Текст книги "Someone Else's Life"

Автор книги: Katie Dale

Соавторы: Katie Dale,Katie Dale
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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

to look at me. They’d never guess

bite my lip.

can’t have

baby—how can I? It would ruin

everything! I’ve got

life,

dream.

dream that doesn’t

include becoming single teenage mother

watch as hot tear slides down my cheek.

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can’t do this. Not on my own. I’m too young—

there are thousand reasons

just can’t.

take deep breath.

It’s time to make decision, choose my future.

pull my top back on, shivering suddenly.

And no one would ever know.

94

Chapter Seven

The first lampposts are flickering on as we pull up

few doors down from the pebble-dashed semidetached

house.

stare up at it, spellbound, Christmas lights

twinkling around the windows,

flashing reindeer

guarding the gravel drive.

can’t believe how close she was all this time. I’ve

driven past this house million times—it’s on my way to

school, for heaven’s sake!

“Rosie …” Andy hesitates. “I don’t think this is such

good idea.”

turn. “What?”

“You can’t just waltz up to some stranger’s house

and start making wild accusations.”

“They’re not wild accusations,” protest. “She’s my

mother!”

“She might be your mother,” Andy argues. “You

don’t know, not for sure.”

“She is,” insist. “Andy, it all fits—Holly Woods was

her daughter, born the same day as me, when she was

seventeen years old, and she lives in Maybridge—it’s her!”

Andy sighs.

look away. “I know you think I’m crazy, but—”

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“I don’t,” he says quietly. “I don’t think you’re crazy.

just think you want this too much.” He sighs. “You’re

setting yourself up for fall.”

“Well, maybe

am.”

unsnap my seat belt. “But

that’s my decision.”

Andy puts his hand on mine.

“You’re right,” he says. “It is your decision. But

please, think about it—”

“I have!” pull my hand away.

“Have you?” Andy challenges. “Have you really

thought about her? About Katharine? About Sarah?”

“Sod Sarah!” snap. “This is all Sarah’s fault—she

did it! She lied about it—to Mum, to everyone!”

“Yes, she lied,” Andy admits. “But does she really

deserve to go to jail for it?”

look at him.

“Because that’s what will happen, Rosie. Jail,

because she tried to help three desperate people—a

teenager too young to cope with being

mother, an

abandoned baby, and

grieving widow, desperate for

child.” He looks at me. “Sarah put her neck on the line for

your sake, not hers. And now you want to unravel it all?”

look away.

“And what about Katharine?” Andy persists. “She

ran away, Rose—she abandoned you– eighteen years ago

She’ll have

whole new life now—maybe even

family.

How’s she gonna feel if you waltz up and claim to be her

daughter?”

close my eyes, my thoughts whirling painfully.

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“I just

just want to see her …”

sigh. “Get to

know her. Give her the choice—the chance to know me …”

“But it won’t be her choice, Rosie,” Andy says gently.

“It’ll be yours.”

look at him.

“She made her choice,” he says. “She left.”

look away.

“Rosie …”

“So, what? should just give up? Give up when I’m

this close?”

He looks away.

“Andy!” stare at him. “But

but then why did you

help me search for her? Why help me get this far?”

He sighs. “I just

didn’t think you’d find her,

Rosie—not this soon! This is all happening so quickly—

just this morning you got your Huntington’s results and

now …” He shakes his head. “I thought it’d take ages, that

you’d have time to think it through. That you just needed

to get this out of your system to be able to get on with

your life.”

“Get on with my life?”

stare at him. “What life,

Andy?”

He looks away.

“Great, Andy. That’s great. You’ll help me, fine—as

long as I’m hitting brick walls, but as soon as actually find something, find her you suddenly back out? Thanks lot!”

open the car door.

“Rosie …” Andy grabs my arm, but wrench it away.

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“Fine!” he snaps angrily. “Go—whatever! But you’d

better know what you’re doing, Rosie, because if you

don’t, you’re about to ruin lot of people’s lives!”

grit my teeth and slam the door behind me.

He doesn’t understand tell myself as march down

the road. It’s all right for him, with his normal life and

normal family and future all planned out. But don’t have

that– don’t have anything anymore, and need to know, need to …

slow down as

approach the house. The front

window is dark, the curtains drawn.

pizza-delivery

leaflet sticks out of the letter-box.

take deep breath and lift the knocker. This is it.

This is her door …

Suddenly hesitate, Andy’s words filling my head.

Am about to make the biggest mistake of my life …?

swallow hard, the knocker icy cold in my hand.

Maybe

maybe

should take some time, think

about this more. This is

big step—it’s huge—maybe

shouldn’t rush into it

The wind whispers round my ears as look up at

the dark house.

Andy’s right, there’s no hurry. She’ll still be here.

can come back anytime, plan what I’ll say, what I’ll do—

shit, what I’ll wear—I glance down at my scruffy jeans and sweater.

Do

really want to meet my mother looking like

this?

98

take last long look at the house, then sigh as let

the knocker go. It bangs gently as turn to leave.

Immediately,

black barking shape hurls itself

against the frosted glass.

jump back, my heart in my

mouth as light flicks on, exposing me in its yellow glare.

The door opens and

woman peers out, gripping the

dog’s collar as he strains toward me, her hair wrapped in

towel turban.

“Sorry, love,” she says. “Don’t worry—he’s all bark

and no bite, this one. Can help you?”

“I

…” stare at her.

dark tendril of wet hair

escapes the turban and curls round her face. “Are you

Katharine Sinclare?”

“Lord, no!” she laughs. “She hasn’t lived here for

years!”

My heart plummets.

haven’t found her after all.

And if she’s not here

I’ll never find her. The trail’s gone

cold.

“But perhaps can help you?” The woman smiles.

“I’m her mum—Pam.”

stare at her. Her mum? She’s Katharine’s mother?

blink. My grandmother!

“Um, yes, yes please—I …” This is it. No going back.

“I’m Rosie Kenning,”

say, my heart thumping. “I’m

student at Maybridge Sixth Form College, and I’m doing

school project—” The words are out in rush before can

stop them. What am doing? “But

could come back—if

it’s not good time?”

99

“What?” She touches her turban, then laughs. “No,

don’t be daft, come in, come in! Down, Toby! Come on in.”

She ushers me inside. “Grab pew and I’ll be back in just

mo.” Pam flicks the lounge light on and disappears down

the corridor. hair dryer blasts into action.

step slowly into the room, my eyes everywhere,

drinking it in like

museum: the strings of colorful

Christmas cards hanging from every wall, looping round

framed school photographs and children’s paintings; the

heaving Christmas tree with its homemade decorations

and lopsided angel; the flowery chintz sofa and the

rocking chair covered with

patchwork throw

And

everywhere, crammed onto the mantelpiece, the

television, the windowsills, are crowds of trinkets:

postcards and souvenirs and photos, medals and trophies

and certificates—all clues about my mother, her life, my

family

“So, what’s your project about?” Pam calls as the

hair dryer clicks off.

“Oh, it’s, er

sort of ‘where are they now?’ piece,”

lie quickly, my eyes landing on

photo of two smiling

schoolgirls.

“Oh yeah?”

pick up the photo, and my heart skips beat. Two

little girls with gleaming black hair and bright smiles. One

of them has to be Katharine.

“We’re supposed to pick someone who was

teenager when we were born, and—”

“So you chose Kitty.”

100

turn as Pam enters behind me, running

brush

through her thick dark hair.

“Well,

suppose that figures.” She smiles at the

photograph in my hand. “After all, she’s the famous one.”

“And here’s Kitty in her first school play.” Pam turns

the pages of photo album. “Bitten by the bug right then

and there, she was. You know, she fought off five other

girls to play Mary in the nativity that year—including the

rector’s daughter!—and then she went and lost her two

front teeth, bless her!” She points to photo of little girl

with gappy grin and tea towel on her head.

“And here she is in Annie and Joseph and as Sandy in Grease Spent far too much time rehearsing and not

enough revising for her GCSEs, if you ask me!” Pam

chuckles. “Still, grades aren’t everything—she was

straight off to London for the summer with the National

Youth Theatre, and then snapped up by an acting agent!”

“Wow!”

“We were so proud.” Pam beams. “Didn’t get to see

much of her, of course, she was so busy auditioning and

filming and living the high life in London. Not that she

even stayed there very long—she left just after

Christmas!”

“How come?” ask carefully.

“She was spotted! Again! Can you believe it?” Pam

laughs. “We got call at the end of January—she was off to

Los Angeles.” Pam sighs. “Off to follow her dream.”

Or to forget her past

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“She’s been starring in

sitcom over there.” Pam

beams. “For Richer, For Poorer Here.” She untucks large photo from the back of the album and gasp. Kitty’s black

hair gleams beneath an Alice band, and her green eyes

penetrate mine. Any doubts had vanish in an instant.

She looks just like me.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” Pam smiles. “And there’s her stage

name, Kitty Clare. Washing away her sin my husband,

Keith, says—Get it? Sin clare?”

grin, excitement thrilling like fever through my

veins. “Do you have any contact details for her? It would

be great to do an interview or something.”

“Of course,” Pam says, handing me the photo. “The

address of the studios is on the back, and you’ll need

photo for your project. I’ve got plenty more.”

“Thank you.”

take the photo reverently. My

mother …

Suddenly, Toby springs to his feet, barking madly as

key turns in the front door.

“Gracious, is that the time? Doesn’t it fly?” Pam

jumps up. “Sorry, love, that’ll be my other daughter, Jenny,

and her boys—we’re off to the panto. It’s all go in this

family, I’m afraid!”

“That’s fine. Thank you so much for your help.”

smile, getting to my feet.

“Mum! Are you ready?”

woman bustles in,

swiping her long black hair from her face. “Oh, sorry,

didn’t realize you had visitor. Hello.” She smiles warmly.

“Hi.” beam back. My aunt!

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Two little boys hurtle past her, lunging at each

other with plastic swords. And cousins!

“Boys—careful!” She grins apologetically. “Sorry!

They’re bit excited—we’re off to see Peter Pan.”

beam as edge past them. whole family!

“Sorry to rush you off like this,” Pam says, holding

the front door for me. “Please do call round again if there’s

anything else you need—it’s always lovely talking about

my girls.”

She smiles at me, and suddenly

give her

spontaneous hug, breathing in the fruity scent of her

shampoo as she hugs me back.

“You take care, now.” She beams. “And remember—

anytime!”

“Goodbye!” wave as she closes the door, hugging

my jacket tighter, warm feeling glowing inside me.

I’ve found her, I’ve actually found my mother! And

Pam too, and Keith and Jenny and the boys—a whole

other family! My real family The wind whips against my cheeks, and my eyes water. My mother Yes, she’s in L.A.—

practically the other side of the world—but I’ve found her!

I’ve actually found her!

Andy looks up as open the car door. “Well?”

falter, remembering his harsh words, his cynicism.

“It wasn’t her, was it?” He sighs, reaching over and

brushing tear from my eye.

hesitate, can’t meet his gaze.

“Oh, Rose.” He pulls me into tight embrace. “I’m so

sorry, but you know, it’s probably for the best.”

103

Over his shoulder, my eyes are on the house. The

front door opens and the family spills out onto the

driveway, laughing and chattering happily.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Andy asks gently.

shake my head. This is too fragile, too precious

moment to talk about right now. Especially with Andy.

can’t tell him, can’t let him ruin this—not now

He starts the car, and

gaze into the rearview

mirror as we drive away, watching the Sinclares laugh as

they squash and squeeze into their car, Toby racing in

excited circles around them, my head dancing with

excitement,

with

possibilities.

My

family my

grandmother

my mother …

“You don’t need her, you know?”

turn, startled, as Andy’s hand squeezes mine.

“Just coz she gave birth to you, it doesn’t make

her—”

“Let’s talk about something else, okay?” interrupt

quickly, pulling my hand away.

He looks at me, concerned.

“Please.” swallow. “Tell me about your trip.”

“Okay …,” he says uncertainly. “Well, I’m starting

out in the States. I’ve got family in New York and

Washington, so I’m going to crash at theirs on the cheap.”

“Sounds good,” reply absently.

“Yeah, my cousin’s

taxi driver—a bona fide New

York cabbie—so he’s promised to show me the sights.

Then my aunt’ll feed me up before fly on to Chicago, San

104

Francisco, then catch

Greyhound bus down to sunny

L.A.”

“L.A.?” turn.

“Yeah, thought I’d do the whole showbiz thing—

Mann’s Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, Hollywood.”

Hollywood

Holly Woods

lean back against the

headrest and smile. That’s why! What better name for the child of starstruck seventeen-year-old?

“Then on to Southeast Asia—Vietnam, Cambodia,

Thailand …,” Andy continues, but zone out, still buzzing

with thoughts of my family—so close by! And my

mother—in Los Angeles

Finally we pull into Nana’s drive.

“Andy—”

“Rose—” We say each other’s name together.

“You first,” insist.

“I just wanted to say

am sorry we didn’t find

your mum. know how much it meant to you, just …” He

rests his hand on mine. “I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

My cheeks burn and

look away. “I know,”

say

quietly.

He squeezes my hand. “Your turn.”

“What? Oh, no, it was nothing.” shrug.

“What is it?” He smiles.

“I was just wondering …” hesitate. “I mean, about

your trip …”

He frowns. “I could always put it off for bit, if you

like? If you want me to stick around?”

105

shake my head quickly. “No, no, it’s not that, it’s

just …”

“What?” he asks gently.

“Would you mind

if

came along after

all

maybe …?”

“On the trip?”

nod.

“Rosie, that would be awesome!”

“Yeah?”

“Ye-ah!” He grins. “Are you kidding? We’ll have the

best time!”

smile at him. Then shiver as the wind whips past.

“Listen, go in, you’re freezing. I’ll call you tomorrow,

okay? We’ll meet up, sort everything. Rosie, this is going to

be so great!” His eyes sparkle as he pulls away. “You won’t

regret it!”

smile weakly.

“And Rosie?”

turn.

“Trudie would be so proud.” He beams.

His headlights dazzle my eyes as he turns the car

around and disappears down the hill, leaving me dark and

cold and guilty.

cold, guilty sweat trickles down the back of my

neck as

fidget restlessly, flicking through the litter of

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leaflets on the clinic coffee table, nervously waiting my

turn.

Unwanted Pregnancy?

Your options:

a) Adoption

Nope—I need this over with.

b) Abortion

take deep breath, scan the page

Up to Seven Weeks: Manual Vacuum Aspiration

Ugh. My stomach turns.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

bite my lip. That seems easy enough. Take pill—

no more baby.

Simple.

“Hayley Wilson?”

jump as the receptionist calls the next patient. But

it’s not me. Not yet. watch as the girl stands up, head

bowed as she passes through the double doors.

wipe my palms on my jeans and pick up another

leaflet, anything to keep my hands busy, distracted.

Your baby– week by week

Despite myself, my eyes slide down to the picture

for seven weeks as words leap out at me– fingers, toes,

elbows, knees, nostrils, eyelids—this clump of cells is no bigger than pencil eraser, yet it already has eyelids? It’s already moving on its own? Its tiny heart pulsing at 150

beats minute—twice the speed of mine?

Before

know it, I’ve walked out.

walk out the

door and keep walking, the air cold on my cheeks and

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fresh in my lungs. take deep gulps of it, sucking it in till

feel dizzy with oxygen, with life, walking away, far away

from the clinic

Toward future never planned.

108

Chapter Eight

“Taxi’s here!” Andy cries, slinging my rucksack over

his shoulder and pretending to stagger under the weight.

“Good God, woman, what have you got in here? Anyone

would think you were going away for eight months or

something!”

Sarah laughs as he reels down the driveway while

Nana squeezes me so tight think I’ll burst.

“Eight months! Oh, sweetheart!”

hold her close and my chest aches—she feels so

small, so fragile. “I’ll miss you, Nana.”

“Oh, you’ll be having far too much fun to miss

anything round here!” Sarah grins.

“Now, you take care, all right?” Nana says, clutching

my hands. “You’re very precious.”

“You too,” tell her tenderly.

“I want lots of postcards—and maybe call once in

while?”

“I promise.” grin. “Now, no wild parties while I’m

gone—I know what you’re like!”

She laughs. “Just you try and stop me!”

“Good luck, sweetheart.” Sarah hugs me and stiffen

involuntarily, then smile for Nana’s sake.

109

don’t really know how to feel about Sarah

anymore—whether to be angry with her, or resentful, or

grateful even

Everything’s been such blur these past

few days, rushing around frantically packing and

planning, there hasn’t been much time to think about

anything else. Not even Kitty. With Nana and Andy

constantly around and the only computer in Nana’s

bedroom, I’ve only managed to Google her once—hungrily

devouring

feast of new photographs—before Nana

walked in and quickly shut the site down, stung with

guilt.

climb into the taxi and look back at her waving

madly from the doorway, and feel sick. She’s so happy

for me—thrilled that I’m officially negative, delighted that

I’m finally going traveling. What would she think if she

knew the truth?

watch as Sarah wraps her arm round Nana’s thin

shoulders and blows me kiss.

How does she do it? How did Sarah keep her secret

all these years, look us in the eye, all the while knowing?

It’s been killing me lying to Nana, walking on eggshells,

double-checking everything say and do

sigh as we turn

corner and she disappears, the

trees and fields and houses crowding in, filling the

distance between us.

At least now won’t have to lie for while.

Not to Nana, anyway.

“Hey,” Andy says softly. “Do you want to stop by the

graveyard on the way? We’ve got time.”

110

“No.” shake my head, looking away. “I’ve already

been.”

Another lie. It’s been one thing holding it together

in front of everyone else, but just haven’t been able to

face visiting Mum’s grave—not with my bags packed and

ticket clutched in my hand to go and find Kitty.

ticket

paid for with Mum’s inheritance.

“I’m so glad you changed your mind.” Andy beams,

his eyes bright. “We’re gonna have such great time, Rose.

Me and you against the world.”

smile weakly, squeeze his hand, then turn to look

out of the window as we head onto the motorway, my

stomach tight.

What’s one more lie? It’s like they’re contagious—

every time leave one behind,

new one rears its ugly

head. But Andy wouldn’t understand, he’s made that clear.

And don’t need his approval, not really. This is my life,

my decision.

Besides, we’ll have

wonderful time traveling

together—just as we always planned—and then, when we

get to Los Angeles

My heartbeat quickens as the familiar scenery

streams past and disappears behind us, leaving the tiny

village, the familiar houses and fields, and my life as I’ve

always known it far, far behind.

Who knows …?

The ground is sprinkled with snow but the sky is

brilliant blue as finally we land in New York.

111

My eyes widen as we enter the crowded arrivals

hall, everyone pushing and shoving, waving signs and

placards as they jostle for position. inch closer to Andy.

Suddenly, guy in thick tartan jacket grabs Andy

in bear hug that lifts him off the ground. “Hey, shrimp!

How’re ya doin?” he cries. “And you must be the lovely

Rosie.” He grins, kissing my hand.

“Okay, enough of the charm,” Andy laughs. “Rosie,

Casey; Casey, Rosie. Now let’s get going, I’m freezing my

arse off!”

“Aw, and it’s such

pretty ass, too,” Casey teases,

slapping Andy’s bum and winking at me as he hitches my

bag onto his shoulder. “Anyone for breakfast? I’m

starved!”

“Breakfast” is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my

life—sausages, eggs and toast tussle for space next to long

streaks of bacon, golden hash browns and huge stack of

fluffy pancakes drenched in sticky-sweet maple syrup.

The image of my heaped plate stays with me all day—

especially as the ferry bounces over the choppy waves

toward Liberty Island.

“Ugh! shouldn’t have eaten so much!” groan as

my stomach lurches back and forth. “Either that, or

should’ve stayed on dry land!”

“Yeah, but she’s worth it.” Andy grins. “Just look at

her!”

gaze up at the massive green lady, her torch held

high above the lights of Manhattan. The view of the city

across the bay is just stunning, the skyscrapers shooting

112

like rockets up into the blue, blue sky, the air crisp and

clear, the waves sparkling far below. What sight to greet

all the immigrants about to start new life in the Land of

Opportunity.

“Quick, take picture!” Casey cries, grabbing Andy

and striking the Titanic pose.

laugh and delve in my bag for my camera, my

fingers tingling as they brush Kitty’s photo. wonder if she

felt like this, arriving for the first time? So full of hope and expectation. Ready to start her new life. To follow her

dream.

My heart soars with the seagulls high above as

take the shot, the wind in my hair, my seasickness

suddenly gone.

The streets are rammed as we crawl back through

the city in Casey’s yellow cab. I’ve never seen anywhere so

busy, so bustling, so alive From every direction horns blare and drivers yell abuse as shoppers weave through

the endless river of traffic to the bright lights and fancy

window displays on the other side.

“Well, Toto.” Andy winks. “Guess we’re not in

Kansas anymore!”

He’s not kidding. Gazing out at this urban jungle,

feel million miles away from sleepy little Bramberley.

“Everybody out!” Casey says suddenly, pulling up

beside Central Park. “I’ll take the bags—you can walk

from here.”

“What?” Andy cries.

“Trust me.” Casey winks. “You’ll love it.”

113

He’s right. The walk through snowy Central Park is

beautiful, the lights of the city glittering like stars high

above us. guy on Rollerblades whizzes past, smooth as

train, weaving easily through the crowds of Japanese

tourists, balloon sellers, joggers—a constant stream of

people.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Andy grins.

grin back at him, my senses bombarded with new

sights and sounds and smells—it’s like anything could

happen!

No wonder Kitty came to America.

As if to prove me right, we step through an archway

and

fairy-tale castle suddenly appears in front of us—

right in the middle of the park!

gaze at it, enchanted, as clock above me starts to

play “Jingle Bells,” little bronze animals dancing round

while monkeys strike

bell five times, ringing out the

hour. It’s beautiful. Magical.

Andy grins, his eyes sparkling as he looks at me.

“What?” ask suspiciously. “Have got bird poo in

my hair?”

“No!” he laughs. “No, I’m just—I’m really glad you

came, Rosie.”

smile as

hook my arm through his,

warm

feeling flooding through me despite the icy cold.

“So am I.”

We finally arrive, exhausted and rosy-cheeked, at

Casey’s apartment, and

feel like I’m in an episode of

Friends—except it’s actually about half the size of

114

Monica’s apartment, and looks out on the brick wall of the

neighboring building.

“Welcome!” Casey grins, slinging

tea towel over

his shoulder. “Make yourselves at home—Lola, shift!”

“Two minutes!” the petite blond girl begs, her eyes

glued to her laptop. “It’s almost finished! Hi, guys—

sorry—nice to meet ya!”

“Guys, meet Lola—waitress extraordinaire and

hopeless TV addict.” Casey rolls his eyes. “Can’t pry her

away from her sitcoms—even to do the washing up!”

“It’s your turn!” she protests good-naturedly.

Sitcoms. Kitty

“You can watch online?” scan the screen urgently.

“What’s this one?”

“They’re all the same!” Casey groans. “Coupla guys,

coupla girls, awful jokes and lots of canned laughter …”

Lola sticks out her tongue. “They’re live audiences,

actually.”

“Seen one, seen ’em all!” Casey grabs the computer,

and Lola shrieks.

“You do it, you die—Brad’s new boss is about to

come in and find him dressed as gigolo! But he doesn’t

realize she actually has crush on him and thinks—”

“Well, fancy that,” Casey says seriously. “Just how

credible and believable and downright—ow!” he laughs as

Lola hits him. “You can catch up later—it’s New Year’s

Eve!”

“All right, already!” Lola grins, grabbing her jacket

and turning to me. “What’re you guys doing tonight?”

115

“Yeah, d’you wanna come to the bar?” Casey hits his

head. “D’oh! You’re not twenty-one, are ya?”

Andy hurls cushion at him.

“You’re coming to Times Square with us, though,

right?” Lola asks.

“Actually, I’m pretty knackered.” yawn.

“But it’s only seven-thirty!” Lola protests.

“Yeah,” Andy says. “But that’s half past midnight at

home. We’ve already celebrated New Year!”

smile. We toasted each other with mugs of hot

chocolate in little café before calling home.

“Happy New Year, sweetheart!” Nana had cried

above the noise of Sarah’s house party. “Don’t waste

single minute of it!”

glance at Lola’s laptop. don’t intend to.

“Then celebrate twice!” Lola insists. “Come on, you

can’t miss the ball drop!”

“Babe, they’ve been on transatlantic flight, they’re

jet-lagged, and they stink!” Casey holds his nose

theatrically, and laugh.

“Well, just call us if you wanna meet up.” Lola

smiles. “Or we might see you there?”

“Yeah—you and two million others!” Casey laughs.

“Have fun, guys—see ya later!” The door slams behind

them, leaving us in sudden silence,

siren wailing

somewhere in the distance.

“Well!” Andy grins. “It’s been quite day!”

smile at him. “It certainly has.”

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“I’m going to take shower.” He grabs his rucksack.

“Casey’s right, reek!”

wait until hear the water running, then pick up

the laptop. My fingers trembling,

type For Richer, For

Poorer into the search engine, and immediately the theme tune blares loudly. grab the headphones and plug them

in quickly, holding my breath as listen down the hall.

The sound of running water is joined by Andy’s

loud off-key singing. sigh with relief and turn back to the

screen.

The latest episode starts playing and watch as two

impossibly good-looking guys comically struggle to coax

kitten down from

fire escape.

wait impatiently,

nervously, my eyes flicking over the rest of the webpage.

Episode Guide– Catch up quick!

Backstage Gossip! – Are Luke Reynolds and Kitty

Clare secretly engaged?

Engaged? stare at the photo. Kitty’s engaged? Her

face beams back at me, her arm linked with the tall, dark-

haired man from the clip, those catlike green eyes

sparkling brightly.

Photos; Interviews; Meet the Stars!

Eagerly, click the icon.

Come join our studio audience! We’re currently on

hiatus, but shooting will recommence on March 16 …

No!

stare at the page. Not till March? That’s

months away! And we’re going to be in L.A. in three

weeks

“Bathroom’s free!”

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jump as Andy throws me

clean towel. His eyes

flick to the screen.

Too late, click the webpage closed.

“Oh, no,” he says gravely. “Oh, Rosie.”

“Andy, I—”

“I bring you all the way to New York and you wanna

watch TV?” He shakes his head disapprovingly.

“What? Oh! No, no, was just

looking, that’s all.”

“You won’t mind me checking my email, then.” He

grins. “Shift!”

Numbly,

surrender the laptop and lock the

bathroom door behind me. pull Kitty’s photo out of my

bag and sink to the floor.

On hiatus till March. Till March when we’ll be God

knows where—Cambodia or Thailand, or

And we’re

gonna be in L.A. in three weeks.

sigh heavily, tracing Kitty’s smiling face with my

fingers.

She’d felt so close

But she could be anywhere.

New York City

The thought thrills through me like electricity.

can’t believe I’ve never been before. All these years, it’s

been just plane, or train, or bus ride away

but now I’m

finally going. beam at my ticket—my passport to the Big

Apple, the city that never sleeps, the town that’s inspired

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more songs than any other, from Frank Sinatra to Jay-Z,

home of Carrie Bradshaw, Will and Grace, Central Perk,

Broadway

The smile splits my face.

It’s

dream come true. All my dreams are finally

coming true.

My stomach flutters suddenly and, despite myself,

reach into my bag, pulling out the well-thumbed

ultrasound image that lives there, carried with me always.

trace my finger over the tiny black-and-white

form, remembering how scared I’d been when I’d had the

scan, how unsure

And now

“Sweetheart?” hide the picture quickly and turn to

look up at him, so tall and dark and impossibly handsome.

The man of my dreams.

“There you are.” He smiles, my insides melting like

chocolate as he kisses me. “You ready for

brand-new

year?”

“Absolutely.” beam, sliding the photo secretly into

my bag and pushing it behind me as slip my hand into

his, following him outside as the minutes tick by quickly,

leaving the past far behind. Somewhere high above us

rocket explodes in the sky and everything sparkles.

smile, the bad memories fading with the

fireworks, replaced by bigger, brighter, better ones every

moment.

“I can’t wait.”

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