Free Change of Life by Anne Stormont Page A

all,” I said at last.
    “Yes and I don’t know what to say, Rosie, except I’m here for you.”
    “That’s all you need to say.”
    “I’m so glad Sam phoned me. She’s a great girl, isn’t she?”
    “I’m only beginning to realise how much she’s grown up. Since she came back from Australia she’s seemed like she was before – a messy, self-obsessed teenager – but she surprised me this evening!”
    “She just needs a chance to prove herself. With you always doing everything for her, why would she ever do anything?” Lucy smiled as she said this. She, like Ruby, was always telling me off for running about at the beck and call of the kids.
    “Sam’s got the kitchen gleaming and Jenny’s checked Max’s homework and got him all organised for school tomorrow.”
    “What about Adam? Did you see him?”
    “He was helping the girls in the kitchen when I arrived, but he disappeared upstairs while I was talking to Sam. Probably needs time on his own to figure it all out. It doesn’t take much to unsettle Adam, does it?”
    “No it doesn’t. He was already stressed out with the exams. He was very negative about how he’d got on and now all this other stuff has happened.”
    “I’m sure he’ll get over it, especially if the other three are as laid back about Robbie as you say. Anyway, you need to rest. I’ll send Max in to say good night. He could probably do with a hug from his Mum. I’ll phone Kirsty tonight and tell her you’ll not be in tomorrow and that you’ll be in touch. I’ll also ask Jenny to organise Max in the morning.”
    “I can’t argue! Thanks, Lucy.”
    “Don’t even think about arguing. You need looking after and if you really don’t want Tom to do it, then you’re stuck with me.”
    “No, I really don’t want Tom and I meant what I said about not wanting him to know about the cancer – and the kids – they’re not to know either – not yet anyway.”
    “Okay – whatever you say. But you’ll have to tell Kirsty, and your colleagues will obviously wonder when you go off on sick leave. It’ll be difficult to keep it secret. Tom and the children might hear it from somewhere else – do you want that?”
    “No, but I need to get used to the idea myself first. I need to be in charge of this.”
    “I know you do, Rosie. I know you do.”
     

Chapter Ten
     
    Next morning, Jenny brought me breakfast in bed.
    “You can lay the tray down. I’m not going to throw the china around.” I smiled sheepishly.
    “I’m glad to hear it. How are you feeling?”
    “Better, thanks. This looks nice.” I indicated the tea and toast she’d brought. “I’m feeling quite hungry.”
    “Well, eat up then.”
    “Yesterday was a really bad day. I’m so sorry I lost it like that.”
    “Was it the shock of Robbie and falling out with Dad?” Jenny sat down on the bed.
    “Yes – it all got a bit much. Robbie’s announcement was very difficult for me - and for Dad. But you’ve not to worry – none of you’ve to worry. We’ll sort it all out.” I patted Jenny’s hand.
    “Good – I’ve seen Max off to school and Sam’s away to work. No sign of Adam yet though, so I’ll take Toby for a walk and then I’m meeting up with some of the girls to go into town. We’re celebrating the end of the exams with some retail therapy and lunch. We might go to the cinema or back to someone’s house to crash. Will you be okay?”
    “Of course I will. You go and have a good time. You deserve it. You’ve worked so hard.”
    “Well, if you’re sure. I’ll text you later and let you know what we’re up to. Oh, that reminds me, I’ll put Robbie’s mobile number in your phone – you know – in case you want to get in touch with him.”
    “Thanks, sweetheart, he phoned yesterday and left a message. I do want to get in touch – to get to know him.”
    After Jenny left I thought about what I needed do that day. One of the first things was to speak to Kirsty, both as my friend and as my