Page 64 of Just the Beginning

Harry raised his bottle and pointed it at Ed. ‘Not helpful, bro.’ He turned that pointing bottle towards Rick. ‘If you really care about Anya, you’re going to have to do something you’ve never done in your life, and that’s let her learn to stand on her own two feet. She doesn’t need an over-protective big brother, she needs a partner, someone who will stand by her not in front of her.’

Rick scrubbed a hand through his hair as the painful truth finally sank in. ‘There’s really nothing I can do, is there?’

‘Afraid not.’ Harry’s eyes were full of sympathy as he patted Rick on the leg. He raised his beer, stopped with it hovering near his mouth as a sly grin appeared. ‘At least Ed’s still a hopeless case, so you can channel all that big brother energy into sorting him out.’

Ed laugh-groaned. ‘Hey, come on, I’m not that bad.’ They both stared at him for a long time until he lowered his head and sighed. ‘Okay, yes, I am that bad, but that’s all behind me now. I’m turning over a new leaf.’

Rick would believe that when he saw it.

31

Anya woke the next morning tired, but determined to seize control of her life. What Helen had said the night before was true. Running off to stay with her mum wouldn’t solve anything; in fact, it would only put Anya further behind. Freya deserved the security Anya had never had, surrounded by friends as well as family. The summer would be over in a few short weeks and school would be starting. While she was cleaning up after making breakfast, she put a quick video call in to Chloe. ‘Hey, I know it’s early but I wanted to catch you before you go to work.’

‘Hey. No probs, what’s up?’

Anya glanced towards where Freya was sitting in front of theTV. Anya had stopped feeling guilty about using the telly as a part-time babysitter; sometimes she just needed five minutes’ peace to get on and do something, andNumberblockswas at least educational as well as fun. Freya was absorbed in whatever was on the screen, the square of toast in her hand forgotten. Still Anya turned her back and lowered her voice. ‘That paperwork thing you were sorting out for me, can you chase it up?’

‘The name change? Yes, of course.’

‘Great. I really need it asap so I can get Freya registered for school.’

Chloe went quiet as the implication of what Anya was saying sank in. ‘Oh, fab, I mean, yes of course I’ll chase it up. Do you want me to print off the copy of the registration form and the automated receipt email I got back? You could always take them in to Morwenna and see if you can kick-start things at her end while you are waiting for the official certification to come through.’

Anya considered it for a moment. ‘That might be a good idea, thanks. And if you’ve got time this weekend perhaps we can have a look at a few designs I’ve found online. I was thinking tote bags might be a quick and easy thing I can knock out, and with school coming up, maybe pencil cases, laptop covers and what have you. They’d be a great way to use up some of the odds and ends of material I have.’

‘Sounds perfect! I’ll get onto Dad and ask him to finish off those last bits in the workshop and we can get everything out of the spare room too.’ She paused. ‘You sound a lot better than last night.’

‘I feel a lot better. Look, I’ve got a few things to sort out, so can we catch up later?’

‘Sure. I need to jump in the shower anyway. I’ll pop in when I get home and drop those copies off with you.’

‘That would be lovely. You can stay for dinner again if you like. It’s fish fingers, mash and peas.’

‘Sounds too good to refuse!’ Chloe winked. ‘See you later, Annie.’

Anya looked over at Freya. Her toast was all gone and she wasn’t sure what she was watching now, but she was giggling and Anya decided that was at least as important as learning tocount. She flicked through her contacts and made a second call. ‘Hi, Ma. I’m sorry to call so early.’

‘Hello, dearest! Don’t worry about the time, we’ve been up since just after five. We don’t sleep late and what with this business with Davy…’ A gusty sigh filled Anya’s ear.

‘You must be worried sick about him, but Aunt Helen seemed to think it wasn’t all bad when she was here last night.’

‘No, that’s true. Jago’s arranged for some cover at the quay, so he’s going to take Ron up to the hospital to see him. Hopefully they’ll find a doctor to tell them the truth about what’s going on while they’re there.’

Of course they’d be visiting Davy; Anya should’ve thought about that before she rang. ‘So you won’t want Freya today, then? That’s what I was calling to check.’

‘Oh no, drop her off as normal. I’m not going up to the hospital, because I’d only brain Davy with a bedpan if I’m within striking distance of that stubborn old fool.’

Anya laughed as she pictured it. ‘I think they’re made of cardboard these days.’

‘Well I’d stab him with a scalpel then!’ Ma chuckled.

‘So bloodthirsty, Ma!’ Anya exclaimed. ‘I never would’ve thought it of you.’

‘I never thought of myself as having a violent streak either, but these Penrose men, sometimes they drive you to think the worst.’

‘I know what you mean.’ She didn’t want to take a scalpel to Rick, but she wouldn’t mind giving him a jab with a sharp pencil, maybe a kick in the shin while she was at it, stupid bloody man. ‘Are you sure about having Freya for the day? I can make other arrangements if you need me to.’

‘Absolutely sure. You drop her off as soon as you are ready. It’s my baking day anyway, so we will have lots to keep us busy,and it’ll be good to have her company rather than sitting here and fretting.’

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