The Watcher's Lullaby by Pippa Harvey

Author:Pippa Harvey [Harvey, Pippa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feisty Squirrel Books
Published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Bea

“Hello?”

Mum’s clipped, familiar voice answers. The normality of it jars with the strangeness of the day. I call home weekly and usually it’s an opportunity to catch up and exchange news, particularly in recent years since I’ve been married. Today, however, the sound of her voice is a comfort, taking me back to my younger self, looking for support and advice. A strong urge to break down and sob wells within me, but I manage to keep my voice calm. I don’t want to worry her.

“Hi Mum… it’s me.”

There is a pause. “Ahh, darling… it’s unlike you to ring at this time! It’s a Tuesday. I play bridge on a Tuesday.”

Since she’s retired from nursing, her life has been crammed with social engagements, sometimes with, often without, Dad. I usually call at the weekend, after breakfast on a Sunday, when I’m unlikely to intrude on her plans.

“Sorry, I won’t keep you. I just wondered if I could come and stay for a while?”

An even longer pause.

“Is something wrong, Beatrice? I thought you had your work cut out for you after the move?”

“No… well, yes I do, but I could just do with a rest,” I bite my lip, conscious of my half-truth. “I just keep finding more and more jobs to do here, and it’s difficult to take time to put them to one side and concentrate on preparing for the baby.”

“I see. Is everything okay between you and Seb?”

I’m thankful she can’t see my face. “Fine. Actually, it was his idea. He has seen how tired I am and wants me to take it easy for a bit.”

I can’t face telling her what’s been happening here at the house. I don’t have the energy or the strength to face the risk of her doubting me too.

“Plus, it would be nice to spend some time with you and Dad. I’d not seen you since we’ve moved.”

I strike a chord here. I know she felt guilty for not having helped us to move in, but her and Dad couldn’t fit it in around Dad’s work commitments.

“Ah.. well, fine. What date were you thinking? It might be nice around Easter…”

“No Mum, my due date’s in April! I was thinking of tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” She is incredulous. “But that’s rather short notice, darling…we’re going out to dinner with the Athertons.”

“Well, I could come with you… or fix something for myself at home. I really don’t mind.”

Silence again. I know she doesn’t like surprises, particularly if they involve changing plans. But it’s not often I lean on her for anything.

“I won’t be any trouble, honestly. I’ll take a cab from the station when I arrive… I can cook for myself, and I’ll sleep wherever there’s a bed that’s made up. You just carry on as normal.”

“Yes… that will be fine. Although it wouldn’t hurt to give a little more notice in future. Must go, I should have left five minutes ago. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.” The line is dead.

I didn’t expect Mum to be overjoyed at my spontaneous visit.

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