Page 67 of Christmas off Script
What is wrong with you?
Being with Leo always made her feel better. But now, whenever she thought of him, her skin prickled, her heart raced, and her stomach swooped and dived like a swallow in a summer sky. She was torn between wanting the sensations gone and craving them more than her next breath.
And now, waiting to be let into her stepmother’s house, she was full of nervous energy, bouncing on the balls of her feet like an athlete preparing to sprint. This would be the fastest house clean she’d ever done.
If Michelle ever comes to the door, that is…
Eventually there was the sound of a key turning, then the door opened.
‘Thank Christ you’re here,’ her stepmother said in a hoarse whisper.
Ella rushed forward. ‘Oh, my god. Are you okay?’
One hand on the door, the other braced on the wall, Michelle started coughing, her puffy face getting redder with every hack, until Ella was terrified she would stop breathing. Eventually Michelle drew a ragged breath, then spat a ball of greeny-yellow sputum on the concrete path next to Ella’s trainers.
‘Of course I’m not fucking okay,’ she wheezed, reaching for Ella’s arm. ‘I need you.’
Supporting her stepmother’s weight, Ella helped her into the house. In the living room, Michelle collapsed onto the sofa, her breath laboured and sweat breaking out across her skin. Glancing around, Ella saw with dismay the piles of used tissues, dirty takeaway containers, and empty cans and bottles. The space was at least twice as messy and filthy as normal.
She crouched by the sofa, noting Michelle’s stained pyjamas. ‘What can I do first to help?’
‘Need Lemsip Max,’ she rasped. ‘Tissues, Lucozade, more vapes.’
‘Any food?’
‘Dairy Milk, Haribo, Krispy Kreme. Stuff that’s easy to eat.’
‘Chicken broth?’
Michelle shot her a withering look. ‘I need food. Not hippy shit.’
‘Okay. Have Kyla-Marie and Bille-Mai been helping you at all?’
Her stepmother’s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. ‘I don’t want them catching this.’
Ella swallowed her anger. ‘Has the doctor seen you?’
‘He says it’s just a cold.’
‘Do you have a fever?’
‘No.’
‘I’ll be as quick as I can at the shops. Can I borrow your keys so I can let myself back in without you having to get up?’
‘Just leave it on the latch.’ Hauling herself upright, Michelle began coughing again, phlegm rattling in her chest.
Ella glanced around wildly for a tissue, but there were no clean ones left. Grabbing an empty box from the floor, she held it for her stepmother to spit into, trying not to gag as green flecks hit her hand.
Leaving the box with Michelle, she stood. ‘If there’s anything else you need. Just text, okay?’
Her stepmother nodded and closed her eyes.
Ella: Michelle’s ill. Just dashing to the shops to get supplies for her. Not sure how long I’ll be but I’ll keep you updated
Leo: No worries. I’ll stand by. And if you need anything, just ask X
Ella: Will do. And sorry xxx
