Skeletal by Katherine Hayton Read Free Book Online

Vila’s class at school.’
    She nodded and smiled at me, while Vila apparently decided her privacy had been invaded and pushed her toward the door. ‘We’re doing homework Mum. You don’t want to stop me getting a decent education, do you?’
    ‘Vila! You know you’re not allowed Coke in your room.’ She twisted aside and picked up the bottle and the two glasses, mine empty, Vila’s still half full. ‘Imagine if you spilled it in here.’ Her voice climbed a couple of notes and a couple of decibels. ‘Imagine the stain. Water only, you know the rules.’
    Vila coloured deep red and then suddenly shouted, ‘Get out of my room. Get out! Who cares about your stupid rules?’
    She started to push at her mother again, but with force and anger this time. Her mother, mindful of the dark-coloured liquid still in the glass moved back to avoid being jolted into staining something herself.
    ‘Vila! That’s no way to treat…’
    The door slammed in her face and Vila screamed wordlessly with frustration.
    I stood silent, not sure what I was meant to do. I was used to people behaving in strange and overly emotional ways, but they had the excuse of being drunk. Was this what teenagers were meant to be like? Is this why we got such a bad rap?
    Vila sat back down and pushed aside the text book and exercise book. ‘Sorry about her . She’s a nightmare. I can’t wait to get out of here and live somewhere on my own.’
    I nodded in complete disagreement. If she hated her that much maybe I could suggest a swap. I stepped back into my skirt in case I needed to make an exit.
    Vila swiped her hair back from her face, and took a couple of deep breaths. ‘I don’t want to do this anymore, it’s too hard.’ Her face brightened and she looked back up at me. ‘Do you want to go to McDonalds? We could get fries.’
    I shrugged my shoulders. ‘I don’t have any money so I can’t buy anything.’
    ‘I’ll shout you,’ Vila said as she stood up. Her voice was openly curious. ‘How poor are you anyway? Don’t you get any pocket money?’
    I started to feel uncomfortable and pretended to pat down the front of my kilt while I hid my face.
    ‘Never have done. If I want money I get told to get a paper round, but there aren’t any available.’ I tried to be open and nonchalant, but at the last moment my composure jumped ship, and I sniped, ‘Not everyone gets things handed to them on a plate.’
    ‘Oh yeah. Call this prison a plate?’ She headed to the door, then looked back with her fingers on the door handle. ‘Well, come on then, I said I’ll shout you.’
    I wanted to say no. I wasn’t hungry, I didn’t need charity. I could just leave and go home.
    I forced a smile onto my face and nodded. ‘Thanks, but you don’t need to. I’m full up so I’ll just watch you eat.’
    Vila shrugged and headed out the door while I hoped that my expression was set right, and my words had formed the right sentences.
    Her mother was in the kitchen and came out as Vila opened the front door.
    ‘Where d’you think you’re going? It’s almost tea-time.’
    ‘I’m going out . With my friend .’
    ‘No you’re not.’
    As Vila continued out the door her voice rose. ‘No you’re not! Come back here,’ she started towards the door as Vila ignored her and continued on her way. I glanced a look of apology back over my shoulder as I closed it behind me.
    ‘Is your mother like that?’
    ‘No, she’s not as nice as your mum.’
    Vila laughed. ‘My mum’s a nagging bitch. I bet your mother doesn’t get on your back the minute she gets home.’
    I laughed and said, ‘She has her moments.’
    ‘Want to run away and join the circus?’ Vila’s genuine smile was back, her voice light.
    ‘You betcha. I’d make a good lion tamer.’
    She laughed and cracked an invisible whip.
     
    ***
     
    Coroner’s Court 2014
    Miss Jenner walks over to the stand, and I would close my eyes and groan if I still had eyes. Or something to groan