A Life Lost, Part 2 of 3 by Cathy Glass

Author:Cathy Glass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2020-12-09T12:42:04+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

A Long Day

The children were quiet as I drove us home. Grace had stopped crying and was resting her head on Jenna’s shoulder. Exhausted from the upset and having so little sleep last night, her eyes closed. She was still asleep as I parked on our drive. I opened the rear doors, which were child-locked, and Jackson and Jenna clambered out. ‘Shall I carry Gracey in?’ Jackson asked.

‘Can you lift her?’

‘Yes, when she falls asleep on the sofa at home I carry her up to her bed.’

‘OK, thanks, love.’ I was touched by this little glimpse of their family life in happier times, with Jackson helping.

I unfastened Grace’s seatbelt and Jackson reached in and carefully lifted out his sister. I went ahead and opened the front door. ‘Put her in there, please, so I can hear her when she wakes,’ I said, referring to the sofa bed in the front room, which I hadn’t had a chance to pack away yet.

Grace was so tired she didn’t stir as Jackson laid her on the bed and I took off her shoes. I crept out, leaving the door slightly ajar. Jenna and Jackson were waiting for me in the hall.

‘I’m hungry,’ Jackson said.

‘What would you like for lunch?’

He thought for a moment. ‘Chicken nuggets and chips.’

‘Jenna, is that OK for you?’

‘Yes.’

‘And Grace?’

‘Yes, we all like it,’ Jackson replied. ‘With baked beans.’

‘Great. That’s what we’ll have then.’ I smiled.

They came with me into the kitchen-diner and Jackson sat at the table playing a game on his phone. I suggested to Jenna that she might like to do a puzzle, but instead she sat beside Jackson, watching him. I could see them both from where I worked in the kitchen. I could also see that outside it had started to rain, so that ruled out going in the garden after lunch.

Grace stayed asleep almost until lunch was ready, and then I heard her call, ‘Mummy!’

‘I’ll go,’ Jenna said.

She reappeared a few moments later holding Grace’s hand. Grace was rubbing her eyes but not crying. ‘Lunchtime,’ I said. ‘Your favourite – nuggets, chips and beans.’

Jenna took her to the table and they sat next to each other and opposite Jackson. I handed out the cutlery, paper napkins, a glass of water each and then the plates of food. They were all hungry, even Grace, who began eating straight away. I was relieved, for she hadn’t had any breakfast.

Sammy came to investigate – the smell of chicken overriding his fear of new children. He sat on the floor near Jackson, who occasionally dropped him a titbit even though he knew he wasn’t supposed to.

It was now 1.45 and I hadn’t heard anything from the placement team or Joy. Once again, I couldn’t leave the house until I knew the arrangements for today. As we finished eating, Paula phoned to say she’d only just left the interview. ‘How did it go?’ I asked.

‘All right, I think. There were others being interviewed.’

‘There’s bound to be. You did your best and you stand as much chance as anyone.

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