Change of Life Read Online Free Page A

her.”
    “It’s fine. I don’t mind. It’ll only take an hour or so.”
    He shook his head. I willed him to offer to run Sam, so I could get on with my school work, but it clearly didn’t cross his mind.
    At that, Sam, Jenny and Adam arrived in the kitchen. Max pushed past them and ran to the table. I started serving up as they sat down. Adam was having a tug of war with Toby over one of Toby’s toys. The Labrador’s determination not to give in brought a rare smile to Adam’s face.
    “Adam, not at the table please ,” I said, as I laid down two plates. “Put him out in the hall. You know the rules for goodness sake.”
    “Yeh, yeh, I was just going to.” He got up and sent Toby to his bed.
    Soon we were all settled and eating. I tried to relax, stay in the present, enjoy this shared, family time.
    I was chatting to Max about his school project on Bonnie Prince Charlie when I became aware of Sam and Jenny bickering. A new, and as yet unworn, top of Jenny’s had found its way into Sam’s room apparently. I glanced over at my daughters.
    Jenny was quite wound up. She sat back, frowning and folded her arms. “Anyway,” she said, addressing Sam, “Dad wants a word with you.”
    I looked at Jenny and rolled my eyes.
    “What?” said Jenny, all innocence.
    “Ah, yes,” said Tom, turning to Sam. “Is it really necessary to get your mother to give you a lift this evening? She has other things to do. You could get the bus or take Mum’s car. Where is it you’re going anyway?”
    “We’re going to the cinema – the one at Haymarket. I haven’t got time to get the bus, I’m afraid. Actually, I’ll just text the others and let them know Mum’s taking us.” Sam got up, kissed her father on the top of his head and went to get her phone. Tom looked at me, exasperated.
    I smiled weakly and changed the subject. “Adam, how was your day? How was the exam? Jenny said a couple of the questions were tough.” I realised, as I asked, that relying on Adam to steer the dinner table chat away from Sam’s arrangements was futile. But I did want to know how he’d got on.
    “My day was okay. The exam was okay.”
    Tom looked over at the twins. “So, is that four down and one to go?”
    “Yes, it’s biology tomorrow. Then we’re free!” Jenny answered for both of them.
    Adam didn’t look up. His dejected demeanour concerned me. He’d been a tense and anxious child and these tendencies had intensified with the onset of adolescence.
    Sam returned to the table. “It’s kind of you to offer me mum’s car, Pops.” She patted her father’s arm. “But we’re going for a couple of drinks after the film. No – don’t worry!” She raised her hands to ward off any possible parental protest. “Sarah’s mum said she’ll pick us up. We’ve to phone when we’re ready. She insisted.”
    Tom laughed. “I’m not going to win this one. You’ve got it all figured out. So, how’s the world of retailing?”
    “Boring as always,” Sam sighed. “I might pack it in actually. I don’t think I want to spend the summer in that place.”
    Tom and I exchanged a glance at this. But neither of us got the chance to ask what she planned to do instead, as she continued talking.
    “Oh, he was on today, Jenny – on the back shift. He was late actually - got a bollocking from the boss. He gives me the creeps, that boyfriend of yours!”
    “He’s not my boyfriend! He’s not a creep. He’s just shy. He’s actually quite friendly when you get to know him.”
    “Jenny’s got a boyfriend!” Max cut in. “What’s his name? Why’s he a creep?” Max asked the questions for the rest of us.
    Jenny tried to speak, but Sam leant forward to answer, waving a dismissive hand at her sister. “He’s called Robbie. He’s always staring and he follows me – I’m sure he does. In fact I think he followed me home last night.”
    “Jenny’s boyfriend’s a stalker! A weird, creepy pervert!” Max’s eyes were wide as he