Page 79 of The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright

‘Okay. But you need to stay. I tried calling the number we have for your boyfriend but I got a disconnect message, said the number wasn’t in use.’

‘He changed his phone,’ I blurt.

‘Ah. That makes sense. Well, if you give me his new number, I’ll call him.’

‘He’s flying.’

‘Oh.’ Her eyes narrow.

‘He’s a pilot.’

‘Yes. Yes, I heard.’

‘So he’s away a lot.’

Her eyes narrow even more until they appear barely open.

‘Is there someone else I can call for you, then?’

‘Yeah, of course,’ I say, trying to sound casual, but the tiredness and stress makes it come out squeaky and strained. ‘I’ll call my friend. Cora.’

Elaine nods. ‘Okay, great. I can stay for another hour or so, give your friend time to get here and take Ellie.’

I nod. My clothes are folded on the bedside chair and Elaine fetches my phone from the pocket of my jeans.

She extends her hand, but before she passes it over, she pauses and says, ‘You would tell me if there was anything wrong, Bea, wouldn’t you? I know we’re not exactly close, but if I can help in some way…’

‘Everything is fine. Like I said, I’m just?—’

‘Tired,’ Elaine finishes for me.

‘Yeah. Tired.’

Elaine smiles and says, ‘Okay, well, I’ll go get Ellie. She’s been asking to see you, and I’m sure you could both use a hug.’

The thought of Ellie’s chubby arms round my neck fills me with joy as I watch Elaine walk away. I call Cora’s number but it goes to voicemail. I try again and again.

‘Hi, this is Cora. I can’t answer right now, but if you leave a message, I’ll call back.’

‘Cora, it’s Bea…erm, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch—’ My voice breaks and I take a deep breath before I go on. ‘But, eh, I’m in the hospital, like, I’m the patient, I mean. It’s nothing serious. I just fainted, I think. But, eh, I hate to ask, but, erm, do you think you could take Ellie tonight? I’m sorry, I just…’ I trail off, realising tears are trickling down my cheeks and I’m sure she can hear it in my voice. I take a deep breath and try again. ‘Anyway, so if you could give me a call back, that would be great. Thanks.’

I lower the phone as a squeal of ‘Mammy’ rings in the air and a head of golden curls bounces towards me.

‘Easy now, easy,’ Elaine calls after Ellie, who has no intention of taking it easy.

She clambers onto my bed with a degree of difficulty and I take her hand and pull her close. When both her knees are on the bed, she nuzzles her head into the crook of my neck and I take a deep breath, drinking her in.

‘Hey you,’ I say.

‘I gots a lollipop,’ she tells me. ‘And fizzy juice.’

‘I hope that’s okay,’ Elaine says, standing back.

I smile, grateful.

‘Did you get hold of your friend?’ Elaine asks.

I shake my head.

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