Page 76 of The Notecard
‘Just make sure it’s perfect. I already have pink hair to deal with. I can’t have shit make up too. God!’ says Laura, before she takes a deep breath. ‘Just keep calm, Laura. It’s going to be okay. Take a deep breath. And relax.’
‘Maybe the photographer could airbrush Megs hair or something,’ says Mum.
‘That’s an idea,’ says Laura. ‘Remember to ask him.’
‘No-one is photoshopping me,’ I say, taking a sip of my Prosecco.
‘Maybe you should have thought of that before you dyed your hair pink the day before the biggest day of my life,’ says Laura.
I can’t deal with Laura at the moment. I’m too busy worrying about Keri. I need to call her back. She’s probably freaking out. Between that and getting everything ready for my trip, keeping Laura happy isn’t top of my list. Plus she has Mum, who has been buzzing around her like a busy bee all morning, making sure she’s okay, and treating her like she’s the queen. Don’t look her in the eyes, Megs, it makes her nervous. It’s her big day, after all. Don’t say anything mean, Megs, it’s her big day. Just do whatever she says, Megs, it’s her big day. If she farts, Megs, say you did it, it’s her big day and we can’t have everyone thinking she farted. I think if I had to, Mum would ask me to give up my life for Megs because after all, it’s her big day.
‘Just wait until you see your dad,’ says Mum, a smile on his face.
‘Why? Has he dyed his hair pink too?’ says Laura.
‘He bought a new suit. Well, truth be told, I took him to buy a new suit. He couldn’t wear his old one,’ says Mum.
‘You mean the one he wore to your wedding?’ I say.
‘That’s the one, Megs. Horrible thing it was. I didn’t like it the day we got married. No, the new one is from Paul Smith. Top of the line it is. Navy blue. Tailored. Slim fitting. Tony said it was too expensive, but I said to him, you’ve had that one suit for thirty-one years, Tony, if you buy another one now, we can bury you in it.’
‘That’s a lovely thought, Mum,’ I say, standing up. ‘I’m just going to nip out.’
‘Where are you going?’ says Laura. ‘Is it on the schedule?’
‘I just need to make a quick phone call.’
‘Just make sure it’s quick,’ says Laura.
‘It is her big day, Megs,’ says Mum.
A part of me wants to explode and shout at Mum and Laura that yes, I know it’s her big fucking day, but do you know what? That doesn’t mean she gets to treat everyone like shit. It doesn’t mean I can’t call my friend who’s pregnant and offer her help because it’s Laura’s big day. Instead I smile and say I won’t be long. I go back to my room and call Keri.
‘Keri, it’s me.’
‘Alright, Meg,’ says Keri. At least she isn’t crying. She sounds calmer.
‘How are you?’
‘Yeah, you know, still pregnant.’
‘Have you spoken to Hugh yet?’
‘No, but I’m seeing him later. He had a comedy thing last night, and it went late. He’s coming over this afternoon. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to tell him yet because things between us are going so well, but I know I won’t be able to keep it all in. I know I’ll start crying as soon as I see him. I’ve literally been crying all morning, Meg. And I’ve been emotional baking. I made double chocolate chip brownies, flapjacks, and you know how I feel about flapjacks, banana bread from that banana bread box that's been in the cupboard for a while.’
‘That was there before I moved in.’
‘I know. I just can’t stop.’
‘Have you thought about what you want to do?’
‘I might make a Victoria sponge. There’s a Mary Berry recipe online.’
‘I meant about the baby.’
I know it’s only been a few hours, but I wonder if she’s even thought about it. For the record, I think Keri would be an amazing mum. I know the circumstances aren’t perfect, and she and Hugh have only been dating for a few months, but they love each other. Hugh’s comedy has been going well, and Keri loves her job at the cat cafe.
‘Yeah, of course,’ says Keri. ‘It’s scary and terrifying, and I’m not ready to be a mum, but I know Hugh will be there for me. If I am pregnant, and six tests can’t all be wrong...’
