Mrs Whippy Read Online Free PDF Page A

told him all about me. He offered me support and advice. He even offered to take me out some time. A date! I wasasked on a date! OK, we hadn’t set an actual date, but the prospect of one delighted me.
    I’d gone home and gone through my wardrobe. I discarded my “best” outfit, which only a few days ago would have been my immediate choice. I decided that I needed to go shopping. I decided to spend some of my first pay cheque on a new outfit. For once I didn’t have Charlie breathing down my neck, trying to make me feel guilty for buying something for myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I went shopping just for me. Usually everything I bought was for the boys.
    On Thursday afternoon, after my third day at work, Brian returned from school with a scowl on his face. This wasn’t unusual, but this time his anger was directed entirely at me.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me you were working at the supermarket?”
    I lifted my weary legs up from the sofa where I was lying and sat up.
    â€œWhat?” was all I could think of to say. I had told him about the job at least five times over the past month. But he never seemed to be interested.
    â€œYou heard me,” he said rudely.
    â€œExcuse me, don’t you speak to me like that,” I said calmly. “I can remember at least five occasions when I told you about the job. But as usual you ignored me. What’s the problem?”
    He shifted his body weight from foot to foot. He looked at me with the same sort of expression as his father.
    â€œYou’re obviously angry about something, Brian. You may as well tell me what because I’m not going to guess,” I said. There was a difference within me today. I didn’t care what his problem was. I didn’t care if I had done something to annoy him. This time Iknew it wasn’t my fault. It had never been my fault. That’s what Mr Whippy had taught me.
    â€œI’ve been hearing about you at school,” he said a little less confidently. “You’re working with some of my mates.”
    â€œReally?” I said, sipping my tea. I felt myself become even calmer. I simply didn’t care. He couldn’t control my emotions any more.
    â€œAnd Jenny, you’ve been talking to Jenny. I don’t want you talking to her.” He tried to sound aggressive. He tried to sound mature and threatening. Just like his great old dad.
    I laughed into the cup and spluttered my tea down my top.
    His face reddened at being mocked.
    â€œOh,
Jenny
.” I smiled. “I see. Jenny is the girlfriend you and Charlie wouldn’t tell me about.”
    He looked surprised.
    â€œI like Jenny,” I said, still smiling. “I was working with her this afternoon. Lovely girl. You know she works three times a week for her
own
money? She’s a great girl.” I sipped the rest of my tea and continued to watch the TV.
    â€œDon’t talk to her, Mam. I don’t want you talking to her,” he said through gritted teeth.
    Vincent had appeared in the hall and was hiding behind the door, listening.
    â€œWhy? Are you ashamed of me?” I asked, looking him in the eye.
    He looked away. “Why are you working there?” he asked angrily.
    â€œI’m working there because your darling father, who you adore so much, has cut my money.
One
of us has to feed and clothe you. If he won’t do it, I will.”
    â€œHe does look after us,” Brian said in defence of his dad.
    â€œHow? He takes you to McDonald’s on Saturdays? What else does he do?”
    Brian stared at me blankly and then spoke. “You won’t let us see him any other days.”
    My mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?” I sat up even more. “That’s what he’s told you, is it? Well, Brian, listen to this carefully. Your father hasn’t even asked me
once
if he can take you another day.” I wanted to say that it was my idea for him to take