Page 20 of The New Girl

Ruby cuddled up under her duvet and turned out her bedside lamp. She said a prayer that Dad would have a good night taxi driving, that Mum and Robbie would sleep well and that Orla wouldn’t drink again.

The weekend went too quickly, as always. Monday morning came and when Ruby went down for breakfast Mum was up making her lunch.

‘Hello, pet. I’ve made you salami sandwiches. I’m afraid the bread isn’t very fresh, but I cut the crusts off so it’s not too bad. I’m sorry I never made it to the supermarket yesterday. Every time I tried to leave Robbie kicked off. I’ll go today.’

‘It’s OK, Mum, the bread looks fine.’ Ruby poured cornflakes into her bowl. ‘Actually, Mum, I just wanted to remind you that it’s Orla’s birthday next month. I think we should all make a fuss because of last year.’

Mum’s hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh God, I still feel sick about forgetting it last year. I’ll put a reminder into my phone now, so I get her present good and early. Thanks for reminding me, Ruby. You’re such a good sister and daughter. I don’t tell you enough.’

Mum came over and put her arms around Ruby from behind and kissed her on the head. It was nice. Like, really, really nice. ‘So, what’s going on with you?’

‘We have the auditions for the musical today.’

‘Oh good luck! I hope you get a good part. I’m so sorry we missed you last year. God, all I seem to do is apologise to you girls these days. I’m a rubbish mother to you both.’

Ruby turned around. Mum looked so sad. She stood up and hugged her. ‘No you’re not – you’re just tied up a lot with Robbie.’

‘I know, but it’s not fair on you and Orla. I’m sorry, pet, I really am. I’ll try to do better. I keep thinking Robbie will get easier as he gets older, less needy of me, but it seems to be the opposite.’

Ruby didn’t know what to say so she just patted her mum on the back and said, ‘It’s OK,’ over and over.

Orla came in and went over to the cupboard. She pulled out a Weetabix box and shook it. ‘It’s empty.’

‘There’s cornflakes here on the table,’ Mum said.

‘I don’t want cornflakes. I want Weetabix.’

‘I’ll get to the shops today.’

‘That’s what you said on Saturday and Sunday.’

‘Leave Mum alone,’ Ruby snapped. ‘You could have gone to the shop yourself.’

‘When?’ Orla shouted. ‘I was working in the café all day Saturday and Sunday. Remember, I have a job where I work to earn my own money, so I don’t have to ask Mum and Dad for anything, because I know that every single penny Dad earns goes into getting Robbie to say three bloody words.’

Ruby gripped Orla’s arm. She had to get her sister to stop. Mum didn’t need any more guilt piled on top of her. ‘Stop it. Mum’s doing her best.’

‘So am I,’ Orla hissed.

The door opened and Dad wheeled Robbie in. ‘Look who’s awake and up and dressed.’

‘Hi, sweetheart,’ Mum said, kissing Robbie on the cheek. Turning to Dad, she said, ‘Thanks for getting him up. You can get some rest now.’

‘Great, wake me up at one.’

‘OK, will do.’

‘Have a good day in school, girls. Try smiling, Orla – it’ll make people like you more.’ He winked at his older daughter and left to get some rest.

‘Hi hi hi!’ Robbie said, waving at them.

‘Hi, Robbie.’ Ruby went over and hugged him.

‘Hi Robbie.’ Orla waved back. ‘OK, well, seeing as there is nothing I want to eat, I’ll head in early.’ Orla put her backpack on her shoulder and walked towards the door.

‘Bye, pet, I’ll get the Weetabix today,’ Mum said.

‘Bye bye, I dove you!’ Robbie shouted.

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