The A-Z of Us by Jim Keeble

Author:Jim Keeble
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2005-04-03T05:00:00+00:00

LOYALTY

When I hobble down the stairs brandishing my crutch at two in the morning, having been woken by noises from the living room, I’m surprised to see Gemma sitting on the floor, cross-legged in her pyjamas, surrounded by six or seven books with bright covers scattered like religious offerings around her. She has one book open on her lap, and appears to be reading avidly. By her left knee is a wine bottle, three-quarters empty, and a half-full glass of Rioja.

‘What are you reading, Gem?’

‘Astrology and the Failing Marriage,’ she says, without looking up.

‘What?’

‘It’s interesting. Apparently, I’m exhibiting all the characteristics of a true Capricorn. I have managed to turn my life upside down, and am swiftly regressing back into a teenage self that was never allowed to develop following my parents’ divorce.’

‘But your parents didn’t divorce.’

‘No. That’s the only bit that doesn’t fit. But I suppose my dad dying could help me qualify.’

I snort once and bend down to look at the other books.

Between Marriage and Divorce: A Woman’s Diary.

How to Cure Your Inner Imperfections.

Managing Stress For A Healthier Life.

Living is Tough: A Complete Guide to Understanding, Improving and Saving Your Marriage!

I grunt this time.

‘You don’t need these, Gem.’

‘What harm can they do? I need something.’

She looks up.

‘I need a map.’

We open another bottle of wine. Gemma continues to read, while I watch Argentinian football on television.

‘I’ve been there,’ I say, watching the crowds at the giant River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires.

‘So… when are you going to get another writing assignment?’ Gemma asks, skimming through How to Cure Your Inner Imperfections.

‘I’m going to call around. Come up with a plan.’

I sit in silence for a few minutes, pretending to watch the football. I don’t have the energy to come up with a plan. The most alarming thing is, when I think about getting on a plane to Argentina, or some such enticing far-flung corner of the world, I’m filled with dread. I feel as if I can’t go travelling again, without Molly wanting me. They’ll be able to read it in my face.

What’s wrong with me? I’m a real traveller in this age of sofa-bound indolence. Yet now, for the first time in my life, I can’t bear the idea of being alone in an unknown country. My strength has been sapped. My confidence shattered. My armour stripped.

I glance at Gemma as she swigs her wine.

‘Should you really be drinking like that?’

She looks up, her small brow furrowed.

‘Why not?’

I don’t answer. Gemma takes another sip of wine.

‘My mother’s going to Antarctica.’

‘Really? It’s amazing. Good for her.’

‘She’s going to see the polar bears.’

‘There aren’t any polar bears.’

‘I told her that. She wouldn’t believe me.’

I laugh. Gemma takes another swig of wine.

‘We had a row. I stormed out. She told everyone in the restaurant I was pregnant.’

I feel panic. It’s true, as I suspected. Gemma is pregnant. My heart thumps. This means everything will change. And I don’t want everything to change.

‘Poor woman,’ Gemma continues. ‘She wants me to be just like her, the happy housewife.

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.