Page 12 of Knowing You
‘Is your teacher nice?’
‘Yes.’
‘And the other children?’
I don’t say a word.
‘Violet? It’s me. Come on. No secrets, right?’
I nod even though he can’t see.
‘Have you finishedCharlotte’s Webyet?’
‘No. I’ve got to wait for it to dry.’
‘What happened?’
I still keep quiet but Uncle Kevin always could read silence.
‘Give it time, Violet. It’s not been long,’ he says, softly. ‘You’ll make friends. Remember the books you haven’t liked to start with – but eventually they’ve become favourites?’
I think for a moment. ‘Yes. LikeWhere the Wild Things Are. I was too scared to look at the pictures to start with.’
‘And friends often appear from the most unexpected places. Perhaps you’ll get close to someone in after school club who isn’t in your class. Or someone in your street. Remember, my best friend in England is one of my neighbours, not a colleague.’
Uncle Kevin and his friend got to know each other when a water pipe burst.
Mum comes back to the phone and we say goodbye. Uncle Kevin tells me he loves me. I say it back. He always makes me feel better. He’s right. Alice may not think I’m on the same level as her and her friends but it doesn’t matter. I might find the best friend ever away from Applegrove Primary.
Chapter 6
Lenny. And Beatrix. Tight silver and blue dress. Bright pink lipstick. Beatrix Bingham reminds me of one of my favourite childhood books,The Rainbow Fish. I never wear anything tight. Comfort has always been my top priority. In the past, without wanting to emulate, I’ve marvelled at women like her, willing to put in such effort – although her glamour looks effortless.
‘Violet. Congratulations on a wonderful launch,’ says Beatrix in a well-managed tone. ‘I’ve heard great things about the book. In fact I really must congratulate the author.’ She sashays off.
‘Hi Violet,’ says Lenny. ‘How are things?’
I don’t know what to say.
‘Great party. Sounds like one hell of a story.’
Finally I find my voice. ‘Gary’s a very talented author.’
‘How’s Flossie? Liking the quiet no doubt. Not the liveliest of cats, is she?’
I go to leave. Lenny takes my arm.
‘Look… have you found a new flatmate yet?’ He takes a large mouthful of champagne. ‘I came across a junior editor yesterday who’s looking for new digs. If you like—’
‘No thanks,’ I say abruptly. I study the face that used to be able to liquefy my insides. The gut-wrenching ache I’ve suffered this last month rips through my body, accompanied by a home-movie of all our best moments playing in my head. Like the day we moved in together when Lenny took my hands and spun me around and around and said he never thought he’d get out of his bedsit. Like walks in the park talking about work and the amazing careers we were going to have.
Lenny’s face flushes. ‘There’s no need for all this awkwardness. Things change. It doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. We move in the same circles so it makes sense to at least be civilised.’
I shake my arm loose.
‘Okay. I get it. I’ve been a shit.’
‘At last some clarity,’ I say in a tight voice.
