Chapter 7 #2
‘Rosie’s friend Bella was off today. Wasn’t really fair to go ahead without all the kids having a say.’
‘Can’t really wait though, can you?’ said Beth. ‘Always someone off sick.’
‘Maybe she should have been allowed a proxy vote. You know, like proper politics,’ said Imogen.
‘It’s important school reflects real life,’ said Erin. ‘Teaches the kids about the world.’
‘Maybe Bella wouldn’t have voted for Rosie anyway,’ said Beth breezily. She looked down at the aggrieved girl. ‘No offence, Rosie.’
Nancy’s stomach tightened at the collective sharp intake of breath from the gathered mums.
‘Right, well, we’d better get home,’ she said and, with a quick nod to the others, guided Beth away.
‘Thanks, Beth,’ she hissed with affectionate exasperation, as they walked out of the playground.
‘Sorry, but the woman’s clearly some sort of tinpot dictator. It’s only a kids’ school vote. She needs to get some perspective.’
‘That’s as may be but we’re trying to fit in here.’
‘It’ll all blow over by tomorrow, just you see,’ said Beth. She stepped forward and took Lara’s hand. ‘Now come on, your mum and I have got a little surprise for you.’
‘Ferdinand, Harriet, Henry and the one with the black neck is called Bow-tie,’ said Lara.
‘You like them?’ asked Nancy.
‘I love them! Can I give them some food?’
Nancy nodded and as Lara began chucking corn in their run, a champagne cork popped. Nancy turned to see Beth step out of the bi-fold doors with a bottle and two glasses. She set them on the patio table and poured them both a drink.
‘Congratulations,’ said Beth, raising a toast. ‘You have the most amazing new home. Although I have to say that the drowned buildings are a little spooky.’
‘I’m telling myself it’s just atmosphere,’ said Nancy. ‘Anyway, they’ll be covered up again in a few weeks. Once the weather turns.’
The two women settled themselves at the table and watched Lara as she played with the chickens.
‘I can’t believe she’s in her last year of primary,’ said Beth. ‘I remember when she was born. And now look: running her own chicken farm!’
‘She’s always adored animals,’ said Nancy. ‘Ever since she was little, but we’ve never been able to have any before.’
They hadn’t had the room, the money or the time, even though Nancy was acutely conscious that her daughter was obsessed with them. Lara had yearned for a pet but had to make do with the woodlice she’d collected outside and brought in the flat, keeping them in a shoebox under her bed.
‘I’ve had a request for a puppy, some sheep and, of course, a pony,’ said Nancy.
‘Wow. Which are you giving in on?’
‘Not sure yet. The sheep could keep down the grass. The pony too, I suppose . . .’
‘And it’s not like you don’t have the space.’ Beth took a sip of her champagne. ‘Look at her. She looks so . . .’
‘Happy?’
‘Yes. A bit like the old Lara.’
Nancy smiled. ‘I think she’s a country girl at heart. I know we’d do anything to change what happened, but moving here . . . it’s been one good thing to come out of so much awfulness.’
‘How’s the asthma?’
‘Good. No attacks so far. Although that pump is never far away. The doctors have said it will make all the difference being here. When I think of the years we spent in that flat . . .’
‘You had no choice,’ said Beth firmly. ‘Stop beating yourself up.’
She’d probably always beat herself up. Nancy would never forget the day Lara came home from school, two summers ago.
It was hot and the air was thick and still.
Nancy had closed the window against the stink of the traffic outside.
Lara had looked pale and had sat on the sofa, not in the mood to do much, struggling even to watch the TV.
Her breath had been wheezy and Nancy had watched as she’d taken puffs on her inhaler.
A dozen in the end but it still didn’t seem to ease her breathing.
And then suddenly, Lara was struggling, a panicked look on her face as she realized she couldn’t get enough air in.
It had been so quick, that was what had terrified Nancy.
In less than a minute she’d been calling 999 and then had clutched Lara’s hand in the ambulance as they’d sped to the hospital.
As a nurse, she had understood the serious looks on the paramedics’ faces, the intervention the doctors were taking to save her daughter’s life.
When Lara had lain in bed, surrounded by machines but over the worst, she and Sam had looked at their child and thanked their lucky stars.
But it was the flat, they both knew, the continuous, malevolent vapour of nitrogen oxide winding its way into their home that they couldn’t get rid of, even with all the windows closed.
Later, she and Sam had curled up together, talking through their options, knowing that on their combined modest salaries they couldn’t afford to move for months, if not years, not with the several thousand pounds they were trying to save for a hefty deposit and three months’ rent up front.
They’d fantasized about winning the lottery, a desperate, futile attempt at trying to find a solution.
‘Imagine,’ they’d said, ‘imagine winning millions. Think about where we could go, the house we could buy.’ It had seemed impossible, a dream that was far out of reach.
‘Have I told you yet how happy I am you’ve moved back up here?’ said Beth.
Nancy smiled. ‘Only about a hundred times.’
‘So . . . no more nursing.’
‘Not for the moment. I’ve got enough to keep going for a while. Maybe in a year or so I’ll look for something new.’
‘What are you going to do with your days?’
‘Settle Lara in. Get to know the area. Take up hobbies.’
Beth sat up, interested. ‘Like what?’
Nancy looked embarrassed. ‘Don’t laugh.’
Beth pointed to her serious face. ‘Not laughing.’
‘Pottery.’
Beth smiled.
‘You promised!’ said Nancy.
‘Honest, that’s a smile of approval. Lara isn’t the only one who needs to heal, you know.’
Nancy nodded. ‘I’ve always wanted to do something creative. Never had the time before. How’s Martin?’
‘Good. Still working at the Royal Derby. They’re short on anaesthetists so he’s doing extra shifts.
Hey, we can see so much more of each other.
Whenever Martin’s on a weekend shift, I’ll let you know.
’ She took a sip of her champagne and gazed around the huge garden, the view down to the reservoir.
‘Derbyshire. It’s our spiritual home. Ever since university. ’
‘Yes. Although I don’t remember venturing out into the countryside much. Most of our spare time we spent in Derby’s bars and clubs.’
‘Keeping the local economy alive,’ said Beth. ‘Where’s Lara going to school next year?’
‘Thought I’d apply to Kingsgate.’
Beth clapped her hands in delight. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll be able to see her from my office window on her way to maths.’
‘Well, I have all this money. Lara should benefit as much as possible. It’s a great school and now I can afford the fees.’ A year ago, she’d never have been able to say that; the very notion of it would have been laughable.
‘You need to promise me something,’ said Beth.
‘What?’
‘You call me if you need anything. And I mean anything. I’m only thirty miles away now.’
Nancy looked up at her friend. She knew what she meant. When Nancy had been living in London, the calls had been few and far between. Life had caught her up in its whirlwind: the nursing shifts, Lara’s illness, and more recently, Sam.
‘I can’t hear you,’ said Beth, cupping her ear.
Nancy smiled. ‘Course. I promise.’
4 September
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Don’t mean to stir but does anyone think the Head of School vote was a bit unexpected? I mean, she seems lovely, but they’ve only just moved here! I had to volunteer two years at the school before I was voted PTA Chair. 15:21
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
It’s a novelty vote. Not to mention the brazen use of bribery. Someone should have intervened. The teacher or someone. 15:22
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
It was the teacher who agreed to the sweets.
I’m still gutted we didn’t get Miss Brookes.
Tilly’s already bored in Miss Young’s class.
I don’t think the teacher’s bothered with her.
It’s always the same with the bright ones.
Miss Young knows Tilly’s going to get a high SAT mark so spends her time with the less able.
It’s not fair, Tilly needs stretching too.
Re vote. Imogen, you should have said something to James. What’s the point of being besties with the head if you can’t exercise some influence? How is Rosie, btw? 15:22
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
Devastated. Inconsolable. I just feel it’s so unfair. She didn’t deserve this. 15:23
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Bella’s SO sorry she was off sick. She would have voted for Rosie defo. 15:24
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
That new kid, Lara, shouldn’t have been allowed to run. 15:25
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
She’s as much a part of the class as anyone. It doesn’t seem right to criticize Lara for this. 15:27
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
It’s all right for you to say, Jakob wasn’t even interested! 15:27
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Did you see what the mother drove up in? A brand-new Tesla. Probably worth more than my house 15:29
Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum
Sorry to hear about your sheep, Hannah. It’s such an un-Christian thing, leaving an animal like that. People should take more responsibility for their dogs. 15:32
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
They should. If anyone hears anything, please let me know. BTW, Lorna, I think you’re admin on this group. Do you want to invite Nancy to join? 15:32
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Bit early, isn’t it? 15:33
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
Early for what? Term’s started. 15:34
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
Actually, I don’t think any of us have her number. 15:34
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Just reminding you ladies, the open day for Ripton High is only a week away. 15:36
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
It’s so bad. I saw a kid in uniform the other day smoking. And not cigarettes. No wonder so many of us are forced to pay for Kingsgate. 15:37
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Maybe Lara’s mum could sell her Tesla and pay all our fees! LOL 15:38