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Post by sophie on Apr 23, 2010 10:00:26 GMT
A week later India went to Lydia’s house. As they went up to the door India could hear the loud crying of Lydia’s brother, Luke and when Lydia’s mother opened the door Lydia was standing sulking behind her mother with her hands over her ears.
“Hello Lydia,” said Bridget. “Hello Luke,” she added nervously.
Luke bawled into his mother’s shoulder.
“He’s not very happy today,” said Lydia’s mother, rubbing his back. “He’s teething.”
“I hope he feels better soon.”
“So do I!”
“Have a nice time Indy,” said Bridget, bending down and trying to talk over the racket. “I’ll come and pick you up at five, okay?”
“Okay Mummy.”
“Goodbye Lydia!” said Bridget and she kissed her daughter and headed off.
“Come in then,” said Lydia’s mother, smiling and India stepped into the house, thinking about putting her hands over her ears as well.
“Hi,” said Lydia.
“Hi.”
“Why don’t you girls play upstairs?” suggested Lydia’s mother. “While I try and settle this one down?”
“Okay.”
So Lydia led India upstairs and away from the row.
Lydia’s bedroom was very girly and pink. She had a fancy bed with a curly pattern on the bedstead and had a special mirror on a little table with two mirrors either side. India jumped on the bed.
“Your bed’s amazing for jumping!”
“Um,” said Lydia with a finger in her mouth, “Mummy says we can’t do that.”
“It’s fun!”
“But Mummy said –“
“It’s like a trampoline!”
Lydia hesitated and then joined India and they both shrieked happily as they bounced up and down, not noticing that Luke had stopped crying and that Lydia’s mother was on the way upstairs until suddenly someone said sharply,
“LYDIA! You not allowed to do that!”
“Sorry Mummy.”
“It ruins the mattress!”
“It was my fault,” confessed India. “I started it.”
“Well don’t do it again!”
“Sorry.”
“I have some lunch ready anyway,” Lydia’s mother said and the girls went downstairs quietly. Luke was in his highchair playing with some food and toys and it looked revolting so India stared down at her plate.
“School next week!” said Lydia’s mother brightly.
“Yucky pucky,” commented Lydia.
“Lydia! What do you like in school, Indy?”
“I like painting and reading.”
“Well isn’t that lovely!” said Lydia’s mother brightly. “Lydia likes numbers, don’t you darling?”
“Yeah,” said Lydia, thrilled at the praise.
“You’re very good at sums. Do you like Maths India?”
“No, I hate it more than bedtime and pink,” said India honestly.
“Oh well, we can’t be good at everything, can we? I like Maths too.” She smiled at her daughter and India felt left out.
Something bothered Luke again and he started roaring.
“Oh dear,” sighed Lydia’s mother and she went to pick him up and took him next door.
“That’s what it’s like,” said Lydia irritably. “Always crying! Making Mummy look at him!”
“All babies cry,” India said, quoting her mother.
“I never cried!” said Lydia, affronted. “Mummy said I was good as gold.”
“You cried when you were born.”
“I didn’t!”
“Babies always cry when they’re born, I’ve seen it on TV and in movies! They get born and say WAHH WAHH WAHH! and then the Mummy and Daddy say, Yippee! I don’t know why they’re happy the baby’s crying though.”
Luke settled down and Lydia’s mother came back into the kitchen.
“I’m going to put him down for a nap. Why don’t you two play upstairs again?” She looked exhausted.
“What do you want to play?” asked India.
“Dress-up!” Lydia had a large box with fairies on it and she and India ran to it and pulled out various dresses and clothes.
“I get the ballerina outfit!” shouted Lydia.
“Fine, I hate ballerinas. I want to be a pirate!”
“Pirates don’t wear feather boas!” Lydia said as India wound one around her neck.
“I’m a pirate and I’m wearing one!”
“You’re not a proper pirate, you’re a pretend pirate!”
“Yeah, I’m a pretend pirate so I can wear a feather boa! And,” India added, “if I can’t wear a feather boa you can’t wear sunglasses!”
“I’m a summer ballerina!”
“I’m a special pirate!”
The argument was resolved and the girls played on the bed.
“Arr,” said India, “Walk the plank!” She pointed to the end of the bed. “Walk the plank, ballerina!”
“I don’t want to walk the plank,” said Lydia primly and India sighed.
“I’m a pirate, I’m meant to make you do stuff you don’t want to do!”
“Okay,” said Lydia and she jumped off the bed.
“Why aren’t you drowning?!” demanded India. “Why aren’t you saying, sharks, sharks!?”
“I’m not a ballerina now, I’m a fairy!”
“You can’t change your pretend!”
“Yes I can!” Lydia shouted. “It’s my house and my room and my dress-up box and I don’t want to get eaten by the crocodile with the clock in his tummy so I’m a fairy!”
She got back on the bed.
“That’s not fair!”
“Yes it is!”
“No it’s not!”
“ABRACADABRA!” bellowed Lydia and India was about to shout back when the sound of Luke’s wailing filled the air. The girls looked guiltily at each other.
“You two!” said Lydia’s mother angrily, coming to the door and trying to soothe Luke. “Why can’t you play nicely? Don’t you know your brother’s napping, Lydia?”
“Sorry,” said India quietly and Lydia scowled.
“Take that look off your face young lady. You can both come downstairs if you can’t play nicely.”
They sat in the front room with some colouring books.
“I hate my brother,” hissed Lydia, grabbing a yellow colouring pencil.
“Is it bad being a big sister?” asked India doubtfully. “Mummy said I wouldn’t be left out.”
“She lied!”
“Mummy doesn’t lie!”
“She lied because she doesn’t want you to get angry about the baby. I know.”
India was subdued and didn’t even enjoy watching her favourite show.
“I want to go on Animal Astronauts,” said Lydia.
“Me too.”
“We’re not animals though.”
“Maybe they could make a...” India struggled to think of the word, “an inspection for us.”
Bridget came to pick up her daughter. The girls were still watching the end of the show when Lydia’s mother came to the door.
“Hectic day!” she sighed. Lydia’s mother could talk for Australia. “The girls woke Luke up,” she added, “and jumped on the bed.”
“Oh,” said Bridget guiltily. “Sorry.”
She felt awkward.
“India!” she called. “Come along!”
“The show,” she whined.
“Oh, they can watch to the end of it, can’t they?”
Bridget was about to agree when Lydia’s mother launched into another stream of words.
“Lydia has been more naughty lately,” she said ruefully.
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Maybe it’s her new brother, I don’t know. We thought she’d be better about a boy, less competition maybe? I don’t know. Do you want to hold him?”
“Oh – well –“
Bridget wasn’t given a choice and Luke was thrust into her arms. He had stopped crying and gurgled a little in her arms and wriggled about.
“Hello,” said Bridget, giving him a small bounce. “I hope you’ve calmed down now, lots of smiles?”
The show finished and India got her shoes. She ran up to meet her mother and was annoyed that she didn’t see her at first and was busy talking to Luke.
“Mummy,” she said petulantly and eventually the two went home.
“What’s wrong with you?” asked Bridget, turning into their road. “What are you sulking about?”
India was staring moodily out of the window.
“India?”
“Nothing!”
“Did something happen at Lydia’s?”
“No!”
“Well, you’re upset about something, why don’t you tell me?”
“I’m tired.”
She was definitely in a bad mood and would not eat her vegetables that night.
“I don’t want it,” she grizzled and pushed them round her plate.
“India, Mummy cooked these especially for you and you need vegetables.”
“I want icecream!”
“Well, if you can eat icecream you can eat some vegetables and I want you to eat them right now.”
“No!”
“If you don’t eat them right now you won’t get any dessert.”
India threw down her fork.
“Liars!” she shouted furiously. “You’re both liars!”
She jumped up from her chair and ran next door.
“What have I been lying about?” Bridget asked when she found her. “What have me and Daddy been lying about?”
“Things!”
“India, we haven’t been lying to you.”
“The baby’s going to need attention, isn’t it?”
“Not this again!” groaned Bridget. “What’s Lydia said to you?”
“Nothing. Everything was about Luke.”
“Luke is a baby!” Bridget snapped. “He needs looking after and can’t play with himself yet! I’m not going to stop loving or playing with you, you know that, but you’re just going to have to learn to share, you and Lydia. Now come back and eat your dinner.”
“Bloody hell!”
Bridget got angry.
“Don’t you dare say that.”
“Bloody hell, bloody hell, bloody hell!”
“Go to your room right now young lady!”
India sulked in her room for the rest of the night and Bridget felt as though she had done something wrong but didn’t know what.
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Post by Bee on Apr 23, 2010 12:38:22 GMT
ahh poor Indy!
great job Sophie!
cant wait for more!
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Post by sophie on Apr 24, 2010 11:05:40 GMT
On Sunday Bridget, Declan and India went to Steve and Miranda’s for dinner. Declan drove and Bridget couldn’t help but keep looking behind her to check on India, who had Teddy and London in the seat next to her. She had been playing with them before but now they sat alone and India looked out of the window.
“Indy? Are you okay?”
“Yes Mummy,” said India in surprise and she picked up Teddy and London. They had made up but India had been quiet the past few days and Bridget felt terrible about losing her temper though Declan had said not to be so hard on herself and that India had been pushing it. It was true, but India was the child, Bridget thought, and she wished she had not shouted.
They reached the house and India started tugging at her seatbelt.
“Stop that,” said Bridget, twizzling round in her seat. “Keep it on until Daddy’s parked the car.”
Declan pulled up by the house and Miranda and Steve and Riley came over.
“Nan!” shouted India gleefully and she undid her seatbelt and jumped out.
“Hello darling,” said Miranda and she and Steve gave her a hug.
“Hey Riley,” said Bridget, smiling, and he hugged her and sort of awkwardly smiled at Declan.
“So how’re you all?” asked Miranda when they all had a drink. “Someone’s going into Grade One!” she exclaimed at India.
“Big girl now,” added Steve. “Are you excited?”
India shrugged.
“It feels funny.”
“Oh you’ll love it,” assured Miranda.
“What’s going on with you guys?” asked Bridget.
“I’m going back next week,” Riley told her and Bridget stared.
“Next week?”
“Marie’s come back,” he said. “But I’ll be back soon.”
“I don’t want you to go Uncle Riley,” said India sadly and Bridget agreed with her daughter.
“I’ll be back soon,” Riley promised again but the atmosphere felt sad.
“Tell you what,” said Steve brightly, “I have to go and pick up some pet medicine and check on a kitten in the surgery and I need a special helper.”
India sat up.
“And that helper should be around six years old with a name beginning with I.”
“Grandpa Steve!” said India excitedly.
“India, I think you fit the bill. Why don’t you come along?”
“Yay!” said India, thrilled, and she ran to get her shoes.
“I need some stuff from town,” said Declan. “I’ll come along.”
So they set off, promising to be under an hour and Miranda went into the kitchen to start on the dinner.
“I can’t believe you’re going back next week,” said Bridget.
“You know I was, Didge.”
Bridget was about to say some more when Riley’s phone rang and it was the infamous Marie.
Bridget left him to it and wandered into the kitchen where Miranda had just put some potatoes onto boil.
“Hello darling,” said Miranda in surprise. “I thought you were talking to Riley.”
“He’s talking to his girlfriend,” said Bridget, jerking her head back to the sitting room.
Miranda sighed.
“He’s just like a teenager in love for the first time.”
“Yeah.”
“Are you all right?” asked Miranda. “You seem a bit down.”
Bridget sat down at the table and Miranda did too.
“I had a fight with India,” she admitted.
“Oh dear. Have you made up?”
“Yes...no...sort of. She threw a tantrum and I shouted.”
“Has she apologised?”
“Yes, she said she was sorry when I put her to bed.”
Bridget had felt pathetic as she had sagged with relief after India had hugged her.
“But she doesn’t seem sorry?”
“No, she does, she’s just been a bit quiet lately.”
“Maybe she’s feeling sorry.”
“I don’t know. Guess what the tantrum was about?”
“What?”
“The new baby.”
“Again?” exclaimed Miranda. “She seemed so much better about it!”
“She was so much better about it!” said Bridget in frustration. “But then she went to her friend’s house and the girl has a baby brother who she’s not that happy about and she’s obviously said something to her, and the baby was crying a lot so maybe India’s worried that it will only be like that the whole time. I didn’t really get her to explain it properly, she was being a menace and then I lost my temper.” Bridget felt ashamed.
“What was she doing?”
“She called Dec and I liars about the baby, and then whinged about the baby and then she started saying bloody hell over and over because she heard someone say it. Two people say it,” said Bridget angrily, deciding to tell Declan off again.
“She was being naughty.”
“She was trying to push my buttons and I lost it.”
“Well, we all lose it,” said Miranda. “I’ve shouted at you before. I’m not proud of it but you can’t be so hard on yourself for losing your temper. It’s not as if you shout at her a lot, you hardly ever do.”
“That’s what Declan said.”
“He’s right. India’s not perfect and she misbehaved.”
“She was just acting out.”
“Don’t worry about it so much Bridget. She’ll have forgotten about it in no time. She knows you still love her and she’s said sorry.”
“I got angry with India earlier this week as well.”
“Why?”
“I took her school shopping and she hid under one of the racks of clothes so I couldn’t see her. I nearly had a heart attack.”
“You did that once.”
“I didn’t!” exclaimed Bridget. “Did I? I don’t remember that!”
“When you were seven. I took you shopping for something and we were in one of those department stores and you were in a very sulky mood and I told you to behave and I turned round to look at something and then you were gone. I nearly started crying in the shop and I was just about to start searching and send a message out on the tannoy when you reached out and grabbed my leg. You’d hidden under the rack of clothes next to me.”
Bridget’s mouth fell open.
“Like mother like daughter! Well, like most people really. I think lots of children have done that.”
“I really don’t remember that,” said Bridget.
“I remember it like it was yesterday.”
“What did you do?”
“I shouted at you and took you home. We both cried I think.”
“I don’t remember it.”
“Neither of you are perfect,” said Miranda. “You have to remember that. You’re going to lose your temper sometimes.”
“But India’s a child and I’m an adult!”
“You’re human and a mother. Don’t you remember calling India a monster when she was a baby?”
“She wasn’t a monster, even if she cried all night.”
“And you knew that. You were just exhausted and a brand new mum. It’s so hard to bring up children and no one can keep their temper all the time.”
“Thanks Mum,” said Bridget and she gave Miranda a hug.
Riley came into the kitchen.
“How’s Marie then?” asked Miranda, stirring the pan.
“Good,” he said with a smile. “Great.”
Miranda and Bridget rolled their eyes at each other.
“When he gets married I’m going to talk about all these phone calls,” remarked Bridget. “In my speech.”
“Who says you’re getting a speech?” demanded Riley, going bright red. “And I’m not getting married!”
“Yet,” added Miranda and she and Bridget laughed at each other.
India, Steve and Declan came back and India was full of her story about the kitten which she told all through dinner and afterwards too.
“And he had the nicest fur and eyes,” she said. “Oh Mummy, can’t I have a kitten? Can’t I?”
“No, darling. Not now.”
“But –“
“Who’s this, India?” asked Miranda quickly, grabbing a photo off the mantelpiece.
India peered at it.
“Mummy when she’s little! And is that you, Uncle Riley?”
Bridget and Riley peered at the photo and groaned. It was them in their school uniforms one morning.
“Mummy, you’ve hurt your knee!”
There was a plaster on it.
“Wasn’t it a fistfight in the playground?” Riley kindly reminded his sister.
“It wasn’t a fistfight!” said Bridget hastily. “Cara and I had an argument and she pushed me over. Because she said I copied her picture. I didn’t.”
“And didn’t you push her into some mud?”
“Well –“
“And then there was a fistfight.”
“It wasn’t a fistfight!”
“I married a thug,” said Declan, laughing.
Talk turned to Riley leaving.
“I’ll go on Wednesday evening. Marie’s picking me up.”
Suddenly Bridget felt very sad and she went to stand outside whilst Miranda and Steve cleared up the plates.
“What is it?” asked Riley, coming to join her.
“You’re going,” sniffled Bridget. “Again, and we’ve only just made up. And what about Josie and Clara?”
“I’ll come back soon.”
“Why do things have to change?” cried Bridget, wiping her hand across her eye. “It wasn’t that long ago that we were those kids in those school uniforms. What happened? When did I marry and become a mum? When did you finish university? When did we become grown-ups? It was only the other day that we were saying how boring adults were and that we’d never be them.”
“Didge, come on. It’s worse not to grow up. And I’m still your brother, that hasn’t changed.”
“I know. I’m just being dumb.”
Miranda came out and out her arm around her children.
“Don’t leave it so long next time Riley,” she warned, wondering where her young children has gone as well. “Or we’ll add that to the speech as well!”
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Post by Bee on Apr 25, 2010 10:53:26 GMT
great Sophie!!
cant wait for more
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Post by sophie on Apr 25, 2010 11:05:14 GMT
Thanks!
The next morning Bridget took India to school. Before she left Declan insisted on taking a photo of the big girl going into Grade One and India smiled, looking slightly worried.
"One of both my girls," said Declan and Bridget got in as well.
"That's great," Declan said, smiling at the picture. "That's a lovely one."
"Lovely?" laughed Bridget. "You don't say that much."
"Well, it is," said Declan in defence and Bridget joined to him to look it at. It was sweet, she had to agree, India had her arm round her waist and smiled more happily and Bridget was smiling proudly.
"Yes, it is."
"I want one with Daddy!" said India so Bridget took one of them as well.
"You may be a big Grade One girl but I can still twirl you upside down!" said Declan and he picked India up and swirled her round quickly, making her shriek happily and Bridget laughed and took a picture of that as well.
Bridget now had the beginnings of a bump and you could see it in the photo if you looked closely.
"Look, Indy, you can see the baby now. Nearly."
"Mm," said India and she sucked her thumb.
"Don't suck your thumb darling." Bridget had hoped for a more excited response and felt a little let down.
India took her thumb out and turned to go back into the house.
"Where are you going?"
"To get Teddy and London."
"But you can't take them to school, sweetheart."
India's face fell.
"Why not?"
"You can't play with them at school. You have to play with the school toys. And you might lose them."
"I wouldn't lose them!" she cried.
"I know you'd be careful but you might. And anyway, India, you can tell Teddy and London all about school when you get back."
This brightened her up.
"I'm off to work now," said Declan. "Do I get a kiss from my special Grade One girl?"
India gave him a kiss and a hug and he hugged her and Bridget.
"Have a good day back," he said and went.
"I suppose we should be going too," said Bridget, making sure everything was ready. "You've definitely brushed your teeth and washed your face?"
India nodded vigorously.
"Let's go then!"
They left the house and went to the car.
"You know India, you'll be able to see the new baby very well soon. You can see it a little now and soon you'll be able to see it perfectly."
"Are you going to get fat?" asked India bluntly.
"That's one way of putting it."
"Lydia said her mummy was huge. Gi-nor-mous. Are you going to get ginormous?"
"Not for a while. But it's exciting, isn't it?" Bridget asked hopefully but India just sort of shrugged. They had reached the school anyway and Bridget parked the car. She led India up to the gate and gave a kiss and a hug.
"Have a lovely day big girl. I can't wait to hear all about it."
But to her surprise India suddenly burst into tears and clutched her waist.
"What's this?" asked Bridget, amazed.
"Don't leave me," sobbed India snottily. "Don't leave me, Mummy!"
Bridget couldn't believe it. When India had started Kinder she and Declan were the ones who had got emotional and nearly had to be prised from her when they reached the classroom and India had been the one who had said,
"Don't worry, I'll be home by lunchtime!"
She hadn't always loved school but seemed to enjoy it on the whole and starting hadn't bothered her at all.
"But what's wrong?" asked Bridget. "Aren't you excited about starting Grade One?"
"Noooo!" howled India.
"Why, sweetie?"
"Everyone will forget me!"
"Oh, don't be so silly. I'm picking you up at three and you'll be telling me all about your lovely day."
India held her in an iron grip.
"India," said Bridget, trying to be firm. "This is getting silly. I have to go to work very soon and you have to start school. You have a lovely teacher, I met her last year and so did you. Mrs Mackenzie is very nice, isn't she? And Emily and Lydia are there too."
"I don't want you to go," howled India.
"Okay," said Bridget, attempting a compromise. "I'll go with you to the classroom and make sure you're settled in. But then I have to go. Is that a deal? I'll go with you to the classroom but then I'm going to work."
"Okay," sniffled India and Bridget kept held of her rather sticky hand and took her to the classroom.
"Hello!" said India's new teacher brightly. "You must be India Napier!"
India hid her face in her mother's side.
"She's got first day nerves," explained Bridget. "She's just a bit scared about Grade One but she's a happy little girl. Just a bit shy today."
"Well, that's fine," said the teacher. "India? Do you want to say hello? We have all sorts of fun things to do. We're going to do some painting."
"Painting?" echoed India and she lifted her face from Bridget's t-shirt which now had tear-stains all over it.
"Yes."
"I like painting," admitted India and the beginnings of a smile crossed her face.
"Well, we're going to start very soon," said Mrs Mackenzie. "Just after everyone says hello. Why don't you go and sit down over there?"
"Look India, there's Lydia," said Bridget encouragingly. "And Emily."
"And Jamie!" said India joyfully. "Bye Mummy!" she added quickly, gave her a kiss and ran to her friends.
Bridget laughed. "Someone's cheered up."
"I've seen a lot of first-day nerves," remarked the teacher. "It's normal."
"Yes. India's not very shy though."
"It happens to heaps of kids."
"I guess I should go," said Bridget, feeling uncertain.
"She'll be fine now."
"Bye Indy!" called Bridget and her daughter waved at her quickly and then talked to her friends again.
The children ran over to the paints.
"I'm painting a ballerina," said Lydia.
"I'm painting the seaside," said Emily.
"I'm painting a dinosaur," said Jamie.
India didn't know what to paint.
"Why don't you draw an animal?" suggested Mrs Mackenzie, but India didn't want to. "How about your mummy? Wouldn't that be lovely? Paint your mummy."
India knew that she didn't have much of a choice after that and she reached for the purple for Bridget's hair.
"Your mummy's hair is brown," said Emily.
"Well, she's got magic in it."
"Your mummy doens't have magic in her hair!" Emily scoffed.
"She does in my painting!"
"That's dumb!"
"No it's not!"
"India can paint what she likes," said the teacher sternly. "That's a very god dinosaur Jamie."
"Uncle Jeremy took me to see one."
"He didn't!" exclaimed India. "All the dinosaurs are dead!"
"There was one at a special place we went to and it it had a slide in it!"
"Not a proper one then," commented Lydia.
"It was proper!"
"Stop being nasty about each other's paintings," said Mrs Mackenzie and they settled down.
The rest of the day went smoothly and India's worries faded and she played footy at lunchtime and even though it was strange not being in Kinder, it wasn't too scary after all.
Bridget came to pick up her daughter, hoping she hadn't had too bad a day and felt worried. Mrs Smithson was there as well.
"A good Christmas?" she asked.
"Yeah, not too bad."
Just then India ran out.
"Hello darling," said Bridget. "How was Grade One?"
"Good!"
"Glad to hear it."
"Any news?" asked Mrs Smithson nosily.
"My mummy has a baby in her tummy," said India suddenly. "And she'll be big!"
Bridget was embarrassed.
"Oh well, congratulations."
"Thanks. I'm not due until July."
"Maybe it's time your one had a sibling" remarked Mrs Smithson and Bridget wondered what that meant. "If that's what you planned."
Bridget considered telling her it was none of her business when India tugged at her hand.
"What is it?"
"I did a painting of you," she said. "And you have purple magic in your hair!"
"Oh, wow!" said Bridget, hugging her and her anger disappeared as she was so happy that her daughter thought she was magic. This post has been
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Post by Bee on Apr 25, 2010 13:07:56 GMT
great Sophie (:
cant wait for more
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Post by sophie on Apr 26, 2010 12:52:56 GMT
"No!" cried Josie. "You can't go!"
They were sitting in her bedroom and Riley had told them he was leaving the next day.
"He can do what he likes, Josie," said Clara.
"But we've just met you!" she exclaimed.
"I'm sorry," Riley said. "I was only visiting, but I'll come back soon."
"I bet," scorned Clara.
"Clara," admonished Bridget. "He will."
"Why don't you live here?" suggested Josie.
"It's not that easy. I can't just pack up and move."
"Why not?"
"It's expensive and I already have a home back in Sydney. And my girlfriend's there too."
"She's taking you back," said Josie angrily. "I hate her!"
"Josie!" exclaimed Bridget. "You can't hate her! It's not her fault!"
"It is!" she sobbed. "It's not fair! We get told we have two other siblings and we just meet you and we have a big brother, you see us once and then you have to go back to Sydney just for your stupid girlfriend! We don't get a say in anything! I hate being ten!"
"Josie," said Riley sadly but she ran downstairs.
Bridget suddenly remembered Riley's first girlfriend. She had been eight and he had been fourteen. It had not been serious and they had gone out for less than two months but she thought of all the books she had read, all the movies she had seen, and how whenever someone fell in love they left with them no matter what and even though she and Riley weren't very close they were still brother and sister and she couldn't bear the thought of her and tried to drive her away by telling her embarrassing childhood stories of Riley's but she had just found them cute and told Bridget she was as well, which had made Bridget dislike her even more. Riley had not found it cute and had been close to throttling her, but had soon forgotten it thanks to all his calls on his first mobile, which had been like a brick and then texts as well. Miranda had taken it away eventually and limited house calls to twenty minutes but one day when Riley had taken Bridget out for icecream he had gone to a phonebox and used all his change to talk to her and Bridget had stood around and then sat on the pavement getting hot and bothered. "I'm melting," she had complained when he had finally finished but then he had no money left for icecream and had got Bridget not to tell by giving her his money for next week. She had decided that it all went wrong when love happened.
Riley got up to see her and Bridget and Clara followed but hung back.
"You know I'll email you," he said. "And you have my phone number. It won't be like I'm gone at all."
"Yes it will."
"You'll like Marie."
"No I won't."
"You'll understand when you're older," Riley said, which was a huge mistake as she sat up and shouted,
"I WON'T!" and ran away again.
Bridget remembered Riley saying that to her as well and her hitting him, which made him a lot less sympathetic. It was true, she found out, when she fell in love, or even when she just began to like boys, but it doesn't ever feel like it will then. Riley looked shocked. Josie, from the short while he had known her, had been a fairly sweet, good-tempered girl who didn't know if she knew the meaning of the word tantrum.
"She's just upset," Bridget said, though it had surprised her a little as well. "The poor kid."
"Do you think I'm a poor kid as well?" asked Clara, and Bridget had forgotten she was behind her. "Poor little Josie and Clara, going through such a confusing experience? That's what you're thinking."
"I don't think you're poor anything at the moment," said Bridget. "But I know it's not that great."
"Not that great! It's the most unfair thing in the world! Josie's right! We don't get a say in anything, do we? We just have all this stuff thrown at us and we have to accept it and I start to think that maybe it's not so bad having a big brother and sister when one of you turns round and says, oh yeah, I'm going back to Sydney now. Well thanks a lot!"
"I'm sorry," said Riley. "I'm not abandoning you. It was a shock to us too, you know. But I told you I was here for a visit and I do have to go back, but I'll come back and I'm not just saying that to be nice."
"He's not," backed up Bridget.
"It's been the weirdest few weeks of my life," confessed Clara and Josie came back, red-eyed and sniffling.
"Hey," said Riley, giving her a hug. "It's not forever. I'll send you an email as soon as I get back and you can tell me all your plans."
"School," groaned Clara. "We're going back to school tomorrow."
"Well, you can tell me how it's going."
"I can already tell you how it will go," said Clara. "It will suck."
They all laughed and even Josie managed a giggle.
"It's a shame you guys can't come to say goodbye properly," said Bridget. "Riley's going early."
"We can say goodbye now," said Josie. "It's okay."
So later that day she and Clara gave him their phone numbers, Josie with her name written in special letters, and Riley carefully put them in his wallet.
"I wish we had something to give you," Clara said ruefully.
"I don't need anything," Riley replied. "I don't need a present."
Before he and Bridget left Joanna took a picture of the four of them.
"I'll send you copies," she promised and it felt strange and wonderful to her to see her four children reunited at last.
"I'll take a picture of you and Mum," offered Josie and Bridget and Riley felt unsure but then looked at each other and silently agreed. The picture was awkward but not uncomfortable and Bridget felt happy it was taken. They stood either side of Joanna and they smiled nervously, looking unsure.
"I should go," said Riley and Josie and Clara, looking sad, hugged him and he hugged them back.
"You know I'll keep in touch," he promised, his voice wobbling. "You guys are my sisters."
"I never wanted a brother," Clara confessed. "But you're not so bad."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said, laughing.
"Goodbye then," said Joanna. "Safe journey."
"Thanks," he said and he looked like he would hug her too but then he seemed to lose his nerve and he just smiled and took her hand. "Thanks."
She looked a little sad but smiled.
"Goodbye."
"I never thought I would be so attached," Riley admitted finally after they had left. "They do feel like our sisters, don't they?"
"They are."
"But – this will sound really corny, but it feels like I've always known them. I know that sounds corny but it's true."
"I know."
They had a farewell dinner at Steve and Miranda's as India, who could not wave him off the next day, sniffled and held his hand for the whole night.
"Don't go for too long."
"You're my favourite niece, of course I wouldn't. And it's someone's birthday in June – how could I miss that?"
"My birthday's ages away!"
"I'll come back before that."
Finally Declan took India home as Bridget was staying over.
"Bye-bye Uncle Riley. Bye," she said sadly again.
"Have a safe journey. It was good that you visited," Declan said and he and Riley shook hands and India waved as they left
"When did you grow up?" sighed Miranda the next morning, echoing Bridget.
"Have a great time mate," said Steve gruffy.
"Thanks guys," said Riley and he put his arm around Bridget. "I'll call you as soon as I get back."
"You'd better," said Bridget sternly.
Finally the doorbell rang and it was Marie.
She had long, black curly hair and olive skin and she smiled nervously.
"Hello," she said quietly.
"Hey," said Bridget kindly but then they could not say much else as Riley ran up and kissed her, leading to his family groaning and turning away.
"Sorry," Riley said after. "This is Marie. Marie Newton."
"We got that!" said Steve and they all laughed.
She stayed for a cup of tea and they found out she had lived in Queensland as a child and had gone to university in Sydney to do art but after her father died it had been hard for her to get back on track and she had lived with her mother for a few years. She had only recently felt better.
"It was hard," she finished and everyone felt sad.
"We should be off," said Riley and they all got back up to see them off.
"Don't you dare leave it so long next time," Bridget reminded him, hugging him. "Or I'll hit you."
"I'll make you shut up, I'm your big brother."
"I'm your little sister and you don't want me annoying you."
He laughed.
"I won't stay away so long."
And then they were off. Riley hugged his parents, Bridget once more and they all hugged Marie and then he and her got into his van – Marie had been dropped off by a friend.
"Goodbye!" they cried, waving. "Goodbye!"
He tooted his horn and away they drove.
"Oh Mum, don't cry."
"I'm not crying," said Miranda fiercely, wiping her eyes. "I'm happy more than sad. Look at how happy he is. How happy they are."
Yes, Bridget thought, that had to cancel out the sadness a little. Riley was happy and so was she and they were okay.
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Post by Bee on Apr 26, 2010 22:18:20 GMT
great Sophie!!
cant wait for more!!
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Post by sophie on Apr 30, 2010 14:47:55 GMT
A couple of days later the phone rang and Declan answered it. It was Zeke.
“Hey mate, what’s up?”
“It’s Jess!” Zeke could barely catch his breath. “Her contractions have started, we’ve just gone to the hospital. It’s not time for her to go into delivery but it’s really started!”
“Congratulations mate! And say congratulations to Jess.”
“Thanks! And say hey to Didge and Indy. Give her a hug from me. Indy, I mean. And Didge as well. Both of them, hug both of them!” Declan laughed.
“I will.”
“I just thought I should let you know.” There was a pause and then Zeke asked in a worried voice, “She’ll be okay, won’t she?”
“She’ll be fine.”
“She’s not freaking out or anything, she’s doing really well, but she said the contractions were painful. And it looked really bad – that childbirth tape thing we saw. We were both nearly sick.”
“I promise she’ll be fine.”
“I just want her to be okay,” Zeke said, sounding worried again.
“She’ll be amazing, she’ll do great. Zeke, you’ve just got to be there for her and hold her hand. And I should warn you now to prepare for it getting crushed.
Zeke laughed.
“You’re going to have a baby, you and Jess!” exclaimed Declan.
“I know. It’s really happening, isn’t it?” Zeke said in wonder.
“It is.”
“I should get back to her. I’ll call you if anything changes. I just rang Rachel and she didn’t even mind being woken up, she nearly broke my ear when I told her. Anyway, I should go.”
“Congratulations and well done to you and Jessica. She’ll be fine.”
“Thanks,” said Zeke and he hung up.
“Who was that?” asked Bridget, coming in from the shop with India and setting the bag on the table.
“It was Zeke, Jessica’s gone into labour!” Declan told her, a smile spreading across his face.
“No way!” shrieked Bridget. “How close are her contractions?”
“He didn’t say, but she’s not ready to go into delivery yet.”
“What’s going on?” demanded India. “Why’s Jessica going to go into delivery? Is she going to help deliver parcels?”
Bridget and Declan laughed and she looked put out.
“No, sweetie,” said Bridget. “Jessica’s going to have the baby soon.”
“When?”
“Well, we’re not sure yet, but in a little while.”
“By the time I go to bed?”
“We don’t know.”
“Why don’t you know?”
“Because Jessica’s having the baby, not us.”
“What does delivery mean? And tractions?”
“Contractions,” corrected Bridget. “They’re pains to let you know the baby’s coming. Then delivery is when you go and have the baby.”
“Oh. Is it just Jessica having contractions?”
“Yes, only women have contractions, but I think that’s cruel on Nature’s part!”
“It’s mean,” agreed India. “Pains aren’t very nice.”
Declan let out a laugh, and then Bridget glared so he quickly turned it into a cough and took away the shopping.
“Why don’t you get contractions?” asked India, following him to the fridge.
“Men just don’t.”
“Well, that’s not very fair.”
“I can’t help that, sweetheart.”
“Why?”
“I just can’t.”
India was clearly in a questioning mood so Declan decided to take her out.
“How do you feel about going to the park, Indy? You can go on the swings.”
“Okay,” she said happily. “Can Mummy come too?”
“If she wants.”
“I’ll come,” said Bridget and they headed off. It was a beautiful afternoon and lots of people had come outside to enjoy it. India ran up to the swings and started swinging very high.
“Be careful sweetheart!” shouted Declan, running closer to the swings.
“I want to touch the sky!” she shouted. “I want my toes to touch the sky!”
She swung even harder and the chain groaned a little, making Declan go pale.
“Can you swing a little less?”
“But I like it!”
“It’s safe, Declan,” assured Bridget.
“I don’t want to test that theory, the chain doesn't sound strong!”
“Don’t be silly,” said Bridget, holding the chain of the spare swing. “It’s perfectly safe.”
Declan still didn’t look sure.
“Swing too Mummy!” called India and laughing, Bridget got on the swing as well.
“Why don’t you try and touch the sky?” she asked.
“I don’t really want to, it might make the baby unhappy.”
“Oh,” India said and slowed down slightly to Declan’s relief. “I’ll swing with you then.”
Bridget smiled and swung a little, kicking her legs forwards and back, feeling seven years old again. She had loved swings back then and also remembered trying to touch the sky. Declan laughed at them swinging together and took a photo, and Bridget stuck her tongue out and he took a photo of that too. Giggling, she got off the swing, feeling slightly dizzy and wandered around the playground. There were several boys and girls playing on the equipment and one massive game of Touch. Bridget smiled as she saw a young girl with a look of determination run up and kick a football. Everyone cheered and Bridget clapped a little as well, remembering afternoons in the park doing the same. Suddenly there was a loud cry behind her and she turned round to see India on the ground and Declan beside her and, heart in her mouth, she ran over, forgetting the girl.
“What happened?” she cried. “Is she okay?”
“I fell off the swing!” bawled India. “And I hurt my knee!”
She burst into tears.
“I just looked away for a second,” said Declan, looking pale, “and she’d slowed right down, Didge I promise. She wasn’t swinging high.”
“I just wanted to jump off!” she cried.
“Okay, let me look.” Bridget inspected the wounded knee. “It’s just a scratch,” she said in relief.
“It hurts!”
“I know darling, but it’ll be fine. You’re not hurt.”
“It hurts all over,” said India, tears streaming down her face and Bridget gave her a hug.
“Let’s go,” she said to Declan and they took her back.
Bridget cleaned India’s knee and put a plaster on it.
“Is that any better?”
“A bit,” she sniffled.
“Good girl.”
Declan gave her some lunch and turned to Bridget.
“I only looked away for a second.”
“I’m not angry, it wasn’t your fault. Kids hurt themselves all the time, it’s part of childhood.”
“I knew the swings weren’t safe.”
“You’re wrapping her in cotton wool!”
“I’m not!” exclaimed Declan and they glared at each other for a moment.
“Okay,” said Bridget, feeling frustrated. “I’m sorry.”
Declan still felt annoyed and sort of grunted and went to go and sit with India. Bridget didn’t want to start an argument about it and decided to give him some space and do some studying, which she had neglected lately, she thought, feeling ashamed. She got some books and a pen and started up her laptop, finding where she had got up to last time. The information swirled in her head and she felt confused, it had been clearer last time hadn’t it? You should have studied more, her conscience said, but, Bridget argued back, I've had a lot on lately, what with this new baby on the way. She made some notes but nothing seemed to make sense and she threw down her pen in frustration and then her dream which she had nearly forgotten came back suddenly: You can’t learn now, she remembered. Bridget felt helpless for a moment and imagined herself in a year’s time with the new baby crying on her hip and India wanting something and herself doing fifty things at once. Impossible! But then she shook herself and decided not to be brought down by some stupid dream. She looked at the books again and made some more notes when India wandered up.
“Is the baby here yet?”
“No,” said Bridget, putting her pen down again. “I don’t think so.”
“Is it nearly here?”
“I don’t know."
"What are you doing, Mummy?”
“Work, but I was going to stop for a bit anyway.” Bridget logged onto her email and saw one from Rachel.
Didge, so you can STOP nagging me, this is me and Simon, my not-boyfriend. Though maybe he is now...
Bridget laughed and saw a photo of Rachel and Simon outside somewhere in some snow. He was tall with brown curly hair.
Life here is fine though I miss Aus and you of course! It’s too cold. Well done on talking to Declan, I knew you could do it. Love you, Rach xxx
“What’s the white stuff?” asked India, leaning over her mother’s shoulder.
“Snow. It’s cold there.”
“But it’s February!” exclaimed India.
“It’s cold there at the moment, the seasons are the other way round.”
“That’s silly. That’s very silly.”
The afternoon melted to evening and evening to night and India asked if the baby came every hour, but there was no news. Declan put her to bed and read her a story and just before he switched off the light she asked one more time,
“Has the baby come yet?”
“No darling. Not yet. Maybe in the morning.”
Bridget waited for him outside her room.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I wasn’t trying to be horrible. I don’t blame you for getting upset.”
“I know you weren’t. It’s just because I love her, I overreacted.”
“I know,” said Bridget and she gave him a kiss and the phone rang.
They raced each other to it and Bridget grabbed it and laughed in victory.
“Hello?”
“Didge, it’s a boy!” shouted Zeke. “We had a boy! He’s amazing, Jess was amazing!”
“Zeke!” said Bridget, filled with joy. “That’s fantastic! Oh, congratulations!”
“What was it?” demanded Declan.
“A boy!” she told him and Declan hugged her and leant closer towards the phone.
“Don’t congratulate me, congratulate Jess, she did all the work!”
“But you’re a daddy! Oh Zeke, congratulations!”
“Thanks,” he said. “Just wait until you see him, he’s perfect.”
“I’m sure he is. Do you want to speak to Dec?”
Bridget handed the phone over.
“Dec, it was a boy!”
“Yeah, Didge said! Congratulations!”
“She was fine, just like you said she would be,” said Zeke in relief. “And she nearly broke my hand as well.”
Declan laughed.
“Do you have a name yet?”
“No, not yet, he’s still Baby Kinski. But he’s amazing.”
“I know he is. Well done. Say well done to Jessica.”
“I will. Anyway, I need to get back to them now. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Zeke.”
The next day they all went to see Zeke, Jessica and Baby Kinski and Bridget and Declan bought a small blue teddy bear.
“Why blue?” asked India.
“The baby’s a boy.”
“I’m a girl and I like blue.”
“I know, but when a baby’s born people normally get blue things for boys and pink things for girls.”
“Well, that’s dumb!” said India. “I don’t like pink stuff!”
“I know. Anyway, we’re nearly there now.”
India wondered what the baby would look like. They were admitted through to the maternity suite and to Zeke and Jessica’s room and the three of the sat on the bed holding the baby wrapped in a blanket.
“Congratulations!” Bridget and Declan said, giving them a hug.
“Oh, he’s perfect!” said Bridget, peeking over the blanket. “Well done Jess! Look, Indy.”
India peeked over as well but she could just see a very red face and a few tufts of black hair.
“We’ve decided to call him Theo,” said Zeke proudly.
“Great name,” said Declan.
“Do you want a cuddle?” asked Jessica and Bridget carefully held him. It felt strange holding a newborn again and she rocked him gently.
“Hi,” she whispered and he lay sleepily in her arms.
“He’s very well-behaved,” she said, handing him back.
“He is this morning, but had a good cry last night,” said Jessica. “I wonder if I’ll get the hang of it.”
“Of course you will,” Bridget assured her.
“Declan, do you want a hold?” asked Jessica and he held Theo as well.
“This takes me back!”
“Not too long until you’ll be a daddy again,” reminded Zeke. “And you’ll be doing it every day!”
“He’s already a daddy!” said India sulkily. “He’s my daddy!”
“India, don’t be rude,” admonished Bridget. “It’s just an expression.”
“I’ll be a daddy to a baby again I mean,” said Declan. “It feels a long way off.”
“It felt like it would never end and now it feels like yesterday I found out I was pregnant,” Jessica confessed.
“I felt the same,” said Bridget and the two smiled at each other.
“If you sit on the bed you can have a hold,” Zeke tod India and she carefully climbed up and sat by him and held Theo for a moment. He was heavier than she expected and she stared at him.
“He looks funny,” she decided.
“India!”
“No, it’s fine,” said Zeke. “All babies look a bit funny I guess.”
They stayed a little longer and took some photos.
“Rachel nearly had a heart attack when I told her,” said Zeke. “She told me she was dancing round the room and I could hear her.”
Declan laughed.
“Congratulations,” he said again. “I guess we should get going.”
“We’re having a little party,” said Jessica, “when we get home. Nothing big though.”
Zeke and Jessica thanked them for the teddy bear and then they went back, their talk all of Theo.
“My knee still hurts,” complained India petulantly but after a moment’s sympathy from Bridget they talked of Theo again and she sighed and ran ahead of them.
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Post by Bee on May 1, 2010 5:41:50 GMT
great Sophie
naww a little boy! makes me wonder what Bridget and Declan will have this time around?
cant wait for more!
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Post by sophie on May 2, 2010 0:45:42 GMT
The next Saturday everyone flocked to Zeke’s house for Theo’s party.
“Here, Indy, sign this card. We got Theo another present and this one’s from you.”
“I didn’t buy him a present!”
“We bought it for you to give to him.”
It was a little soft toy elephant.
“That’s cool,” said India in admiration.
“That’s for Theo.”
“But he’s a baby Daddy! He doesn’t want an elephant!”
“He’ll like it a lot when he’s older. Come on, sign the card and we’ll go.”
India signed the card in her best writing, which had a teddy bear on it and Congratulations on your Baby Boy! underneath. Bridget picked up the elephant and card and they left, India feeling uncomfortable in her purple dress. Jessica opened the door.
“Hey guys,” she said, and looked absolutely exhausted. Zeke was behind her holding Theo and looking just as tired.
“Hey Jess,” said Bridget. “How’s it all going?”
“It’s tiring,” she said honestly. “You wouldn’t believe someone a week old could make so much noise.”
“If you need anything...”
“Thanks. We’re doing okay, I think. I think I know more what he wants when he cries now.”
Luckily Theo wasn’t crying just then and lay quietly in Zeke’s arms.
“Hi!” he said and waved Theo’s arm.
“Hey Zeke,” said Declan. “This is from us and Indy.” He gave him the card and present.
“That’s awesome!” exclaimed Zeke. “He’ll love it! Thanks guys. Thanks Indy.”
“Oh, he’s gorgeous,” said Bridget, leaning over to see Theo again. “He looks a lot like you.”
“No, he’s all Jess! He’s beautiful.”
“He’s definitely got your hair and eyes.”
“I think they’re more like Jessica’s.”
“I’ll bet he’ll be a scientist,” said Declan. “He gets it from both sides!”
“He can be whatever he wants to be,” said Zeke proudly, “as long as he’s happy.”
They all grinned.
“What do you think, Indy?” asked Bridget. “Don’t you think he’s cute?”
India privately decided that adults were insane. Theo looked bright red and he clamped his eyes shut.
“He looks red,” she said, “and he smells,” she added honestly as he filled his nappy.
“India!” exclaimed Bridget, mortified. “That’s very rude!”
“No, it’s fine,” said Zeke, laughing. “I think he needs a change. Come on, big guy,” and he carried him away.
“That was very naughty,” said Bridget sternly. “You wouldn’t like it if someone told you you smelt.”
“But he did a poo!”
Bridget felt very embarrassed.
“That’s not the point.”
“You said I shouldn’t lie!”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“It just is.”
Bridget felt frustrated but Jessica came over.
“Indy, would you like some lemonade?”
“Yes please,” said India very politely to show her mother she wasn’t rude.
“I’ll go and get you a glass.”
India followed her into the kitchen and she poured her some lemonade but just then Theo let out a loud cry and she hurried off to see if he needed her. India sighed and hung back. Even after his cries were placated, all everyone talked about was him, and all the grown-ups sat in a circle admiring him. There were no other children there.
“It’s a shame Rachel couldn’t come,” said Zeke. “And Katya. I’ve sent them some photos and they’re very proud of their nephew.”
“Well, who wouldn’t be?” asked Bridget, who was giving him a cuddle. Theo moved him arms about slightly and everyone laughed as though he had done something clever.
“I’m going to the loo,” India told her and she wandered away from them. She went to the bathroom but didn’t go back straightaway, and went outside for a moment where there were some seats out the back and sat on one, irritably pulling at her dress. Babies were everywhere, she thought glumly, and she hated her dress. She wished it was gone.
“What are you doing?” asked Bridget, coming out to find her and seeing her trying to undo the zip at the back.
“I’m sick of my dress,” said India. “Can I just be in my underwear?”
“No, you can’t,” said Bridget, pulling it back down and doing the zip back up.
She took her back inside.
“Where have you been?” asked Declan and she went and sat on his lap.
"Hello," said Declan in surprise. She hadn't sat on anyone's lap properly for a while.
“India, you’re too old to sit on people’s laps!” said Bridget.
“I’m not!”
“I suppose you can stay there for a little while,” said Declan, “even if you’re not really a baby now.”
India was contented and settled back down.
A little while later Theo started squawking and let out a couple of wails.
“Oh dear,” said Jessica. “I think someone’s overtired.”
“We should go, anyway,” said Bridget, getting up. “Thanks for the great party. Bye-bye Theo.”
He squealed a little again.
“Thanks for coming,” said Zeke, getting up and walking them to the door. “We’ll call you soon.”
“Congratulations mate,” said Declan and Zeke hugged them and they left.
“What was it like when I was a baby Daddy?” asked India, holding onto Declan’s hand.
“Tiring,” said Declan and he and Bridget laughed. “But it was a nice time.”
“Did I look like that? All red?”
“Only when you were first born.”
“Did I get a party?”
“Everyone came to see you, yes. And you were very good then and as soon as they left you cried your head off.”
“Will the new baby cry its head off?” India asked, worried.
“Maybe. I hope not.”
India wondered what it was like being a baby. It couldn’t be too bad, she decided – everyone said you were cute and bought you presents.
When India was in bed Bridget found some old boxes with India’s baby clothes and she sighed as picked out some booties.
“How could she have been so small?” she asked Declan.
“I don’t know.”
“She was tiny,” sighed Bridget.
“I remember when she grew out of her first babygrow.”
“And now she’s grown out of her first school dress. I know she cried her head off all night but I do miss her being a baby now and then. Remember when we first brought her home?”
“And everyone came,” remembered Declan with a smile. “And she was sick on Elle’s top.”
“Elle never was very maternal, was she?” laughed Bridget. “She couldn’t wait to give back Indy. Poor Elle, she looked terrified holding her.”
“Yes,” said Bridget distractedly, taking out another babygrow. “I remember thinking she’d got big when we put her in that one, doesn’t it look tiny now?”
“I know. Not so long until we’ll have to get some new babygrows,” said Declan and he put his hand on her stomach.
“I can’t imagine it,” said Bridget, feeling dizzy.
“Me neither, but I’m excited. Zeke and Jessica are doing well, aren’t they?”
“They are. They looked so tired though. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the sleepless nights.”
“No. I’m looking forward to the baby coming though.”
“Me too.” Bridget gave him a kiss. The baby would be born in July, in winter, which felt a thousand years away, especially in this heat. Then a month later she’d be turning twenty-five, which felt strange, and the baby would be a month old which felt even stranger. India would be seven.
“You do think India will come round, don’t you?” asked Bridget, worried. “She didn’t seem that interested in Theo.”
“Maybe she just feels tired of babies. She’ll be different with her own sibling.”
“I guess.” Bridget gave him another kiss. “I’m going to go and check on her.”
She saw that her light was on and that her daughter was reading an Enid Blyton book.
“You’re meant to be asleep, Indy.”
“I couldn’t!”
“Try and sleep now, okay? It’s getting late.”
“Mummy, will you read to me for a bit?”
“One chapter.”
Bridget read to her and India looked more sleepy and was nearly fully so the time she finished.
“Goodnight Indy,” she said, gave her a kiss and tucked her in.
“Goodnight Mummy,” murmured India, clutching Teddy and Bridget thought back to when she was born and thought, she can never stop being my baby. She remembered her conception: going home from the Veronica’s concert, kissing all the way and then they had gone past some bushes and without thinking about it she had pulled Declan into them and there it had happened, and they had never thought of the risk. Bridget had finally gone home walking on air and she remembered looking in the mirror and pulling a twig out of her hair and thinking about how wonderful life was, how perfect everything was. The possibility of being pregnant never crossed her mind, not even for a moment. Well, thought Bridget, looking fondly at her daughter, life still was wonderful, even if she hadn’t planned it that way at first.
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Post by Bee on May 2, 2010 9:09:06 GMT
that was great sophie! as always
cannot wait for more!
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Post by sophie on May 2, 2010 14:19:20 GMT
On Sunday Bridget went to Joanna’s house. The girls were at their father’s.
“How are they?” Bridget asked. She hadn’t seen them since the day before Riley went.
“Fine. Clara’s been moping all round the house over some teenage woe and Josie’s been a pest.”
“Oh?” Joanna sounded annoyed.
“Yes. Winding her sister up and then nagging me for things. I suppose I shouldn’t have used the word fine, but they’re okay really. It’s funny, I’m glad I’ve got the house to myself today away from all the family drama but when they come back it’ll feel like they’ve been away for longer. I miss them even though they’ve been annoying this week.”
“Maybe they’ll be better-behaved when they get back tomorrow.”
“Maybe. How was your week?”
“Good – great! My best friend had a baby!”
“Oh, wonderful!”
“Yes, it was a beautiful little boy,” said Bridget fondly. “They’ve called him Theo.”
“That’s a nice name.”
“Yes.” Bridget thought for a moment and then said, “We took India to see him and to the party they had yesterday. She was funny around him. She’s still not used to this new baby coming along.” Bridget felt herself spilling her heart out.
“It’s been a while. Is it normal, do you think?”
“Yes. You know, Clara hated Josie when she was born,” said Joanna thoughtfully.
“Did she?”
“Well, she was only two. She didn’t understand where this new baby had come from and why she was getting so much time from me. She was even naughty just so I’d pay her some attention.”
“And she came round. When?”
“I don’t know exactly,” said Joanna, pulling a hand through her hair. “I can’t remember a specific time. There wasn’t one day where she was suddenly completely friendly towards her, but it got better. They don’t always get along but they do love each other.”
“Of course they do. They get along most of the time, don’t they?”
“They just have little arguments. Clara’s very protective of her though.” Joanna looked at the table. “I’ve always thought it was my fault that Clara didn’t take to her straightaway.”
“Why?”
“Because I just assumed she would be happy about it and I thought that as she was two she couldn’t understand it all that well anyway, but she picked up on it. I didn’t really talk to her about it enough and then one day she had a baby sister. Of course she was put out. I thought she’d be very happy that it was a little girl – you know sometimes children want friends of their own gender - but I think she saw as more competition or something. I don’t know, but the terrible twos got a lot worse.”
“You shouldn’t feel so bad Joanna.”
“I suppose I thought that because Riley was so good about you she’d be good about Josie.” Joanna sighed.
Bridget felt strange, as she always did, when their old life was mentioned.
“Riley was six,” she said desperately, “and he didn’t mind, did he? India’s six and she does.”
“I suppose all children are different. I was surprised he was happy you were a girl; he said he wanted a boy, but he did take to you straight away. But India will come round.”
“I’ve done everything everyone told me to do and she’s still funny about it. She went to a girl’s house with a baby and she wasn’t very happy after that, I think the girl said something to her.”
“Did she say what?”
“Not really, just that everything was about the baby. I know it’s going to be a shock for her when the baby does come.”
“I suppose all I can say is to try and spend quality time with her. When the baby comes try and spend some time with her then as well, though I know it won’t be very easy. She’s going to get angry Bridget and she probably won’t always be happy but she will adjust, all children do. Clara did and she was furious with me for weeks. I was very upset and didn’t understand why she didn’t love her, but she did, she was just angry that it wasn’t all about her anymore. But she did love her deep down and they get along okay now.”
The door crashed open and the girls came in arguing.
“Leave it Josie!” snapped Clara. “It’s none of your business!”
“None of your business!” mimicked Josie. “Oh, you’re in love!”
“Stop it!” Clara flounced away.
“Hi Mum!” said Josie quickly. "Dad dropped us off to get our jackets. Hi Bridget.”
“Hello,” said Bridget and then there was a bang from above and Josie thundered upstairs.
“Don’t go in my room!” she shrieked.
“Most of the time,” said Joanna with a wry smile.
Bridget laughed.
“Thanks Joanna. Do you want to come to my house sometime?” she asked shyly. “You and the girls?”
Joanna looked surprised and a smile lit up her face.
“That would be lovely.”
“When could you come? “
“Well, we’re free this weekend,” said Joanna. “David’s got to go away on a business trip so he can’t see Josie and Clara. They’re a bit upset actually, they should be thrilled. Thanks Bridget.”
“It’ll be great,” said Bridget. “Why don’t you come along around lunchtime?”
“All right.”
"Goodbye guys!" called Bridget and there was a crash from upstairs but she could hear them calling,
"Bye!"
"I hope they're not killing each other," said Joanna, and she shouted, "Keep it down!"
It seemed to calm down and Joanna walked her to the door.
“Goodbye,” she said and Bridget hesitated and then gave her a hug.
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Post by Bee on May 3, 2010 22:23:16 GMT
great Sophie!!
cant wait for more!!
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Post by sophie on May 7, 2010 14:14:13 GMT
“I said Joanna could come over next week,” said Bridget later that evening as she put some plates away. “That’s okay, isn’t it? We don’t have plans.”
Declan looked surprised but he said,
“Okay,” shortly.
“Well, we’ve been back in contact for a while now. And I want Josie and Clara to meet Indy. And you, they ask about you.”
“Do they?”
“They wonder what you’re like. They’re always asking me to tell them again how we met.”
“That’s sweet,” conceded Declan. “Did you include the drag-racing part?”
“Yes, but I told them how stupid it was and made them promise never, ever to try it.”
“It was really dumb of us,” said Declan. “I feel really guilty whenever I think of it – Mum was so upset.”
“Mum and Dad were too. I thought they’d never forgive me.”
“At the time you know I never even thought. I just thought that it was so exciting and that I had you beside me. I thought you hated me.”
“I never hated you,” said Bridget, taking his hand. “Even if I said it, or thought I thought it. I liked you deep down and was annoyed with myself for it. I wondered how I could like you after what had happened with Mickey.”
“Why did you like me?”
“You were you. It was wrong, what you did, but you were sorry. Declan,” said Bridget hesitantly, “I know how wrong of us it was, but when I think back to it I can’t help still feeling slightly excited. I feel awful about it obviously – so bad for what I did to Mum and Dad – but I can’t help remembering how daring we felt. I was so excited that afternoon. It felt so great doing something I had never done before.”
“Me too,” confessed Declan.
They smiled at each other.
“So is next Saturday okay?” asked Bridget again, carrying on putting the plates away. “At one?”
Declan’s good mood seemed to fade a little.
“Dec?”
“Yeah, it’s fine,” he said shortly, and went away, leaving Bridget alone holding a plate.
The week rushed by. She had work, Declan had work, and between it was housework, a visit to Miranda’s and helping India with her school things. When did it all get so complicated? Bridget wondered. She remembered Grade One being a simple time, but India needed a leotard for her gym class, some shorts and a t-shirt and aside from that help with reading and spelling which had upped a level and particularly Maths, which India hated.
“I can’t do it,” she fretted on Friday night as Bridget tried to help her with some subtraction.
“Yes you can. Look.” Bridget got some snacks from a cupboard. “I’ve got twelve bags of a crisps and if I take away seven how many do I have left?”
“Still heaps of crisps,” said India and she threw down her pencil.
“Come on, concentrate,” said Bridget crossly.
“It’s boring!”
“It’s your last sum!”
“I hate it!” said India and her lip wobbled dangerously.
“You can do it,” said Bridget, trying to sound cheerful.
“No I can’t!” cried India and she ran away from the table. Bridget put her head in her hands.
“Do you want me to help?” asked Declan and Bridget nodded gratefully. They found India in her room and, despite knowing that bribery probably wasn’t the best option, Bridget promised her a biscuit if she did the sum. This brightened India up, she managed the sum, ate her biscuit joyfully and the next thing Bridget knew it was time for her to go to bed and the day was nearly over. After a small argument where India begged to stay up later, she finally gave in and was given a bath, read a story and went to sleep. Bridget couldn’t believe how tired she felt.
“Don’t forget Joanna’s coming tomorrow,” reminded Bridget.
“Mm,” said Declan.
“Are you sure you’re okay about it?” asked Bridget, worried.
“Yeah, I’m just tired,” he said. “It’s too late to change it anyway.”
“I can call her –“
“No, it’s fine,” said Declan irritably.
Bridget looked hurt and he felt guilty.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound off,” he said, and put an arm round her. “It’s okay. Let’s just watch some rubbish TV and go to bed.”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Bridget gratefully and felt better.
At one o’clock the next day there was a ring on the doorbell and Bridget opened the door with India at her heels.
“Hello,” said Joanna nervously and she held out a bunch of flowers. “These are for you and Declan.”
“You didn’t have to do that!” exclaimed Bridget gratefully, taking the bunch from her. The flowers were orchids.
“I wanted to.”
“Come in anyway,” said Bridget, stepping aside. “Look who it is, India. It’s Joanna and Josie and Clara! Do you remember who they are?”
“Your first sort-of mummy,” said India, staring at Joanna.
“That’s right!”
“Hi India,” said Joanna softly, staring back at her.
“She looks like you,” she said finally.
“I think she has some Declan in her too,” said Bridget, but she smiled and took the flowers through to put in water.
“Joanna’s here,” she said, seeing Declan in the kitchen. “Come out and say hello. Look at the flowers she gave us, aren’t they lovely?”
“Yeah,” said Declan and gave a her a smile and a vase but he didn’t sound too enthusiastic. Bridget felt a little surprised but she filled the vase up a little and put the flowers in and checked on the food, then went back to Joanna and her half-sisters.
“It should be ready soon,” said Bridget. “Do you want a drink of anything?”
“We’re okay,” they said, so Bridget just took them through to the sitting room.
“Are these your teddies?” asked Josie, seeing Teddy and London hanging from India’s hand.
“This is Teddy and this is London,” said India proudly. “You can hold London if you like.”
“Okay,” said Josie and as India handed him over Declan came in, sitting on a chair away from Joanna and Bridget. He couldn’t help but stare at Josie and Clara who looked like mini-Bridgets, despite the length of Clara’s hair which was now below her shoulders. It was uncanny, even though he knew they were blood-related, but he caught himself after Clara saw that he was staring and looked confused.
“When did you all move here?” asked Joanna.
“Just after Indy’s first birthday. Declan worked at Lassiter’s until last year though.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes, it’s a solid job,” said Declan and Bridget was surprised at how annoyed he sounded. “Do you still work at that florist?”
“Yes,” said Joanna, slightly surprised at his tone. “I’ve worked there since the girls were babies.”
Bridget glared at him but he didn’t look ashamed.
“The food must be nearly ready now,” she said hastily. “Declan, come and help.”
“Is there anything I can do?” offered Joanna.
“No, it’s fine.”
“What are you being so rude for?” demanded Bridget, once they were in the kitchen.
“I’m not being rude! I just asked if she still worked at the florist!”
“Yeah, in a tone that would freeze the sun,” remarked Bridget. “Why are you being horrible?”
“I’m not!”
“Fine.” Bridget felt tired. “Look, can you just help with the food? We’ll talk properly after lunch.”
So he sighed and helped carry the food to the table and they all began to eat.
“Your hair’s getting long, Clara,” commented Bridget.
“I keep telling her to get it cut,” said Joanna and Clara rolled her eyes.
“I’m growing it. It’s too curly anyway but might look better long.”
“It’s going to need more than growing,” said Josie snidely and Clara elbowed her.
“Girls,” said Joanna in a warning voice and they settled down, still glaring at each other.
“It looks nice,” said Bridget but then she felt awkward when Clara said,
"See," in an exasperated voice to her mother.
“What do you like doing in school then?” asked Declan, trying to take an interest.
“Nothing.”
“Clara!”
“School’s boring. I guess Science is okay.”
“I didn’t really like anything,” admitted Declan.
“I like Art,” said Josie. “And Maths.”
“You’re weird,” commented Clara and Josie snapped,
“I’m not!”
“Girls! Stop misbehaving!” said Joanna, who was looking severely annoyed by this point.
“I don’t like numbers,” cut in India. “I like Art though.”
“Really? So do I,” said Joanna, smiling, which was too much for Declan.
“You probably wouldn’t know that if you’d had your way.”
“Declan!” exclaimed Bridget, horrified and furious.
“It’s okay,” said Joanna sadly.
“No it’s not!” said Bridget again.
“Don’t talk to my mum like that,” said Clara ferociously and Josie glared and Declan regretted saying it.
“I’m sorry. I take it back.”
“It’s okay.”
“What do you mean, Daddy?” asked India. “Why’s everyone angry?”
“We’re not,” said Bridget. “Are we?” to Declan.
“No,” said Declan. “We’re fine.”
Bridget took the plates through and Declan followed her.
“How could you have said that?” she snapped. “In front of Josie and Clara as well! They don’t need to hear that! What have they done to you?”
“Nothing, I’m sorry. It just slipped out.”
“I can’t get into this now,” said Bridget. “But stop being horrible, please. You’re ruining the day.”
They ate icecream over smalltalk and learnt the girls’ hobbies: Clara loved to cycle and climb and Josie liked cycling as well and drawing.
“Do you want to see my room?” asked India and she took Josie and Clara and Joanna there to admire it.
“Isn’t it pretty?” exclaimed Joanna.
“Very purple,” said Clara.
“It’s my favourite!” exclaimed India. “And when I jump on my bed I can nearly touch the ceiling!”
“Don’t try that!” said Bridget.
“It’s a lovely house,” said Joanna. “You should be proud.”
“I was good enough for her,” said Declan and Bridget felt ready to hit him.
“Yes,” said Joanna, a little taken aback. “You were.”
They stayed for a little while longer and then finally went back.
“I’ll see you soon,” said Bridget, hugging Josie. “Next week I hope. And promise me you and Clara won’t kill each other in the meantime!”
“Okay,” said Josie and she and Clara hugged her back, Joanna hugged Bridget and then India hugged all of them.
“Thanks for letting me look after him,” said Josie and she gave India London back and then they left.
“Why are you upset?” asked Declan as Bridget sulkily threw some pans into the washing-up bowl. She whirled round.
“Why am I upset? Why do you think?! What was wrong with you today?”
“Nothing!”
“Oh, nothing?! You were horrible to Joanna the whole way through!”
“I tried not to be!”
“Well, you didn’t try that hard!” she shouted. “You just had to be nice!”
“It’s not that easy!”
“Why isn’t it? I asked you all week if you were okay with it and you said yes!”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You tell me not to bottle stuff up and that’s exactly what you’re doing now! Just lashing out and not telling me why!”
“Look, let’s talk about it later.”
“I want to talk about it now!”
“I’m going for a walk,” Declan told her. “I need to clear my head.”
“Fine!” snapped Bridget and he went off. She threw down the tea towel she was holding.
“Where’s Daddy gone?” asked India, wandering in.
“Just for a walk.” Bridget wiped her eyes.
“Joanna’s nice,” commented India, not noticing that her mother was upset.
“Yes, she is.”
“Is she coming back again?”
“I hope so.”
Declan came back an hour later with a carton of milk.
“We were out,” he said.
“Thanks,” said Bridget shortly. Neither knew what to say to each other and Declan went to listen to some music and Bridget played with India.
They ate a tense dinner and Bridget and Declan didn’t talk but India chattered enough for both of them. She had had a lovely afternoon and couldn’t wait to see Joanna, Josie and Clara again.
“I’m going to draw a picture of them,” she announced. “In Art.”
Bridget cleared away the dinner things and Declan and India played some sort of game. An hour later Bridget put her to bed and she went without too much of a fuss, talking about Joanna, Josie and Clara still.
“Sleep well sweetheart,” said Bridget and she kissed India goodnight.
Declan was in the kitchen finishing the rest of the washing-up.
“Thanks,” said Bridget shortly.
“It’s okay.”
It was very awkward.
“So what went wrong earlier?” said Bridget, deciding to have it out. “Why were you so rude?”
“I don’t want to talk about it!”
“Why?” cried Bridget.
“I just don’t!” he snapped.
“You’re acting younger than India!” cried Bridget. “You’ve been rude to everyone and now you’re sulking!”
“I’m not sulking!”
“What is it then? Tell me!”
“I’m not okay with her!”
“But you said you were! I asked you so many times if you were okay with her coming over today and you said yes!”
“I thought I would be!”
“You were the one who suggested that we ask her to look after India that day!”
“That was an emergency!”
“So it’s okay for her look after our daughter in emergencies but she can’t get to know us?!” cried Bridget.
“That’s not what I meant!”
“She’s my birth mother!”
“I’m sorry Didge. It’s just when I see her, all I can think of is how she nearly got you out to adopt out Indy.”
“What?” exclaimed Bridget. “That wasn’t her fault, I was frightened!”
“Not half as much before!”
“You don’t know that! I just didn’t accept how frightened I was! And can you blame her for being worried for me? Look at what happened to her!”
“She didn’t think I was good enough for you.”
“That wasn’t it, Dec. Sometimes love’s not enough. She and her boyfriend loved each other and it went wrong.”
“Love was enough for us, wasn’t it?” Declan looked like he was about to cry.
“Yes – but we had so much support. She didn't.”
“She still didn’t think we could do it. All I know is that we were happy and then you met up with her twice and then without talking to me about it you decided you couldn’t be a mother. So we went through hell and then she comes over and we're meant to play happy families?”
“So you hate her? You think it was all her fault, that she made me?”
“No –“
“I was seventeen!” Bridget cried. “I was young and frightened and half the time young parents don’t have our luck. Is that so wrong of me? To have had doubts?”
“No, but we had each other!”
“Not at the start!”
“That was just because of shock!”
“And that means I shouldn’t have been frightened? I should have just gone with it?”
“No, but I knew we could have done it!”
“Well, I didn’t! I’m sorry! I’m sorry I wasn’t perfect!”
“I never asked you to be perfect!”
“STOP ARGUING!”
Bridget whirled round and saw India looking at them forlorn in her rabbit pyjamas.
“Oh sweetie, it’s okay.”
“Why’s everyone arguing?” she cried. “Why’s everyone shouting?”
“We’re not,” promised Bridget, giving her a hug. “We’re not arguing now.”
“I don’t like it.”
“I’m sorry,” said Bridget, giving her a hug again. “We didn’t mean to scare you.”
Declan hugged her too and Bridget took her back to bed. She stayed until she fell asleep and then came back.
“Look Declan, she said. “We were so lucky but half the teenage parents out aren’t. You know they aren't. They’re left to raise the baby alone, or even if they do it together they are stuck, like Joanna was. I couldn’t face it – I couldn’t face the thought of our lives ending and I wanted her to have a happy life.” Tears were streaming down her face. “I didn’t know if we could give it to her.”
Declan looked very upset. "I know," he said quietly.
"So if you know, why do you hate Joanna?"
"I don't hate her, it's just difficult for me. I'm not saying you can’t see her or have a relationship with her –“
“Good!”
“But it’s hard for me Didge! I know what I’m meant to say! I’m meant to say that I’ll make friends with her, that I’ll do it for you because I’ll always support you. I’m trying but it’s hard. I’m not perfect.”
“I never asked you to be perfect either,” snapped Bridget.
It felt like they had run out of things to say. They stared at each other and Bridget felt, stupid though it was, she told herself, that they were the young teenagers shouting at each other after drag racing. He looked young to her then.
“I’m going to bed,” said Declan finally.
“Okay.”
“Are you coming?”
“I’m not tired.”
“Okay.”
He turned and went into their room and Bridget sighed and went outside for a moment, wiping her eyes. She loved him desperately but she felt so angry as well. Was she being fair? Well, he had been unfair, Bridget thought. It felt like she could never feel calm again. Eventually, though, tiredness swept over her like a wave and Bridget quietly went into their room and got undressed. She lay on the bed beside Declan but he faced away from her and, not knowing if he was awake or not, Bridget lay facing the opposite way and finally drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
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