Read Online Mother's Story by Amanda Prowse - Free Book Online Page B

and washed down with glugs of ruby red port.
    â€˜I’ve eaten too much,’ Polly wailed as she reached for the cheese knife and cut a fresh lump.
    The other three laughed.
    â€˜Then why are you reaching for more cheese?’ Jake crossed his eyes at Matthew to show he still thought Polly was an idiot as per his first snap decision on her character and despite many meetings since.
    â€˜Because I figure, as I’ve already broken my diet, I may as well really break it – you know, in for a penny and… however that partic… particleear phrase finishes. Plus I’m thinking of getting lipo and I want my money’s worth.’
    â€˜You don’t need lipo, Poll, you are beautiful.’ Jessica smiled at her friend. She knew that, despite her bravado, Polly harboured insecurities about her appearance and her future.
    â€˜Oh my God! Talking of beautiful…’ Polly slapped her forehead. ‘I nearly forgot! The most amazing piece of gossip. You know my cousin, Callum?’
    â€˜Geologist, tall, bit superior, red hair?’ Jessica asked.
    â€˜The very one. Well, he has just told the family that he is no longer going to be Callum and as of now is living as a girl called Collette! My aunt and uncle are under sedation. Can you believe it?’
    â€˜No! I can’t!’ Jessica squealed.
    â€˜Has he got boobies and things?’ Matthew was curious.
    Polly shrugged. ‘Apparently!’
    â€˜Good on him, that’s not easy,’ Jessica said. ‘It’s a very brave thing.’
    â€˜It’s a very weird thing,’ Jake replied. ‘Urgh, makes my flesh creep!’
    â€˜When did you become so enlightened, Jake?’ Matthew asked his clueless friend.
    Jake flicked the Vs in response.
    â€˜Anyway…’ Polly once again steered the conversation. ‘Going back to my weight, it’s easy for you to give advice, Jess. You have nothing but plain sailing ahead.’
    â€˜What d’you mean? Why’s it easy for me?’
    â€˜Well, you’ve already landed Mr Perfect – not perfect for me, but perfect for you,’ she clarified as she pointed her finger and narrowed her eyes at Matthew.
    â€˜The feeling is entirely mutual!’ Matthew raised his glass at his wife’s best friend.
    Polly continued. ‘You have the lovely house, the gooey marriage and in five years, apparently, there’ll be the pitter-patter of tiny trolls on your stairs…’
    Jessica smiled. Polly was, unlike her, not fond of babies. Or, more specifically, not fond of the prospect of looking after them.
    â€˜But some of us are still in the race, trying to make it to the finish line.’ Polly sighed and crunched on another cheese-laden cracker.
    â€˜We’re not gooey. Are we?’ Jessica looked at their guests.
    â€˜No, you’re just sickeningly happy. And seeing someone that happy with their lot in life can be seriously irritating!’ Polly delivered this with a straight face and was rewarded with a high five from Jake.
    â€˜We really must do this again soon: please come over to our house, eat our food, drink our wine and insult us. How are you fixed for next week?’ Matthew shouted.
    â€˜Don’t be grumpy.’ Polly wagged her finger at Matthew. ‘And don’t worry, you know we’ll be here again next week.’
    â€˜Well thank goodness for that!’ Matthew gave a sarcastic clap.
    Jessica stood and pointed towards the sitting room. ‘I think it’s charades time!’
    The other three got up noisily from the table, wobbling as the effects of the booze travelled to their unsteady feet. They shoved the chairs under the messy table and elbowed each other out of the way: no one wanted the end seat on the sofa and the last one in was the first to start, that was the rule. Jessica laughed as her husband and friends fought for space, running into the sitting room and jumping onto the sofa,