Page 26 of Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake
It’s a relief to be away. Although as I go next door, I feela bit ashamed of that last catty remark. Hudson obviously values Joanna highlyas an employee, and I decide that in future, I will try and make more of aneffort to get along with her.
I’m just about to step into the cottage when I look over atthe pink villa and see the lights on in Bee and Jodie’s place. Maybe I’ll goand check on them. Jodie was so upset earlier.
When she opens the door, Bee looks surprised in a happy wayto see me, and so does Jodie.
‘We were just having one more game ofKerplunkbeforeJodie goes to bed,’ says Bee, ushering me in. So then, of course, Jodie insiststhat I join in the game, which turns out to be quite hilarious. After thetension over the road, it feels good to relax in such lovely company.
And when Jodie asks if I’ll read her a bedtime story, Ismile and say of course I will.
She runs off to clean her teeth and get into her pyjamas,and Bee takes the opportunity to talk.
‘I’ve been thinking about what you said and I’ll definitelymention the letters in Norma’s hearing. When I get the chance,’ she says.
‘Good. Jodie seems happier than she was earlier. Is she okaynow?’
Bee nods. ‘We had a chat about there being no monsters, andI asked her if she wanted to open the curtains because then she would see thatthere was nothing bad out there. And she said yes.’
‘That’s good.’
‘I know. I hate the thought of her hiding from things thatmake her fearful. I guess she has to face them. Like we all have to.’
‘Very true.’ I smile at her, wondering what kind of fearsshe’s had to face up to in her past. ‘Jodie’s so lovely. She’s a real credit toyou.’
‘Do you think so?’
‘I do.’
She smiles sadly. ‘I sometimes wish she had grandparents,you know? Aunts and uncles and cousins... other people in herlife who love her like I do. But...’ She shrugs. ‘I guess I justhave to try to be everything to her.’
‘Well, Jodie clearly adores you, and you’re doing anabsolutelybrilliantjob.’ I grin. ‘And anyway, family can be a pain inthe butt sometimes. I get on really well with my Auntie Joy now, but for a while...well, I’m not sure I liked her much at all. But the thing is, Jodie clearly feelstotally secure in your love. She knows you’re there for her, whatever happens.And that’s what’s important.’
Bee nods, her chin wobbling a little. ‘She thinks you’regreat, by the way. She’ll be looking forward to the story. Be warned, though.She’s obsessed with Christmas books at the moment.’
I smile. ‘Better go through, then.’
When I enter Jodie’s bedroom, she’s sitting up in bedlooking at the book she’s chosen. She gives me her gap-toothed smile and pointsproudly at the window. ‘Look. The curtains are open.’
‘They are indeed. Well done, you. There’s nothing to bescared of, right?’
She nods.
‘We’ll have to close them because it’s night-time, but let’sread this story first, shall we?’
‘Yes, please.’
I settle myself on the bed beside her so she can look at thepictures, and she lies back against the pillows as I read the story, which isabout a naughty elf who almost sabotages Christmas.
By the time I’m finished, Jodie’s eyes are closing.
‘Right, I’ll send your mummy through to tuck you in, shallI?’
She yawns. ‘Yes, please.’
I pull the duvet over her and she snuggles down sleepily,turning over on her side, facing the window.
‘I’ll close the curtains now.’
But as I get up, Jodie’s eyes widen in alarm.
