Page 47 of A Good Mother
It was Isaac that helped him out, as usual. ‘I don’t think Dad was putting you down, Mum. He was trying to say you’d get to spend quality time with your grandchild and get paid for doing it and he’s right, in a way, it would be a nice rest from cleaning…’
‘STOP.’ Babs held up her hand like she was a lollipop lady halting traffic. ‘Have you listened to yourself, Isaac? You’re talking utter rubbishandI also object to you or your father taking it upon yourselves to plan my life and tell me what would benicefor me.’
The wide-eyed look and the O-shape of Isaac’s mouth told her he hadn’t, but for once they were all listening to her.
‘Yes, it will be lovely to have a baby in the family and I’m very pleased for you both, but you seem to be missing the point. That it’s YOUR baby, not mine so no, I don’t want to look after it five days a week, to put my life on hold, or change it, just because you two want easy-option childcare on tap. And as for your ridiculous comment that it’ll be a nice rest, you two have a bloody big shock coming if you think for one millisecond that looking after a baby is restful.’
Babs’ cheeks were on fire, set alight by the rage burning inside that had whooshed up from nowhere, like a pilot light heating every radiator in the house. So, I’m sorry, Isaac, Fiona, but I’ve done my childcare shift, got the badge and the T-shirt and I have no objection to the odd night of babysitting, but no way am I looking after a baby full-time. So you’re going to have to rethink your plans and just like everyone else who starts a family, take responsibility, work hard, save up, and get on with it.’
Fiona burst into tears at that point and Isaac stood, clearly annoyed or in shock, both sentiments reflected via the anger in his voice.
‘Well thanks for that, Mum, for throwing cold water on what was a nice evening and ruining a happy memory because now you’ve upset Fi and basically told us you don’t give a shit about your grandchild, or us for that matter. All we’re asking for is a bit of help and support but that’s clearly too much to expect…’
Babs had had enough. ‘No, that’s not what I said, and you know it, Isaac. But the thing is, I, we, have always supported you, and why you can afford your flash car and save up in your mystery bank account for a deposit that never materialises, oh, and live here for the bare minimum. So it’s time to put your big boy Spiderman pants on and grow up!’
She chanced a glance a Pete who kept his lips firmly shut, no surprise there, so ploughed on. ‘You’re going to have to face facts, and your responsibilities and get on with being a partner and a dad. You can’t stay at home forever so maybe you should flog your flash car and get a runabout, do extra shifts, cut your cloth, do without if need be. Just like me and your dad had to when we had you, but don’t you dare say I’m not supporting you because this, what I’m saying now is support. It’s a life lesson and it’s been long overdue.’
‘Bloody hell, Mum. Say it like it is, why don’t you!’ Sasha’s folded arms and sulky face told Babs that her daughter had also taken on board some home truths.
Babs was in no mood for mard arses. ‘Oh shut up, Sasha, otherwise it’s your turn.’
Then she addressed Fiona, because she felt bad that she was upset so adopted a softer tone. ‘And, Fiona, love. I think you’ll be a fantastic mum and role model for your baby, and I do admire you for wanting to go back to work, I really do. But Isaac has got too used to living here, having everything done for him just like his dad and I’m just not prepared to do it anymore, so don’t cry. One way or another you’ll make it work and I am very happy for you. I really am.’
Fiona just sniffed and nodded in the uncomfortable silence, and Babs suddenly felt unwelcome in her own front room. Needing strength and support when it seemed like everyone around her thought she was selfishness personified, Babs looked over at Demi because she was losing her nerve. Tears threatened and everything, her whole life felt like it was about to blow up in her face.
Until Demi gave her a smile and a wink, and a silently worded message. ‘Well done, Mum.’
* * *
Babs was in the garden keeping out of the way and intended staying there till they’d all gone to bed. It was still so warm, and she had her fluffy boots and her fleece to fend off the chill when night fell.
Opposite sat Demi, dunking her custard cream into a mug of tea, in between explaining the aftermath of Babs growing a pair. Just after Pete had asked what was for tea, to which he was told to piss off and fetch his own, and Babs had stormed out and zoomed off in her car, Isaac rang for a takeaway and treated them all to a Chinese.
‘Well at least everyone got fed. Your gran made me a bacon butty.’
‘Did you tell her what happened?’ Demi wiped tea and biscuit crumbs from her chin.
‘No, she thought I was just passing, and I didn’t want to ruin thingsagainfor Isaac and Fiona. Is Fiona okay, by the way? I really didn’t mean to upset her you know. I’ve actually got a bit of a soft spot for her. It was your dad and Isaac that riled me and I just saw red and lost it… and I could have said more but reined it in, somehow. I’m sorry though, for causing a scene and trashing their big moment.’
Demi stopped mid-dunk. ‘Mum, don’t you dare apologise. I was well proud of you for speaking out and our Isaac deserved it. And I think what you said hit a nerve with Sasha too.’
Babs watched as Demi continued to dunk, eat, sip, glad of her company and support. And it was true, because for a second, she’d been tempted to turn on Pete, tell him exactly what was going on in her head, but common sense prevailed and reminded her it wasn’t the time. What she needed to say to him was private, between a man and a wife.
‘Mum.’ Demi nodded towards the mug of tea she’d made. ‘Drink up, it’s going to go cold.’
Babs did as she was told and picked up the mug, holding down the sigh that ballooned inside her chest, knowing that eventually she was going to have to go indoors and face them all, if not that evening, in the morning.
And there was something else she had to face up to. What the hell she was going to do about Pete, and when? Because if she was uncertain about many things in life, one thing she knew for sure that whatever it was, one way or another, it had to be soon.
Otherwise, she’d go down for murder!
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
ROBIN
When she entered the kitchen,Nate was already there making coffee, looking smart in his habitual teacher garb, a freshly ironed blue shirt and black trousers with a razor-sharp crease down the front. And how nice, a jaunty yellow tie to bring a splash of jolly colour into a day, that for her was going to be anything but.
After a sleepless night she was mentally exhausted and physically drained, and surprised that her battery had just enough charge to generate anger and even a trace of sarcasm at the sight of him, acknowledging the intention of his attire. He had that ‘new term’ spring in his step and Robin was envious and irritated by his demeanour.
