Broke

by Mandasue Heller

  ‘Happy birthday,’ said Cassie, giving Amy a shy little smile before handing over the gift-wrapped box she was holding. ‘Nana and Grandad paid for it, but me and Bobbsy picked it. Hope you like it.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Amy squatted down and took the present from her. ‘I’m sure it’ll be absolutely perfect.’

  Cassie suddenly jerked her head forward and planted a kiss on Amy’s cheek. Then she turned and ran after her brother.

  Tears glistening in her eyes, Amy looked up at her mother.

  ‘Told you they’d come round in time,’ Sonia said quietly. ‘Just let them come to you – that’s the trick.’

  Amy nodded and stood up. Laughing when her dad said, ‘Where’s me beer? Thought you’d have been waiting with it at the door,’ she went into the kitchen to get a can out of the fridge.

  Sonia followed and looked at the food on the ledge with disapproval as she slipped off her coat.

  ‘Is that it? That’s nowhere near enough. And where are your serviettes? You can’t expect people to drop crumbs on themselves.’

  ‘I’ve got it all under control,’ Amy assured her, pushing her gently towards the door. ‘There’s a kitchen roll and plates on the table in the front room, and I’ve got an extra loaf so I can make more butties if we run out. And there’s another tray of sausage rolls in the oven.’

  ‘What about the cake?’ Sonia asked, resisting as Amy tried to push her out. ‘You can’t have a party without cake.’

  ‘Mum . . .’ Amy gave her a mock-weary look.

  The doorbell rang again. Glancing past her mother when Steve came out of the living room to answer it, Amy felt the heat rise to her cheeks when she saw who it was.

  ‘Mum,’ she said, her voice suddenly shy. ‘This is the friend I told you about. Kelvin . . . this is my mum.’

  Kelvin limped up the hall. Then, moving his walking stick to his other side, he held out his hand. ‘Really pleased to meet you. Amy’s told me all about you.’

  Amy held her breath and waited for her mum’s reaction. She knew she wouldn’t be rude, but her eyes would give her away if she didn’t approve.

  Sonia shook his hand, and said, ‘Very nice to meet you, too.’ Then, turning to Amy, she raised an eyebrow, and mouthed, ‘Ooh, he’s lovely,’ before leaving them alone.

  ‘Did I pass the test?’ Kelvin whispered.

  ‘I’d say so,’ Amy whispered back. ‘But that was the easy bit. You’ve still got to meet the kids yet.’

  ‘Can’t wait,’ said Kelvin, pulling her towards him with his free arm and kissing her softly on the lips.