Well, love, this is your new room. Make yourself at home, she said.
Poppy took a tentative step forward. A bed dressed in a ridiculous, fluffy duvet, a desk with a laptop perched on it, a wardrobe with mirrored doors, and a rectangular rug with a geometric pattern lay nearby. Everything was meticulously styled, pricey, and nothing like the cosy little space shed left behind.
Her dad, Simon, wheeled in two large suitcases packed with Poppys belongings and set them beside the wardrobe.
Youll sort it out yourself, right?
Of course! He must think shell ask him for help, orwhat about Claire?
Claire breezed in, balancing a pot of a strange flower with long, narrow leaves, and set it on the windowsill.
Thought this would look smashing here, she smiled brightly, fixing her gaze on Poppy, who stood there looking glum and silent.
Lets go, Simon, she said, laying a hand on her fathers shoulder and steering him toward the door.
Settle in, she whispered as she gently shut the door behind her.
Settle in, Poppy repeated mockingly in her head. A wave of melancholy washed over her. She flopped onto the bed, turned her back to the wall, curled up, hugging her knees, and shut her eyes.
Mom why? We were always together and now youve left me. Why didnt you go straight to the hospital? Why bring me to this mess? she thought.
For ten years Poppy had been a proper mummys girl. Since her mothers death shed barely seen Simon, let alone spoken to him. Evenings with Mum, the TV, the smell of fresh-baked scones and a mug of tea were now just memories. Now she was forced to live with strangers. Simon didnt even call her by namejust daughter. The word dad felt clumsy on her tongue. She drifted to thoughts of her father and his new wife.
Poppy imagined that wealthy men, after divorce, married runway models with perfectly plump lipsexactly the type her mother would have approved. Claire, though younger than Simon, was plainlooking: short, bobbed hair, and ran a small legal firm. Smart, perhaps a bit businesslike, but not like Mum. The house used to smell of roast dinners and fresh pies; now Claire often ordered takeaway.
I wonder if shes the one who decorated this place? Most likely she does have an eye for style, she mused, running a hand over the soft, longpile duvetsomething shed never owned before.
At her new secondary school Poppy quickly made friends, largely because of her fathers money and her striking looks. The girls decided it was easier to be pals than rivals. Previously shed only spoken to a few classmates; Mum had been her confidante. Now the new crowd liked her, understood her, and made her feel needed. For the first time boys paid attention, and she secretly thrilled at the attention.
At first she truly mourned her circumstances, and the class took her on as the halforphan forced to live with an unloving dad and a chilly stepmother. Poppy liked the role and, over time, actively nurtured that image.
She didnt hear a classmate whisper to a group of boys:
Whats she saying about her stepmum? My mums friend works for her and says shes a decent lady.
When Poppy got home very late one night, Simon said:
Love, I know you want to hang out with friends, so I didnt call. But please dont stay out so late again. Deal?
Poppy said nothing and retreated to her room.
The next time she and her friends planned a night out, she switched her phone off. At home Simons expression warned of trouble.
If this happens again, Ill have to take action, he warned.
Poppy shot him a sharp look and swaggered into her room. Claire was sitting on the bed and jumped up the moment Poppy entered.
Wanted to talk, she said.
Poppy stayed silent, her demeanor screaming, What more do you want?. Claire seemed flustered, her resolve slipping.
Simons worried about you, Claire murmured.
Im almost sixteen! Poppy snapped.
Still, she started coming home on time to keep Simon happy. She plotted a sweet sixteen party with friends; the older brother of one of them had offered their flat for the evening. She was dating a boy she liked and dreamed of a quiet night together.
Daughter, Claire booked a table for tomorrow. Well celebrate your birthday. If you like, you can invite your friends, she announced.
A restaurant? With you? I was planning a party with my mates! she protested.
When did you plan to tell us? Claire asked.
I dont know, Poppy muttered. Maybe tomorrow.
So on the day itself. Fine. If you want your friends, you can have them over at our place. Claire will sort the food, she offered.
Poppys stomach dropped. Everything was already arranged: Maxs flat, the drinks his brother had supplied, the whole shebang. She imagined the fathers suggestion, boredom in a parental house, being laughed at. She fled to school, determined to think of a solution.
Later, in the hallway, a harsh light glared. An enraged Simon loomed over Poppy.
What do you think youre doing?! he roared, stepping closer, catching the scent of cheap gin and cigarette smoke.
He lunged as if to slap her.
Simon! Claire appeared behind him. Poppy looked up and saw Claires terrified eyes, mascara smudged from recent tears.
Claire gently pushed Simon aside, took Poppy by the shoulders, and led her to the bedroom.
Did anyone hurt you? Did something happen? she whispered.
Poppy shook her head.
No, everythings fine.
Ill speak to Simon. How can I help now?
Bring me something to drink, Claire said.
Claire turned to her husband, who was fidgeting by the door.
Shes alright, she reassured him, though the room still smelled of alcohol.
When Claire returned, Poppy, still in her nightclothes, was fast asleep.
She smelled of booze! Did you notice? Simon blurted as Claire tried to discuss the girls wellbeing.
Of course. Think back to when you were sixteen.
And? Shes just a girl!
Right. Think of your peers. Poppy isnt dim, but her friends mean more to her now than you do. Give her space. Remember her life flipped in an instant; maybe that makes it easier to cope.
Cope with what? She has everything food, clothes, a roof. Im ready to grant any whim!
Simon! Stop pretending! The girl lost her mother. All she needs now is love and attention, and shes finding it with her friends probably getting it. Something happened today. Maybe they fought?
I dont know, Simon sighed. I never imagined itd be this hard.
What about me? Claire chimed, smiling, hugging her husband and planting a kiss on his forehead. Dont worry. Well manage together.
The next morning Claire slipped into Poppys room. She was awake, eyes wide.
How do you feel? Head hurting?
Claire pulled back the curtains.
Here, she handed Poppy a glass of water.
Poppy sat up, gulped the water eagerly.
Why did you look after me yesterday?
Well, I was sixteen once too. By the way, happy birthday.
Poppy fell silent.
Hate me?
Because of you dad left.
You know that isnt true. We met a year after he left.
Exactly! What if he came back?
Claire sighed.
Its never simple, Poppy. People often cant reconnect after a split.
Why not? Whats stopping it? People like you? Mum was wonderful!
Your mum was amazing! Claire reached for Poppys hand, but she pulled away. Adult relationships are messy. Some get solved, some dont, and then you part. Its better than a lifetime of suffering. No single person is wholly to blame.
And me? What am I to blame for? He didnt give a toss about me!
That isnt right. Simon tried to make sure you never lacked anything. He kept tabs on you.
He never wanted to see me!
He wanted to. He just thought you were better off with Mum.
Claire didnt mention that Poppys mother had asked her exhusband not to contact their daughter after she married Simon, fearing hed monopolise her time. Simon gave up after the first argument.
He loves you, just youre growing up fast.
Claire placed her hand on Poppys shoulder. This time Poppy didnt pull away.
So if the bloke I was dating turns up on my birthday with another girl and says hes ditching me, is he the only one at fault?
Hmm. Lets think. Did he say anything else?
That Im too dramatic.
See?
Poppy suddenly wanted a hug, someone to make her feel little again, to have someone solve all her woes, to dissolve the tight knot of betrayal from yesterday. Claire sensed this and pulled the crying girl into a squeeze.
Poppypie, I cant replace your mum, but Id love to be a friend. I fell in love for the first time at sixteen, too. He was a year older, and later I found out he was seeing another girl from the next school.
What a prat! And what did you do?
We both dumped him.
Where was my fault?
I spent too much time on my studies.
They burst into laughter, the tension lifting like a balloon released.
Listen, Claire said. How about we both go out today? You hit the school, Ill finish work, and well splurge a bit of your dads cash. Sound good?
Poppy managed a tentative grin.
All right! I talked to him yesterday. He said we could pick any gift. Shall we go?
The girls chattered excitedly about shopping and the day ahead, unaware when a sudden jolt shook the car, a screech of brakes followed by a softer thump, then silence.
Mum! Dad! Were in hospital!
Half an hour later Poppy saw her fathers silhouette at the end of the ward corridor and waved.
Poppy!
Simon rushed over, gripping her shoulders, scanning her from head to toe. He spotted bruises on her face and hands.
Is it hurting? Oh, thank God, Poppy, I was terrified
Its nothing, dad, Im fine.
Simon froze, his eyes wide, voice strained:
Wheres Claire?
In the ward. The crash hit her side. Some idiot spun out. Shes alive, dad!
Simon pulled Poppy close, shaking. She nestled against his shoulder.
Im ashamed of yesterday, she whispered.
He gently patted her back.
Come on, lets forget it, alright?
Poppy nodded.
A doctor entered.
Are you her husband?
Yes, Simon replied, stepping back. Whats wrong with her?
Severe bruising and shock. The airbag did its job. Shell be fine. Most importantly, the child is unharmed.
The child? Simon stared at Poppy, bewildered. Yes, the child is unharmed.
The doctor gave a faint smile and left.
As if I cant see my own child isnt hurt, Simon muttered under his breath.
He wrapped his arm around Poppy again.
Dad, didnt you get the memo about the baby?
What?
Simon looked genuinely confused; Poppy rolled her eyes.
That Ill soon have a brother or sister!
