Chapter 41
BETH
Justin enters the kitchen as I’m doing my best to placate Hattie. We exchange looks, mine a stare that could kill him. I gasp. Connor walks in behind him.
‘What are you doing here?’ I ask.
‘Dad asked me to drop in to keep an eye on things.’
‘I thought that was your father standing on the jetty,’ I say. They’re so alike, it’s easy to get them confused.
Justin rushes towards Hattie and me. ‘What’s happened?’
Hattie continues fighting me as I hold her arm under the cold running water.
‘She’s gone and burnt herself on the kettle. You can’t take your eyes off her for a minute,’ I say, stating the obvious, but he needs reminding. ‘Can you take over? I feel dreadful.’
‘Of course,’ Justin answers. ‘Let me have a look at that, Mum.’
Hattie immediately appears to calm down as Justin puts one arm around her shoulder, the other coaxing her arm back towards the tap. ‘There we go. Just hold your arm there.’
I inwardly scoff at Justin’s magic touch. He seems to have it with everyone. ‘I’m sorry, Connor. I know you’ve only just got here, but I need to go and lie down.’
‘I’ll make you a drink, Mum,’ Connor offers. ‘What do you fancy?’
‘I’ll have some Coke.’ The bubbles might help to settle my stomach.
‘Coming right up.’
Blue follows me out of the room. It takes all my energy to get to the stairs.
I should have asked Connor to help me, but I don’t like to worry him.
He worries enough as it is. I lean on the banister, collecting myself for the energy I need to get to the bedroom.
My health is deteriorating fast. As I climb the first step, Immy comes bounding out of the annexe.
She’s as white as the towel wrapped around her.
She’s holding the shorts she was wearing when we left her, rifling through the pockets, as if she’s lost something.
Another wail sounds from the kitchen.
‘Is that Hattie?’ Immy asks. ‘What’s happened?’ At least she has the decency to look concerned.
She’s irritating me. I want this girl out of my house. ‘You shouldn’t have left her on her own,’ I snap. ‘She’s too vulnerable. She’s burnt herself.’
Her eyes widen. ‘Oh no. What on?’
‘The kettle. She’s scalded herself.’
‘I’m so sorry.’ She looks shocked. ‘I said to Justin she was sleeping so soundly, and I thought she’d be out for a few hours,’ she says, trying to defend herself.
‘Evidently not. It could’ve been a lot worse,’ I reply, not having the energy to pursue the argument further.
‘Beth, are you OK?’
‘I’m just so…’ I stumble, giddy.
She drops her shorts over the banister. Reaching out an arm, she hooks it under my shoulder. ‘Let me help you.’
Despite my reluctance, I’m in no position to object. She helps me upstairs to my bedroom. Every step is a struggle. My legs, as well as my heart, feel as if they are going to give out on me any second. And the itching. The bloody itching. It’s driving me insane.
I flop down onto the bed.
She walks over to the windows and opens them both. The slightest breeze gives little respite from the stifling heat.
‘Wait,’ I say, as she goes to leave the room. I can’t miss this opportunity to have Immy alone, despite wanting nothing more than to go to sleep.
She stands at the end of the bed, completely out of place dressed only in a white towel.
‘You know Justin’s angry with you for leaving Hattie on her own.
We told you about her wandering off, how vulnerable she is.
It may be better all round if you get your things together and leave.
Call an Uber and go.’ I can’t help but feel for her, but it is far more important that she gets away while she can.
Before it is too late. I struggle for breath.
‘You don’t understand. A young girl like you.
You should be out having a good time. Enjoying your life. ’
‘I don’t mind. Truly I don’t. I like it here.’
‘Look, Immy. It’s for your own good. You’re too young to be here.’ I hope she can’t detect the pleading tone in my voice. ‘Please, just go.’