Precious Time Read Online Free PDF

think?’
    He considered her suggestion earnestly, then smiled. ‘Poo,’ he said.
    ‘Oh dear, can you hang on until we get home?’
    A grin extended across his face. ‘Not that. Winnie-the-PooA?.’
    Apart from filling Winnie with provisions, clothes, books, toys, games, cassettes, a basic tool kit, and anything else they might need for the next five months, they had also had to pack up other possessions. During their absence, a young professional couple would be renting their house and were moving in on Monday.
    Initially Clara hadn’t wanted to let it, but common sense had dictated that she might as well have the money coming in to pay off the mortgage. Then her savings wouldn’t receive such a large dent. It also meant that she would be committed to what she had started.
    With no house to come back to until the end of August, she would have to make a go of the trip.
    Her friends had been concerned about money. ‘I just don’t
    understand how you’ll manage,’ Moira said.
    ‘I’ve got a PEP that’s just dying to be let loose,’ she had said. ‘I know that would only get you through a long weekend, Moira, but our needs will be quite modest while we’re away. And if the worst comes to the worst we could resort to busking.’
    ‘I wouldn’t put it past you.’
     
    ‘Oh, and since when did I become such a rebel?’
    ‘You’ve always been a rebel, Clarabelle,’ Guy had said. ‘You’ve never been fully in step with the rest of us.’
    Though Clara knew that there was an element of truth in what he had said, she was hurt to hear it voiced so openly. She and Ned had not yet travelled a mile, but already a gap was opening between her and the gang. ‘You mean I’m different from you lot because I’m not married and I don’t trade in my house every other year for something bigger and better?’
    ‘Now, don’t get nasty with Guy,’ Moira had said. ‘It’s not his fault he still hasn’t forgiven you for spilling the beans about Margaret Thatcher not being the Tooth Fairy.’
    Suddenly everyone had an opinion about her.
    David said. ‘You know jolly well that you’re the resourceful one of us. For goodness’ sake, you’re the only one sitting round this table who knows what to do with a power drill. When was the last time you had to have a “little man” in? Eh?’
    ‘Nothing ever fazes you, Clara,’ Louise put in. ‘While we’ve become childishly self-indulgent as we’ve grown older, you’ve turned into a sensible adult.’
    ‘That sounds worryingly like a criticism to me,’ Clara said defensively.
    They ignored her and carried on, warming to their theme. ‘You’re a natural facilitator,’ Guy said. ‘A doer who has to do things her way.’
    ‘Are you saying I’m bossy?’
    ‘Well, you do like to be in charge, don’t you?’
    ‘Not always!’
    ‘Face it, Clara,’ David said. ‘You put us all to shame. Just look at what you’ve achieved single-handedly. You’ve carved out a great career for yourself, you have—’
    ‘A great career I’m wilfully throwing away,’ she chipped in, wanting to redress the balance of this cringe-making conversation.
    He had waved her interruption aside. ‘And you have a fantastic son, who even you would admit is your crowning glory.’
    ‘Enough!’ she had cried.
    Clara was still watching the antics of her friends outside when Louise came and joined her at the window. ‘Just look at them!
    Anyone would think you were getting married.’
    Decorated with party streamers and shaving foam, Winnie indeed looked like the archetypal honeymoon getaway vehicle.
    ‘You know, it’s not too late to change your mind about this harebrained caper,’ Louise said.
    Without turning her head, Clara said, ‘And why would I want to do that?’
    ‘Oh, you know, now that it’s the day you’re finally setting off, it might be dawning on you - the extent of your madness and the terrible mistake you’re making. Only you’re too proud to admit you might been