Scarlett by Claire Highton-Stevenson

Author:Claire Highton-Stevenson [Highton-Stevenson, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-One

“Zara, are you getting up?” Diana bellowed for the third time that morning. It was eleven already and she planned on being back at the hospital for twelve. “We need to go soon. Scarlett needs to get some rest while we take over visiting.”

The door to Zara’s room swung open and the sleep deprived, dishevelled figure gripped the door in one hand and the frame in the other. “You do know what time it is, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” her tone softened. “We’re all tired, Zara.”

“We didn’t get to bed until almost six.”

“I know that, and now we need to up and at ‘em.” Diana walked away down the hall. “Oh, and James called. I told him he needed to keep Jacob for another night.”

Zara rolled her eyes, grabbing the towel that was hanging on the back of her door. She followed Diana. “Mum is going to be sedated for a couple of days, I really don’t think it will kill us to—”

Diana stopped abruptly, spinning around to face her younger sister. “Mum is sedated, yes. But Scarlett isn’t, and we need to pull together and show her exactly what being a real family is all about. She’s spent a lifetime of being an only child, she thinks she doesn’t need us.”

“Maybe she’s right.” Zara yawned.

“You know, for someone who was so excited to have another sister, you are severely lacking in empathy this morning.”

“I’m severely lacking in sleep, and it’s the first morning in over a week that I haven’t had to get up and deal with Jacob screaming for food, or a teething ring, so yes, excuse me if for a few minutes I lack empathy.” She pushed past Diana, into the bathroom, and closed the door.

“Infuriating,” Diana muttered before turning and continuing into the lounge. Her bag, the big one she used for beach days or festivals, sat open on the sofa, already stuffed with everything she thought they’d need.

She picked up her phone and messaged Scarlett.

Diana: How’s mum? How’s you? Will be swinging by mums on the way, Shall I pick up anything you need? Dad said he will pop by later. Adam is coming back this afternoon. I’m going to set up a rota for visiting. Do you need anything? X

She watched the screen for a moment, the little ticks remained grey, so she squeezed the phone back into her pocket and sighed. There was nothing worse than feeling useless.

Her phone jingle indicated a text and she reached for it quickly, almost dropping it in the process. Flicking the screen open, she saw a reply from her brother.

Adam: What do you mean, I can come at four? It’s not a bloody rota Di, Mum is in hospital, I’m on my way now. X

She narrowed her eyes, breathing deeply. Why couldn’t they all just fall into line and make things easier?

Diana: Fine, Adam, but don’t blame me if they won’t let us all in. X

Adam: I don’t care. I want to be there. Sunny said do you need anything? X

Diana: Tell her thanks, but I’m all sorted here.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.