first and then see what that was like, especially as I’d be able to give it back!”
“I like being able to spoil him,” said Rachel fondly. “That’s a plus point of being an auntie. You were a real natural mum though. I don’t think I would be.”
Bridget shook her head and laughed. She had felt the complete opposite; India crying all day and all night and nothing calming her down, and she remembered one night Declan had been away and India was crying and Bridget was crying herself and begging her,
“Indy, calm down! Please stop crying! Please!”
But she had carried on and just as Bridget was giving up hope the sun had come up and India had been so transfixed by all the change of light and patterns it shot across the room her cries had gone to gurgles and then silence and mother and daughter stood and watched the new morning and their tears subsided.
“I was not a natural mum, Rach, me and Dec just muddled our way through and used any advice we got from books and Mum and Dad and Rebecca. One book said I should leave her to cry though and I just couldn’t do that.”
“No. I couldn’t either.”
She had been desperate once and one wild second decided to try it but a minute later it was killing her and she had had to run to the cot and grab her up and nestle her to her chest and whisper,
“It’s okay, I’m here. I’ll never leave you again.”
Rachel handed Theo to Bridget and as she bounced him she shook her head and said,
“You still seemed natural to me.”
There was a ring on the bell and Donna had arrived. Bridget had called her about Josh’s offer of a drink and she had gladly excited.
“What’s in the bag?” Rachel asked.
“Outfits!” she exclaimed gleefully. “For tonight!”
“You’re having drinks with Josh tonight?”
“Yeah.” She took a skirt out and twirled it round, which made Theo chuckle. “I know it’s Monday, but he’s free and I’m free so why not? There’s no bad night for romance.”
“That sounds so tacky Donna,” Bridget commented and Rachel laughed and Donna did too.
“It sounded good in my head. I still don’t think it sounds tacky. You’re both just boring.”
“Boring!” exclaimed Bridget. “What about Rachel with her English boyfriend? And, well, I guess I am boring, but –“
“You married Declan Napier,” said Rachel. “You’re not boring! Donna’s just weird.”
“I don’t care what you say,” said Donna. “Now, what should I wear? Is this too short?”
She held out a miniskirt.
“Yes,” said Bridget. “Why are you asking us? You’re the fashion expert.”
“Because it’s fun,” said Donna firmly. “And part of a date is getting your friends to pick out clothes.”
“Even if your friend doesn’t have a clue when it comes to picking stuff out?”
“Rachel does, you can watch if you like.”
“Okay,” sighed Bridget and watched them argue as she played with Theo.
“Black’s more sexy,” said Rachel.
“Black’s boring,” contradicted Donna. “It’s all about colour, I just don’t know which one to pick.”
“Aren’t they silly?” said Bridget, tickling Theo’s tummy and he gurgled. “You’re lucky you’ll never have to do this.”
“If we’re silly, you pick one!” said Donna, who had overheard and Bridget flushed. She carried Theo over to them and leant over, which was a mistake as Theo was slightly sick at the sudden movement.
“Oh no!” exclaimed Bridget. “Oh, I’m sorry Donna!”
“Well, I guess that one’s out,” she said ruefully. “Never mind, it’ll wash out. I didn’t like it much anyway.”
“Sorry,” said Bridget guiltily again. “He’s not any worse for it, are you?” she asked Theo, who was still laughing.
“Which one should I wear, anyway?” sighed Donna.
“How about that dress?” asked Bridget, picking it up. It had flowers on it with a bright background.
“You could wear it with the black cardigan,” suggested Rachel. “So it tones it down a little.”
“That sounds good,” agreed Donna, holding the clothing together. “Okay. Yes. Thanks guys!”
“No problem,” said Rachel. “Are you okay anyway, Didge?” she asked suddenly, turning to her friend. “I know you said it was all okay on the phone, but you still seemed a bit upset.”
“I’m really okay,” protested Bridget, feeling embarrassed. “Dec apologised. He knows he was dumb.”
“What happened?” asked Donna, sounding hurt that she hadn’t been included.
“Declan was being weird about Josh. He still sees him as competition. It’s so stupid. I bumped into him again and we had a milkshake and then Rebecca came round so Declan came to find me and found us – it wasn’t like he thought anything was going on but he still kicked off at Josh. It was so stupid.” Bridget felt annoyed.
“He’s sorry now though, isn’t he?”
“Yeah,” sighed Bridget, helping herself to a biscuit from the plate. “We’ve made up, pretty much. It was just a stupid row.”
“I don’t like you getting upset even if it is stupid,” said Rachel comfortingly and she put an arm round her and Bridget smiled.
“Thanks Rach.” She glanced up at the clock and groaned. “I’ve got to go to work. Sorry, guys.”
“It’s okay. Come here!” said Rachel happily as Bridget gave Theo to her.
“Don’t be sick on your Auntie Rachel,” Bridget warned him and he laughed again. “Okay, I’ll see you guys later. Have fun with Josh Donna!”
“I will!” she called and Bridget left.
The shift went by monotonously and Bridget stared at the clock and knew, bored as she was, she’d miss work when she went on maternity leave. The students hurried past, sharing news and notes and she looked at them a little enviously. They didn’t envy her and Bridget went into a daydream about going to university herself when a door somewhere slammed and she told herself sternly to come out of it. How would it even work with two children? But it had to. It had to. And speaking of children, the shift ended and she had to go and collect her daughter.
“Was school fun?” she asked her girl.
“Yeah,” she said. “Jamie was my Art partner. We painted horses!”
“Is that your new favourite animal?”
“I don’t know,” said India. “I’d still like a dog or a cat. Jamie said we should buy one.”
“Where would you get one from?”
“A pet shop. We’d put our pocket money together and that must be a lot!”
India sounded so excited it made Bridget slightly sad to say,
“I don’t think that would make quite enough.”
“I think it would if we saved up all year.”
“Okay,” said Bridget, deciding not to disillusion her any further. “Come on, let’s go.”
So they went back and India sat and watched her show, one of the few things that could make her sit still, and then Declan came back and he made him and India dinner, as Bridget was going to Joanna’s that night.
“Bye, sweetness,” she said to India, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. India was focused on making a pattern with her peas.
“Don’t play with your food,” Bridget told her. “Daddy cooked it for you.”
“Okay. They keep rolling away anyway!”
“Bye,” said Declan, giving her a quick hug, and then Riley was there to pick her up.
“Hello,” said Bridget, coming into Joanna’s house, and seeing only her and Clara. “Where’s Josie?”
“She’s working late on a project at school, but she should be finishing now. She rang me and said she had to stay a little later, I would have picked her up otherwise. I’m going to go and get her in a minute but you two can stay with Clara if you like.”
“I could pick her up,” offered Riley. “It’ll be a surprise for her.”
“She’s like that,” said Joanna. “Okay then. Clara, you go too.”
“Why?”
“Because it would be nice to go and see your sister,” Joann told her sternly. “Go on.”
So Clara sighed and went with them.
“You can sit in the front if you like,” Riley offered and she climbed up beside him and Bridget squashed into the back.
“Is there enough room?” he called.
“Yeah.”
“The school’s that way,” pointed Clara and she directed him to it.
“There’s Josie!” exclaimed Bridget, staring out of the window. “Who are those kids?”
Josie was surrounded by some boys and a girl and she was trying to walk past.
“I don’t know,” said Clara.
Suddenly one of the boys pushed her books to the ground and another boy pushed her over.
“Hey!” shouted Riley and he flew out of the van, Clara as well and Bridget got out as quickly as she could.
“What the hell are you doing?!” he roared and grabbed one of the boys by the collar, and Clara helped Josie up, who was crying.
“Nothing!” spluttered the boy.
“Didn’t look like nothing,” growled Riley. “What were you doing to my sister?”
“Your sister?”
“Yes, she’s my little sister, and if you do anything to her ever again I’ll put you in hospital – any of you – and that’s a promise, got it?”
The boy looked terrified and nodded.
“Now pick up her books.”
The boys did so, threw them to Josie and the children ran off.
Josie was still crying.
“Who were they?” asked Bridget, hugging her. “Were they the ones bullying you?”
She nodded and bit her lip.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because everything’s so horrible,” she sniffled, “and I wanted to think that it wasn’t and that I could handle it.”
Bridget and Riley exchanged looks.
“Don’t tell Mum!”
“We have to tell Mum,” said Bridget, and Riley looked at her. “Come on, let’s go. It’s going to be okay, they’ll leave you alone now.”
“You can sit in the front if you like,” offered Clara but Josie shook her head.
“I want to see in the back with you.”
So they all climbed in and it was only when they were driving away that Bridget realised that she had called Joanna Mum was well, and she didn’t know what to think.
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Post by Bee on Jun 13, 2010 12:46:38 GMT
that would be weird for Bridget to call her mum.. it's a weird situation!!
cant wait for more Sophie!!
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Post by smilelino on Jun 13, 2010 12:57:55 GMT
Can't wait to read more. Lovely chapter again. Thanks
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Post by sophie on Jun 16, 2010 22:42:01 GMT
“Josie!” cried Joanna, when they got back, and Josie flew into her arms. “What’s happened?”
Josie didn’t say anything and just hugged her mother tightly.
“What happened?” repeated Joanna, stroking her daughter’s hair.
Bridget and Riley looked at each other and then Bridget said,
“It was those kids bullying her. We came up to the school and they pushed her over.”
“What?” exclaimed Joanna. “Josie, why didn’t you tell me? Are you okay?”
Josie managed a nod.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Joanna again, more softly. “You said it had died down.”
Josie wouldn’t look up.
“Maybe we should go,” said Bridget awkwardly. “Do dinner another night.”
“Oh – but you came especially,” said Joanna. “Are you sure?”
“Josie’s so upset,” said Bridget again. “We can come another night.”
“Well – maybe it’s best. All right,” she said, and as Josie cried harder she said, “Darling, I’m not angry with you. I’m not angry at all. It’s okay baby. It’s okay.”
“We should go,” Bridget said again. “She’ll be okay.”
“I know. Thank you. Maybe tomorrow evening?”
“I’m seeing some friends tomorrow. Maybe the night after?”
“Okay. I’ll call you.”
“See you, Joanna,” said Riley, looking hard at his sister and she blushed and looked down. Why had she called her Mum? Joanna looked curious but then she was saved from trying to explain by Josie suddenly hugging Riley.
“Thank you for saving me!” she sniffled and he awkwardly patted her head.
“Riley got rid of the bullies,” explained Bridget. "He scared them off."
“Oh,” said Joanna and she hugged him as well. Riley looked shocked. “Thank you.”
“Anyone would have done,” he said, shifting a little and becoming shy again.
“It was still wonderful of you.”
“Me and Didge should go,” he said, flushing. “You’re okay now Josie. They won’t hurt you.”
“I think we need a long talk,” said Joanna, looking at her youngest daughter. “No, I’m not angry,” as Josie looked like she was about to cry once more. “I’m not.”
“I guess we’ll see you later,” said Bridget. “Bye Josie! By Joanna,” she added firmly, making Riley look at her again, but Joanna was too focused on her younger daughter to notice.
Josie sniffled and gave her a small wave and Joanna smiled sadly and took her to the sitting room. Clara walked them to the front door.
“I didn’t know it was that bad,” she said, before they could say anything. “I really didn’t know they were hurting her.”
“I know,” said Riley but he looked annoyed.
“But you still think I’m a bad sister!” said Clara, leaping to a conclusion and to Bridget’s horror she welled up as well. Riley noticed and said hastily,
“No, I don’t. Don’t cry Clara. I’m just annoyed it happened, but it’s not your fault.”
“Mum might blame me for not looking out for her. Dad will as well.”
“They won’t,” said Bridget comfortingly and taking her hand. “They won’t think you’re a bad sister.”
“I think I am,” Clara admitted. “I should have looked out for her,” and she looked down.
“Clara, it wasn’t your fault,” Riley said and Bridget nodded.
“It wasn’t. No one’s blaming you and you shouldn’t blame yourself. And anyway, your mum knows now, and you know, and Riley scared them off. She won’t be bullied now.”
“I know,” sniffled Clara, and she wiped roughly at her eyes. “I guess maybe I should do some homework or something. Mum and Josie probably want to be alone.”
“That’s a good plan,” agreed Bridget. “If you get it done now you can enjoy the rest of your evening,” and she laughed as Clara wrinkled her nose.
“It’s hard, I’ll probably be doing it all night.”
“Give me a call if you need help,” offered Bridget. “You have my number, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” said Clara.
“I’ll see you soon then, or talk to you later,” said Bridget. “It’s going to be fine now Clara.”
“I hope so,” she said, smiled, let her brother and sister hug her and then closed the door.
They walked in silence back to the van and Bridget glanced up at her brother, but he didn’t see her, or pretended not to at least. It was only when they were in the van when Bridget got up the courage to say,
“You’re mad at me.”
“Who said anything about that?” He started up the van.
“I know you are. You won’t talk to me.”
“It’s not a great evening, Didge. Our sister’s been bullied.”
“I know, but I know what else you’re mad at. I don’t blame you.”
“I’m not mad,” said Riley, starting to drive. “I just don’t get it.”
“I don’t get it either,” admitted Bridget and he stared at her.
“You said it. You called Joanna Mum.”
“Because Josie said it,” said Bridget weakly. “And I didn’t think.”
Riley snorted.
“That’s worse than the excuse you had about your teddy eating all the biscuits when you were six. And even if that’s true, that means you have to think before you call Joanna your mum or Joanna. Do you?”
“No! She’s not our mother!”
“Then why did you say it?” snapped Riley, starting to sound angry. “You’re right; she’s not our mother, is she? She was my mother for six years and yours for about a month. That was it. And then Mum and Dad found us and they raised us. They’re the ones who took us to footy games, they’re the ones who gave us hell for treading in dirt and not doing our homework and they’re the ones who loved us. I know I haven’t always appreciated them,” he said, sounding slightly teary, “but I know now Miranda’s more my mum than anyone else in the world and Steve’s always been my dad. Our dad. I can’t even remember our first father and you never even knew him.”
“No,” said Bridget, sniffling. “I wish I could have. It doesn’t mean that I don’t think Miranda’s less of a mum. It doesn’t!” she cried, as Riley looked disbelieving. “You have to know that! I don’t know why I said it – I don’t – but I will never, ever, ever start thinking Joanna’s our mum and Miranda isn’t. Miranda’s our real mum. She always will be. If something happens I always want her. I never think of Joanna. Mum’s the one who was always there and loved us. I love her more than anything.”
“Hey,” said Riley softly as his sister started crying. “I know you do. Oh Didge, don’t cry. You know I’m bad with one sister crying, how am I meant to handle all three?” and he laughed and Bridget giggled a little at that. “You know I’m hopeless. I’m just finding it hard to understand. This time six months ago I had one sister and a mum and dad, now I have you, Mum and Dad, Joanna and two more sisters. I know you don’t love Joanna more than Mum. I know that.”
“I don’t even know if I love her,” said Bridget, staring out of the front. “I care for her. But she’s not our mum. Not in the way Miranda is.”
“Shall we go and see Mum and Dad?” suggested Riley. “As tonight’s out.”
“Sure,” agreed Bridget. “Just let me text Dec.”
“I need to call Mum and Dad too,” said Riley, getting out his phone. “We shouldn’t just barge in.”
Luckily Steve and Miranda were free.
“You didn’t have to call,” scolded Miranda. “I love it when you come round. I’m sorry about this evening though,” she added. “Poor Josie.”
“How can anyone pick on her?” exclaimed Bridget, clenching a fist. “She’s the sweetest kid around.”
“Children can be cruel,” said Miranda sadly. “And sometimes they see being sweet as a weakness.”
“They won’t now,” said Bridget. “Riley threatened them to put them in hospital!”
“Riley Parker!” exclaimed Miranda, turning to her son. “You didn’t! You didn’t threaten children!”
“They pushed her over!” Riley protested. “They hurt her! I didn’t hurt any of them anyway; I just gave them a warning!”
“I don’t blame you,” agreed Steve. “I’d have done the same thing if someone threatened you or Didge as kids, or Stu and Ned.”
“You always had a temper,” agreed Miranda. “And I think the kids learnt it off you, as well as attraction to dirt and animals.”
“It’s not like you don’t have a temper though Mum,” argued Bridget. “ Wasn't it you who emptied that bin over Principal Simpson?”
“He deserved it!” said Miranda angrily. “He deserved to have five bins tipped over him! No one calls my little girl a trouble maker who deserves to be expelled!”
They all laughed but guilt filled Bridget again for what she had said before and when she and Riley left she gave Miranda an extra hug.
“What’s this for?” asked Miranda in surprise, hugging her back.
“For being the best mum in the world,” said Bridget in a muffled voice, and lifting her face up she added, “and the best grandmother ever.”
“Thank you darling,” said Miranda, moved. “Oh, I can’t wait for the baby to come. I’m going to spoil him or her more than anything.”
“I know you will,” said Bridget. “Do you want it to be a boy this time? To have a grandson?”
“I don’t mind,” said Miranda. “But if it’s girl, this one will love shopping. One of them has to be girly.”
“It’s Didge’s kid, I wouldn’t be too sure!” called Riley and she laughed.
“No, I know! At the end of the day it’s a new grandchild and I don’t mind what it is and what it likes. Goodnight darling.”
“Goodnight Mummy,” said Bridget and Miranda stared and smiled at her and then gave her a kiss.
“You’re in a strange mood,” commented Declan when Bridget got back and she gave a small smile.
“What is it?” he asked again.
“Just family stuff. Is Indy off to sleep okay?”
“She’s fine,” said Declan. “She fell asleep half an hour ago. Anyway, don’t change the subject. What happened?”
“Declan,” said Bridget hesitantly, “I called Joanna Mum.”
Declan looked quite shocked but tried not to show it.
“Okay.”
“You can ask me why if you want,” said Bridget. “You can be annoyed with me if you want.”
“Didge, I’m not annoyed with you.”
“You should be. You really should be. I don’t know why I did and I don’t understand why. She’s not our mum, Miranda is, and we went to see her and Dec, she’s so wonderful. She’s a hundred times more my mum than Joanna is. She’s the only mum I’ve ever known.”
“Don’t look so miserable,” said Declan desperately. “And don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not good for you or the baby. I don’t know why you did. I guess in a way you have two mums.”
“But she’s not my mum!” exclaimed Bridget. “She gave birth to me but she only had me for a month. She’s Josie and Clara’s mum and they’re my sisters, even if I haven’t known them very long, but that’s different. I want her in my life, Declan,” she said, looking down. “And I want Indy to know her – if Indy wants to – but she can’t be my mum. Not in the same way as Miranda.”
“No,” agreed Declan. “But she’s connected to you.”
“Not in the same way.” Bridget shook her head. “It had to be because I was caught up with looking after Josie and she had just said Mum. I’m still so mad at those bullies. I’m glad Riley scared them. They had better not go anywhere near Josie again.”
“They won’t,” said Declan.
“No one can ever go near Indy,” said Bridget angrily. “And make her cry like that. Oh, why do children have to be horrible to each other?”
“Why does anyone have to be?” asked Declan and she smiled sadly and shook her head.
“I don’t know.”
“At least it’s over for Josie now,” said Declan, trying to cheer her up. “Do you think Donna’s back yet?”
“Oh, her date!” Bridget remembered. “I don’t know. I’d forgotten. Well, we’ll see her tomorrow. We’ll get all the details then.”
“Do you want to watch some TV?”
“More than anything,” said Bridget gratefully, and she sat down with Declan on the sofa, but as he turned the television on Bridget’s mobile rang.
“Who’s that?” asked Declan.
“It’s Clara,” said Bridget. “She must be ringing about her homework. Sorry Dec, I said I’d help her with it. I won’t be too long.”
“Okay,” said Declan, a little disappointed, and he looked back to the television.
“Clara,” said Bridget, going into her bedroom. “How’s it going?”
“Hell,” she replied miserably. “I can’t do this maths.”
“I hate maths too,” said Bridget, sitting on the bed.
“It’s awful!” said Clara. “I can’t even do the first question!”
“What’s it on?”
“Long division.”
“Okay, read it out.”
Bridget listened as Clara read out some impossibly long numbers and tried to think back.
“Okay. Carry the three.”
“It won’t go in properly!”
“Put what’s left by the next number. Now does it go in?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, now put in that. Is this helping?”
“Yeah,” said Clara gratefully. “I think I’m getting it. Don’t hang up though.”
“I won’t.”
Half an hour later and the answers were completed.
“I love you,” said Clara. “Can you be my teacher?”
Bridget laughed.
“I don’t know about that, but I’ll help you if you ever need help with your homework.”
“Thanks. That’s good enough.”
“How’s it going with your mum and Josie?” asked Bridget, remembering to say your.
“Okay,” said Clara quietly. “They talked for ages. Josie still seems down but Mum made her some hot chocolate. They’re watching some movie and Mum said I could come in when my homework was done.”
“I guess you can go and watch it now.”
“Yeah. She’ll be okay, won’t she? Josie?”
“She’ll be fine,” assured Bridget.
There was a pause on the end of the line and then Clara said,
“Thanks. I couldn’t have done the maths without you.”
“You did it all, I just reminded you of the method. Well done.”
“Thanks.” Another pause.
“I’m going to watch the movie with Mum and Josie,” Clara said hurriedly. “Night Bridget. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Say night from me to your mum and Josie.”
“I will. Goodnight!”
“Goodnight Clara.”
Bridget hung up and went back to the sitting room.
“Sorry,” she said, settling down by Declan. “She had a lot of questions.”
“That’s okay. I think I’ve forgotten all the maths we got taught, she’s lucky she has a genius for a sister.”
“I’m not a genius,” scoffed Bridget. “I don’t know how I remember it.”
“Because you’re a genius,” said Declan and he grinned at her. “More clever than me anyway. You’re going to be a doctor, anyway. That’s pretty clever.”
“I hope,” said Bridget, feeling embarrassed. “I’m going to do some study before bed.”
“Don’t do any right now?” begged Declan. “Hang out with me for a bit, super-geek.”
“If you put it like that...” teased Bridget but she sat down gratefully and lay in his arms, putting the day behind her.
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Post by smilelino on Jun 17, 2010 8:54:15 GMT
Great chapter. The end between Decget was so sweet, made me smile. Thanks.
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Post by Bee on Jun 17, 2010 14:36:53 GMT
brilliant chapter as always cant wait for more
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Post by sophie on Jun 18, 2010 10:17:48 GMT
Thanks!
The next morning Bridget woke up early. Half past five; and sensibly she would have dozed for another half-hour but she felt wide awake and, carefully, so as not to wake her husband, she slid out of bed and got up. It wasn’t completely light but getting there and she went through to the sitting room and drew back the curtain, making patterns of light shine over the floor and feet. It looked like a beautiful morning and Bridget stopped to admire it, but then she remembered the time and went to the kitchen and quickly made her daughter’s lunch. Then she sat and studied, feeling very pleased that she had woken so early, and she didn’t stop until she felt a hand on her should which made her jump as she had been so lost in her work.
“What are you doing?”
“Studying.”
“Didge, it’s a bit early,” he said in surprise. “How long have you been up?”
“What’s the time?”
“Quarter past six.”
“Forty-five minutes. I just woke up and felt so wide awake I decided to get up.”
“I wish I felt so awake,” said Declan rubbing his eyes.
“It’s not a regular thing.”
I’ll get some breakfast.”
“Thanks, I’ll get Indy up.”
“I can’t believe you started at this hour!” Declan commented as she made her way to their daughter’s bedroom.
“Why not, I had the time?”
India was wide awake as well and the calm from earlier in the day disappeared with the rush to school and work, and thanks to that and cleaning the kitchen, Bridget had only an hour spare before she had to pick her up from school. She resisted the urge to watch some television or read a magazine and instead sat back at her books, working hard until her alarm beeped to let her know she had to stop.
“No!” Bridget heard as she approached the school. “No, that’s not good enough.”
As Bridget came closer she could see it was Mrs Smithson on her phone and she felt embarrassed, yet there was no way she could stop hearing. It was a surprise to hear her angry. Mrs Smithson wasn’t looking in her direction and continued to snap into the phone,
“I’m sick of this and the kids are too. How could you be late before? You know it would have destroyed them if you hadn’t come.”
A pause.
“How dare you?!” she snapped. “The point is that you were late!”
A long pause.
“Yes, I know you’re sorry. I know you love me.” She sighed.
“I love you too,” she said finally and then snapped the phone shut and then turned to her side and saw Bridget, who felt terribly embarrassed. She smiled at her, in an attempt to be friendly, but she only straightened up and tried not to look as upset as she had sounded, but then the children started to come out and she forced her mouth into a smile as Timothy and Jane ran up. Bridget wondered if everything in her life was going as well at it had seemed but then her own daughter was running towards her and Bridget had to listen to her and the unfairness of her spelling test, and to tell India that having a k before an n in the word knife was not unfair at all.
“It’s mean! If there’s a k you should say it!”
“It’s silent.”
“That’s dumb.”
India wouldn’t let it slide, and argued all evening, and even got her father to say what he thought.
“I hated spelling,” he confessed. “And I thought silent ks were dumb.”
India grinned and Bridget glared so he said hastily,
“Not that it makes the test unfair, Indy. It just means that you have to remember spellings are hard. Anyway, we need to get ready, Grandma will be here soon.”
Rebecca was coming to babysit that evening as Bridget and Declan were going to see Rachel, Donna and Zeke. Jessica was at her mother’s. After a few tears from India about not being able to come, they set off, India placated by the promise of a movie.
“I hope she doesn’t stay awake,” said Declan as they walked along. “I hope she’s asleep when we get in!”
“Me too!” sighed Bridget. “But she’s determined, our daughter.”
“She gets that from you.”
“And you.”
Bridget wondered if India would have that determination if someone else had looked after her and she hadn’t changed her mind about the adoption. Surely she would have. She’d been determined since she was born. It wasn’t something she wanted to dwell on so she linked her arm through Declan’s and said cheerfully,
“I wonder how Donna’s date went.”
They made their way to the house and were greeted by Rachel at the door.
“Hey!” they cried.
“Hey guys. Everyone’s here so come on.”
Everyone was sitting inside with drinks and snacks and Donna seemed to have already had a few.
“How was the date then?” asked Bridget nervously, easing herself onto a seat beside her.
“Don’t ask,” she said gloomily, downing the rest of her drink.
“It can’t have been that bad,” said Bridget earnestly, glancing towards Rachel who shook her head.
“He get terribly drunk,” said Donna irritably, “and he went on and on about his ex. It started off fine. He took me to this lovely bar and there were candles on the table but then I asked how he’d been and Laura came up and he started getting sad, and I tried to change the subject, but that was pretty much it, so he just drank more to try and make himself feel better but it made it worse really, and in the end I had to take him home.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Donna,” said Bridget, wincing.
“It’s okay. He rang me the next day to apologise and couldn't even remember the night before.”
“He sounds like he could have rivalled you Didge,” said Rachel wickedly and Bridget went red.
“Didn’t we agree to never bring that up again?”
“And didn’t we tell you to shut up?” said Rachel. “That story’s too good not to bring up. And besides, it’s to cheer up Donna. Donna, do you remember it?”
“I think so. Wasn’t it her twentieth birthday?”
“Donna, don’t-“
“And we said we’d take out Didge for a girls’ night out,” agreed Rachel, ignoring Bridget. “So Declan stayed home with Indy –“
“And we got Didge all dressed up in that gorgeous little black dress!” remembered Donna with a wicked smile. “And I lent her all that jewellery!”
“Yes, I remember,” said Bridget, going even more red. “Leave it now.”
“No, we haven’t even got to the good bit! So we went into Melbourne and took you to some bars –“
“And we did some shots,” mumbled Bridget. “And I got drunk. The end.”
“No, it’s not the end! That’s just the beginning! You got tipsy and then we went round the bars and had some proper drinks and then a song you liked started playing –“
“And Didge leapt up and yelled That’s my favourite song! And she dragged on us onto the dancefloor,” said Rachel, holding her sides as she was laughing so hard, “and these guys came up to us! And one of them stared at Didge and asked her for her number! And remember what she said, Donna?”
They stopped laughing in order to shout in a drunken-sounding voice,
“’Scuse me, I’m a married woman!”
They fell apart laughing.
“At least I got one of their numbers,” said Donna cheerfully, and she seemed much happier than before.
“You have no idea how bad my hangover was the next day,” said Bridget, who had gone scarlet. “My one and only hangover and it was horrific. And Declan couldn’t stop laughing at me and do you know what my caring husband did? He got our three-year-old daughter to come and jump on the bed and sing to me! Some husband you are!” she yelled at Declan, who looked confused.
“You’re cruel,” agreed Rachel. “But that is pretty funny. How bad was she Dec? After all that alcohol?”
Declan understood what they were talking about and started laughing as well.
“You’re horrible!” yelled Bridget, but she couldn’t stop giggling. “You had no idea how badly my head was hurting, and what did you do? You got Indy to come and sing Three Blind Mice! It felt like I was going blind!”
“I was just trying to get her to cheer you up,” sniggered Declan.
“I’ll get her to cheer you up one day!” snapped Bridget. “And you’ll know what it feels like!”
“How have you been anyway?” asked Rachel, after they had managed to stop laughing. The boys and Donna had disappeared into the other room.
Bridget felt a little less happy.
“What?”
“We had to stop Josie being bullied yesterday. It was horrible.”
“Oh no. But you’re not blaming yourself, are you?”
“No, it’s not that. I called Joanna Mum, and I don’t really know why.”
“Oh,” said Rachel, looking rather shocked. “Well. I guess you have a new relationship with her.”
“It doesn’t make her my mum,” said Bridget fiercely.
“No, I know. And you don’t think that. I don’t know why – sorry, I’m not very helpful – but maybe because you were with your sisters and she’s their mum?”
“I guess,” said Bridget, looking down. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to put a downer on the mood.”
“No, it’s okay,” said Rachel, taking her hand but then they were stopped by a loud chorus of For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow and the boys bringing in a cake.
“What’s this?” exclaimed Rachel. “It’s not my birthday!”
“No, but you’re going soon,” said Donna, picking up the cake knife and handing it to her. “And we miss you every time.”
“Oh, guys!” said Rachel, looking like she was going to cry, and she hugged them all and cut the cake. She and Bridget laughed at each other as they tried to eat it with their fingers and Bridget knew how much she would miss her, as she always did, even if she was an evil friend who remembered her most embarrassing night.
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Post by Bee on Jun 18, 2010 12:41:58 GMT
brilliant Sophie..i love the references to the past which we will never see:(
its great to have this to keep the memory alive though!!
cant wait for more!
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