Take a Chance Read Online Free PDF Page A

carrying into the washing machine and finished filling it with clothes from the hamper. Once sufficiently full she added washing powder and started it.
    From experience she knew that before she could continue working the children needed to be asleep in bed but before that could happen she needed to make up their beds, feed and bath them. Even if she could manage to do all that quickly their bedtime was hours away. Precious hours she needed to work.
    Frustrated, s he kicked the washing machine with her ugg boot which made an unsatisfying dull thud so she kicked it again and left a small dent. Not wanting to cause more damage just because she was mad, Jem lifted the washing machine lid and let it slam down. That sound was much better so she lifted the lid and crashed it down a few more times to release her pent up anger.
    Lifting the lid again she spotted her work jacket swirling around in the soapy water as the washing machine filled. That and her skirt were dry clean only so she cursed and slid her sleeves up as she dragged the jacket out and fished around for her skirt. She dumped them both in the laundry tub and cursed again.
    Damn Jess. It will be all her fault if my suit is ruined. And if she costs me that promotion I’ll kill her.
    That thought suddenly reminded her of the reason why she was in Jess’s home, taking care of her children and doing the washing. Jem was immediately swamped with guilt for thinking such a thing and worrying over trivialities like a possible promotion while her sister was in hospital fighting for her life.
    She burst into tears and sank against the washing machine until she was sitting on the floor.
    Please Jess, I didn’t mean it .
    She sobbed, the sound drowned out by water still filling the washing machine. Drawing her knees up to her chest she cried for several minutes until she heard Daisy and Aidan fighting in the other room.
    Get it together. You haven’t even told them yet.
    Drawing in a few shaky breaths, Jem wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and patted down her pockets looking for a tissue to blow her nose. Not finding one she used the corner of a sheet on the floor beside her.
    “Aunty Jem!” Daisy bellowed from the other end of the house just as Aidan shrieked.
    Jem managed to get halfway down the hallway before Daisy barrelled into her.
    “Aidan’s got my fairy wand!” she complained and pulled on Jem’s hand, expecting her to sort the problem out to her satisfaction.
    Jem knew Aidan would drop the wand if no one paid any attention to him with it so decided to tackle the reason she was there instead.
    As they entered the family room she saw Aidan running around hitting things with Daisy’s wand. Jeremy appeared from the kitchen with his homework folder from his school bag.
    “I need to tell you all something,” she said. “How about you all come and sit with me on the couch.”
    Curious, the children obligingly helped her clear toys from the couch and sat down. As soon as Jem sat in the spot between Jeremy and Daisy, Aidan climbed over and settled on her lap.
    “What is it Aunty Jem?” Jeremy asked cheerfully.
    Jem gently explained that their mother had been in a car accident and was in hospital to get better so until she was Jem was staying to look after them.
    As she expected, the news went over Aidan’s head and upset Jeremy and Daisy.
    “Can we go see her?” Daisy asked, her brown eyes big and solemn.
    “Not at the moment. She’s very unwell. In a few days when she’s feeling better we will go and see her.”
    “She’s not going to die, is she?” Jeremy asked, alarmed.
    Jem didn’t want to tell them she didn’t know nor did she want to upset them so she crossed her fingers and told them their mother would be fine.
    “What if she’s in hospital for a very long time? Who’ll look after us then?” Jeremy demanded.
    “I’ll be here to look after you all for as long as I’m needed,” Jem promised. “Okay?”
    “Okay,” Jeremy replied,