Chapter 19
EVIE
Then
The day after the visit with the private doctor, where they confirmed Evie’s pregnancy, her dad took the day off work and drove her and her mum to Auntie Maureen’s house in Bournemouth. Evie was told she was to stay until she gave birth.
Ever since her pregnancy had been confirmed, she felt like all the fight in her had gone and she found herself obediently agreeing to whatever her parents suggested about her future life. It was as if the baby was not only taking over her body, but her mind too.
Auntie Maureen’s house was on one of the soulless, new housing estates about a twenty-minute walk from the seafront.
There was a tiny, paved garden where she had a selection of uninspired planted containers and a plastic green patio set with an umbrella, where Evie was allowed to sit as long as she didn’t speak to any of the neighbours.
She often sat outside if the weather was warm enough and tried to revise or read one of Auntie Maureen’s Mills I’m just a silly girl who got caught out. My boyfriend and I took a few too many risks, and this is the result.’ She pointed at her swollen stomach.
‘Well, I think you’re brave, and you’ve got my number if you feel you ever need it.’ Emma said loyally.
‘Thanks, Emma. I really have appreciated your friendship over the last month.’
Emma unlinked their arms and reached inside her school bag for something. ‘I’ve uh… I’ve actually got something for you.’ she said, handing her a small money bag.
‘What’s this?’
‘There’s about ten pounds all in all. There’s a five-pound note, and the rest is in coins. Think of it as your emergency fund in case you need to call me if you ever manage to sneak off.’ Emma says, her cheeks blushing.
‘I can’t take this, Emma.’ Evie protested.
‘You must. Half of it is from my piggy bank, but the coins are from that missionary box that we were given at church months ago. I’ve been taking a few coins from it for weeks.
I was going to save up for some new records, but I think your need is greater than mine.
Doesn’t the church say that charity begins at home?
’ Emma said with a big smile coming across her face.
Her hands shook as she slipped the small money bag into her pocket, holding back tears. ‘I hope that I can repay you one day. I can’t tell you how much I’ve appreciated your friendship since I’ve been in Bournemouth. You’ve given me hope, Emma, and I will be forever grateful for your kindness.’
Emma smiled and nodded, clutching her friend’s shaking hand.
‘Look, I’ve got to go, as Auntie Maureen will be waiting. I’ll see you on Sunday. Thanks again.’ She said, as she hugged her new friend as if her life depended on it.
They walked together… well, Emma walked, and Evie kind of waddled, as the baby seemed to have had a growth spurt recently and she found it hard to walk properly.
They went through the corridor towards the double doors at the front of the school.
They briefly hugged again, only pulling apart when they spotted one of the teachers tutting in their direction.
Evie walked out of the school for the final time and spotted Auntie Maureen’s car almost immediately. She opened the passenger door and climbed in.
‘Well, that’s it now. You can concentrate on delivering a nice healthy baby for that lovely Catholic family who are going to raise your poor illegitimate child.’ Auntie Maureen said spitefully.
‘Thanks for that, Auntie Maureen. And how was your day?’ Evie replied sarcastically as she buckled her seatbelt.
‘Goodness knows how Felicity managed to raise such a rude, arrogant daughter. I blame your father’s side of the family completely.’ she hissed, driving out of the school at a respectable twenty miles per hour.