Where Rainbows End Read Online Free PDF Page B

figured out, just when you finally begin to plan something, get excited about something, and feel like you know what direction you’re heading in, the paths change, the signs change, the wind blows the other way, north is suddenly south, and east is west, and you’re lost. It is so easy to lose your way, to lose direction.
    And that’s with following all the signposts.
    There aren’t many sure things in life, but one thing I know for sure is that you have to deal with the consequences of your actions. You have to follow through on some things.
    I always give up, Alex. What have I ever had to do in my life that really needed to be done? I always had a choice, and I always took the easy way out— we always took the easy way out. At our age the burden of double maths on a Monday morning and finding a spot the size of Pluto on my nose was as complicated as it ever got for me.
    This time round I’m having a baby. A baby. And that baby will be around on the Monday, on the Tuesday, on the Wednesday, Thursday, Fri-love, rosie
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    day, Saturday, and Sunday. I have no weekends off. No three-month holidays. I can’t take a day off, call in sick, or get Mum to write a note. I am going to be the mum now. I wish I could write myself a note.
    I’m scared, Alex.
    Rosie
    from:
    Alex
    to:
    Rosie
    subject:
    Baby talk
    No, it’s no double maths on a Monday morning. It will be far more exciting than that. Double maths on a Monday morning is boring; it makes you sleep and gives you a headache.
    A baby will fill you with love and pride, make you laugh, make you cry, make you strong, and help you to be more independent. You will learn far more from this experience than a maths class.
    I am here for you for whenever you need me. Boston College can wait for you, Rosie, because you have far more important work to do now.
    I no you will be just fine
    from:
    Rosie
    to:
    Alex
    subject:
    Re: Baby talk
    You KNOW I will be fine. Watch the spelling, Mr. Stewart.
    from:
    Alex
    to:
    Rosie
    subject:
    Re: Baby talk
    Rosie, already acting like a mother. Take care, Alex.

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    Cecelia Ahern
    You have an instant message from: ALEX
    Alex:
    I thought you said you’d keep an eye on her for me Phil.
    Phil:
    I told you, if she didn’t learn to control her bladder she’d be out of here. She’s fine in the garden.
    Alex:
    Not the dog Phil, I’m talking about Rosie.
    Phil:
    What about Rosie?
    Alex:
    Stop pretending you don’t no. I heard mum and dad tell you over the phone.
    Phil:
    How do you feel about it?
    Alex:
    Everyone keeps asking me that and I have no idea. It’s weird.
    Rosie is pregnant. She’s just turned eighteen. She can barely take care of herself let alone a baby. She smokes like a chimney and refuses to eat greens. She stays awake till 4 am and sleeps till one o’clock in the day. She chose to take a job washing pots and pans at the Chinese take-away for less money than what her neighbors were offering for babysitting. She always said she didn’t want to have kids till she was forty. I don’t think she’s changed a nappy in her life. Apart from Kevin, I don’t think she’s ever held a baby for more than five minutes. What about college? What about working? How the hell is she going to manage? How will she meet someone? How will she make friends? She’s just trapped herself into a life that’s her worst nightmare.
    Phil:
    Believe me Alex, she’ll learn. Her parents are supporting her aren’t they? She won’t be alone.
    Alex:
    Her mum and dad will be at work all day Phil. She’s an intelligent person, I no that. But as much as she tries to convince me, I’m not quite sure she’s convinced herself that when the crying starts, she can’t hand this one back. If only I’d gotten on that flight and made it to the debs.
    Dear Stephanie,
    Let me help you find yourself. Allow my words of wisdom to rain down on you and shower you with knowledge. From one sister who love, rosie
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    greatly loves and respects you and wishes for nothing