Page 26 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
How will she and James react when they find out what their father has done? James, in particular, has always been very close to him.
They’ll be fine, kids always are. They adapt. I instantly eject Ruby’s would-be advice, annoyed her voice has yet again jumped into my head.
Her number and emails are now consigned to trash. Inever go to the door when she picks up the twins on her lift days and when I collect Will, I wait in the car around the corner and send James to knock on.
I’ve also stopped answering the house phone after Ruby tried me three times. I stood there barely able to contain my anger as I listened to her recording her pathetic messages before hitting delete.
The first was almost two weeks ago, the day I sent her the text telling her to keep away.
Monica, we need to speak. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. Let’s talk on the way to dance tomorrow. I need to explain.
Forgive her? Like hell.
The second message – a few days later – was close to tearful.
Monica, please pick up. I know you’re there. We need to speak. Come on, we’re best mates…
The final message was late last Thursday evening. Thankfully Vince was away and the twins in bed. Ruby had clearly been drinking, and her slurred words were no longer beseeching but accusatory.
What do I have to do, Monica? You want… want me to what? Postray… pro… prostrate myself on the floor? Tear out my hair or flay myself with birch branches? I mean, it was a frigging mistake.I never intended for you to… oh, what’s the bloody point? Don’t worry, I’ll stay away. I can be just as stubbing… stubborn as… as… Oh piss off.
I made a rude sign to the answer machine, stabbed delete, and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.
Ruby didn’t make the final dance rehearsal a few nights ago.
‘Dear, oh dear, this is no time to miss class.’ Clarissa had wrung her hands. ‘This competition has to be the priority for everyone if we are to be in with a chance of winning. You all know Sheila’s dreadful group will be our main competitors. We cannot possibly allow them a higher ranking than us. Ingrida you will have to stand in for Ruby. Now places please…’
Ingrida danced beautifully; her arm and hand movements are so graceful. It is obvious she has trained in ballet. Without being mean, she’s a far better dancer than Ruby.
Clarissa put us through our paces and the excitement in the studio was electric.
‘Well done, Ingrida. It’s not easy to step into another position with all the changes in spacing and direction.’
‘It is very kind of you to say so, Monica. But I do hope Ruby will be there for the competition.’
I absolutely hope she is not. I find my jaw tensing as Ibend to take off my jazz shoes. If Ruby does come, I’ll be civil with her, but I’ve already told Janine I will not share a room with her under any circumstance.
Poor Janine, she seemed a little overwhelmed with the rehearsal.
‘What time do we have to be at Manchester Airport?’ I asked her.
‘Oh… er… I’ll check.’
‘Is it Terminal one or two?’
Fay picked that moment to interrupt, and I didn’t catch Janine’s mumbled answer before Fay started on her latest diatribe. I pity poor Ingrida having to share a room with Fay.
The house phone interrupts my thoughts, and I wait for Joanne to answer it to ensure it’s not Ruby.
‘Mum – Clarissa.’ She throws the phone onto the bed from the doorway.
‘Clarissa, how are you? I was going to give you a ring to check which terminal we fly from. It is so exciting to think we’ll be in Paris this time tomorrow.’
‘Yes, the time has finally arrived. And Hazel will be coming too.’
‘Amazing news.’
‘Of course, it is going against the advice of her doctors, and we will not be able to get travel insurance for her, but this could be her last…’ Clarissa’s voice catches and my heart goes out to her.
