True Things About Me A Novel (Deborah Kay Davies) by Deborah Kay Davies Read Free Book Online Page A

you make such a point of not listening to anything the poor man says. Quite, she said.
    We opened the wine and I started to eat the chicken. Alison didn’t want any. She went to get something from the kitchen and I looked around her lounge. It was a messy room, but warm and quiet. There was a weathered-looking teddylying across the back of an easy chair, and the Sunday papers were in a heap on the coffee table. I suddenly realised how much I didn’t know about her life with her children and Tom. It was as if she knew I needed her to be the same Alison I’d grown up with. If I wanted to go somewhere she was always available. Like now, for instance. Tom had taken the children out so I could come over to see her. I started to cry. What’s the matter? she asked, appearing with a napkin and a peppermill in the doorway. Is your chicken so disappointing?
    I love you, Alison, I said. That’s all. Back atcha, she said, and wiped my tears with the napkin. I told her everything had gone wrong. I really needed to sort myself out. I told her I was scared of what was happening to me. Suddenly I knew it was true. It was as if I was spinning out into space with only a thin, fraying cord holding me to some enormous mothership. Come on, she said. Don’t be so hysterical. So you’ve done some things you wish you hadn’t. Get in line. Behind me, for starters. This is true, I said, sniffing.
    Now, what we need is a small plan of action, she announced. The world has not come to an end because you have slept with some waster. Did he use a condom? Are you are on the Pill? Yes, and yes, I said mechanically. I just wanted her to stop. She scrutinised me. I’m not even going to go there, she said. That is so fundamentally crucial, I won’t insult you by droning on about it. Right? No need, I told her, and smiled a calm, ultra-in-control sort of smile. She seemed to be looking for further reassurance, then she turned away and bustledabout. Now, you mustn’t see him again, that’s obvious, she said, over her shoulder.
    I sat with a piece of chicken in my hands and watched Alison. I felt as if she knew what to do. So you can come and stay with us for a bit, she offered. That’ll help you get your head together. Then if he comes round you won’t be there to be tempted by the bastard. I’m not sure he’s an actual bona fide bastard as such, I said. She put her hands on her hips. You’re not in a position to judge, my unbelievably naive but sweet young friend, she said. What is obvious is that you are very unhappy. Am I correct? Sexed up, yes. But unhappy also. Unfortunately the two seem to go together.
    As she talked I began to feel sleepy. She ran me a bath. Go and have a nice soak, she said. I’ve put some of my magic everything-will-be-OK elixir in it. Then you can have an early night and get your stuff in the morning. She brought me a mug of hot chocolate and a gingersnap when I was in bed in the spare room. I was wearing a pair of her pyjamas. Now, can I get you anything else, madam? she asked. I pointed to a shabby book in the bookcase. Don’t tell me you’re going to wallow in The Wind in the Willows again? Yes, sirree, I said, settling back. This is my bible, you know. I’m off to see Badger. Find me a door scraper, and shut the door on your way out if you would be so kind.

I agree to things blindly
    IT WAS LOVELY staying with Alison. Tom was so kind; he kept out of the way and took the children with him. They wouldn’t speak to me after the bread incident, and I couldn’t blame them. They were a bit implacable looking when we did meet. I told Tom he was a hero. Well, yes, he said, scratching his chin, I know. After two days I went back home; I couldn’t stay very long. I didn’t want to impose. When I got back I felt like Mole feels when he’s abandoned his humble pad and gone off to live with Water Rat, then returns. There was my little house, with its mound of post on the mat, and its half bottle of souring milk in the