Emmie 28

Yasmin arrived on Tuesday Evening. She was a changed person. She was wearing her hijab with all the intentions of making a visit to her family. She had been in contact and a time had been arranged to meet at the hospital: neutral ground. This information was rattled out at top speed and there was a certain enthusiasm in her voice. The fact that she was staying with Emmie gave her the independence to view the prospect with something like confidence.

" When are you going to the hospital ?"
" Tomorrow afternoon. Jenny is coming round later and we going out for a meal."
" Well that will save me cooking," said Emmie somehow feeling none too pleased with Yasmin's new found cut and dried manner.

She ushered Yasmin into the spare room and went downstairs, determined not be involved with the forthcoming negotiations. Half an hour later Yasmin called her farewell on the way out. Emmie made sure she had a key and said she may well be in bed as she had work in the morning.

As Yasmin left, the phone rang. It was Marie Louise.
" Hello Mum?"
" Yes love, are you in England?"
" No in Miami, we are due in Heath Row early tomorrow."
" I am working so I will leave a key under the flowerpot. How are things?"
" So so."

Emmie put down the receiver and breathed a sigh of desperation rather than relief. She went upstairs and looked at the jumble of a box room. She couldn't face the thought of that now. She went downstairs and put the kettle on.

JL Dec 22. 15:53