Page 109 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
Ruby and Monica have gone out and said they would look for a cheap phone. I think they could see I was beginning to get a bit annoyed with them using my phone every five minutes. I am sorry theirs are broken or lost, but it is a bit of a cheek to use mine all the time. They could have used anyone’s phone in the group, but somehow mine was the only one they requested… Oh dear, Jay would tell me I am being bad-tempered. I have to speak to him. I look at his messages on my mobile. He is wondering why I have not got back to him.
I go to select his number but quickly stop as Ingrida enters the dressing room.
‘Ingrida, I thought you had gone out with the others?’
‘Ne. How are you feeling?’
‘Pretty sick. It is not so bad when I am sitting down.’
‘I think it is good idea to eat little and often. I nurse pregnant ladies in hospital and they say this advice to me. I buy you these.’
Ingrida hands me a bag of plain crisps and a bottle of sparkling water.
‘Thank you.’ I realise I am a little faint after only a small breakfast and the exertion of our rehearsal. I sip the water and nibble on the crisps. The effect is immediate asmy feelings of nausea are quelled.
‘Have you told Jay?’
I shake my head. I do not think Ingrida would understand my negative feelings, knowing how much she loves her stepchildren and being unable to have her own baby.
‘I am going to phone him now.’
Ingrida pats my arm and suggests we go for a walk into Paris when I am ready.
‘I think fresh air will do you good,ja?I will wait in theatre café.’
I smile at her gratefully and when she has left the dressing room, I take a deep breath and video-call Jay.
‘Ash. I was beginning to get worried about you. How’s Paris and how are you, my darling?’
‘Jay, I need to talk to you…’
‘What’s wrong? You look worried.’
‘I have been unwell. Feeling sick and under the weather.’
‘Have you seen a doctor?’
‘No, I know what the matter is…’
‘Well, tell me.’
‘Jay, I am…’
‘You’re not going to say pregnant?’ He laughs and I stay silent.
‘Ash?’
‘Yes. I am pregnant.’
It is his turn to go quiet, and he stares back at me.
‘I know. I cannot take it in either…’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes. Quite sure. I took a test. It said I am alreadythree to four weeks.’
‘Three to four weeks. Oh, my word.’
