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She giggles.“She’s as thin as a rake.”
“Then why do they call her fat Sandra?”
I’m getting a headache and she laughs.“Because there is already a skinny Sandra here who, incidentally, is rather large. Like I said, it’s ironic.”
Now I do have a headache, and she says with an excited giggle.“There’s also gay Gail.”
“Happy perhaps.”
I’m really hoping, but Sally whispers,“No, she’s gay, and she’s so lovely. Actually, she was the one who gave me my own nickname.”
“Which is?”
I can’t believe I’m having this conversation.
“Sexy Sally.”She says with a hint of pride in her voice.“She’s really taken me under her wing and promised to show me how it all works in the showers later on.”
Now I’m lightheaded and squeak, “Promise me you won’t go into the showers with gay Gail.”
“Why not? Honestly Jessica, this place is nothing like I imagined. Everyone is so kind and interested in my life. You know, there’s a woman in here who has the most amazing tattoos. She said she’d do me a free one if I let her park her caravan on my driveway for one week when she gets out.”
Suddenly, it’s the most important thing in my life to spring my sister from this nightmare waiting to happen and I say in an urgent rush of words.
“Now listen up. Keep quiet, do your time and pray for nature to set you free because that’s your only defence right now. Don’t make any promises and forego the showers. Your new lawyer will be with you this afternoon and hopefully will arrange an early exit for you. Keep me informed and whatever you do, agree to nothing, and never go anywhere on your own. OK?”
“Thanks, Jessie.”I detect the tears in her voice as she whispers,“You won’t tell mum, will you?”
“Of course not because keeping secrets is something this family is good at.”
“What do you mean?”
“It turns out mum and dad won the lottery and have blown the lot on a cruise. They won’t be back until Christmas, no doubt with a fine tan and many excuses why they didn’t give us any.”
“They won the frigging lottery. Are you on drugs?”
“It feels as if I am, Sally. Sadly, no. I am under no influence at all except for insanity right now and am dealing with the fall out of my family’s rash decisions and trying to keep it from the rest of the world.”
“I’m sorry, Jess. I owe you big time for this.”
She sounds so despondent which causes me concern and I briefly wonder if the guilt will ever diminish because there is not one thing in my life right now that I don’t feel guilty about.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“Oh, Jess.”
“What?”
“Have you heard anything from Anton? I’m so worried about him.”
“No, but I’ve arranged for the same lawyer as you. Hopefully, she will come up trumps and you’ll be free by the end of the day.”
“Here’s hoping.”
“Positive thoughts, Sally. We’ll laugh about this over the Christmas turkey, ok.”
“I hope so, and thanks, Jess. We aren’t that close, but you were the only person I could turn to, which says a lot.”
“I know.”
