Coming Up For Air by Lou Abercrombie

Author:Lou Abercrombie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stripes Publishing
Published: 2022-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

I’ve discovered a short cut down an alleyway of one hundred steps from the Old Barn to the supermarket, meaning we don’t have to walk through town. And it gives us the most amazing view of the sea. Shiv stops at the top and sniffs the air, her eyes closed, smile wide with pleasure.

“I’ve missed that smell,” she gushes. “And these hills. These views.”

“But not the sea or the beaches?” I say.

She shrugs. “Not as bothered. Probably because the only time I come home is when the Zombies are here. Hard to get excited over a thin strip of sand.”

“It’s not like that where we’re going.” I grin.

“How come you haven’t taken me to this beach before?” complains Sprout.

“Can’t make friends on a deserted beach,” I retort.

“With the Fish, you mean?” says Sprout sniffily.

I shrug. “With anyone.”

“Is that why Shiv hasn’t managed to make any friends then?”

Shiv and I exchange a look before she thumps her sister lightly on the arm. “How’s it working out for you?”

I sigh. “Meh. I know most people by their first names at least.”

“More than Shiv knows,” giggles Sprout.

“All right, Sprout,” mutters Shiv irritably. “Mum says that your mum’s the original Cuckoo. Apparently, Mum went for a drink with her and Tania and came back with a humungous hangover and all the latest gossip about the celebs your mum’s met.”

“Like who?” I ask, feeling the familiar irritated sensation of yet another person being impressed by my mother.

But Shiv just shrugs. “Dunno. I’m not bothered by that sort of thing. I’d rather watch a wildlife documentary. With the exception of Big Mother of course. I love that show.”

“Oh, of course,” I laugh, finding her attitude rather refreshing. “Me too. Actually, I want to make documentaries one day.”

“Gosh, really?” she gasps. “How wonderful! It sounds like you had a seriously glamorous life in London. Way more exciting than this place. Why did you move here?”

“Didn’t have much choice,” I say.

“And what about your dad? Where’s he? Sorry,” she adds, seeing my twisted expression. “I’m being nosy. Just a pleasant change to have someone new to talk to around here. Feel free to tell me to shut up.”

I giggle. “No, it’s OK. I don’t mind. It’s kind of nice having a normal conversation.” I lower my voice. “No offence to your sister, but she’s kind of…”

“Annoying?”

“I was gonna say young.” I hesitate, briefly toying with the idea of telling Shiv my secret. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that, but I promised Min. “My dad’s a director,” I say.

Looks to camera – hmm, not sure starting a friendship with a lie is a good idea.

“Bob Seymour.”

Looks to camera – well, he is my sort-of dad…

Shiv frowns. “You didn’t take his surname?”

“They never married and Min didn’t want me to,” I say, stopping at the cliff-path gate and feeling relieved that I can change the subject. “Here we are.”

“Oh my gosh, Shiv!” shrieks Sprout excitedly. “I didn’t know this place existed, did you? It’s like being on a deserted island.

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