Page 90 of The Sun Sister
I was beginning to feel like I’d won some kind of competition at school rather than just accepted I was an addict.
‘Thanks,’ I nodded as I felt the press of her cool calm hands on mine. ‘But it’s late and we should all be in bed.’
‘Well, how about we let Mariam go home and I stay around a while in case you need some company?’
I saw a look pass between Mariam and my grandmother and I jumped on it.
‘You’re here to make sure I don’t change my mind and get on a flight to Timbuktu before tomorrow, aren’t you?’
‘Maybe.’ Stella gave me a smile that made her eyes, that were so like mine, twinkle. ‘It has been known to happen. More importantly, I just want you to be safe during the night.’
‘You mean, not take any more alcohol or drugs?’
‘That too. Now, Mariam, you’ve done enough and you need to get home. I’m sure Electra is very grateful to you, aren’t you?’
‘Of course I am! Mariam knows that.’
‘Okay.’ Mariam gave me a smile. ‘Well, I will see you here at eight a.m. I’ve packed most of what you need – which isn’t much – in your suitcase, ready to go. Goodnight.’
Stella and I stood in silence as Mariam left the apartment.
‘You’ve got a gem there, Electra.’
‘I know, she’s very efficient.’
‘She’s a gem because she genuinely cares about you. And that’s what really counts.’
‘Listen, you don’t have to stay. I promise I’ll behave – I’ll go straight to bed like a good girl and be up bright and early to go to the airport.’
‘I know I don’t have to stay, but I want to. Just for a while at least.’
‘Well, I’m gonna use the bathroom and then get into bed. And no’ – my eyes flashed at her – ‘I’m not gonna do a line of coke while I’m in there.’
A few minutes later, I was in the spare bed and thinking how tired I felt. As I turned off the light, there was a knock at my door.
‘Come in.’
‘I just...well, I wanted to say goodnight to my granddaughter for the first time in twenty-six years. May I?’
‘Of course.’
She walked over to me and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I looked up at her, silhouetted in the light coming through the open door behind her.
‘Why didn’t you contact me before?’
‘Because I didn’t know you even existed up until quite recently.’
‘Oh. Why?’
‘That, my dear Electra, is a long story and not one for this time of night.’
‘Did you...did you say Pa told you to come find me?’
‘I did, yes.’
‘But he’s dead.’
‘Yes, he is, God rest his soul.’
