Page 56 of The 3am Shattered Mums' Club

3.02 a.m. – Mel:I’m here, Sophy.

3.03 a.m. – Sophy:You know when you asked me the other day if I loved Jeff?

3.04 a.m. – Mel:Yes.

3.05 a.m. – Sophy:Will you ask me again?

3.07 a.m. – Mel:Okay. Sophy, do you love Jeff?

3.09 a.m. – Sophy:No.

3.10 a.m. – Mel:Okay. You don’t need to say this because of what happened, I think maybe he could get counselling or something. I don’t want to be the reason you and Jeff split.

3.11 a.m. – Sophy:You aren’t. I have never loved Jeff. I know that now. I have always known it, really. I have been holding on to the idea of us, of what I want Jeff to be, but he never will. Plus, I am 90 per cent sure he is messing around with someone behind my back.

3.13 a.m. – Mel:Oh. How do you know?

3.14 a.m. – Sophy:He works late when he doesn’t have to, and I heard him answer a call the other day in a voice that wasn’t one he would use for a work call. He was talking to a woman. Plus, I just know. You know?

3.17 a.m. – Mel:I know.

3.20 a.m. – Sophy:You’ve done me a massive favour, Mel. I could have colossally fucked my life up if I hadn’t had met you. Jeff is rotten to the core, and I just kept trying to see beyond it, ignoring all the times he tried to belittle me. The things that were bothering me more than not being with Jeff were things like: Where would I live? How would I survive? What would I tell my friends about why we weren’t together?

3.25 a.m. – Mel:I get it. I did see it too. But I didn’t want to be the one to ruin things. I am glad you have realised for yourself. I am here for you for whatever you decide next.

3.40 a.m. – Aisha:OMG, Sophy! Me too! xxx

25

MEL

‘You have very sticky table. I wipe with special product, make it better. How you make it this way, I not know,’ Ksenia said.

Mel smiled. She had just got back from a check-up on her ankle at the hospital. It had healed well, and the space boot was no more. Mel was getting used to walking around without the footwear on and had walked around the kitchen table six times.

‘Thank you, Ksenia. I really appreciate everything you have done.’

Ksenia nodded. ‘You make me dizzy with your walking. I see your foot better. You not need me any more?’

Mel’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. ‘Oh no, quite the opposite. I would love it if you would stay with us. If you’re happy?’

‘I am very happy working here for your family,’ Ksenia said, her face remained taut with no emotion.

‘Good, good,’ Mel said. ‘I just wondered, if you weren’t too busy, whether you might be free for a one-off extra job next week?’

Ksenia looked intrigued.

‘And I can hundred per cent guarantee not a man within a hundred yards.’

‘Okay. I do it.’ Ksenia said, and Mel was sure she detected the slightest of smiles twitching at the corner of Ksenia’s lips.

* * *

‘I’m here, I have snacks, and I have something else,’ Mel said as she walked through the open front door of Sophy’s newly rented two-bedroom ground-floor flat with Skylar in her arms. Sophy appeared in the hallway, a sleeping Max strapped to her chest, her hair piled high on her head in a messy bun, with a pink floral turban headband across the front of her hair. Her cheeks were a light rose pink. It was lunchtime, May had brought warmth and sunshine and Sophy had moved into her new home just two hours ago.

Ksenia appeared from behind Mel. ‘I have brought the cavalry!’ Mel said. ‘Meet Ksenia! My cleaner.’

‘Hello, it’s lovely to meet you.’ Sophy put her hand out to shake Ksenia’s hand.

---