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‘Right.’ Mam exhales, picking up the jug. ‘I’m going to get some fresh water and see if I can find some ice too.’
‘Mam wait.’ My eyes are rolling closed and I hate that I’m getting so sleepy right now.
‘There’s nothing more to talk about, Kayla. It was just an embarrassing mix-up. That’s all. Doctor Patterson and I both know that. It’s nothing for you to worry about.’
‘Doctor Patterson?’ I say. ‘I thought you called him Jack.’
‘No,’ Mam says. ‘Doctor Patterson will do just fine.’
‘She’s his sister,’ I say, my eyes are closed now.
‘Who is?’
‘The woman having the baby. That woman he lives with. She’s his sister.’
‘But Dad said?—’
‘Did Dad actually ask him? Or just assume?’
‘Oh, erm, well.’
‘She’s his sister and do you know how I know?’ I manage to open my eyes again.
Mam straightens her head and looks at me with questioning eyes.
‘Because he told me he can’t wait to be an uncle. Lucky kid I say, Doctor Patterson is great. He’ll be an awesome uncle.’
‘But he lives with her, Kay. Dad says they moved in just a few weeks ago. And it’s only the two of them. I think there’s some crossed wires.’
‘Yeah, your wires,’ I say. ‘His sister’s husband died a few months ago. She moved back from New York because Doctor Patterson is going to help her raise the baby. He even left his apartment nearer the hospital to move in with her so she wouldn’t be alone.’
‘Wow, that’s some gesture.’
‘Yeah,’ I say. ‘So the guy you pushed away is probably the nicest guy on the planet. And he’s hot too.’
‘Oh God.’ Mam puts down the jug and flops back into the chair. The cushion puffs out under her making a whoosh sound. ‘I was so rude. I’ve been so rude. He must think I’m a right bitch.’
‘I’m sure he’ll understand if you explain.’
‘No.’ Mam shakes her head. ‘It’s too messy. Too complicated. He’s your doctor, Kayla.’
‘And he’s a great guy who super likes you.’
‘No, Kay.’ Mam exhales, her whole body weighed down by sadness. ‘Now is not a good time. This is for the best. The only thing I care about right now is you. And you getting better. I don’t have time for kisses and drama.’
‘But Mam?—’
‘Kayla, please. Let’s just concentrate on what’s important. Okay?’
‘Okay,’ I say, so glad I have a plan. If Mam won’t help herself, then I’m just going to have to do it for her.
FORTY-FIVE
KAYLA
I’ve really enjoyed the noise in my room all afternoon. Mam and Charlotte sat side by side in the bedside chairs. Dad sat on the end of the bed. He got up every now and then to shake his legs and I wonder if he had pins and needles or a numb bum. Aiden spent the whole time standing and Molly spent most of the time running around or asking to be taken to the toilet or down to the tuckshop to buy a lollipop. I don’t even know what the conversation was about. I drifted in and out of sleep, Loving that each time I woke there was laughter and happiness in the air. It’s been ages since I heard Mam laugh.
Time seems to be moving so fast with me sleeping so much. The whole afternoon flew by. Dad offered to give Aiden a lift to the train station when they were leaving and it’s been very quiet and almost lonely since it’s just me and Mam again.
