by Sarah Pond
When Daisy dropped Jess off at Kate's house, she said, 'I'm cooking dinner for us all tonight.'
'Oh, you really don't have to do that.' Kate didn't want Daisy going to any trouble. Also, she still wasn't sure whether she would be able to spend a whole evening with Daisy. Then again, Jess was going to be there.
Daisy wasn't taking no for an answer. 'I want to, it's the least I can do. You won't want to be cooking after gardening all day.'
Kate smiled at her, 'Well, thank you. That will be lovely.'
Turning to leave, she said, 'Have a good time, you two. See you later, darling.'
She gave Jess a hug, then left her excitedly chatting to Kate about what they were going to do, and what tools they would need.
Daisy stopped off at the supermarket on her way home to buy a few ingredients for dinner, and picked up a couple of bottles of wine. Well, all work, and no play, she thought. Thankfully, Bob and his wife were nowhere to be seen, so that was a relief.
Daisy had a very relaxed afternoon, before deciding it was time to make a start on the meal. It was very quiet in the house, so putting on some music for company, she got to work.
'Mum, we're back!'
Daisy called out, 'Hi, I'm in the kitchen. How did you get on?'
Jess appeared in the doorway, rosy cheeked and smiling. 'It was great. We weeded, dug and planted flowers. I helped mow the lawn too!'
'Excellent, well done.' Daisy smiled lovingly at her daughter.
'And Mrs Mills gave me ten pounds for helping.' Jess was beaming.
'Wow, that's great.'
'She said I can help Kate again. Please can I?' Jess looked so happy and hopeful.
'We'll see. Probably, if it's okay with Kate.'
'Hi. Something smells good.' Kate appeared at Jess' side, with a similar healthy red cheeked glow. Her hair was still damp from her recent shower.
'Dinner will be in about half an hour, I'm just making the salad. I hope you're both hungry.' She looked up, catching Kate's eye.
Kate ran a hand through her hair, pushing it away from her face, 'Ravenous, actually! It's really kind of you to cook.'
Having had a day of physical labour to expel some nervous energy, and with Jess chatting away to her, Kate was feeling more comfortable about spending the evening with Daisy now.
'It's no trouble.' Daisy smiled at Kate. 'Right, Jess, go and get some clean clothes on while dinner is finishing cooking.' With that, Jess scampered off upstairs.
Kate watched Daisy making a salad, still savouring the smell emanating from the oven.
Daisy looked up as she worked, 'I've made a lasagne. I hope that's okay?'
'Lovely.'
'I thought you'd both be hungry, so something substantial would be good.'
Kate smiled at Daisy, leaning back on the work surface as she watched her. 'Perfect. I can't remember the last time someone made a home cooked meal for me. It's usually me and a ready meal or a takeaway.'
Daisy really felt for Kate. Despite the fact that she was single again, she always knew that she had Jess coming home to her, even when she was staying with Stephen. 'I'm sorry.'
Kate shrugged, 'Hey, you've got nothing to be sorry for. It is as it is.'
'I hope you meet someone soon.'
The compassion in Daisy's eyes brought tears to the back of Kate's. She cleared her throat, and walked over to the kitchen window. 'The garden's looking nice.'
Daisy brushed some stray strands of hair away from her face as she worked. 'Thanks to you. Jess is always out there, pottering around. She loves gardening so much.'
'She does seem a natural for it.'
Daisy put down the knife she was using to slice the cucumber, and turned towards Kate. 'Thank you, Kate.'
'For what?'
'Spending time with Jess. Teaching her gardening, babysitting. All of it, really.'
'It's no trouble. I love spending time with her. She's such a great girl.'
'I really appreciate it, more than I can tell you.' Daisy looked at Kate for a long time. 'She had been really missing you recently, you know.'
Kate felt a heavy feeling in her stomach. She wished she hadn't stayed away for so long. Apart from missing seeing Daisy and Jess, it seemed to keep raising questions, the kind of questions she didn't want to answer.
'I missed her too. Well, both of you.' It was easy to be truthful about that.
Holding Kate's gaze as she spoke, Daisy's voice was soft, 'Don't disappear on us again.'
Another pang cut through Kate's gut, 'I won't,' and she had to look away.
Then the tension was broken by Jess bounding back downstairs, her hair now loose and wet.
'I had a shower. I'm all clean again now. I'm going to find Nimbus, it's time I gave him cuddle.' With that, she disappeared into the lounge, calling after her beloved cat.
Daisy had taken Jess to choose Nimbus not long after she and Stephen had separated. She thought that it would be something happy for Jess to focus on. Also, it would be good for her to learn about caring for an animal. Jess had always loved animals, but whenever she had asked about having a pet, Stephen had always said no, thinking it would be a tie. He and Daisy thought that they would probably be the ones doing all the looking after, once the novelty had worn off. By the time that Jess had asked again, she was seven, and Daisy thought that the responsibility would be good for her. She also couldn't deny that having a cat around would be comforting, she had always had one at home when she was growing up.
When they went to look at the litter of kittens, Jess was immediately drawn to Nimbus, who snuggled up in her lap contentedly, and promptly fell asleep. 'He's very happy with you, dear.' The old lady had said to Jess, smiling kindly.
Jess had beamed back her gap toothed smile, and kissed the top of Nimbus' head. Daisy smiled at her daughter, 'Well, I guess that settles it, then. When can we come back to collect him?'
Nimbus had settled in well to his new home, and he and Jess were never far apart from each other. Daisy would often find them curled up together on the sofa or on Jess' bed. When Jess was staying at Stephen's, Daisy liked knowing that Nimbus was there, it made the house seem less empty. Knowing that she could come home, calling out, 'I'm home' felt so much better to her than before they had Nimbus. As for him being a tie, they weren't likely to be going on holiday any time soon. If she did have a weekend away, her neighbour loved looking after him.
'This really is delicious, thank you so much.' As hungry as Kate was, she was trying to eat slowly to savour the wonderful flavours of the lasagne. 'It has such a rich, full flavour.'
'Thank you.' Daisy was enjoying having an enthusiastic response. Apart from Jess, she rarely cooked for anyone else, although Nimbus always appreciated her meals. 'I add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour and texture.'
'This really is the best meal I've had for a long time. The Merlot is delicious too. Just as well I'm walking home!' Whereas Kate's cheeks were rosy from the outdoor air and hard work earlier, now they were pink from the warmth of the wine.
'I've really enjoyed cooking today. It's been nice to have plenty of time, rather than rushing to do it after work.'
Kate was going to comment on how hard it must be to be a single parent, but decided against it as Jess was still at the table. Instead, she said, 'Thanks for your help today, Jess. What was your favourite thing about today?'
'Um. I really enjoyed the mowing. And spending time with you.'
Kate felt the tear starting to form, and quickly brushed it away. 'I really enjoyed spending time with you, too.'
Daisy was really touched by the connection between Kate and Jess. She knew how amazing her daughter was, and the fact that Kate saw it too made her so happy. How could Stephen have left them both. Yes, it was Daisy he cheated on. But in a way, had he not cheated Jess out of something too?
'Daisy?'
'Huh, sorry?' I really must stop doing this. I hate to think how many conversations I'm missing out on.
Kate and Jess were both l
ooking at her, and she flushed. 'Sorry, I just drifted off there. What did you say?'
'Mum, I was just saying, I think we should all go out for the day tomorrow.'
Kate didn't want Daisy to feel put on the spot, even though the idea had been completely Jess'. 'Well, your mum may already have plans.'
'I don't as it happens.' Daisy thought it was a great idea. She had missed Kate over the last few weeks, and the thought of it gave her a feeling of excitement. 'Providing Kate wants to, that is.'
Kate seemed a bit hesitant, 'Well, I did have some things to do.'
She really wanted to, but she was also trying to assimilate her feelings towards Daisy. She was still coming to terms with the inconvenience of it all. Why couldn't she see Daisy as a friend in the way she used to. Why did it have to change. As all of this was whirring around in her brain, she caught the hopeful look on Jess' face, and knew she couldn't say no. 'Okay, let's do it!'
'Yes! We'll have so much fun. Kate, why don't you stay here tonight. We can have a pyjama party like before.'
Kate said, 'Whoa, slow down!'
'Please, please, please.'
Daisy and Kate looked at one another, laughing. 'Why not, Kate. What do you say?'
Looking between mother and daughter, Kate shrugged, and said, 'Okay, why not.' Maybe this was the best way forward. Rather than mooning over Daisy, she would be occupied, and things could go back to the way they were. Perfect.
Jess jumped up, hugging both Kate and her mum. 'I'm going to get my pyjamas on, then I'll choose a film.' With that, she was gone, and Kate and Daisy could hear her taking the stairs two at a time.
Daisy laughed, 'The excitement of youth!'
Whilst they were washing up in the kitchen, Kate said, 'I think I need to pop home. I haven't got any PJs or a toothbrush or anything.'
Jess had wandered into the kitchen, catching the end of the conversation. 'Oh no, Kate. You have to stay. Mum will find you some pyjamas. I'm sure we have a spare toothbrush too. I think we bought a pack of three.'
'You're very insistent, aren't you? At least my clothes are clean though, I had a shower before I came round this evening.'
'That's settled then.' Jess sounded like she was the grown up, and Daisy and Kate couldn't help laughing.
Having watched Beauty and the Beast, Jess sleepily cuddled Nimbus goodnight, and made her way up to bed. Daisy tucked her in, and kissed her goodnight. Turning off the bedside lamp, she made her way quietly back downstairs.
Closing the door gently behind her, Daisy asked, 'Fancy another glass of wine?'
'Only if you're having one.' Kate would have said no, but as she was staying the night, she thought she may as well. She could sleep it off, and the thought of not having to walk home in the cold night air was very appealing.
'Well, we may as well finish the bottle. I put a little bit of it in the sauce for the lasagne tonight.'
'Thank you again for dinner, it really was superb.'
Daisy walked back into the lounge, the bottle of Merlot in one hand, two wine glasses dangling upside down between the fingers of her other hand. They gently chinked together as she walked. Setting them upright on the coffee table, Daisy poured the remainder of the bottle into the two glasses. As the deep red liquid half-filled each glass, she said, 'There you go. Cheers!'
'Cheers!' Kate raised her glass to Daisy, before taking a sip.
For a while, they sipped their wine in silence. Then suddenly, Daisy said, 'I'll put some music on.'
Her voice coming out of the silence unexpectedly caused Kate to let out a little shriek, which made Daisy burst with laughter. 'What was that?!'
'You made me jump!'
The wine was going to Daisy's head a bit. 'You're funny. Right, what shall we listen to?'
'I don't mind, anything you like.'
'I'll put it on shuffle like usual. I can never decide, otherwise.'
'You're the boss.' Kate smiled at Daisy.
Daisy stared at Kate for a moment. 'Cheryl's always saying that to me. She calls me boss.'
'Well, you are, aren't you?'
Daisy paused. 'I suppose so. I don't feel like a boss most of the time. Sometimes I feel as though I'm going to get caught out. Like they're going to say, sorry, we got it wrong. This isn't your job after all.'
Kate cocked her head to one side as she considered Daisy, 'Why would you think that?'
'I dunno. I mean, I don't know. Why do I keep saying dunno?'
'I dunno.' Kate shrugged as she said it.
Daisy suddenly pointed at Kate, 'Ha! It's you. That's where I got it from!'
'I don't think so! Anyway, why do you think that about your job?'
Daisy expression turned thoughtful and serious. 'Do you ever just think you're playing at life. Like, you don't really know what the hell you're doing?'
Kate was thoughtful, 'I suppose I do, sometimes.'
'I think the time it's hardest is when I'm parenting. I keep thinking I'm doing it wrong, or should be doing it differently.' For a moment, the expression on her face was of a little lost girl.
'Hey, you're doing a brilliant job with Jess. Don't ever think otherwise. Jess is such a wonderful girl, and she's like you in many ways.'
Daisy pulled a face, 'Oh god, poor thing.'
'No, it's great. She's just perfect. And so are you.'
'Oh Kate, you really are the sweetest. I don't know why...' Daisy stopped herself.
'Don't know why, what?'
'Sorry, no. Nothing.' Daisy looked chastened. She busied herself with turning on the music, and as the first song began, she said, 'That's more like it!'
They lounged around for a while, occasionally singing along to the music. Daisy chatted about work, and asked Kate more about her gardening business. Then they got onto the subject of favourite books and films. A few more glasses of wine later, Daisy unsteadily stood up, announcing that she would find Kate some pyjamas and a toothbrush.
Having cleaned her teeth and changed into pyjamas, Kate arrived back in the lounge to be greeted with the sight of Daisy half in and half out of a folded sofa bed. It looked like she had been trying to do a handstand, and the bed had decided to engulf her.
Kate rushed over to help, 'Oh god, are you okay?'
The response was a muffled, 'Mmmf, fine, thanks.'
'Um, you seem a bit upside down.' Kate was puzzled, wondering the best way she could help extract Daisy.
Moving nearer, she quickly assessed the situation. If she tried to unfold the bed, she was worried she would cause more damage. So she wrapped her arms around Daisy as best she could, and lifted her upwards. After a bit of struggling, she lifted her free.
'Thanks.' Daisy was very red cheeked and dishevelled. As they stood opposite one another, she put her hands on Kate's upper arms, gently squeezing them. 'Wow, you're very strong.'
Kate flushed with embarrassment. 'I, er, well, the gardening keeps me fit.'
Daisy stared for a moment, before saying, 'Thanks, I'm not sure what happened there!' She still looked a bit bemused. 'Let's have another glass of wine.'
Deciding that team work was the answer, they went about setting up the sofa bed together. As they were both rather drunk by this point, it proved to be both baffling, and the most hilarious thing they had ever done. It was way after midnight when Daisy announced that she was going to bed, and dragged herself up the stairs. Kate was asleep within a couple of minutes.
'Kate, wake up!' Jess was sitting on the end of the sofa bed.
Blearily rubbing her eyes, Kate pushed herself up to a half sitting position. 'Morning. What time is it?'
'It's nine o'clock. I thought I'd let you have a lay in.'
Kate supposed that nine does seem like a lay in to a child. Jess wasn't to know that she hadn't got to bed until the early hours. 'Is your mum up yet?'
'No. She was sleeping really heavily, so I thought I'd come and find you first.'
Kate's mouth was as dry as desert sand. 'Please could I have a glass of water?' She
wasn't sure that she could stand up just yet. She couldn't remember the last time she had drunk that much.
Jess was back in no time, 'Here you are.'
Kate took the glass from Jess' outstretched hand. 'Thank you.' As the cool water slid down her throat, Kate began to feel more human. 'Ah, that was just what I needed.'
Fortunately, Kate seemed to have an ability to recover at an astonishingly quick rate from a heavy night of alcohol. The same could not be said for Daisy. The slow thump, thump, thump on the stairs alerted Kate and Jess to the fact that Daisy was up. Either that, or there was a zombie on its way downstairs.
When she eventually arrived in the lounge, Daisy looked quite a sight. Her hair was flat to her head on one side, and sticking straight up and outwards on the other. Her left cheek was pink and had a big crease line running down it, where she had been sleeping heavily on the seam of her pillow. Her blue and white striped pyjamas were hanging off one shoulder, where a couple of the buttons had come undone in the night. Or maybe she hadn't done them up properly when she had been getting ready for bed.
'Mum, look at the state of you.' Jess was gawking at her, hands on hips.
Kate couldn't help a laugh escaping from her.
'What? What's so funny?' Daisy looked nonplussed.
Jess plonked her mum down on the sofa, and swiftly poured her a glass of water. 'Here, drink this.'
'Thanks darling.' She sipped it quietly, not stopping until she had finished the whole glass.
'Is that better?' Kate asked, and Daisy squinted at her as she considered the question.
Before she could answer, there was a knock at the front door. 'Who on earth is that?'
Jess made her way to the hallway to answer it, and Daisy visibly squirmed as she heard her say, 'Grandma! Hello.'
'Hello dear, how are you? Sorry it's a bit early. Is your mum up?'
Daisy was hastily straightening herself up, and trying to smooth down her hair, which kept springing up like a jack-in-a-box.
'Mum! What a surprise!'
Daphne looked her daughter up and down, not quite sure what to make of her. 'I was just passing on my way to lunch with my friend, so thought I'd pop in. How are you?' She leaned in to give Daisy a kiss on the cheek, but reeled back from the smell of stale alcohol.