Page 12 of Sisters Making Mischief
‘Perhaps when you’re older and less likely to drop them or leave them on the school bus,’ Sara said. She was still sitting slumped in an armchair, nursing her third cup of coffee, and shielding her eyes from the sunlight streaming in through the windows.
‘But they are both younger than us,’ Poppy mumbled.
‘I wish I had that make up,’ Bunny said, looking over.
‘I’ll swap if you like?’ Mia offered.
‘No, no we can’t do that. I’ve already registered them,’ Vanessa said quickly.
‘Yes, of course you have, you’re so efficient,’ Sara replied rather sourly.
‘Well now then, why don’t you give Grandma your special present, girls?’ John suggested, pulling a flat parcel out fromunder the tree and handing it to Jasmine and Bunny to give to me.
There was a slight tussle then and the paper was torn slightly, but eventually it was handed over.
‘Lovely,’ I said, unwrapping a hideous tartan shawl, ‘just what I needed.’
‘We chose it ourselves. Our headteacher says old people feel the cold more,’ Bunny said, ‘and they can’t afford heating or food.’
‘Well, you don’t need to worry about me just yet,’ I said.
I swung the shawl around my shoulders and instantly felt ten years older.
‘What cheerful colours,’ I said, stroking the wool, ‘red and green and brown; so bright and pretty. They make me feel warmer just looking at them. And so soft too.’
‘It’s cruelty-free cashmere,’ Vanessa said, ‘made from soya beans.’
‘Really? Isn’t that marvellous,’ I said. ‘What will they think of next?’
‘And this is from us,’ Poppy said, pulling out a similar sized parcel.
‘Ah, how absolutely lovely,’ I said unwrapping a similar shawl. ‘What lovely shades of grey.’
‘Eco-unfriendly, and made from petroleum-based polyester,’ Sara murmured.
‘Well, they are both lovely, and thank you all so much, I don’t know which one to wear first,’ I said.
A timer pinged in the kitchen, mercifully releasing me from having to make any choice at all.
‘Twelve thirty, goodness the morning is whizzing past. That’s my cue to do something,’ I said, ‘I’d better go and see.’
‘Need any help, Mum?’ John asked, making no attempt to move.
‘No, I’m fine, all under control,’ I said, ‘perhaps it’s time for a sherry? If you want to sort that out?’
‘I haven’t got a clue where you keep it these days.’
‘I’ll do it,’ Sara sighed, heaving herself out of her chair.
She followed me out to the kitchen and found the sherry in the pantry.
‘Can I have my phone back?’ she said. ‘I feel a bit lost without it. It’s all right, I won’t text Marty.’
I handed it over and she poured herself a sherry and drank it while scrolling through her messages.
‘Nothing,’ she said at last, ‘not even to let me know he got there okay.’
‘Oh, Sara, you poor love, what a horrible thing to happen. I hope you got some sleep?’ I said, putting an arm around her shoulders.
