Page 4 of Christmas off Script
Michelle’s eyes narrowed. ‘You won’t help your own family? When you know my disability payments don’t cover shit? You think you’re better than us?’
Despite the adrenaline pulsing in her veins, Ella was tempted to point out she was the one cleaning a toilet, and Michelle not only possessed the funds to eat takeout for every meal and have cosmetic procedures, but also go on expensive foreign holidays many times a year.
The sound of the front door opening saved her from replying, as Michelle’s attention was drawn to the excited screeches of her daughters.
‘Mum! Oh my God!’ Kyla-Marie yelled.
‘Freaking out!’ shrieked Billie-Mai as she thundered after her elder sister up the stairs.
Giving a cursory glance at Ella kneeling next to the toilet as if to acknowledge her place in the family pecking order, they hugged their mother.
‘I couldn’t believe it. I was like, “no way, Kyla-Marie”.’
‘And I was like, “it’s the truth, Billie-Mai”.’
‘What are we going to do? Something special?’
Ella tuned her half-sisters out. Aged twenty-two and twenty, respectively, Kyla-Marie and Billie-Mai were slimmer and younger versions of their mother. They were trophy girlfriends for the kind of man Ella crossed the street to avoid, and were building their own social media followings instead of seeking a more traditional form of employment.
‘Ells, you excited?’ Billie-Mai asked.
Ella glanced up. ‘About what?’
‘Dad coming out.’
Raw fear shot through her and the scrubbing brush fell out of her hands, clanking on the inside of the toilet bowl. Her mouth fell open, but nothing came out.
‘Shut your pie hole, Ella,’ Kyla-Marie said disdainfully. ‘You look right thick. Are you going to do something about yourself?’
‘Wha—’
‘For when he comes out. You need to make an effort. Don’t you care?’
‘We can help,’ Billie-Mai chimed in. ‘I can do your nails.’
‘No, you can’t,’ said Kyla-Marie. ‘You won’t have time. She needs to learn how to help herself.’
Ella’s gaze went to her stepmother. ‘When’s he coming out? Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘Don’t take that tone with me,’ Michelle snapped.
‘God, Ella! Don’t be such a bitch!’ Kyla-Marie added.
‘He’ll be out in time for Christmas,’ Billie-Mai said.
‘And Ididtell you,’ Michelle continued. ‘It’s not my fault you don’t listen.’
Ella’s knees gave way and her backside hit the floor. She thought she had at least four more years until her dad was released from prison. Memories churned inside her stomach, as fresh and putrid as when they’d been formed, nine years ago.
Her stepmother and half-sisters had already turned away, making their way down the stairs, Michelle keeping pace with her daughters.
‘It’s going to be the perfect Christmas!’ Billie-Mai said excitedly. ‘Has Dad told you what he wants to do as soon as he gets out?’
‘Not yet, but I’m sure he’s got a few ideas,’ her mum replied, then turned her head to eyeball Ella. ‘And some scores to settle.’
As her stepmother continued down the stairs, Ella closed her eyes. What should she do?
Talk to Leo this afternoon.
