‘Do you think it was that last mince pie you ate before you went to sleep last night, Daisy?’ Annie said bluntly.

I counted to ten in my head and smiled.

‘Maybe the baby likes mince pies.’ Ben said, reaching down and stroking the bump as Annie picked up both of our plates. She looked as though she was trying not to look at us, but I saw her steal a glance at Bens hand.

‘Maybe,’ I said absently.

‘Well, if you’re leaving, I have a stack of food in the freezer for you to take home. I don’t suppose you have time to cook, do you, Daisy.’

I felt the rage bubble up inside me.

‘You really didn’t need to do that Annie…’ I began.

‘Oh, I did. It’s what a mother does for her son. Especially when he earns so little.’ Annie looked at me and tilted her head to one side. Her eyes fell momentarily on my stomach. ‘You’ll see one day.’

‘Thanks, Mum, I appreciate it – we appreciate it, we do.’ Ben began and I felt my stomach drop in anticipation for what he was about to tell her. ‘But things are looking up. I’ve got some work in the new year. Not like the few gigs I’ve had in the local pubs here, but real work.’

‘Oh, really, son? A real job?’ Annie scoffed. ‘You wouldn’t survive out there in the big bad world. Soft lad like you.’ She looked at me with blame in her eyes. ‘For how long?’

I gulped hard.

‘A few months in the Outer Hebrides.’

I looked at Annie. She couldn’t conceal the horror on her face. She couldn’t control where she looked, her eyes flickered between me and Ben. Then she managed to compose herself. She took in a deep breath through her nose and turned on her heel, leaving the kitchen this time.

‘Well, I hope they are paying you well,’ she said as she walked out of the door. Ben’s upper body seemed to deflate onto the table.

‘That went well.’ My voice was thick with sarcasm.

I looked at Ben for a reaction to my comment, an eye roll or a shake of his head, but Ben’s expression was blank as he stared off into the distance. His mind was somewhere else entirely.

10

ANNIE

I could tell Daisy did not want to be here for Christmas. Did her mother never teach her any manners? I’m seriously wondering what Ben ever saw in her. Apart from the bleeding obvious. She struts around showing off every asset she has. And whilst carrying a baby. No shame.

I could tell she didn’t like any of the presents I bought for her. I always relished a handkerchief set and soap when I was younger. And fancy not eating the breakfast I cooked for her. I’ll be honest. I know breakfasts aren’t my strong point. I’ve watched those cooking shows. I know it’s the new millennium, I know these new fancy quick and easy Aussie-style breakfasts are in vogue, but I like a good, honest full English. And so does my Ben.