This’ll put me near the action so I hear of anything juicy coming up.
“I don’t need a lot of coffee, and most of my meeting are online, but if you can turn your hand to filing, tidying up and answering the phone…”
Answering the phone is even better for hearing about any new films coming up.
“Done!”
“You’ll have to be here at 8am every day. I work long hours, so you might be here till late.”
“I’ll be there on the twenty-seventh. Day after Boxing Day.”
Easy, when you push to make things happen. Prostitute or not, it’s a job. And I need to look for a new place to live, until I find something permanent…
I walk around my room as if a good solution might be hiding under the duvet or behind the sofa Wyn and I moved from the north wing.
My heart bangs around looking for a good option, but all it finds are empty boxes and closed doors.
There’s only one choice.
I plop down on my bed, defeated, and text Mum.
I’ve been rather spoilt here, got used to better things. People in Kendric House inspire you to do better, they don’t act like horrible Howard.
But it’s only temporary.
Only temporary.
I’ll complete my Christmas promise here, and the next day…
My heart turns away from the decision but I make it turn back and face the facts.
Boxing Day, I’ll pack my things into my car and drive back across Wales, over the Severn Bridge and into England.
In England, road signs are only in English. How wrong that feels, now.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Christmas Morning. 7.15am
When I creep quietly downstairs to put the various meats in the oven, the kitchen is dark except for the twinkling blue and white fairy lights on the tree. And the reflection on some of the shiny presents piled under.
I’m guessing these are presents for the children. Damn!
Damn, damn, damn!
I never got them any presents. Okay, I had no money to spare even if I’d remembered. But I should have made something. Could I bake chocolate biscuits now? Quickly before anyone else wakes up?
Not really because the oven is already full. Two chickens, a leg of lamb (we’re in Wales after all) and a large goose, Gethin will be pleased. I never got cards for the adults, not even the Squad.
All I can do now is start breakfast. A special festive breakfast porridge with apple and honey.
Counting in my head, I circle round the tree to find extra spoons. That’s when I notice my name.
A gift tag on a wrapped present under the tree.
Noooo! Oh God no. I wasn’t expecting a present. Now it’ll look even worse that I didn’t get anyone anything.
It’s a large box, too. Whatever it is.
